La Shamana - Ecological Concept in Jungle

The rooms are beautiful, the wildlife abundant and the host, Jessica, was very helpful at answering questions and providing recommendations and she cooked a wonderful breakfast! I really loved the natural pool, and there were several great tours offered by a local guide, Rodolfo. The only comment I would make was my concern over a couple of domestic cats that were allowed outside on the property. I intercepted one of them hunting birds and lizards a few times. I understand it is somewhat socially acceptable in Costa Rica to let domestic cats roam, but from a North American perspective it's generally not acceptable as they are responsible for millions of bird deaths annually. If the cats are going to be outside I would hope they could get collars with bells on them to reduce wildlife mortality because otherwise everything about this resort is very ecologically focused. This one thing just didn't fit with that vibe.

We had a great stay last week at La Shamana! The hotel was super clean and the staff were very attentive. I’ll give extra points for an amazing custom breakfast experience and staff who really love sharing great information about the local area. We were helped with private dinner service by a really nice local woman Edith, one of our best meals in the area. I also recommend the night tour on-site with Rodolfo. The natural pool and animal viewing was a highlight! We’ll definitely return.

This place is a sham! First off they approved early check in and when we got there they said it wasn’t ready so we had to wait around. There were people cutting the trees all day which was so noisy and defeated the calming Retreat we wanted. The pool had so many dead bugs in it we didn’t want to swim. The hot water in the room was non existent and the water pressure was a trickle. We could hear every single thing the people next door did, from talking to showering and using the restroom. It’s much further from the main road than 1 mile and they don’t offer any beverages, snacks etc for sale. When we asked to leave a day early because we weren’t happy and didn’t want to endure more cold showers and hearing the neighbors they denied us a refund. We checked out by 10am and left the room in tip top shape. We had ******* contact them and they still denied us a refund. We wasted $244 but only wanted a refund for the 1 night we didn’t stay. This place is nothing as advertised! The owners are rude when they don’t like what you have to say. The walkways are rock and mud, the wooden slats on the way to the rooms feel like they are going to snap at any moment. The bedding smelled like it was washed in dirty water and the mosquito nets around the bed were old and dirty. Stay far far away from this place!

We enjoyed our stay at this lodge in the middle of the jungle. It’s personal, friendly and you wake up with the sounds of birds and monkeys. There is a lot to do and the excursions can be made at the reception. They are reliable and help you with the making of your program. Thanks for everything!

Super special place Amazing immersion experience in the jungle. The grounds and the 360 experience cabin were so beautiful. Included breakfast was super fresh and delicious each morning and we were able to get laundry service on site. The cabin has interior walls, full bathroom and functional kitchen with propane cooktop, fridge and cooking utensils. The exterior walls are mesh, with privacy curtains if you feel the need. The location is towards the edge of the property, and while you are close to everything, you never feel exposed. The wildlife is LOUD in the mornings, so awesome. Expect some bugs, small gecko's inside, but the beds are set up with mosquito nets as well. wifi in the cabin was a bit patchy, but strong in the peaceful common area close by.

I stayed three nights, and was satisfied with my booking. The lodge is perhaps 2 miles out of town (Cahuita), and the last half-mile is unpaved: you can use a 2WD but probably feel more comfortable in 4WD, if only for the clearance. There is a central lodge, serving as reception/dining room/lounge, and a number of nearby rooms. Mine was perhaps 50m from the lodge: well appointed and clean. It is not a hotel and you should not expect full hotel facilities: most guests use La Shamana as a base to explore the area. Service was not hotel-level, but always warm, helpful and efficient. Staff are not full-time, but are there to welcome you, cook a fresh and tasty breakfast daily plus dinner if you ask before setting off in the morning. The manager lives on-site: she is often away during the day, but always nearby and can always be contacted by phone/WhatsApp. They have a separate building for functions, and are happy to arrange visiting massage. The forest guide they arranged for me was excellent (fluent Englsah and knowledgeable). The spring-fed semi-natural swimming pool is clear, clean and cool after a sweaty day out. You are very much in the forest, albeit supplemented by careful and colourful planting in the vicinity of the Lodge: my room gave onto a lovely vista of green and colours, and the local troop of howler monkeys was very impressive when they trooped overhead. It was also delightful to lie in bed while a thunderstgorm raged! All in all, thoroughly recommended.

Very nice accommodation literally in the middle of the jungle. The rooms are surrounded by pure nature. Great place to disconnect from the outside world: no TV, no A/C (not needed as it was cool enough end of September), lots of birds and monkeys outside. Only thing I would improve is the water pressure in the shower. We were lucky enough that there were no other guests in the property, so it was very quiet all the time, except for the howling monkeys early in the morning, but come on, you’re in their habitat 🐒

The bed was comfortable and the breakfast was awesome! Very unique this place! Family owned Rossy make sure we were comfortable!!!