La Kukula Lodge

The most bothersome thing about the hotel was that some kind of nuts kept falling on the roof at random intervals make a startlingly loud noise, often waking me up in the middle of the night. Also, for a "jungle setting" we saw zero wildlife. I would suggest that the owners make a map of the property outlining where things are and exactly which path to take to the beach instead of the simple generic verbal outlines we were given. Probably would have been a better experience had we had a car. Tuk Tuk rides were $8 each way for just a couple of kilometers, $10 to the center of Puerto Viejo. Uber was more expensive.

If you want a close look at the Costa Rican Wildlife, this lodge is second to none! The lodge is hidden in a mini tropical jungle, 5 min drive from the stunning and highly recommended Punta Uva beach. We had a 2 bedroom lodge to ourself, with pool. The owners are very friendly and welcoming. Our teenage boys loved looking for large golden silk spiders ( non poisonous), monkeys, sloth, frogs, goutis, another many other animals. Be prepared for the unique and very special experience of wildlife morning awakening.

La Kukula is located to the east of Puerto Viejo, in an area that isn't as crowded and is very well preserved. The entire place is surrounded by rainforest and you won't forget that as you walk to your room or go to sleep. Surprisingly, I didn't have any problems with bugs in my room (there's also a bug net) so I didn't have the sleepless mosquito-ridden nights I've had in the area before. On the other hand, the surrounding forest can get very loud, so that might bother you if you're a light sleeper. The staff were really friendly and helpful, and really add to the great experience over there. My only negative points are the cost and the breakfast. The place is a bit pricey, and the breakfast was really underwhelming for what I paid. There are good breakfast places in the area, so maybe in the future I'll skip that altogether.

Excellent experience. Staff extremely friendly and go out of their way to accommodate your every request. Helpful with tours of area and their knowledge of the wild life very interesting. Even took us on a short walk when we arrived to see a”Slouth”. Small menu but a variety and vey tasty. We advised ahead of time and Pepo procured it. The Chef had everything hot and ready. Great hot shower and comfortable rooms. Definitely would visit again.

What an amazing place to stay! We stayed in a bungalow with private swimmingpools. We could hear the birds and nature very well, so nice! The staff was very friendly. Breakfast was delicious. And we were welcomed by the sloths. Our best stay in Costa Rica!

This place respects nature, understands tropical architecture and offers a unique and homey experience. The owners live there, so it feels like home and they look after everything and everyone like a home. Taking care of the place from the heart is rare to find, yet they do it effortlessly. Everyone who works there is kind and they look happy, grateful to be working there but not overworked, again, something rare in the hotel industry. What struck me the most is the attention to detail; everything is well thought out and adds a personalized touch. From the Ylang Ylang biodegradable shower gel, the natural leaves set, the bottles of water, the interior design, the color of the hammocks, everything is cohesive and has a point of view. The experience is magical and the energy is so strong, being immersed in raw nature,with so many different sounds, so much exuberance in the tropical plants, agoutis roaming around, tiny frogs emerging, butterflies dancing, everything changes from day to day; decay, rebirth, an endless cycle. The complimentary breakfast is the best I’ve had in a long time, it changes everyday and you can choose between two options but always offers a fruit bowl and tropical natural fruit juice, everything is incredibly fresh because of this, and they feature local and seasonal ingredients. Who serves specialty coffee in a complimentary breakfast that comes from a micro lot from one of the best regions that produces costa rican coffee and is offered in a personal thermos so it doesn’t get cold? La Kukula Lodge does. Bonus point: I went there for Easter break. On Easter Sunday they were organizing an easter egg hunt for their children, the guest’s children and the neighbors. I firmly believe in supporting places that share your view of the world, and this is the place I want to stay at: an amazing lodge with attention to detail, run by a family that invites everyone to an easter egg hunt in their premises to celebrate.