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10 Ranches in Central America: Best hotel deals for 2023
Discover the best Ranches in Central America including La Anita Rainforest Ranch, Rancho Santana, Finca Canas Castilla, El Nido Pool & Garden Lodge, Hostel Matilori, Hotel Miradas Arenal, Jacaranda Hotel and Jungle Garden, Casas Pelicano, Finca Ixobel Hotel Ecologico, Montezuma Heights.
1. La Anita Rainforest Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 340 reviews
Nestled in a small valley between the Miravalles, Rincon de la Vieja, and Santa Maria Volcanoes, La Anita Rainforest Ranch is surrounded by an incredible explosion of biodiversity. Our guests have the opportunity to tour our ranch and indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared with ingredients picked fresh from our gardens. We combined tourism with our organic cacao plantation. We transform our cacao into the most delicious and pure dark chocolate. While staying at La Anita you can take the Chocolate Tour and learn all about from plantation to bar and how we make our organic, single origin UPALA Chocolate.
Tranquil, Remote, Amazing
Reviewed By Erin PWe loved this area of Costa Rica. Immediately, we were greeted by a spider monkey. We say many exotic birds on the property as well. Pablo and Ana were gracious hosts. The food was lovely, the chocolate tour was fantastic, the views were spectacular. Would definitely go again.
2. Rancho Santana
Overall Ratings
5 based on 638 reviews
Rancho Santana, set serenely in the Southwest Pacific offers a collection of distinctive seaside experiences. Though little more than two hours from Nicaragua's capital city of Managua by car, the property has grown into a quiet community that enjoys purity, authenticity, and a somehow romantically rustic elegance. Both residential and resort, "the ranch" boasts over 2,700 acres of majestic land along two miles of shoreline which include five unique beaches. And while this paradise is the perfect setting to do nothing at all but sunbathe and stargaze, its remarkable range of terrain, unique climate and soothing coastal breezes make it a coveted destination for the more active and adventurous traveler. Tucked between the open sea and the immense Lake Nicaragua, "the ranch" has the distinction of being one of the only isthmuses on the entire Pacific Ocean. This unique geographical phenomenon creates gentle tropical breezes, which when paired with year-round warm ocean waters make the beaches' surfing conditions some of the most coveted on the planet. With the early sunrise, "shredders" of all ages and origins take to the breaks of Las Cinco Playas de Rancho Santana, which include some of the world's most vertical waves, providing both visual drama as well as world-class surfing. Lookers-on walk the water's edge watching the surfers dance across the waves while just yards behind them fisherman bring in what will be the evening's fresh catch in the clubhouse's renowned restaurant, La Finca y el Mar.
One of the best places on earth!
Reviewed By carladawesRancho Santana is a very special place. We've been back several times now, and each time it keeps getting better. The newest addition: the Spa, is beautiful and peaceful and incredible. We just love making memories with our family at Rancho. Whether it's some sangria on the patio, some fun swims, sandboarding at Playa Duna, sweating it out in the gym at Fun Limon, or the delicious food at ALL the F&B offerings......just perfection!
3. Finca Canas Castilla
Overall Ratings
5 based on 164 reviews
The cottages Cañas Castilla have a nice architecture y a big furnished outside área with hamack and to the River Sapoa and the lovely garden. All have hot water shower, a fridge, 2 ceilingfans and security box. Aircondition is availabe at additional price. Every cottage dispose one double bed and 4 of them have additionally 2 individual beds. There is the cottage Perezoso which has a equipped kitchen for those who want to cook by themselves. Enjoy the naturetrails on the farm, horsebackriding with our own horses, have fun with the small boat doing a cruise around the river Sapoa. Observe howler- and spydermonkeys, sloth and a lot of birds in their natural hábitat. Discover the lovely beaches of Bahía Salinas (Pacific), or take a daytrip into Nicaragua, a special adventure! Enjoy farm life!
Hidden Gem
Reviewed By E4572AZFinca Canas Castilla is a most underrated gem. It is a gorgeous location, unique and well-appointed accomodations, exquisite meal preparation. The photos do not do justice to the property. Everything exceeded expectations.
4. El Nido Pool & Garden Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Brand New! Beautiful craftsman bungalows set in tropical gardens with salt water pool and jacuzzi. Bright and Spacious bungalows with king size bed, 300+ cotton sheets, kitchen and eating bar, TV/DVD, sofa bed, hot water and AC. Warm hospitality and full service tour booking. 200 m to gorgeous Playa Chiquita beach, 3and a half miles from lively Puerto Viejo.
Highly Recomended!
Reviewed By liraz hThis place is so great, when you enter its like a magical garden. Its the best location of Puerto Viejo, a step from Playa Chiquita and there is a super market just in front, also easy to move around since it has great access . the rooms are specious with everything you need. stuff are super friendly. highly recomended!
5. Hostel Matilori
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Our hostel is well known for its charming ambiance and invites you to relax in its great atmosphere. This is the perfect place to meet other travellers and most important to have fun!! Our hostel is parted in 2 buildings with a beautiful patio in the middle where you can meet up with other travellers or just chill out in the hammocks. Surrounded by two mango trees and the amazing Costa Rican wildlife you can see iguanas, monkeys and hummingbirds. We have 3 double rooms, 1 four-bed dorm and 1 six-bed dorm, all with shared bathroom and hot shower. The bright and friendly rooms are all well equipped with fans, cupboards and lockers. In the 2 community kitchens you'll find everything you need, even free cafe in the morning. : ) Our hostel is located in the heart of Samara in a quiet street about 100 metres from the beach and the bus stop. Shops, supermarkets and nightlife are close by.
Best hostel in Costa Rica !!
Reviewed By 448almarHostel Matilori was the absolute best hostel we tried out of three others in the beach town Sámara. We sadly only stayed there for 3 nights but it was a blast! Both Fran and Oscar (managers) are so cool and helpful and they are creating a very chill atmosphere a long with the other guests who visit the hostel. They are very social and friendly. We really can recommend the hostel, also for couples at the dorm. Very clean, very nice, 2 kitchens and a cozy outdoor place for everyone to hang out and play cards or whatever! See you soon Fran and Oscar - Alma and Johan
6. Hotel Miradas Arenal
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
In hotel ... You can enjoy tranquility and absolute privacy. We are located in a extrategica area near all the activities that you will want to make sure. Large windows with glamorous views. If you are looking for relaxation break and we have used by the Indians of our region and grandparents therapeutic treatments.
Overbooking
Reviewed By Guilherme BWe booked through Booking.com. When we arrived they were full. They said that the Booking system did not notify them of the reservation. They themselves confirmed it in advance. Clear case of overbooking. We could see the the place is nice, but this experience was terrible and preventable.
7. Jacaranda Hotel and Jungle Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
We have 14 rooms and bungalows with private bath with hot water, ventilators, hammocks, mosquito nets, television, gift shop, mosaic tiled floors all nestled in a exotic and magical garden.Our services include shared service kitchen, massage bless SPA, private parking, laundry service, security box, baggage storage, mini bar.Wi-Fi and cable T.V.
Lovely two night stay
Reviewed By kpgreynomadsComfy beds , little outside area to sit, and a hammock and the garden was tended in a loving way. We had Room 8 which was like a suite. We had a double and single bed then a dressing area with power point and bathroom and then a further bedroom which we used to put our kit on. There were seats all around to sit and relax. Washing line aswell! always useful when travelling . No complaints and we would stay again.,we were part of an Intrepid tour. Thank you.
8. Casas Pelicano
Overall Ratings
5 based on 53 reviews
Casas Pelicano offers 2 guesthouses directly on the beach of beautiful, lovely Playa Junquillal, on the Pacific Ocean. The comfortable houses have room for 2-3 persons each and are fully equipped with a kitchen, hot shower, terrace, and internet. This very private and silent location has a tropical garden with a pool, an ocean view, and hammocks which invite you to relax and enjoy beach life. With luck, you will be able to see nesting Sea Turtles.
Fantastic Cooking Class!
Reviewed By AGoodWanderOn the road to Junquillal Beach look for the sign on the right for Casas Pelicano; it mentions the cooking classes. Follow the dirt road parallel to the beach to reach Casas Pelicano. We were enthusiastically greeted by two dogs, followed closely by Sibylle Altenkirch, who provides cooking classes, meals to guests at the boutique hotel and local catering. Sibylle formally trained as a chef, and was a founding chef at Nil Restaurant, in Hamburg Germany. She has lived in Costa Rica since 1997. During that time, she has explored the local cuisine and practiced the true art of fusion cooking. She will tailor the menu for your likes and cooking interests, so it is best to plan a little in advance to give her time to shop. Bring your own drinks (we brought wine and seltzer water) to have with the meal, and while cooking if you wish. We started by sitting on the deck discussing some of the ingredients, especially the fruits and vegetables, that might not be familiar to those from northern climates. Then we got to cooking. I was especially happy to have Sibylle take the time to teach some simple techniques, like separating an egg and peeling ginger with the edge of a spoon. For more advanced chefs, she clearly could delve into deeper discussions about the combinations of ingredients and advanced techniques, but for a beginner like me she started where she could make the most difference, knife safety and building confidence. We prepared 7 dishes that we ate in a leisurely three courses. Between courses we returned to the kitchen to put finishing touches on the next course and plate the food. It was a relaxing several hours that felt like spending time with old friends. The view from Casas Pelicanos is striking. It was a perfect day to sit in the shade, listen to the crash of the waves and enjoy good food and good conversation. This activity would be great for older kids and anyone with an interest in delicious food.
9. Finca Ixobel Hotel Ecologico
Overall Ratings
4 based on 120 reviews
Finca Ixobel is the perfect getaway for friends and family any time of the year and one of the most memorable places to visit in Guatemala. We are a must see on your way to and from TIKAL. In today's world it is nice to know that there is such a place as Finca Ixobel where you can escape to relax and enjoy the natural world around us. We are an eco friendly hotel and campground located in the foothills of the Mayan mountains at an elevation of 600 Meters. We are in the northern region of Guatemala, less than 5 kilometers south of the town of Poptún. Feel free to explore our own pine forest and jungle areas on foot or on horse back. Visit nearby Mayan sites and if you are adventurous explore the nearby caves with us! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Finca Ixobel es el refugio perfecto para los amigos y la familia en cualquier época del año y uno de los lugares más memorables para visitar en Guatemala. Somos la parada perfecta en su viaje hacia Tikal. En el mundo de hoy es bueno saber que hay un lugar como Finca Ixobel donde se puede escapar para relajarse y disfrutar del mundo natural que nos rodea. Nuestro hotel y camping ecológico está situado en la orilla de montañas Mayas, con una elevación de 600 metros. Estamos en la región norte de Guatemala, a menos de 5 kilómetros al sur de Poptún. Siéntete libre de explorar nuestro propio bosque de pinos y áreas de selva a pie o cabalgando. Visita sitios arqueológicos mayas, y si te gusta la aventura, explora las cuevas dentro de nuestra propiedad.
Bed broke
Reviewed By Backpack321In general a nice place but the bunk bed broke. The guy above me just turned around in his bed and two of the wooden panels fell down on me. The boss did not bother at all and still made us pay the full price. Being a good manger includes taking measurements in difficult situations too.
10. Montezuma Heights
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Really private and save pacific overviewing House and cottages made with lot's of love and detail. In the middle of nature up on a cliff, for the once who love the wild a must. House (sleeps 7) regular price 250U$/night, green season 190U$/night(1.Sept.-15.Nov), peak season 350U$/night (15.Dec-10.Jan.) Cabins (sleeps 2-3) regular price 95U$/night 600U$/week, green season 70U$/night 490U$/week
Not recommended !
Reviewed By mariejos_l246Had booked for 3 nights but left after one. Pool is not clean, seems like it has not been cleaned in a while. Cabin is small with no ventilation. Bathroom walls need cleaning and a coat of paint. Sadly the place is beautiful with great views but it would need a major upkeep to make it a place where you want to stay.
