Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero

Pros

• The lodge is next to Tortuguero National Park, making it a prime location to see wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and turtles.
• The property features a turtle-shaped pool with a hot tub and a waterfall, surrounded by a large terrace with plenty of lounge seating.
• The location is remote but also convenient, as it's five minutes by boat from the park entrance and the town of Tortuguero.
• Rooms occupy individual bungalows or small lodges that blend with the surrounding jungle environment, offering an immersive experience with nature.
• All-inclusive packages cover meals, transfers, and activities.
• Dining areas come with scenic views that overlook the river or pool.

Cons

• Due to the high humidity, the rooms and furnishings can feel damp, which may be uncomfortable for some travelers.
• The fixed meal times (with food being unavailable outside these times) mean travelers must plan their day around the dining schedule.

Authenticity

Evergreen Lodge's design immerses travelers in the natural beauty of Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park. Established in the 1990s, the hotel began with just six rooms and has since grown to 66, all housed in bungalows or small lodges that blend in with the surrounding jungle environment. The rooms are simple and low-tech, designed to escape the fast-paced urban world. The decor features bright throws, cushions, curtains, fresh flowers, and Caribbean art. The on-site restaurant serves Caribbean-inspired Costa Rican cuisine.

Location

Evergreen Lodge offers a secluded yet accessible retreat; it's five minutes by boat from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park and the small town of Tortuguero, which is 1.8 miles (3 km) away. All-inclusive packages include transfers from San José. The remote location means travelers will rely on guided nature activities provided by the lodge to explore the area. Rooms have jungle views, and dining areas overlook the river or pool area, integrating them into their natural surroundings. Travelers keen to explore the national park come to the area, but it won't feel crowded and retains its remote charm. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The comfy and spacious rooms at Evergreen Lodge connect to nature through their design. Most rooms reside in individual bungalows on stilts, with high ceilings, ceiling fans, and screened windows to promote airflow. The decor is simple, with pops of color from throws, cushions, and Caribbean art. Rooms come with either one king-size bed or two double beds, accommodating up to four people. The bathrooms are basic but large, with a curtained shower cubicle and some storage. Each room has a small covered terrace with furniture and jungle views.

Amenities

Evergreen Lodge features a medium-sized turtle-shaped outdoor pool with a hot tub, a small artificial waterfall, and a footbridge. The pool area has plenty of lounge seating, tables with sun umbrellas, and a nearby restaurant and bar with poolside service. The lodge offers guided tours of Tortuguero National Park, which is included in the all-inclusive packages. Although there's no on-site spa, there's access to spa services at a sister property across the river. The lodge's bars serve cocktails and other drinks, although the package doesn't include beverages.

Family-Friendliness

Evergreen Lodge welcomes children of all ages, making it an excellent choice for families. Rooms can accommodate up to four people, and infant cribs are available upon request. Children aged four and below stay for free with two adults, while those aged five to 11 pay a reduced rate. The turtle-shaped pool and the jungle surroundings, including the opportunity to see various birds and animals, will surely delight children. The buffet meals offer plenty of options to satisfy young palates, and the paved walkways make it easy to navigate with strollers.

Wildlife

The lodge's location right next to Tortuguero National Park means plenty of opportunity to spot local wildlife. Various animals, such as lizards, iguanas, sloths, howler monkeys, frogs, turtles, and numerous bird species, will likely appear around the lodge grounds. Those staying here will also enjoy the sounds of the forest at night. Guided excursions into the national park provide even more chances to encounter the region's diverse wildlife.