Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero
Rainforest lodge nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Tortuguero canals, offering excellent bird watching, a pool, and Caribbean cuisine.
Mawamba is located in an ideal location in Tortuguero. A short walk to town, and access to river and Caribbean coast. The grounds are beautiful and... Read more
This hotel was above our expectations! The staff, the location, the tour guides, and the facilities were great! If one day I go to Tortuguero again,... Read more
In the middle of the rain forest with Sloth, monkeys and other wild animals around the grounds. Very nice breakfasts, efficient transfers along the waterways to/from... Read more
This lodge was recommended by friends, and I can see why. The location was fantastic, surrounded by nature. The overall experience was immersive.
From the moment we met our guide, Eric, we knew this was going to be a special experience. We sadly only got to spend 24 hours... Read more
Overview
Pros
- Unlike many of the area's properties, Mawamba is within walking distance of Tortuguero Town (about 15 to 20 minutes).
- The property includes an outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar, plus extensive gardens with a hammock lounge and waterfront terrace.
- The on-site restaurant serves Creole-inspired cuisine and gives you the option to book a meal at the "floating" restaurant, a unique dining experience out on the lagoon.
- There's no air-conditioning, and the bathrooms are a bit outdated.
- The rooms are a bit dark and could use better lighting.
- Limited amenities as there's no spa or gym on-site.
- WiFi is only available in the communal areas of the lodge.
Kimkim's Take
Authenticity
You can tell that Mawamba Lodge has had a few updates in recent years, as the style in many of its 60 rooms is warm and trendy with rich wooden accents. The restaurant serves Creole-inspired Caribbean food at a buffet, or you can book a table for a unique dining experience floating on the lagoon.Location
Mawamba Lodge is on the area's narrow peninsula, with Tortuguero's central lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. One of the biggest perks of the property is that you're within walking distance (15 to 20 minutes) to Tortuguero Town and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum. The packages include a national park tour, a nature walk, and a guided tour of the Tortuguero village.Rooms & Bathrooms
Rooms are large, warm, and decorated with trendy wooden accents. You'll sleep well on the king, queen, or single beds while the Caribbean breeze drifts through the netted windows pushed by ceiling fans. Only some rooms have views of the lagoons, but all have private or shared porches with hammocks. While the rooms feel cozy and stylish (though a little dark at times), the bathrooms seem to be left behind and need updates and improvements.
Wildlife
Situated between the Caribbean Sea and the canals of Tortuguero National Park, Mawamba Lodge is an area particularly renowned for its bird-watching, with more than 186 registered bird species in the region. On top of excellent bird-watching, you'll have a chance to spot other wildlife, such as sloths, porcupines, and iguanas.
Amenities
The property is built around the communal pool, intricately designed with a bridge and interior planters holding tropical plants. Outside of the pool, the lodge has limited amenities, as there's no spa or gym, and WiFi is limited to communal areas. However, there's an excellent hammock lounge located right on the water, providing a perfect place to unplug and unwind. Though some rooms are accessible, the property as a whole may be challenging to get around for travelers with limited mobility.
Family-Friendliness
Mawamba Lodge welcomes guests of all ages. Children under the age of five stay for free or at a discounted rate for those up to 11 years old. Canoe tours through the Tortuguero National Park can be booked via the front desk and have been a big hit with previous families staying at the lodge. Children are only permitted in the Jacana Bungalows, as the other room types are reserved for two adults only.
Other Highlights
If you're looking for a highlight to make your stay in Tortuguero unique, you'll enjoy the lodge's "floating" restaurant. This special dining experience lets you enjoy your dinner while floating out onto the lagoon. For simpler dining, the lodge offers a second restaurant, as well as a pool bar.Sustainability
Marwamba Lodge strives to use as many local products as possible and reduce its impact on the natural environment. The lodge's bio-digester converts waste into methane gas to heat the property and kitchens, with about 30% of the gas used on-site coming from the bio-digester.Like what you see?
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Travelers often mention
Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews
The food at the lodge was praised for its delicious taste and variety. Guests enjoyed the meals, with some mentioning the need to select a dinner reservation time and that drinks were not included in the package. (9 mentions)
The lodge offered a variety of enjoyable tours and activities, including canoe excursions, boat tours, turtle tours, and lagoon tours. Tour guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. (8 mentions)
The lodge is located in a beautiful area, surrounded by nature and close to the village. Guests appreciated the immersive experience and the tranquility of the hotel gardens. (8 mentions)
The hotel grounds were well-maintained and beautiful, with opportunities to see wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and birds. The garden was particularly appreciated. (7 mentions)
Traveler Reviews
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