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La Cusinga Lodge

Property class: 3

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Photo gallery for La Cusinga Lodge

A wooden deck with tables and chairs overlooking a scenic ocean view.
A stone pool with a thatched roof, surrounded by greenery.
A garden pathway with a metal gate, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A wooden interior with a vaulted ceiling and a central chandelier.
An arched doorway leading to a covered outdoor area with a wooden door and a person standing inside.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Km166 Costarena Sur, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
  • Place, Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Arco Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa Ballena
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for ILAN Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

A wooden cabin with two beds, a wooden floor, and large windows with curtains.

ILAN Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Tinamu Deluxe Room

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden bench, a small table, and a view of the garden through the window.

Tinamu Deluxe Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Manu Deluxe Room

A wooden room with a bed, a wall clock, and a painting.

Manu Deluxe Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Trogon Deluxe Room Ensuite Ocean View

A wooden room with a bed, two windows, a lamp, and a heater.

Trogon Deluxe Room Ensuite Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Bahía Ballena

Located within a 5-minute walk of Marino Ballena National Park, La Cusinga Lodge is within a 15-minute stroll of Arco Beach. This 3-star lodge has 10 guestrooms and offers a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Lodges in Bahía BallenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Marino Ballena National Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Arco Beach - 15 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Playa Ballena - 5 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Uvita Beach - 6 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Playa Dominical - 30 min drive - 16.9 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪La Choza de Alejo - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Nativo - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Kinsu - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Fernando’s Restaurante - ‬8 min drive

About this property

La Cusinga Lodge

Guests staying at La Cusinga Lodge enjoy access to a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi in public areas. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can help with concierge services, and provide local restaurant recommendations. Other amenities at this spa lodge include a terrace, a picnic area, and a gift shop.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include ceiling fans, safes, and free toiletries.
Recreational amenities at the lodge include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and Swedish massages. The spa is open daily.

Similar properties

Front of property
Alborada Boutique Stay
Bahía Ballena
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 12 reviews
$103 nightly
The price is $117
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Alborada Boutique Stay

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Aracari

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6 AM - 6 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding (children may not be eligible for free breakfast)

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-6 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the lodge at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Cusinga Lodge Ballena
Cusinga Lodge
Cusinga Ballena
La Cusinga Lodge Lodge
La Cusinga Lodge Ballena
La Cusinga Lodge Lodge Ballena

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at La Cusinga Lodge?

La Cusinga Lodge provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at La Cusinga Lodge?

As of Aug 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at La Cusinga Lodge on Sep 30, 2026 start from $144, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do close to La Cusinga Lodge?

This lodge in Bahía Ballena is within a 10-minute walk of Marino Ballena National Park and Arco Beach. You'll also find Uvita Beach and Ventanas Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at La Cusinga Lodge?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge.

Is there a spa available at La Cusinga Lodge?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include deep-tissue massages.

Does La Cusinga Lodge include a casino on the premises?

No, La Cusinga Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at La Cusinga Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What do couples enjoy most about La Cusinga Lodge?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this lodge, including a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa.

Are there hot tubs at La Cusinga Lodge?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this lodge.

Does La Cusinga Lodge have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, La Cusinga Lodge serves free full breakfasts at Aracari each morning.

Will La Cusinga Lodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at La Cusinga Lodge though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at La Cusinga Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from La Cusinga Lodge?

The closest major airport to La Cusinga Lodge is Drake Bay (DRK), which is about 29.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at La Cusinga Lodge?

Yes, some guestrooms at this lodge offer a balcony where guests can enjoy ocean and mountain views.

La Cusinga Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 49 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Leann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was good every morning and Micheal and Carlos are so nice along with Hazel at the front desk.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay here. The room was gorgeous and comfortable. We enjoyed spending time at the lodge, walking the trails and relaxing at the pool. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We hope to return to La Cusinga in the future, it’s truly a special place.
Map of La Cusinga grounds
View from our room, Trogon
View of Playa Arco from hiking trail
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely place to stay. We loved every minute of it.
Beautiful sunset each day.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Roberto

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room, food and staff was amazing!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Amazing
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Near the national park, we loved the trails and the nature
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Antonia

Liked: Staff & service
Nice hikes and natural pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alaine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing and unique property. BEST STAFF ever! Food was outstanding. The property offers a beautiful beach, lovely on-property hikes, waterfall pond, a wonderful experience where the ocean meets a flowing river, lovely swimming pool and views everywhere you turn. A+++ property and will come again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
one of the best restaurants we experienced on our 10 day Costa Rica trip. A wonderful natural Post, beautiful pool, and so much wildlife right outside your cabin/yurt.... One of our favorite stays.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kishor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ecology minded hotel

Very nice ecology minded hotel. The grounds are great. It has quirky architecture, the staff are friendly and helpful The site view has a stunning viewpoint where u can enjoy the sunset The only criticism is that site is not practical for moving luggage from the car park to the room
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful nature resort with various lodges

The entire resort is an attraction in and of itself. It offers such a serene environment with an abundance of wildlife and great natural trails. Great for families and hikers alike. If you can make the drive down to the coast, it is worth it to come to see this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property and view was beautiful. It was very secluded and felt safe. The sunsets and wild life were some of our favorite parts. Food and staff were also excellent. The beach was a pretty intense walk to get to, but beautiful and private once there.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful eco lodge with walks on property and ocean views. Natural landscaping - Birds, monkeys butterflies etc.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location, lovely lodges, good food, great cocktails, chilled out pool and natural swimming hole. Most importantly, extremely helpful and friendly staff, who went the extra mile to help us when we had a stressful problem (hire car related and nothing to do with the hotel), which they resolved. Would absolutely recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful private bungalows in the rainforest with balconies overlooking the ocean. Friendly staff, great food, wonderful trails down to the beach. They greeted us with pineapple juice when we arrived and packed us fresh fruit to go since we had to leave for a tour at 6 am before the restaurant opened for breakfast. Dinner was delicious! Can’t wait to return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Astra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La Cusinga is such a special place. It’s everything I hoped it would be in an eco lodge. The grounds are amazing. The swimming hole was fantastic. The hikes you can do on the property, especially down to Playa Arco were spectacular. The hike down to Playa Arco at low tide and the swimming hole were the highlight of the stay. The pool was perfect for cooling off and relaxing after a hike. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Veronica at check in and check out and Michael and Ever at the restaurant gave us exceptional service. The rooms are rustic in an eco lodge way, beautifully constructed and in harmony with nature. We saw birds and agoutis right from our balcony. Although there is no a/c we found the room to be perfectly comfortable with the fan and it wasn’t hot at night. The included breakfast was exceptional, we were always greeted with a fresh juice of the day and then a plate of fruit, and breakfast is made to order. We ate dinner at the hotel both nights. The tomahawk pork chop was delicious. Overall we loved our stay and were very happy to have chosen this special place.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely first stop in Costa Rica

We had a wonderful 3 night stay at La Cusinga Lodge, starting from being met in the parking area by Mabel, the welcome alcohol free cocktail and the friendly waiting staff. Our room was very large (Trogon) with a inside seating area and huge balcony. The bathroom walls and floor are all lined with pebbles, very "flintstonesque". It was my birthday during our stay and the lodge put fresh flowers in our room and decorated the bed with rose petals. We ate in the restaurant for breakfast and dinner every day and the food was excellent with plenty of choice and big portions. The hotel also has a beautiful yoga platform but sadly they did not have a teacher available during our stay. The pool is a short walk away from the main hotel and is very private. There are also walking trails on the property to waterfalls where you could take a refreshing dip. Whilst here we did a whale watching trip (sadly nothing spotted as we were on the cusp of the right season) and a self guided trip to the Nicoya waterfall which was busy but great fun. We would return to La Cusinga Lodge in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Slightly remote lodge, with amazing ocean and jungle views. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The only restaurant served very good food, offers friendly service, with daily specials. The pool is beautiful and peaceful. Lots of wildlife are present, including a troop of Howler Monkeys that howl at 4 am and 4 pm everyday. There are lots of trails for people to explore. It may not be a good place for everyone though. It was a little too quiet for us. It is a place that attracts those who just want to read, mediate or stare into the trees. It attracts older people I think, but the walkways are very difficult for older people, the rocks are slippery and rounded, and the cabins are far apart along steep pathways. There are some very nice trails, but they forbid walking them at night. That really sucks, because that is when the interesting animals can be seen on the trails. I won't stay where I cannot explore at night. There are screens on the cabin windows, but no air conditioning, only fans. We were very warm at night, so lost some sleep. I really like the property, the people, food and scenery, but won't stay there again. Just too boring for my taste. Too many rules! I want to be were I can explore at my leisure and interact with nature and with others. No hotel pool should close at 7 pm!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sara Eva

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Todo en el hotel es bello y especial
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La tranquillité et la vue sur l’océan. Super endroit pour observer les oiseaux également. Bonne climatisation.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Todo estuvo increuble, la atencion siempre muy buena. La comida deliciosa. El mirador es excepcional para ver el atardecer
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Divino es un precioso
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

olivier

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Très bel hôtel

Très bon hôtel avec peu de chambres, un accès direct à une plage accessible à marée basse moyennant quelques efforts car 15 min à pied avec du dénivelé mais cela vaut le détour vous serez seul, cave à visiter au fond de la plage de sable noir avec pas mal de vagues. Un accès direct également à une super cascade dans la jungle à 5 min à pied, vous serez également seuls, super expérience. Dans l'hôtel, nous avons pu voir des toucans et des aras macao, entendu un puma également mais nous ne l'avons pas vu. Le logement Tinamu etait tres bien avec une très belle vue sur la queue de baleine. Il manque juste un frigo dans la chambre. Le petit déjeuner inclus etait copieux. Le prix du retaurant est par contre un peu cher. Happy hour au bar de 14 à 17h. Très belle vue aussi depuis le bar.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Le site est magnifique et la baignade dans la piscine naturelle (rivière) est incroyable. Beaux sentiers de marche et à 15 min à pied de la plage. Toucan, perroquets de différentes variétés, perruches et autre observer. La nourriture du restaurant est très bonne. Nous resté qu'une seule nuit malheureusement. Un peu dispendieux mais je recommande fortement.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emilie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is stunning full of wildlife and the staff is really professional.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022