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Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

Northern Mountain Zone / Arenal · Costa Rica

300 N PalíView location

9.2/10Excellent34 Reviews
Cleanliness9.2/109.2
Service9.4/109.4
Comfort7.8/107.8
Condition8.4/108.4
Neighborhood8.6/108.6
Amenities8.0/108.0
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  • Most popular

Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste is a peaceful nature retreat located in Bijagua, just 11 km from the famous Río Celeste Waterfall.

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the lodge offers comfortable, non-smoking accommodations, free Wi-Fi, personalized concierge service, and a relaxing sun terrace. Some rooms feature private balconies with beautiful mountain views.

Each room includes a queen size beds, air conditioning, quality linens, fridge, coffee set and free parking. All accommodations are equipped with a private bathroom, shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer for your convenience.

Guests can enjoy a full breakfast each morning, featuring fresh local ingredients, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.

Read more about this hotelShow less

Ideally located in the heart of northern Costa Rica, the lodge provides easy access to the region’s most remarkable natural attractions. Liberia's airport (LIR) is located 85 km away, making Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste a convenient base for exploring the area.

With a stay at Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste in Bijagua, you'll be 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Tenorio Volcano National Park and 3.7 mi (6 km) from Tapir Valley Nature Reserve. This hotel is 18.8 mi (30.3 km) from Las Hornillas Hot Springs.

Make yourself at home in one of the 6 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries.

Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Entertainment
Non-smoking
Accessible facilities

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 7:00 AM
Check-in until 7:00 PM
Check-out until 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age 18

Hotel policies

No cribs (infant beds) available No elevators No front desk Professional property host/manager Pets not allowed Service animals are allowed Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

Cleaning and safety

Sanitization
Contactless check-in is available Contactless check-out is available

Important information

  • Property Alerts

    You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

    • Deposit: USD 50.0

    We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

  • You need to know
    • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
  • Special Instructions
    There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The host will greet guests on arrival. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
  • Instructions
    • 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, debit cards, and cash
    • Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, 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
  • Minimal age
    18
  • Spoken Language

    English

    Spanish

Nearby attractions

Tenorio Volcano National Park 2.7 km / 1.7 mi
Frog's Paradise 2.8 km / 1.7 mi
Miravalles Jorge Manuel Dengo National Park 3.4 km / 2.1 mi
Tapir Valley Nature Reserve 6 km / 3.7 mi
El Pilon Station 9.7 km / 6 mi
Peace Tree 14.3 km / 8.9 mi
Upala Central Park 27.1 km / 16.8 mi
Las Hornillas Hot Springs 30.3 km / 18.8 mi
Yoko Hot Springs 30.6 km / 19 mi
Thermomania Track 30.6 km / 19 mi
Butterfly Garden Paraíso 36.8 km / 22.8 mi
Miravalles Maze 48.5 km / 30.1 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Total number of rooms: 8
  • Number of floors (main building): 2
  • Annexe (s): 1
  • Number of floors (annexe): 1
  • Double rooms: 7
  • Triple rooms: 6
  • Quadruple rooms: 6
  • Family rooms: 3
  • Accessible rooms: 1
  • bed and breakfast
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
Show 39 more facilities & services
  • Visa
  • City centre
  • Bus/Train station
  • Nearest Bus / Metro Stop
  • Airport
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Car park
  • Key Collection
  • 24-hour reception
  • Check-in hour
  • Check-out hour
  • Wi-fi
  • Car hireExtra charge
  • Secure parking
  • Airport ShuttleExtra charge
  • Laundry serviceExtra charge
  • Multilingual staff
  • 24-hour security
  • Air conditioning in public areas
  • Smoke detector
  • Hotel safe
  • Cloakroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Concierge
  • Sun terrace
  • Luggage room
  • Dining area: 1
  • Electric kettle: 1
  • Towels and bed linen
  • Café
  • Non-smoking area
  • Breakfast room
  • Breakfast
  • LGTBIQ friendly
  • Naturist
  • Charges for late arrival
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Horse ridingExtra charge
Meal plans

Meal plan types

Meal options depend on the room and rate you choose. Search your dates to see which meal plans are included.

RO

Room Only

Accommodation only. Meals are usually not included.

BB

Bed & Breakfast

BED AND BREAKFAST

Breakfast is included with your stay.

Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • TRIPLE GARDEN VIEWTRIPLE • GARDEN VIEW • 1 Bedroom • 36 m²TPL.GV
    TRIPLE GARDEN VIEWPhoto unavailable6 photos

    Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

    TRIPLE GARDEN VIEW

    Room photos

    6 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    36 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–3 • Adults: max. 3 • Children: max. 2
    Bed setup
    Double bed 131-150 width, 2 × Single bed 80-130 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    TRIPLE
    View / characteristic
    GARDEN VIEW

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: TPL.GV

    Room amenities

    • Tea and coffee making facilities
    • Internet access
    • Electric Kettle: 1
    • Housekeeping
    • Smoke detector
    • Plug adaptor
    • Cable TV
    • Satellite TV
    • TV
    • Hairdryer
    • Shower: 1
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Make-up mirror
    • Desk
    • Toiletries
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Individually adjustable air conditioning
    • Mini fridge

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • FAMILY ROOM SUPERIOR WITH BALCONYFAMILY ROOM • SUPERIOR WITH BALCONY • 1 Bedroom • 36 m²FAM.BL-SU
    FAMILY ROOM SUPERIOR WITH BALCONYPhoto unavailable8 photos

    Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

    FAMILY ROOM SUPERIOR WITH BALCONY

    Room photos

    8 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    36 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 3 • Children: max. 3
    Bed setup
    Queen-size bed 150-154 width, 2 × Single bed 80-130 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    FAMILY ROOM
    View / characteristic
    SUPERIOR WITH BALCONY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: FAM.BL-SU

    Room amenities

    • Smoke detector
    • Plug adaptor
    • Cable TV
    • Satellite TV
    • Desk
    • Toiletries
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Cot on demand
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Balcony
    • Hairdryer
    • TV
    • Individually adjustable air conditioning
    • Internet access
    • Mini fridge
    • Tea and coffee making facilities
    • Shower: 1
    • Electric Kettle: 1
    • Housekeeping

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • TWIN GARDEN VIEWTWIN • GARDEN VIEW • 1 Bedroom • 36 m²TWN.GV
    TWIN GARDEN VIEWPhoto unavailable4 photos

    Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

    TWIN GARDEN VIEW

    Room photos

    4 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    36 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–2 • Adults: max. 2 • Children: max. 1
    Bed setup
    2 × Double bed 131-150 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    TWIN
    View / characteristic
    GARDEN VIEW

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: TWN.GV

    Room amenities

    • Plug adaptor
    • Cable TV
    • Satellite TV
    • Make-up mirror
    • Desk
    • Toiletries
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Wheelchair-accessible
    • Tea and coffee making facilities
    • Internet access
    • Individually adjustable air conditioning
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Shower: 1
    • Hairdryer
    • TV
    • Electric Kettle: 1
    • Housekeeping
    • Smoke detector

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE ECONOMYDOUBLE • ECONOMY • 1 Bedroom • 16 m²DBL.EY
    DOUBLE ECONOMYPhoto unavailable5 photos

    Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

    DOUBLE ECONOMY

    Room photos

    5 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    16 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–2 • Adults: max. 2 • Children: max. 0
    Bed setup
    Double bed 131-150 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    ECONOMY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.EY

    Room amenities

    • TV
    • Internet access
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Tea and coffee making facilities
    • Individually adjustable air conditioning
    • Hairdryer
    • Toiletries
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Electric Kettle: 1
    • Housekeeping
    • Smoke detector
    • Cable TV
    • Plug adaptor
    • Shower: 1

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE SUPERIOR WITH BALCONYDOUBLE • SUPERIOR WITH BALCONY • 1 Bedroom • 36 m²DBL.BL-SU
    DOUBLE SUPERIOR WITH BALCONYPhoto unavailable8 photos

    Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

    DOUBLE SUPERIOR WITH BALCONY

    Room photos

    8 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    36 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–2 • Adults: max. 2 • Children: max. 0
    Bed setup
    King-size bed 150-183 width, Queen-size bed 150-154 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    SUPERIOR WITH BALCONY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.BL-SU

    Room amenities

    • TV
    • Desk
    • Internet access
    • Toiletries
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Balcony
    • Tea and coffee making facilities
    • Individually adjustable air conditioning
    • Satellite TV
    • Cable TV
    • Plug adaptor
    • Smoke detector
    • Housekeeping
    • Electric Kettle: 1
    • Fridge
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Shower: 1
    • Hairdryer

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • FAMILY ROOM WITH BALCONYFAMILY ROOM • WITH BALCONY • 1 Bedroom • 36 m²FAM.BL
    FAMILY ROOM WITH BALCONYPhoto unavailable6 photos

    Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

    FAMILY ROOM WITH BALCONY

    Room photos

    6 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    36 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Bed setup
    Single bed 80-130 width, Double bed 131-150 width, 2 × Queen-size bed 150-154 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    FAMILY ROOM
    View / characteristic
    WITH BALCONY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: FAM.BL

    Room amenities

    • Tea and coffee making facilities
    • Electric Kettle: 1
    • Smoke detector
    • Plug adaptor
    • Desk
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Mini fridge
    • TV
    • Shower: 1
    • Bathroom: 1

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

9.2
Excellent
34 Reviews
Cleanliness
9.2 /10
Service
9.4 /10
Comfort
7.8 /10
Condition
8.4 /10
Neighborhood
8.6 /10
Amenities
8.0 /10
20 reviews shown
10/10
Exceptional
04 Jun 2026
Erin
The nicest people and wonderful hosts. I mentioned that we would be celebrating our daughter’s bday while we were there and they knocked on the door with a huge slice of chocolate cake and a candle and sang Feliz cumpleanos. It was the sweetest thing and so special for our family. It was such a kind gesture and it set the tone for the rest of our time there. Breakfast was a lovely production. We entered the dining room and they just started bringing out entree after entree, fruit, eggs, gallo pinto, pancakes, jam, fresh juice and yogurt. It was a genuine Tico experience. The hotel is on a side street and walking around you get to see everyday life. It was fun to people watch and explore. The grounds were lovely. We saw a blue jeans tree frog.
10/10
Exceptional
13 Apr 2026
Catalin
Nice breakfast and garden
10/10
Exceptional
03 Apr 2026
emma
Close to Tenorio. Clean room, good size for a family of four. Very helpful staff.
10/10
Exceptional
19 Aug 2025
Adam
I can't say enough for what a great time we had at Kakao Lodge. I was skeptical at first since I usually like staying in my chain hotels that provide all the normal American comforts. But after staying here, my mind has totally changed. You can't describe how awesome it is to be able to see a half dozen different species of exotic frogs at night, or a sloth while eating breakfast, or tropic birds singing to you in the morning. And don't forget about breakfast. Everyday, we had homemade to order breakfast. Finally, if you're a gym rat like me, there's a gym that's $5/day to drop in that's a 3 minute walk from Kakao Lodge. We were also fortunate enough to be there while the owner, Laura, was there. Her and her husband are delightful people if you're lucky enough to get to meet them as well.

If you want to experience the rainforest of Costa Rica while still having a comfy bed to go back to at night, I can't say enough for staying here.
10/10
Exceptional
27 May 2025
Malcolm
Wonderful 1 night stay. Laura was a lovely host and was always on hand to help us! A unique hotel and location, and great for families.
Friends_and_family Family
8/10
Excellent
20 Apr 2025
Jacqueline

Good Enough

Breakfast outside was the best feature. The location within walking distance to town was also good.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
08 Apr 2025
Gregory
Great place with a ton of local charm and full amenities for a good price. Close to town but nice and quiet, and the stuff and owner were very friendly and helpful :-)
Business Self
10/10
Exceptional
25 Mar 2025
Richard
The Kakao Lodge & Garden Rio Celeste was a very pleasant place to stay for two evenings as we drove and visited various areas within Costa Rica.

What stood out to me:
- Friendliness of the staff
- Clean rooms with excellent air conditioning
- FREE excellent home-made breakfast
- Staff took us on a short hike to search for red-eye tree frogs

Again, the staff stood out. The property manager, Laura, made sure that everything was perfect for our stay. Her English was impeccable and she assisted us by reserving our entrance time to Tenario National Park for us to hike to the beautiful waterfalls. She treated us like old friends and recommended two local restaurants and the Tree Chocolate Farm. We visited all three places and they were all excellent!

We will definitely stay here again the next time we pass through the Rio Celeste area.

Rick - TX

Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
11 Mar 2025
Matthew
Excellent staff and amazing breakfast.
10/10
Exceptional
28 Feb 2025
Debbie
Comfy, clean, quiet room. Loved breakfast and the birds that entertained us while eating. Just beautiful.
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
26 Apr 2024
Victoria
The host is wonderful and accommodating
8/10
Excellent
13 Feb 2024
Timothy
There was a musty smell in the room
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
11 Jul 2022
Ginette
La gentillesse du personnel est un bon souvenir. Johnny nos a aussi fait un petit tour explicatif des grenouilles sur le site. La cuisine extérieure et ses déjeuners sont très bons.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
26 Nov 2019
Verified traveler
Staff was super helpful and friendly. Room and property was spotless but Kitchen area could have been a little cleaner.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
18 Jun 2019
KVB
Property was beautiful, spacious & clean - all staff friendly and accomodating - BEST breakfast by far!
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
11 Mar 2019
Verified traveler
We had a great experience with Juan and Lilly. The kids loved it, its a very different experience than what we are used to. Juan took great care of us when we arrived, and Lilly greeted us every morning with a smile and a great breakfast. She even showed the kids how they make sugar and honey. We had a great time.
Leisure Family_with_children
6/10
Pleasant
13 Feb 2018
steven

Ok close to the park.

Couldn't use a credit card. Their machine wasn't working and wouldn't be fixed by the next day. Charge was $80, beyond my general cash. Had to hit the local ATM. Price seemed high. No breakfast. Room was musty smelling.
Staff seemed okay.
We had trouble finding it in town. Missed the small sign on the main road.
Bathroom nice but hot water was only warm.
Floor tile nice but decor austere.
Surprising to find AC unit in the room. TV but didn't use it. Supposedly a community kitchen. I don't know if there is coffee there our if we are on our own.
10/10
Exceptional
03 Jan 2017
RC

Clean hotel in heart of Bijagua

The hotel is in middle of Bijagua, right off the main highway 6 and close to Tenorio National Park. Our GPS misdirected us so in the daytime, we could see the hotel is only 1 block off the highway. We arrived late, but the manager was kindly waiting for us. He directed us to an excellent local eatery for typical local cuisine and the next morning went out of his way to give us local tips on Tenorio and alternative trips in case Tenorio was closed. (Arenal is ~2.5 hours away, Miravelles 1.5 hours, and a local waterfall \"Cortez\" is ~1 hour away). The room is not fancy but very clean and comfortable for our purposes. (We stayed 1 night.) We brought our own supplies for breakfast and could use their kitchen facilities in the AM. I would not hesitate to stay there again.
10/10
Exceptional
11 Mar 2025
María Silene

Hotel con excelente atención

Excelente hotel
Con un trato espectacular
Muy amables y acogedores.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Feb 2025
Laurent
Le petit-déjeuner maison sous la pergola devant les toucans et autres oiseaux
La chasse aux grenouilles devant l’hôtel avec la responsable des lieux
L’accueil très chaleureux
Leisure Family

Location & surroundings

Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste
300 N Palí, Bijagua De Upala, Costa Rica

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Kakao Lodge & Garden Río Celeste

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