Finca Exotica Ecolodge
Osa Peninsula, on Carate beach next to Corcovado National Park Finca Exotica Ecolodge, Carate, Corcovado National Park 60702 Costa Rica
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#1 of 5 Specialty lodging in Carate
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Finca Exotica is an ecolodge located on Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. More than a hotel, we offer a unique, social and inspirational experience in the heart of the jungle. Outstanding and romantic views, buzzing wildlife and a friendly & peaceful environment. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic place along the beach, but also for families and friends desiring to explore and spend time together, Finca Exotica is a haven of peace where time stands still... and nature takes over. Surrounded by Primary forest and bordering Corcovado National Park, we offer outstanding opportunities to observe Costa Rica’s rich wildlife during our tours and activities. Guests can enjoy meals at a long communal table where they can share healthy, organic and 'farm to table' dishes with ingredients sourced locally and harvested from the exotic food forest. Dinner becomes a melting pot of creativity and inspiration, connecting fascinating people from around the globe.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Parking
Public wifi
Free breakfast
Beach
Hiking
Full body massage
Baggage storage
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Kids' meals
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Billiards
Fishing
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Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
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Ocean view
Bridal suite
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Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
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Osa Peninsula, on Carate beach next to Corcovado National Park Finca Exotica Ecolodge, Carate, Corcovado National Park 60702 Costa Rica
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I'm a huge nature lover and was in my absolute element here! The place is beautiful. It's surrounded by rainforest, has an abundance of wildlife, the staff are wonderful, the food is amazing and the atmosphere is so peaceful. I was initially a bit hesitant booking due to the 'limited electricity' and cold showers but I am honestly so glad we went for it. Even with the limited electricity, we still had lights in our bedroom and the cool showers were actually really refreshing. The restaurant area was tranquil. In the evenings before dinner, we would chill in the hammocks on the decking that overlooked the beautiful garden area, with views of the rainforest and sea in the distance. Scarlet macaws would frequently fly over and the sounds of the rainforest was like being in a real-life mindfulness meditation. During the day we explored the grounds, did rainforest hikes and spent time at the beach. We also ventured out at night to see what wildlife we would encounter and within seconds of us leaving the grounds, we stumbled across the most beautiful ocelot!! Definitely an unexpected but wonderful surprise to add to what was already an amazing stay at Finca Exotica!…
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We stayed in the Chi Cabin - no walls, but who needs walls when you're surrounded by luxuriant tropical foliage and flowers. It had a really nice back-to-nature feel to it. The whole place has a great laid-back vibe - very relaxed, very informal, and very attuned to the environment. And you do feel that you're in amongst the rainforest - we saw scarlet macaws several times from the restaurant, and spotted coatis, agoutis and capuchin monkeys in the garden areas; and we woke up every morning to the roaring of howler monkeys. We also enjoyed the trails through the rainforest within the grounds. Also, there's a beautiful beach there, with the chance to walk along the beach in either direction for miles, do a bit of body-boarding in the surf, or just lounge in a hammock surrounded by palms. Special mention for the food - there's a fantastic chef there, who made wonderful meals making the most of the fresh organic produce from the farm; a real highlight of our stay. Plus we were very grateful for the concern and help given by the staff team when one of us was ill (fortunately just for a few days). All in all, a really relaxing and beautiful place to stay. …
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Adjectives don't do justice to Finca Exotica. We just spent close to a week at the lodge, and have nothing but rave reviews. The food is excellent, as is the menu, very healthy and tasty. Laura took us on a tour to Corcovada National Park, and she did such a good job of educating us about the ecosystem and history of the park. The beach has plenty of shade, and hammocks, for spending reading time out of the intense sun, and is largely free of people. The best asset is intangible-- Gabi, Laura, and Marcus take the time to relate to guests and treated us like friends. We will return for a third visit next year!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The place is very scenic but many problems there. You arrive at the beach house reception area with no obvious way to contact staff. I saw a male who looked like he might be staff on the phone and guessed he might be contacting someone, but he disappeared without informing me of anything. But staff did appear soon. Staff rushed through taking me to my tent so I had to wander around later to get my bearings. Meals were varied, fish and a salad were very good. But veggies were usually cold or lukewarm. Didn't like the appetizers and one night it was popcorn. Proportions were small. Drinks were expensive, $9 for a small glass of wine, $7 for a beer. Lunch was served 45 minutes late one day. Hopefully staff washed their hands before handling food with their bare hands, not a glove in sight. I expected shared bathrooms to be cleaned and checked regularly. There was no toilet paper one night. And the toilet was plugged up and about to be overflowing and stank for an entire day. Mattress was very hard. Trails were poorly marked. Most of the staff were aloof and unfriendly. …
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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Helpful
Me and my husband Patrick came to Osa and stayed at Finca Exotica while on our honeymoon. It was absolutely amazing. The cabins are located in stunning tropical garden among jungle hills and the paradise beach.... you will hear howler monkeys, see a lot of wildlife on your door steps. The staff is friendly and helpful, our host was Jody. She was very kind and attentive. The chef made delicious dishes and put a lot of thought into it everyday. We will never forget it.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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This place is truly heaven on earth. I was worried a bit about what ecolodge would mean. Outhouses? Limited electricity? My sister and I stayed in a beach view cabin. We had a flushing toilet and comfy bed. Minimal bugs and no wildlife bothered us at night. We had lights, an electrical plug and felt deliciously safe! As of the cold shower or more like cool shower? Tthe weather is so hot you wont miss hot water and you will never have a view like that one!!! The food was spectacular and so healthy and fresh ( for example, the chef made coconut milk from a coconut to make one of his incredible soups) The staff is kind, helpful and make you feel you are their first guests ever! I highly recommend you he Thai massage as well! The beach is very wavy but they lost best swim times. The plus side of that? No crowds! If you want to experience the real Costa Rica this place is for you.…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Our family spent six magical days at Finca Exotica in mid-Dec 2022 (2 adults and kids ages 6, 12 & 14). We had a chance to disconnect from technology and slow down. We read and played games, hiked in the jungle and splashed in the ocean, observed the incredible flora and fauna. It took our family a day or two to get used to living in an open air cabin, but the payoff in connecting with nature and truly feeling the world around us was priceless. It was a once-in-a lifetime experience that I hope my children hold with them for many years. Rancho Cabina We stayed in the Rancho cabin (luxury suite), the largest cabin on Gaby and Marcus' property. It was at the top of the trail (7 minutes walk from the receptions, and about 4 from Casa Grande, the dining and common area), and was completely private, backed by lush tropical vegetation with ocean views. What makes the Rancho cabin extra special was the fact that we were looking out into, and above, the forest canopy (due to the steep slopes and location of the cabin). That meant the toucans, monkeys and scarlet macaws were at eye level. The open air cabin was beyond breathtaking! Everything was beautiful wood, sleek and elegant, yet warm (somehow the photos on the website don't do it justice). The main floor was split between a large chill-out area (hammock surrounded by cushioned seating with views of the jungle and ocean) and a half-level up, a dining area with a small kitchen (sink, two burner stove, cupboards with basic dishes and pots). Upstairs we had 4 beds (3 singles and what seemed like a king and was extremely comfortable) with mosquito nets. There were also two desks, one of which was very long and functioned as a window sill. Sitting there, you look over the jungle at the ocean! (I can imagine getting seriously inspired here if I was on a writing retreat!) A few steps from the cabin was the bathroom: an open air shower (no hot water) and an airy, covered room with flush toilet and sink. The real treat was the little pool. My little one and I would fill it in the morning and let it warm up through the day for a sunset bath before dinner. The property Spread out across a large piece of jungle, the eco-lodge is home to all kinds of wildlife. We saw 4 kinds of monkeys (all the kinds you can find in Costa Rica), coatis, loads of birds, reptiles, and insects... Scarlet macaws were cracking nuts above our heads, howler monkeys were hanging out in the trees, a pack of adorable squirrel monkey's swung by to see if they could find some fruit. We saw a turtle laying her eggs on the beach. It is truly amazing. There are hikes and beach walks to do, and of course the property is very close to the entrance to Corcovado National park (other reviewers have gone into detail about park access). As others have mentioned, the meals were served in the Casa Grande, another incredible space with soft lighting in the evening and lots of cozy areas for reading, chatting with other travelers or playing the games Gaby and Marcus have available. They also have many books on various topics (local ecology, flora and fauna, permaculture, meditation & mindfulness, to name a few). (Side note - Andy, the driver who brought us to and from Puerto Jimenez, told us that the beautiful large dining table in Casa Grande was made by Marcus from wood salvaged from a shipwreck.) The vibe is very chill, as other reviewers have mentioned. This is aided by the fact that there is only wifi in the reception building (at the bottom of the property, 3-4 minutes downhill from Casa Grande and about 7 minutes from the Rancho cabin). So when you are sitting in the Casa Grande, no one is staring at a screen- a rarity these days. Instead, people are talking, reading, enjoying nature, or playing games. The people we met were all very interesting and full of incredible stories. Finca Exotica definitely attracts an adventurous crowd! Food Breakfast was served from 7 (until 9ish?), lunch between noon and 2ish, a snack at 6, and dinner at 7. The food was spectacular. It was healthy and delicious, with a focus on local produce, and beautifully plated. Chef's Kevin and Coco, were very talented! It was absolutely gourmet. I think my favourite was the seared tuna steak, but everything was fantastice! Portions were not huge, but they were totally sufficient for me. There was always a pot of coffee available, and various fruit juices, smoothies or chocolate milk in the mornings. For the kids: For my oldest, an adventurous eater, the food was perfect. Marcus would come around after the meal and ask if he'd had enough (he's a growing 14 year old), and he'd often ask for a bit more. For my pickier youngest, the food was more challenging. After a few meals, we asked for her food to be plated more simply (so she could pick the things she liked without "offensive" items mixed in). Next time we go (now that I know the cabin has a stove), I'll bring some dry goods to supplement the kids on days they aren't fond of what is served. There is no fridge, so I'll probably stick to things like packaged ramen, dry camping food, granola bars, etc. I could go on and on about how amazing this eco-lodge is and how many incredible experiences we had, but this review is already too long! Be sure to thoroughly read their website to understand what you are signing up for, especially the "Is Finca Exotica for You" page. We were concerned before we went about mosquitoes (our kids have bad reactions to some insect bites), but the mosquitos were not bad at all (though I understand this can be seasonal, we arrived right after the rainy season). Owners Gaby and Marcus are lovely, as was everyone else we met there. They are NOT concierges - don't expect to be able to call on them day and night to make requests. They are around to help and you are cared for, but they don't hold your hand the whole time! There are no street lights (you'll need to bring flashlights), and guests are generally responsible for their own safety (there is no lifeguard at the beach, but they tell you which times are safest for swimming). This is not a packaged holiday experience; it is a genuine adventure. If this idea appeals to you, you will not be disappointed by Finca Exotica!…
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Date of stay: December 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Wow. We absolutely loved this lodge. First – practicalities. To get to FE there are 2 options: One, a very rough road from Puerto Jimenez for 2 hours that changes according to the weather. You can do this by your own 4WD (you have to cross a couple of rivers and go up some challenging hills, so it is not for the fainthearted) or get a taxi (Andy, based in Puerto Jimenez, the FE people have his details). The second option is to fly in. The little airstrip called Carate is literally 2 minutes from Finca Exotica and you can get a Cessna or something similar from other places in Costa Rica. There are no scheduled flights so you have to charter a plane. We experienced both of these routes (we visited twice). (1) First time, we rented a car and drove in on the road from Puerto Jimenez. The rivers were quite low but the hills and mud were difficult. It was easier going out, as you know the road a bit. Before we travelled, we had looked at a video someone had posted on YouTube, Puerto Jimenez to Carate, and it does give you some sense of what to expect. (2) The second time we went there – we were not expecting to go back but we had checked into a very nice 5* hotel on the coast near Uvita but we felt we had left behind some sense of uniqueness and tranquillity that you just couldn’t get in the more touristy areas. We realised that to make the most of our holiday, Finca Exotica was the most relaxing place for us to be, so we changed our travel plans. We decided to book a flight from Palmar Sur to Carate (20 minute flight) through Adventure Air. We left our rental car in a small b&b near the airport and picked it up a few days later when we returned. Palmar Sur is quite close to Carate (as the crow flies!) so flying is not too bad on cost. (Note: In principle you can charter a flight from most places in Costa Rica to Carate. Obviously this is not the cheapest thing to do so it’s not an option for everyone. Do consider the cost and time of a rental car vs. a taxi, vs. a scenic flight (the flight was quite stunning)). (3) There is a third option that we didn’t do – a Colectivo (public bus) from Puerto Jimenez up to Carate. There are set times for this and obviously much, much cheaper than the above options. We met people who had done it so it seems it’s fine – we just didn’t know about this before we travelled. Second - the Lodge Once you are at Finca Exotica, this is chillout central. I have not been so relaxed in years. You walk more slowly, you interact in an appreciative way. You start to think differently. I realise it says all this on the website, but do believe it. When you are there it feels like you are with likeminded people (the owners and the guests) who have deliberately chosen to be in a very remote, tranquil space, connected with the environment and with themselves and each other. Cabins are secluded in amongst the extensive gardens. Some of them are up a hill (ours – Ranchito – wasn’t, and was super comfortable and cute for 2 people) so if you have a problem with ups and downs, tell them. The cabins are completely open to the air and animals around and about, and this really enhances the experience. There are outside cold water showers but don’t worry, I hate the cold and these were absolutely fine! There is a yoga deck up high with amazing views, and daily yoga; the grounds are extensive, beautifully kept and there are incredible viewing places for birds, monkeys, iguanas, coatis…. You eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at an impressive wooden structure that they call Casa Grande – up on the hill, some steps from our little cabin (and down from others). It has a big deck with chairs, a bar, open kitchen, great ambience and viewing place for scarlet macaws, toucans, monkeys, bats, etc. Over dinner you meet other travellers on a communal table, which is lovely. The people we met at Finca Exotica were very respectful of the environment and the ethos and the tranquility and you felt like you wanted to talk and exchange stories. The food is amazing (thanks chef Kevin). Local produce (they grow quite a bit of it), all fresh and healthy. Great vegetables (some we had never heard of!), lovely fruits, homemade bread and eggs for breakfast They serve fresh fish but we are vegetarians and their vegetarian and vegan food is varied and always tasty (we struggled in other parts of Costa). Just tell them that’s what you want. Even their packed lunches (when you are on a hike) are delicious. You can hike locally without a guide but if you want to go into the national park you need a guide and FE can arrange this. We went on the 22km hike into Sirena Station (Corcovado NP) from FE and got the boat back the following day to Puerto Jimenez. We also did a day hike (there and back) into Corcovado NP from there and saw lots of animals. The beach – 1 minute walk from FE – is stunning. As far as your eye can see either way, deserted. If you want to walk or run it, it is incredible. FE has put up some hammocks in the shady palms on the beach. Beware – the sea is rough so only expect to go in for a few hours around low tide. Gaby and Marcus (and Maya the dog) were amazing hosts. They could not do enough for us, listening to our worries and suggesting alternatives. They had expert knowledge about local hikes, guides, animals and transport. They were interested in our stories and shared theirs. I could not ask for anything more welcoming. Gaby is so attentive and warm. Laura arranges tours and also works at the lodge and is very flexible with what you need. She’s also really friendly, welcoming and helpful. Maurizio is the yoga teacher and he managed to accommodate two of us – one a complete novice and the other quite experienced – and make our sessions into something really positive and fulfilling for both of us. I realise this is a long post but I hope I have conveyed some of its ambience. I cannot recommend Finca Exotica enough. We are already looking to go back. …
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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What a place. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of the waves of the pacific accompanied by howler monkeys, tucans, macaws and many other birds singing as the sun rises over the forest. While you shower outdoor a coati passes you without even giving you a glance. Then you walk down the hill to the restaurant and are met by the most friendly and easy staff that have prepared a delicious breakfast. Then imagine that you return to the restaurant at 6pm for a drink watching the sun sets and exchanges the days experiences with the other guests and the staff before enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared with many locally grown ingredients. This is how your day is framed. What you do in between is up to you. Visit Corcovado on a guided tour is a must, enjoying the beach, talk a walk in the jungle at the Finca on your own or just lay in the hammock with a book. It takes a 4x4 to reach the resort, but it's emphasizes the feeling of remoteness. The only drawback is that you at some point have to leave. You just feel like you wants to return to the place and those people again.…
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Date of stay: July 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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+1
They feed you well, and everything is kept very tidy despite being 100% outdoors. It’s an adventure just to arrive there, but someone is always ready to greet you upon your arrival. It’s basically in Corcovado, so can see just about any wildlife you’d see in the park, including 4 types of monkey, tapirs, all manner of lizard and spider. They have regular retreats, so check the website to see if there’s one you can join during your stay. Honestly, the food is to die for, which is incredible given the remote location (90 minutes into the jungle in a 4wd vehicle), and although you aren’t given menu options, they accommodate dietary restrictions and needs. It’s an incredible deal because you basically get gourmet meals included in the cost of your stay (if you choose that option at booking). Highly recommend the add-on hike with the tour guide on staff! She knows how to find all sorts of hidden critters you wouldn’t otherwise be able to spot, and is truly an expert at photographing them through the telescope. You can’t enter Corcovado alone anyways, but honestly if you were able to you’d have no idea how to spot everything a trained guide does! They have to receive a lot of education just to be a guide, so again- totally worth it! Also recommend the Thai massage if it’s offered when you’re there You can enjoy the beach every day, and the staff will always let you know times of high & low tide - the current is strong at this beach so you can’t just take a dip any time. I’ve been twice now- during the dry season in January, and then during July when it rains. I personally liked it more in July because I enjoy a good rainstorm, and there wasn’t a ton of dust on the ride to & from Puerto Jiminez because the road wasn’t dry. The place is magical and 100% worth every minute of the adventure to arrive there; with 3% of the world’s biodiversity contained in Corcovado, it is truly a bucket list experience. Just sit in the quiet and observe the jungle; enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze and tropical weather, and let nature encompass you and heal you- body, mind, and spirit. Also, prepare to meet really cool, interesting people from all over the world when you stay here! This place attracts the best folks.…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
finca exotica hotel carate
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasOsa PeninsulaCorcovado National ParkCarate
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Claim Your ListingFINCA EXOTICA ECOLODGE: UPDATED 2023 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 858 Photos (Carate, Costa Rica) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Finca Exotica Ecolodge
Which popular attractions are close to Finca Exotica Ecolodge?
Nearby attractions include Ave Azul de la Osa (7.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Finca Exotica Ecolodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Finca Exotica Ecolodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Finca Exotica Ecolodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Finca Exotica Ecolodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does Finca Exotica Ecolodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.