My friend and I stayed here for 2 nights in December and it was great! I was really surprised to read the negative reviews. The grounds are beautiful, as is the pool, and it's a great place to get to know fellow travelers, since you're put into a group for excursions and whatnot. It's true that that is no tv, etc. here and not much to do after dark - that is part of the charm! Take a walk on the beach and see a million stars or in the daytime, check out the butterfly garden or the jungle - both right off the main grounds. The only complaint was the heat - hot and humid night and day, so sleeping was difficult. Otherwise, though, enjoy the feeling of being at a high-end summer camp in the jungle!

I went to Mawamba with my girlfriend and we loved this place. It's not cheap but it does include transport in and out (we paid a little extra to fly on the way back) and all the meals and tours.

We were integrated in a group with 3 other young couples. You do all the transportation, tours and meals with your group and with the same guide so you get to know your group.

Location is great, it is beautifully integrated in the jungle and in walking range of the beach and the village. FYI: You can not swim on Tortuguero beach

The tour guides are great and really know their stuff
Staff is very friendly and most speaks some English.

Rooms are basic with a fan but no AC (Temp was around 25C so we didn't feel the need for it). When it rains it get noisy inside the room but that is part of being in the jungle.

Food is basic but good with a couple of options per meal.
Overall it was an excellent experience.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mawamba Lodge. We were part of a fairly small group, 4 couples, and we had Umberto as our guide. The group and guide that you are assigned to stay together for your entire stay and have all meals and tours together. The grounds at the lodge are beautiful and the cabins are rustic but very comfortable. Umberto was great - he has so much passion for his country that we learned a lot seeing it through his eyes. The schedule keeps you pretty busy but there is still plenty of time to just enjoy the surroundings. The pool and bar area are a great place to spend time. The setting is very condusive to meeting and spending time with other travelers. This is the only lodge in the area that is walking distance to the little town. It rained every day, usually a huge cloudburst that lasted about 20 minutes, several times a day. The rain never stopped us from doing anything and it was never cold.

Just got back from a 2 night/3 day stay at Mawamba Lodge. For the price it is a GREAT BUY. $250.00 per person for 2 nights includes all 3 meals. Transfers from San Jose to Tortuguero(roundtrip).

Meals were decent. Lots of fresh fruit, coffee, etc.

Some tours were included. And our guide Alonso was excellent. He was so enthusiastic about his town, the wildlife and in touch with naure. He went out of his way to make sure everyone was enjoying it.

On the return I would highly recommend taking a small plane that will cost you $60-80 back to San Jose. A 45 minute flight versus taking a bus and boat that takes a total of 5-7 hours. (depending on which hotel you are at). Don't get me wrong. The experience on the Boat is great. But its' great one time only.

Definetly a place to see once. Not great for more than 3 nights, but a great place to see if you love nature and animals.