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Pachamama Tropical Garden Lodge: Traveler Reviews

1 km from cross route , 50 m from the beach, Mal Pais 5361, Costa Rica
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Pachamama Tropical Garden Lodge
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48 reviews from our community

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Salt Lake City, UT
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
“Best Place in Mal Pais”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2011

If you're going to Mal Pais then you'd be crazy not to stay here. We loved being here almost as much as being in Mal Pais. Franz is the best host you could find, maybe in all of Costa Rica. His recommendations for local eats never steered us wrong, and he knows all about the beach, whether surfing or boogie boarding. We felt very comfortable and very safe. Families or friends would be happy staying here.

The property is immaculate and beautiful. There are different kinds of fruit trees, hammocks to lay in, and a place to view the beautiful beach sunsets. It's very close to the beach, and a short drive to surf spots, although you could probably walk there too if you wanted.

We stayed in the bungalow our first night, which is a cozy set up. It was their hotter season in Mal Pais and we decided the bungalow was too warm, and since the house was available we traded to have A/C. The house is so fabulous! We were glad to have stayed there. It's like all the comforts of a resort without a super touristy feel. I think if we'd spent the whole time in Costa Rica there we probably never would have wanted to leave.

We can't say enough kind things about Franz. He'll go out of his way to help you have an enjoyable stay in Mal Pais. As is typical in Costa Rica for all places, it can be a little difficult to find. A helpful landmark for us was the little power station. If you're coming from Santa Elena, the power station will be on your left and Pachamama will be just a few meters more down the road also on the left. If you took the crazy bumpy road from Montezuma, it'll be on your right and if you hit the station you've gone too far.

Be sure to ask Franz for recommendations, you won't be disappointed.

  • Stayed March 2011, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Simply Awesome”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 26, 2011

Arrived at Pachamama and were immediately treated like long time friends even though this was our first trip. Franz the owner is the most wonderful host. We were provided with fresh fruit from the property several tes during our visit. The property is immaculately kept and the houses are spotless. There is no other place in Mal Pais that compares.

  • Stayed March 2011
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask NancyeNH about Pachamama Tropical Garden Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Falmouth, Massachusetts
1 review
“Great surf, great host, beautiful house, always sunny, mangoes, papaya ....”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2011

Our host, Franz, couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. Our house was casual but stunning and comfortable - very open. No bugs but adorable monkeys in the trees. Our 16 yo boys surfed every morning at 6 with Franz and every afternoon til they dropped. They had a lot of freedom and were always safe. Franz took us shopping when we first arrived so that we could fill our refrigerator and pointed us in the right direction for all our other needs. Several great restaurants nearby for every budget. If you like casual and easy going but clean and stylish and comfortable at the same time - this is the place for you.

  • Stayed February 2011, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Boston, Massachusetts
1 review
“JUST AWESOME!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 3, 2010

That was an awesome trip! Franz & Mara were great hosts!! And by the way very helpful!
Both gave us great advices! Bungalows and rooms are very nice, the whole property is located in a great area, just one minute to the beach, 3 minutes to town...
And by the way, Franz is a great surfer and gave us some helpful :) advices too.
(Don´t) Drink and surf, check it out and try it yourself!!!!
Fritz&Richard (Boston / Austria)

  • Stayed November 2010, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toronto, Canada
1 review
“So So Sweet , i keep coming back”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2010

I met good ole Franz in 2004 and have been back to his lovely place 3 times. Anytime i get to spend febuary there i know i am blessed. Franz is the host with the most and leaving becomes the hardest thing to do. Like another famous Austrian says... 'I'll be back !'

Stayed February 2010, traveled solo
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Additional Information about Pachamama Tropical Garden Lodge

Also Known As:
Pachamama Tropical Garden Lodge Costa Rica/Mal Pais
Address: 1 km from cross route , 50 m from the beach, Mal Pais 5361, Costa Rica
Region: Costa Rica > Province of Puntarenas > Mal Pais
Amenities:
Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Pets Allowed
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 7 Specialty lodging in Mal Pais
Price Range: $
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Pachamama Houses and Bungalows is the perfect place for people who like sports, nature, sun and beach. Only 1 km away is Cabo Blanco, the first national park created in Costa Rica, in 1963.We have two bungalows, each with a double bed and shared terrace for $60 a night, monthly $1400. A third bungalow is on a second floor with a double bed and private terrace. All lodgings are fully equipped with hammock, kitchen, fridge, fan, private bathroom with hot water. The house for rent has air condition and is fully equipped. There are 2 bedrooms, a beautiful terrace with BBQ, outside shower, hammock for $140 per night, monthly $2800. We have wireless internet, security 24 hours, private parking and cleaning service. It is the best option, for relaxing and enjoying the nature. We have a lot of wildlife in our tropical garden: butterflies, exotic birds and monkeys hanging around in the trees, and our coati, a sort of raccoon, which always comes to pick up his breakfast from us. The bungalows and the house are about 50m from the beautiful and quiet beach of Mal Pais. Here surfers find perfect waves year round. Air temperature is 30-35 degrees and water 24-26. We offer surfboard rentals and surf lessons. I'm a passionate kite surfer and if there is coming up some wind I'm in the ocean with a 16 m2 Kite. The wind is 15-20 knots from January to May. It is possible to rent a small house for $80 a night as well. It is fully equipped in a very beautiful and quiet place only 200m from the beach. Perfect location for 2 people. Monthly $1500We can reserve a hotel and transfer in San Jose, or book you a rental car in San Jose or in Mal Pais. ... more   less 

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