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Bosque del Cabo is a romantic getaway and a naturalist’s dream, come true. Crowning a point 500 feet above where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean, nestled in the unspoiled jungles of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is a paradise found. Located in a unique and fortunate position at the very tip of the Osa Peninsula in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, this 750+ acre forest reserve features private, spacious bungalows and gorgeous houses perched atop the cliffs of Cabo Matapalo, each with beautiful ocean views, tropical breezes and the rainforest at your doorstep; or choose beautiful and rustic garden view accommodations surrounded by thriving rainforests. Hiking trails lead you through the forest to deserted beaches on both the Golfo Dulce and Pacific Ocean. Bosque del Cabo, which opened its doors as a hotel in 1990, is owner operated and dedicated to forest preservation.
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Nestled in a secluded paradise where the beach meets the rainforest, Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge is celebrated by many for its stunning location brimming with wildlife and scenic beauty. Guests laud the warm and exceptional service that enhances their stay, while the hotel's amenities—from nature trails to inviting pools—receive high marks for creating a tranquil and refreshing experience.
The unique 'family' atmosphere and clean, comfortable cabinas with awe-inspiring views are repeatedly praised, although some visitors note the activities can be costly. Overall, the value is recognized for the quality experience offered.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant
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Arriving in Bosque del Cabo is like arriving in paradise. Everything about the rainforest ecolodge is luscious—the colorful foliage, the birds and other wildlife roaming the property, the views and the food. The grounds are immaculate and beautifully maintained. There is so much to be seen and enjoyed along the walking paths, from the privacy of your room’s terrace or in the open-air dining and bar areas. We travelled with our two kids (ages 11 and 12) and I can honestly say there was something for each of us. We enjoyed the hikes, early morning birding, horseback riding, waterfall rappelling, zip lines, tree climbing and surfing. Of course, there is plenty of space for quiet relaxation as well. Kim and Phil are absolutely lovely hosts. They take an interest in each guests’ preferences and needs. Their staff are also warm and accommodating. Everything is tended to “con mucho gusto”. From the on-site expert naturalists, the guides, managers, servers and housekeepers—everyone made our experience special. We honestly didn’t want to leave! We had the opportunity to stay in two different guest houses and each was special in its own way. It’s wonderful to be in a place so thoughtfully designed and constructed. As you explore the grounds you too will understand Kim and Phil’s love of the Osa Peninsula and their life’s work to create such a magical place.
Importantly, during this time of COVID-19, I believe Kim and Phil have taken every precaution to keep guests safe. All rooms and common areas are sanitized, meals are carefully served and all staff are mindful of mask wearing and hygiene practices. I wouldn’t hesitate to return to Bosque del Cabo at any time.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you love nature and want to experience the unspoiled Costa Rica then this is the place. A resort at the end of the Osa peninsula with beautiful gardens and nature all around. The casas and cabinas are situated well apart providing privacy and have an amazing view of the ocean. The units are comfortable and clean with mosquito netting over the beds and the expected amenities. The land of Bosque del Cabo is large and there are many amazing trails on the property to hike. The list of wildlife we saw is incredible: spider monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchin (white faced) monkeys, squirrel monkeys, coatis, peccaries, agoutis, scarlet macaws, fiery billed aracari, great curassow, and too many to count varieties of birds. You are literally at the end of the road in BDC and since there are no local dining options they take care of feeding you. This is not your standard all-inclusive fare and you will not be disappointed. For breakfast and lunch there is a menu with many options – the menu even changes after several days for even greater variety. Dinner is much more of a group activity with all guests dining together and the staff preparing a buffet of food. By the main pool there is a well-stocked bar, a wonderful place for meeting up and sharing stories with other guests and often with the owners, Kim & Phil. If you truly want to experience the unspoiled nature of Costa Rica then put Bosque del Cabo on your list of places to visit.
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Date of stay: May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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I read the poor rating review and one or two others who graded low and wonder why some people ever leave their homes. Sure, the internet reception isn't great but this is a place to get away from things, to enjoy worthwhile activities in a great setting. Staff here are friendly and helpful. Irene attended to our table most days and could not have been more considerate, more friendly or more polite. The choices of food were more than adequate and small changes either for dietary reasons or simply on personal whim were accommodated easily and willingly. There was tremendous choice from the dinner buffet and vegetables were crisp and lightly cooked, fresh and delicious and always with great salads.
Our accommodation viewed over the ocean. we watched Scarlet Macaws, Roadside Hawks, Common Black Hawks, Pelicans, Frigate Birds and different Humming Birds from our balcony. Carlos the bird man and Phillip the resident Biologist were always happy to pass on information about bird sightings and as a result we found Pearl Kites and Spectacled Owls as well as having great sightings of four types of monkey on a single day.
The accommodation was really comfortable and the outdoor showers warm and really liberating. Going outside for a late night freshen up before bed allowed one to listen to the sound of the nearby ocean and the calls of the night. We were told that there would be few insects and the locals were correct, hardly a bite without any use of repellent.
This was a great stay Phil, thanks for all the efforts of your team.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Get one of the cabins looking out over the ocean
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This year marked 27 years that we’ve been coming to Bosque del Cabo. To say we like it is an understatement; WE LOVE BDC!!! Although it’s changed a lot since 1993 when we 1st visited (& literally cried when it was time to go home), we too have changed (Ha!) & we’ve come to appreciate the many amenities (like hot water & solar power), that initially I was disappointed about. It’s still romantic, peaceful & oh so comfortable! The beds, the linens, the warm water outdoor showers, soaking tubs...I could go on & on, but if you love nature & want to see the flora & fauna of southern Costa Rica (in comfort), JUST GO!!! On our last visit April 2020 we watched large troops of monkeys: howler & spider from our deck at Casa Coco. We also saw big groups of peccaries & pizotes in the yard around the house, as well as flocks of Carasols (wild turkey). At the lodge we saw white face monkeys & on the Titi Trail we saw them all, including squirrel monkeys. You may be hesitant about an all inclusive resort (as I tend to be), but let me assure you that the food @ BDC is excellent & plentiful. Don’t miss the Huevos Rancheros for breakfast or the Ensalado Arenal & Tuna Melt @ lunch (personal favorites). Dinners are family style (unless you prefer private seating) & it’s great fun to discuss the day’s adventures with like minded people from all over the world. Also want to mention that in all our visits to BDC we’ve never had a mosquito bite. It is the rainforest so you will encounter some bugs, but that too is interesting.
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Date of stay: April 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The room was very cosy, homely and had everything you needed. The bed was very pretty and very comfortable. The room was always kept cleaned and tidy. It was just perfect! No bugs, animals of any kind… keep your bedroom door closed at all time and no surprise should happen!
The shower is outside and that was an experience on its own. Toucans and humminbirds above your head, blue sky, giant tropical leaves and colourful flowers to remind you the beauty of the place! Yes, there is no materialistic luxury here such as creams, shower cap, nail polisher, dental kit on display etc... yes, that’s true…
The only luxury here is Nature, the most amazing Nature you’ll experience!
The architecture of the main buildings is beautiful and in perfect harmony with the surrounding Nature, the restaurant serves great food all throughout the day if you wish to… the bar and swimming pool areas offer the opportunity to relax and indulge as you wish… especially after a mind-blowing walk-in nature or by the sea.
Beautiful experience!
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Date of stay: December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I have visited Bosque several times the last four years . The last time was in January 2020. There was a visible difference in the upkeep of the place .Don't get me wrong the grounds are beautiful. The wildlife abundant. But the cushions on the dinner chairs and the mats in the pool area need replacing. There used to be wash cloths in the bathrooms by the pool but no longer. Towels by the pool were lacking. I realize that these are small things but we are spending quite a bit of money here and it was not like this our first time here.They were helpful with our bags this time But did not help us the last visit.The staff were very helpful when asked and always had a smile on there faces. The food I felt needed improvement I am mainly talking about Dinner. The evening meal was almost always cold or maybe Luke warm. It was buffet style and there was a large group eating and a large selection of food. There are ways to serve hot food buffet style . I felt that all of the meats served were smothered with to many spices. Don't get me wrong I like spices but I saw no choices.Fish is nice with a little butter or lemon or salt pepper that way you taste the fish.Of course food is personal and you cannot please everyone. But at least serve it hot. . The rooms also could use some help The beds had Canvas (The type of material used for tarps.) as bed covers. The covers were damp and were put on the beds every day even though we removed them. What happened to bedspreads?
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our 9th trip to Bosque Del Cabo in the Osa Peninsula. After a severe lockdown in Costa Rica the lodge had managed to be better then ever. The weather was gorgeous, the staff gracious and the owners terrific. The trails were in fabulous shape the wildlife abundant (Toucans Toucans). I can strongly recommend to anyone wanting to break out of 2020 to visit this ecolodge for the experience of a lifetime. Be sure to take the tropical Bio tour with Phillip and the birding tour with Carlos!!! Will be going back again this year! Let me add the insurance for health was easy to navigate online, the /san Jose airport was spotless the people working there were very helpful, much easier then most US airports and very SAFE.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â All views are of the Pacific Ocean 500 ft above sea level
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Recently returned from 4 nights at Bosque del Cabo, it truly is another world everyone should experience sometime in their life. We saved the best for last on our 22 day visit to CR. We stayed in the garden Casa Teka, which is a 8 minute walk from the main area through the rainforest and across a classic tico hanging bridge. The garden house had 2 enclosed bedrooms and a full kitchen, along w an open dining table hammock and sofa. It has a very large bamboo stand intermingled with a lawn and tropical garden attracting all kinds of wildlife from monkeys, pecuaries, coatis, and assorted birds. We woke and fell asleep to the sounds of the forest. Teka was clean and had all utensils and equipment I needed to cook 3 meals a day. We caught over 25 lbs of fish one day in the Golfo Dulce bay, ate as much as we could but gave a lot away to the staff. The main cabinas out front are well appointed and very comfy all with varied views of the ocean. Great place to read, write, meditate, and just chill. Some have lofts, and some have kitchenettes. There's a nice happy hour gathering at 6-7 every night, where we were able to meet the folks on the full board plan. The meals we saw served looked amazing.
On a recommendation, we went out with Phillip the British tree naturalist on a 3 hour walk , he gave the most detailed explanation of the forest of any guide we experienced elsewhere. Really an amazing guy. There are lots of trails to explore including 3 down to the ocean, it's 600 steps down to the Pacific! Best to do early if the tide allows. The property in general is expansive, it is such a choice location for both sunrise viewing as well as sunsets, Both view sides have large viewing platforms, for sitting or doing yoga etc. The pools are well kept and overlook a lovely garden. One pool is for families and one for adults only. The owners Phil and Kim have worked extremely hard to make this is a first class lodging experience , without being pretentious. The atmosphere is friendly , relaxed but attentive. The staff are very professional. They have names embroidered on their shirts, remember each guest's name and are always friendly and helpful.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bosque del Cabo is a paradise land for those who love nature; you can tell the love and care the staff and owners Kim and Phil have given to it, there're well marked trails for you to explore, decks with great views (photos attached) and a closeness to nature with different sort of cool animals hanging out while you have a meal in the restaurant. The attention given is just outstanding, lots of tips, advice and stories that just made the experience way better, and also tours, like birdwatching are a must to get a closer look at beautiful birds from the area. We even received a "to-go breakfast" in a lunch box one day since we had an early tour around 6 am !! Just awesome!! The food was just delicious, kudos to the chef Roger!! The location is, as you shoud expect, a bit far away to actually get into the wild ( around 30 mins from Puerto Jimenez town), but it's more than worth it. Tip: Careful with leaving food inside your cabin, the "pizotes" will invade it :) Definitely visit and stay in a cabin with astounding view like "Congo", you'll wish to live there forever! Thanks for the lovely experience!
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Date of stay: September 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Cabins with views like Congo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Something for everyone from middle schoolers to grandparents in our case. Adventures, wildlife, walks, empty beaches. Fantastic guides and staff and owners dedicated to preservation.
The large property is criss-crossed by well maintained trails through pristine forest with just enough well-kept grounds and amenities to feel like a resort too. The rooms and houses are gorgeous. Some of our best wildlife viewing over the years has been right in our yard.
Monkeys, cats, birds, etc. You can see them all if you take the time to explore.
Don't miss surfing at the Pollo Surf School if you are new to surfing...it is a fun lesson with great instructors.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Suzanne - keep in mind it takes some time & effort to get to the Osa Peninsula (if you are wanting to go to various locations in CR) but it is worth the planning! Cano Island is on the other side of the peninsula, basically opposite from Matapalo, the area of Bosque del Cabo, so I don’t think you can do Cano Island as a day trip from Bosque del Cabo. However, you can enjoy an amazing time at BDC, especially if you love wildlife and natural beauty. It’s going to be hot on Osa in August and probably more rain at the end of the month. But the good thing about the rain is it helps to cool things down and keeps the forest green for the animals. The rainforest is hot & humid, without a doubt, but during our time there at end of April we were very comfortable at night & mostly during the day, though hiking mid-day was pretty sweaty (but totally worth it!). We spent some days in Puerto Jimenez and did activities on Golfo Dulce - you can snorkel there but I don’t think it’s particularly great so we opted to just explore with private boat tours through Surcos Tours - but you can also arrange this kind of experience through Bosque del Cabo and do it while you are staying there. I believe all national parks are open right now but pay close attention to COVID reports because things change quite often. CR has been very good about responding to COVID #s, having curfews and even closing borders for a while. But we felt much safer in CR - on Osa Peninsula - than we do most of the time in the US. Feel free to ask me any questions.
Hi Marie - we were just at Bosque del Cabo at end of April and we had a lot of conversations with various people about in what month we should plan a return trip. I think you may want to seriously consider the amount of rain you could encounter during october & november. These are usually rainy months so you might want to look closely at various weather apps and look at monthly averages. Late November would probably be the best time out of those 2 months, if you really want to keep it Oct/Nov. Rain is part of the deal in the rainforest, of course, and a bonus is fewer tourists during rainier times. Check out the FAQ on Bosque del Cabo website for monthly descriptions of weather/rain.
American in Costa Rica490 contributions93 helpful votes
Hi! Thanks for your question. We don’t have many issues with bugs at all, day or night, to be honest. The lodge has a fortunate position 500 feet up, and enjoys a really nice off shore breeze. We also have mosquito nets around the beds for added protection, just in case. But we really don’t have guests talking about big issues.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. We would love to have you come and stay with us at Bosque.
Take care, Kim
There are more places to choose from in the Cabo Matapalo area.
PRICE RANGE
$670 - $838 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bosque del cabo rainforest hotel puerto jimenez
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasOsa PeninsulaCabo Matapalo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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