Evergreen Lodge

Beware: our money was stolen while our room was being cleaned. No mistake possible on our side: it was the first day of our trip so we very much knew how much was in that wallet. After pretending to take the issue seriously, saying they would pay us back a couple of days after we left (because "the boss was away for the weekend and needed to approve payment"), they emailed saying there was no trace of forced entry and the cleaner denied stealing the money (how surprising). The lodge itself is quite basic, the food okay (they do vary options, which is nice), the surrounding nature and wildlife beautiful. There are many other similar hotels in the area just note that 3 of them including Evergreen are owned by the same group) so we'd just suggest picking another one! Hats off to the guides who were all passionate, knowledgeable and interesting. On a side note, our main guide didn't seem surprised when we told him about the thief, so maybe we weren't just unlucky... In their reply to this review on Google, they even went further and lied about a purchase matching the amount stolen, and also lied about this information being shared with us (which makes sense given this is pure calumny; surely they should be able to attach proof to their reply if that was the case?). Don't give money to these dishonest people, please! El Tortugero deserves your money, but not these thieves.

Great accommodation set right in the heart of the rainforest. As soon as they pick you up in their boats you will be looked after by one of their guides. The accommodation is like tree houses but on stilts with 360 views of the rainforest. Don’t worry about the mesh windows, it is all part of the experience. It is sturdy mesh, nothing is getting in. Just don’t leave your door open if you are scared of bugs! The forest was loud at night with the sounds of wildlife but all 4 of us including our kids slept through it, must be the natural air! The accommodation and everywhere is spotlessly clean. Food was great and plentiful. You will be involved in several tours and trips all included in your stay, with some optional extras if you choose. My top advice is to come prepared for the rain. We knew it would (you are in the rainforest after all!) but we didn’t expect just how much. It was pretty constant and very heavy at times. Invest in a good raincoat. They provide ponchos and their boats are covered.

That was the warning sign at the boat dock upon arrival at Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero. We stayed in one of their bungalow surrounded by rain forest foliages. The bungalows were far enough part to have privacy. Beware that there are no windows to close within the bungalows, just screens. Inside was one large room with two beds and a separate bathroom. A ceiling fan helped with comfort. Cellular was virtually nonexistent, isolated 3G on occasions. Working Wi-Fi was weathered dependent. We were told monkeys (didn’t see any) and other critters were all around. We were warned not to touch any colorful wildlife (toads/frogs) because those are usually poisonous. There were walkable trails that led to other nearby resorts. A “turtle shaped” swimming pool for guests to use. On our first overnight, we were awakened by loud sounds similar to gunfires or firecrackers. Some sounds were distant and some on top of us. They told us that sounds were branches or other things falling onto the metal roofs of the bungalows. Metal roofs amplified the sounds. Nightly we received deluges of rain which probably accounted for the falling branches. There was so much precipitation in this rain forest that the water rose over the dock in the morning. We ate buffets at their dining hall. Choices were adequate, but definitely not gourmet. They can made omelets during breakfast and pasta of you choice during dinner. The staff were helpful, nice and accommodating.

I cannot recommend this lodge enough. We saw a ton of wildlife right on the property, the staff and guides were all amazing and the food was good. We loved Tortuguero and this lodge was a great way to experience it. Special shout out to Jorge Mario who was so passionate and knowledgeable about all of the nature and wildlife, we learned so much from him! We saw howler and capuchin monkeys very up close every night as well as many other animals, including a sea turtle at the turtle nesting experience. It is very humid as you're in the rainforest so plan accordingly but it is a once in a lifetime experience.

The jungle chorus gave me the best night's sleep of the entire Costa Rica holiday, and once the staff realised we were vegan they brought out special food dishes for us for each meal. Outstanding. This is a very special place.

Stunning surroundings, so much nature. The boat journey alone was spectacular. The room was comfortable and clean. The food was good. A special mention to the accommodation of the coeliac, they made her gluten-free roti for breakfast. The cocktails were generous and well priced compared with other places we stayed. A very special place