Name: Tierra Madre Eco Lodge
Address: 5 km Al Norte De La Iglesia De Los Andes De La Gar,, La Cruz, La Cruz, La Cruz, 51001, Costa Rica
Rating: 10

Smoke-free property

Express check-in/check-out

Garden

Terrace

General

Non-smoking rooms

Rooms

Concierge services

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Diet menu (on request)

Restaurant

Packed Lunches

Meals

Internet access

Internet

Airport transportation

Transfer services

Transfer

Spanish

English

French

Languages Spoken

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Hiking

Sun Deck

Recreation

Offsite parking reservations required

Parking

Swimming pool

Outdoor pool

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Solarium

Beauty and wellness

Children's playground

Kids

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Upala Airport

Liberia Airport

Tierra Madre Eco Lodge

La Cruz

We (me, my husband, our two kids aged 14 and 11) stayed at Tierra Madre for four nights at the very beginning of a two-week vacation in Costa Rica in March 2023, and it was spectacular. Adrian was so welcoming, knowledgeable, fun, and generous with his time and information; we saw and learned so many things on the hikes he took us on, and this helped us appreciate so many things we saw afterwards elsewhere in Costa Rica as well. The farm tour was fascinating both for its agriculture and for the history of the enterprise. The location is absolutely beautiful and full of birds and other wildlife. The food was delicious and creative. It was all an unforgettable and inspiring experience! Bring good walking shoes!

A wonderful place

Staying at Tierra Madre was without a doubt the highlight of our visit to Costa Rica. The landscape around the lodge is jaw-droppingly beautiful with stunning sunsets and views of Lake Nicaragua. Adrian was a great host and tailored our time there to our interests. He took us on a jungle tour where we saw monkeys and learnt about sustainable farming and the history of Costa Rica. We also visited a banana plantation and swam in a secluded river. Our rooms were rustic, but comfortable with great views. The gazebo with a hammock and loungers was a great reading spot.
The food was also delicious and wholesome. Made from the freshest ingredients, many of which were grown on site, every meal was a treat (and very filling!) If you're looking to go off the beaten path and get away from it all, you won't do better than Tierra Madre.

The most beautiful place in Costa Rica

The most inspiring experience we had in a long time and for sure the most memorable days we spent in Costa Rica.

From the very first moment Adrien was helping us via WhatsApp with dates, organisation, transport. Arriving at the farm we immediately realized this is going to be a once in a lifetime experience: Tierra Madre is far away from the tourist glitz (and traps) in a breathtaking environment: From the porch of our wooden cabin we saw the volcanoes of Ometepe, we heard the djungle concert in full swing and from a little hill nearby watched the sun set over Nicaragua in a way we have rarely seen before. If you like to watch the stars at night, there are few places in the world with less light pollution, I guess.

But what made the trip to Tierra Madre extra special wasn‘t sunsets, stars or the food (well, the food the team prepares is super tasty), it was Adrien and his passion for what he‘s doing. 14 years ago when he arrived at Tierra Madre and bought the place, it was a giant meadow for cows. Adrien transformed the soil completely, began planting trees - and created a jungle in full power. On our second day he took us on a long hike through his jungle, explained his way of doing agriculture, showed us all the animals, gave short lectures on almost every tree/bush/insect and handed us things to eat, we never knew you could. While following him through the jungle we were confronted with many fears - but Adrien (and Paco, sweetest  dog ever) made us feel so secure at the same time. In the end we were so happy and full of potentially life-changing thoughts. Not to forget the swim in the jungle river and the swinging… you‘ll see about that.

Best thing to do in Costa Rica

My Brother and I stayed 5 nights in Tierra Madre eco Lodge and we wished we stayed 5 more! The lodge is owned/ran by Fahimeh and Adrien who are from Belgium and moved to Costa Rica around 8-10 years ago. Their life story is incredible and inspiring! They grow and source all their own food on property except wheat, flour, oil, and salt. Everything else, they can grow or farm. The food was beyond amazing and fahimeh is an incredible chef. Adrien is beyond knowledgable and can talk about any subject, you name it, he knows it! After the second day there, it felt like staying with family. We did wonderful hikes through the forest, went to a near by beach, hiked to Nicaragua, did a property tour, and so much more! I learned so much about the surrounding ecosystem and i'm extremely grateful for that! I took a baking class with Fahimeh and I left knowing how to make delicious breads, pasta, and different paste! Oh, and if you want to see wildlife....you are going to the perfect place! Tons of monkeys, birds, snakes, insects, and possibly you'll see a feline, if you are lucky :). The rooms were extremely nice and the beds are super comfortable. Its the perfect getaway from your everyday life. I cant wait to go back and my next stay will be longer! I cant forget this part either.... they have the best dogs ever!! Paco is a loyal dog who will play with you and hike with you while you are in the forest!! I will miss their dog so much... luckily I have tons of photos of Paco to look back on! Go to Tierra Madre and I promise you will not regret it! Its no just for the explorer, it's for everyone.

A real getaway

A nice property on a hill with a nice view of Lake Nicaragua to the north.  Not as hot as down on the coast but close enough to takes trips down if desired.  Run by a Belgian couple and a Belgian/Tico couple.  They are doing some interesting farming and growing the food on property.   The food is quite good.  You can take some challenging or more sedate hikes.  There is some primary rainforest and some secondary forest which they are increasing.  You can see various species of birds, monkeys, army ants leaf cutter ants etc.  Cabins are a bit rustic as long as you are okay with dry composting toilets and the occasional bug you are good. If not, not for you.  Your hosts are up for arranging all sorts of excursions.  I went line fishing for snappers with some locals.  We also took a day trip to Nicaragua and tour of the dry forest in the national park.  It was very good value

Breezy place on a hill

We had only one night at Tierra Madre Ecolodge. We should have booked one or two nights more.
Back to basic.
To get there was an adventure itself.
The people there are very kind.
The cook is really talented. We had the best Vegan Food there. 
A really good place to calm down and to see animals.
The King Volture we saw twice.
Thank you very much for having us at your place.

Amazing Location Vegan Friendly

This lodge, on a lovely hillside overlooking the border and Lake Nicaragua, is family-run, with great home-grown and home-cooked meals. The hosts are super-attentive and entertaining with hikes, outings, cooking classes. In April, it was a really delicious temperate microclimate; seeing toucans, oropendula, and white-faced monkeys from our balcony. It is a paradise for those seeking to be soothed by the natural environment.

Sanctuary of beauty and comfort

My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights and we absolutely loved our time here. Adrian and Fahimeh were such a wonderful hosts and you must hear their life story. They are so inspiring and they challenged us to think about our own values and ways of thinking. It is a small family run business, so we felt as if we were part of their family during our stay. Adrian gave us an amazing tour of the farm and also took us on a beautiful hike to a nearby river and natural hot springs. We wanted to go spend some time at a nearby beach and Fahimeh guided us to a gorgeous beach. The meals were amazing! We enjoyed our breakfst with fresh juice, coffee, fresh fruit, eggs and bread. They packed delicious lunch for our hikes and beach day. Xavier cooked us wonderful 3-course dinners each night with organic ingredients. They made so much effort to make our stay so comfortable and enjoyable!

Beautiful place and beautiful people

Tierra Madre is a great destination.  Even for families with little kids.  We have 2 and loved it.  Great food.  Natural surroundings.   Very much off the beaten trail.  Wonderful hosts.  We felt like family.  We learned a lot about Costa Rican flora and fauna.  For folks who like “travel” more than “vacations”.   But for us it was both.  Highly recommended.  

Thanks 

Do not let the gravel road throw you off. This is a place where you want to be. Our trip showed us that they deserve a 5-star rating all the way!

Delicious foods, incredibly energetic passionate people, breath taking views. They live and breath their Ecolodge, they love what they do, and it shows! 

This is nature with the best! Hot showers, comfortable beds and filtered water from the tap! You'll have to trek, it's part of the charm. You'll see some bugs, you're in a tropical place! You'll hear different sounds, you're in nature!

No musty smelling overly AC'd room with an over crowded buffet, Tierra Madre is a refreshing place to experience, a must!

We spent 8 nights at Tierra Madre with a 5 year-old, the entire stay went too quick. Our child loved it, even asking to live there for ever! The warmth and passion of these folks are intoxicating! We liked them at first sight, and we left loving them! 

Ask them for packing tips before you leave, being well prepared will allow you to enjoy your stay even more. 

Pura Vida

Tierra Madre Eco Lodge

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