Is Mikado Natural Lodge a good base for exploring Tamarindo?

Mikado Natural Lodge is a good base for exploring the area, though Tamarindo's main sights are a drive away. Tamarindo Beach is 9.8 km from the lodge, and Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas is 12.5 km, so you'll want a car or taxi for those. Closer by, Playa Avellanas is about 6 km, great for surfing and beach time. The lodge is set in the hills of San José de Pinilla, surrounded by tropical forest, with easy access to Canopy Pinilla for ziplining. For exploring further, a rental car is recommended to reach the beaches and attractions comfortably.

Mikado Natural Lodge Tamarindo

Name: Mikado Natural Lodge
Address: 3km sur de Canopy de Pinilla Camino del Camaron, Tamarindo, 哥斯达黎加

Guest reviews

4.9Excellent(116)

Excellent108
Good3
Average5
Poor0
Terrible0

What guests say about…

Service
Property
Fitness

Guests like

Host Hospitality: Guests consistently praise the host for warm welcomes, attentive care, and accommodating dietary needs.
Natural Setting: Reviews highlight the peaceful jungle surroundings, with howler monkeys and birds visible from rooms and the pool.
Pool and Property: The infinity pool and well-kept grounds are frequently mentioned as relaxing spots to enjoy nature.

Guests mention

Getting Around: Several guests mention the lodge is a 15-30 minute drive from town and beaches, and suggest an SUV for dirt roads.
Meals: Breakfast is included and praised; guests can pre-arrange dinner with the host, which is recommended for a special meal.
Property Size: With only six bungalows, the lodge offers privacy and a quiet stay, ideal for those seeking a low-key retreat.

Summary for your reference

Reviews from

Jeannie Blackwood

5/5

Google· 7 months ago

We spent a few days at Mikado in early November and had the most amazing time. We were there at the end of the rainy season and ended up having the whole place to ourselves. The rooms and bathrooms were perfect and surrounded by nature. The resort is very nice but is also very relaxed and low key. Lolo was an incredible host and prepared great breakfasts for us. We also pre-scheduled dinner with her one night and she prepared a delicious 3 course meal. My travel partner had serious dietary restrictions and she was able to accommodate them. We didn’t have a car so we had Lolo help coordinate transportation to and from Mikado, we did successfully take an uber to Playa Avellana one day but then had a hard time getting a ride back. There was a little hike we could do from Mikado and we saw monkeys while laying by the pool. I would definitely go back and recommend to anyone who is traveling to Costa Rica. This would also be a great place to rent out the whole place and have a gathering.

Fiona Soderberg

5/5

Google· 9 months ago

My family and I had a 3 night stay at Mikado Natural Lodge over Christmas and my birthday, and it was absolute magic. Our kids are 4 and 6 and this place was such a treat for all of us. The property strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and peaceful. We spent days by the pool watching howler monkeys right in the trees above us and Lolo's little touches throughout (bathroom amenities, sunblock by the pool) really show her dedication to making every stay top-notch. A huge highlight for our girls was the lodge's new mini-pig; they spent hours playing with her! Little did Lolo know she hired a babysitter when she brought on the new family pet :) What really makes Mikado special, though, is the hospitality. Lolo went above and beyond, cooking a special dinner for my birthday, providing recommendations and suggestions, and home cooked wonderful breakfasts. We arrived as guests but truly felt like we left as friends with Lolo and her family. Every day we ventured out to the beach or other activities. There's plenty to do, but it is all 15+ minutes down dirt roads (the charm of this part of CR) which you get the hang of pretty quickly. If you are looking for a warm, welcoming, and nature-filled escape in Costa Rica, look no further. We can't wait to return!

sujiek2022

5/5

Tripadvisor· 7 months ago

My husband and I had a wonderful and peaceful stay at Mikado Natural Lodge. We had a warm welcome by Lolo, one of the owners after a long day of travel and we were quickly settled into our beautiful bungalow. Our bungalow was bright and spacious and had a forest view where we enjoyed watching birds and a family of howlers in the trees from our veranda. The infinity pool was amazing and again a treat to watch birds and monkeys as we were swimming. Most of our mornings started with a walk along the property's trail or the one just outside the property accompanied by Lolo's dogs Danfur and Luna and then a delicious breakfast. The beach is about a 10-15 minute drive down the mountain but easy to get to once you get used to the roads. The nature, the amenities, the service, the meals, everything was just wonderful. We would definitely stay here again.

MARILENA KASERER

5/5

Google· 8 months ago

Mikado Lodge is a truly special place — the perfect setting to connect with nature and completely unwind. The rooms offer wonderful privacy and are beautifully designed with great attention to detail. Sitting on the veranda, surrounded by nature, was pure relaxation, and we felt at home from the very first moment. The breakfast and the dinner lovingly prepared by Lolo were outstanding and added a very personal touch to our stay. We also spent peaceful hours by the stunning pool, which made the experience even more memorable. Mikado Lodge was without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip. Lolo’s warmth and care made us feel incredibly welcome, and she truly went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. We would recommend Mikado Lodge wholeheartedly and would return in a heartbeat. 🌿✨

Jack Newman

5/5

Google· 9 months ago

Had a lovely and memorable 3 nights at Mikado Lodge. So peaceful with amazing views from the bedrooms and pool. The rooms are well equipped with lovely large beds. We enjoyed waking up to the howler monkeys outside our room and hiking around the property. We also went to the nearby beaches of Avellanas and Tamarindo which are 20-30mins drive (would recommend an SUV rental car for dirt roads). We were lucky enough to time a beach visit with a turtle hatching release at sunset on the beach. Would love to come back soon! Thanks Lola for being an amazing host with lovely breakfasts and dinner.

Gage Dobbins

5/5

Google· 6 months ago

The Mikado is a spectacular spot in Costa Rica. Lola is the consummate host. The villas are truly wonderful. The breakfast is delicious. Sitting by the pool is restful and rejuvenating. We got to watch a family of monkeys travel across the treetops over the property in the morning. Care is taken with each guest and it is a real retreat. We hope to return soon.

Response from the property

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Mikado Natural Lodge and that you appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, the bungalows, and those special moments by the pool. Watching the monkeys move through the treetops is always a magical experience, and we’re glad you got to enjoy it. It was a real pleasure to host you, and your words mean a lot to us. We do our best to create a place where every guest can relax and feel taken care of. We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another peaceful retreat. Warm regards, Lolo

melissa murray

5/5

Google· 8 months ago

This was a very restful getaway from reality for my husband and I. Lola was a great host and made us feel welcome and was there for any challenges. There are 6 treehouses / casitas with a main dining area and pool. It is about 15 minutes to town - not too far but far enough to feel like you are getting away a bit. If you want relaxation, this is for you. And we loved the pig on the property. She's too cute.

Response from the property

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I am truly happy to hear that your stay felt like a restful escape from everyday life and that you were able to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It means a lot to know that I made you feel welcome and supported throughout your stay — that is exactly the experience we strive to offer our guests. I am also glad you enjoyed the balance of being close to town while still feeling immersed in nature, as well as our bungalows, pool, and shared spaces. And yes — our little pig "Negritta" is definitely a favorite among guests! 🐷 We would absolutely love to welcome you back again for another relaxing getaway in the future. With Love Lolo

Ruxandra Ioana Marinescu

5/5

Google· 11 months ago

My stay at Mikado Natural Lodge was simply unforgettable. Nestled in the heart of the Guanacaste jungle, this peaceful eco-lodge offers the perfect balance between luxury and nature. The six private bungalows are beautifully designed, the infinity pool overlooks breathtaking green hills and it’s was a great place to just relax and enjoy slow mornings. The animals were also very fun to watch and hear. A true hidden gem in Costa Rica, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, authenticity, and comfort in equal measure.

Frequently asked questions about Mikado Natural Lodge

Where can I eat near Mikado Natural Lodge?

At the lodge, you can enjoy a homemade breakfast included with your stay, plus a three-course dinner by advance reservation, served in the open-air restaurant or on your terrace. For other meals, the nearest dining is in Tamarindo, about 9.8 km away, where you'll find options like Nogui's on the beach, Koi Restaurant & Sushi Lounge, and Kahiki Restaurant & Bar. Playa Avellanas, 6 km from the lodge, also has casual beachside spots. Since the lodge is in a rural area, plan to drive or take a taxi for meals outside.

What is the area around Mikado Natural Lodge like?

Mikado Natural Lodge sits in the hills of San José de Pinilla, surrounded by tropical forest with Pacific Ocean views. It is about 6 km from Playa Avellanas, a well-known surfing beach, and roughly 16 km from Playa Tamarindo. The immediate area is quiet and natural, with wildlife like howler monkeys and tropical birds around the lodge. Nearby activities include surfing, horseback riding on the beach, canopy ziplining at Pinilla, and sea turtle conservation tours with Verdiazul. Tamarindo, about 9.8 km away, offers beaches and dining, while Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas is 12.5 km from the lodge. The setting is peaceful, with easy access to beaches and adventures by car.

How do I get to Mikado Natural Lodge from the airport or main train station?

From Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, the lodge is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, expect a drive of roughly 4.5 to 5 hours. A private shuttle can be arranged from either airport directly to the lodge. Renting a vehicle is a good option for exploring the region, and a 4x4 or SUV is recommended for comfort. The lodge is about 6 km from Playa Avellanas and roughly 16 km from Playa Tamarindo.

What's there to do near Mikado Natural Lodge in the evening?

Evenings at Mikado are best spent at the lodge itself, where you can reserve a three-course dinner on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Pacific. For a change of scene, Playa Avellanas is about 6 km away, a short drive for a beachside evening. Tamarindo, roughly 16 km off, has spots like on the beach and for dinner and drinks. A sunset catamaran cruise from Tamarindo is a popular evening option, and the lodge can help arrange it. After dark, the tropical forest around you comes alive with wildlife sounds, making a quiet night on your private terrace a memorable end to the day.

Mikado Natural Lodge

Mikado Natural Lodge

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Good to know

Guest reviews

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Create your own trip to Tamarindo

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