My Costa Rica Treehouse Experience

the Good and the Buggy

When I was planning my group trip to Costa Rica I knew I wanted to stay in a treehouse. And boy do you have a lot to choose from. Treehouses and Eco-friendly accommodations are some of the most common unique accommodations in the country… is that an oxymoron LOL. 

As a disclaimer, the following review is solely based on my experience at the treehouse I stayed in. It does not represent other treehouse accommodations in Costa Rica.

I stayed here in January 2020.

How do I find a Costa Rica Treehouse?

Air BNB

I found the treehouse I stayed at on Airbnb. They make it super easy as you can search for unique stays, and one of the options is “treehouse”. I believe there are also hotels that you can stay at that are also like staying in a treehouse if you do not want to book on Airbnb.

Is Airbnb Safe and Reliable?

I can really only speak about my experience when using the booking platform. Which was great. The owners were responsive and answered any questions we had.

However, I have talked to other people that have used Airbnb that had unfortunate experiences, such as misleading photos, and even break-ins. It is important to understand that these kinds of things can happen everywhere.

My Costa Rica Treehouse Experience!

Playa Carrillo at sunset

What was good? So much! I stayed at Casa Kupu-Kupu. It accommodates up to seven people, and we were a group of seven so it worked perfectly. It consisted of three bedrooms. A master with a King, another with a double and a single, and an additional hut beside the treehouse with another double.

Another factor that makes this treehouse stand out is its location. It is less than a five-minute drive to one of the most picturesque beaches in Costa Rica Playa Carrillo, and a ten-minute drive to the beach town of Samara.

One thing to note. We were not aware when booking that there is an office attached to the little hut beside the treehouse, that someone works out of. So someone will probably be on the property during the day, however, you pretty much just see them when they arrive/leave.

Related Article

Costa Rica Treehouse Outdoor Areas

Casa Kupu Kupu Top Floor Bedroom
Costa Rica Tree House View

Top floor of Casa Kupu-Kupu. There are amazing jungle views, and an open air bedroom. (also bats, or at least there was during our stay)

Pool Area

The outdoor space is what sets this property apart from the rest. Not only is there a pool and a lounging area with patio furniture and a hammock, but there is also an outdoor dining area.

Casa Kupu-kupu kitchen
Photo Credit: Colin Larson
Casa Kupu-kupu outside

Costa Rica Treehouse Indoor Areas

There are three bedrooms on the property. In the main house, there is a master bedroom and a second bedroom with a double and a single bed. The single bed is up against the window and therefore has way more bugs than the double. In a separate bungalow to the side of the main house is another bedroom. Each room has its own bathroom.

Casa Kupu-kupu kitchen
Kitchen

On the main floor of the house, there is a large living room, dining area, and kitchen. The Kitchen has everything you might need.

Tip: Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink, there are ants. This is to be expected at any place that’s off the beaten path in Costa Rica.

A list of things that I loved about the property:
  • The pictures on Airbnb represented the treehouse to a T.
  • It had the best outdoor space out of everywhere we stayed. If you are in a group it is perfect.
  • It is less than a 5-minute drive to Playa Carrillo, which is way better than Samara beach… just FYI.
  • There are plenty of washrooms. We found the master bedroom has consistent hot water.
  • The open-air bedroom is a good place to lounge in during the day.
  • Great for a group of friends, or family

The Buggy

It is important to know that everyone has different levels of comfort. The owner’s description of the accommodation is on point. They warn you are in nature, so there will be bugs. All the reviews of the places also say the same thing. I’ll just flat out say so there is no confusion, you will be sleeping with the bugs. Know that going in.

  • Personally, I would have been more comfortable if there were bug nets. There is not, the owner suggests making sure the shutters are closed at night, to prevent bugs from coming in.
  • However, there is probably a three-inch gap between the bedroom door and the floor, which leads to the outside. So anything that can crawl can still get in.
  • When we were there, there were some bats chillin in the open-air bedroom. 
  • All bedroom windows are screen. They do not have glass but do have shutters. I personally did not feel like my important belongings were secure, so I made sure to bring those with me when we left the property. 
  • The property could have been cleaner. There were a lot of dead bug carcasses.

Would I Stay Again

Honestly, I probably wouldn’t, but two of my friends said they 100% would. However, looking back on it, I am glad we stayed there. I had a great time (minus the sleeping part LOL) and got to chill on the patio with my friends. #noregrets 

Do you have an awesome treehouse experience to share, or have questions about this one? Leave a comment below.

My name is Felicia, and I love planning my next adventure. Whether that be hiking into the mountains, or travelling abroad, I love discovering new places.

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