Signature
Katonga
The only navigating floating restaurant in Costa Rica β a four-course chef's menu while you cruise the Tortuguero canals.
Tortuguero Β· Costa Rica
In the heartland of the rainforest where comfort meets adventure
Mawamba Lodge β Tortuguero, Costa Rica. No roads. No cars. Just nature.
Booking direct? Save vs. OTA prices and support a family-owned lodge.
Rooms
Stay surrounded by rainforest.
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Economy
Our entry-level category β a simple, comfortable base for guests on a tighter budget. All Economy rooms share the same layout; only the bed configuration changes.
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Standard
One step up from Economy β recently renovated rooms with the same screened-wall design and a more comfortable finish. Two bed configurations: one king (up to 2 guests), or two queens (up to 4).
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Superior
A couples-only retreat with a generous sitting area, larger bathrooms, and partial views of the Tortuguero canals. Four rooms across two design styles.
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Bungalow
The best room in the house. A standalone couples-only bungalow with lush gardens, partial canal views, and direct access to our riverfront sunset platforms.
Experiences
Every way into the wild.
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water
Boat tour
A guided motorboat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals β the easiest, broadest way to see the canopy from the water.
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wildlife
Night hike
A short boat ride from the lodge to our private reserve, then a guided walk after dark. Less about what you'll spot than about what it feels like β the rainforest at night, all around you.
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land
Tortuguero Hill Hike
A guided climb up Cerro Tortuguero β an extinct volcano, and one of the few on this side of the country β for a spectacular Caribbean panorama, with rainforest flora and fauna along the way.
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water
Canoe
Quieter than the motorboat β paddle the smaller side-canals where engines aren't allowed and wildlife stays put.
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land
Jaguar Trail walking tour
A guided walk on the Jaguar Trail (Sendero del Jaguar) inside Tortuguero National Park β flat boardwalk and forest path through prime wildlife habitat.
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water
Kayak
Solo or tandem kayak through the canals β more independence than the canoe, similar wildlife access.
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water
Laguna del Cuatro β private boat tour
A private half-day into a hidden corner of Tortuguero: by boat from Mawamba to a remote lagoon, a wood-fired Caribbean welcome with a local family, and kayaking on still water. Available from June 15.
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wildlife
Turtle nesting
A night on the protected beach to witness a green sea turtle nest, on the same sand where she was born β the experience that gave Tortuguero its name. Protection first; a sighting is never guaranteed.
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wildlife
Turtle hatchlings
Not a tour β a free, do-it-at-your-own-pace moment. Being right on the beach at Mawamba means you can simply walk out at the right hour and watch hatchlings find the sea.
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water
Fishing
Sport fishing in Tortuguero's fresh-water canals β snook and tarpon the main catch. Run by local fishing experts; we arrange it for you. Catch-and-release encouraged.
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wellness
Massages
Restorative massages in a private garden sala β recovery for a tired body after a long day on the canals, surrounded by forest and birdsong.
Katonga
Katonga β dinner on the canals.
Our signature dinner cruise. Sunset over the Tortuguero canals, dinner served on the water, naturalist commentary as the rainforest settles for the night.
From the lodge
A few snapshots.
What makes us different
Our Compass
Family-run since 1985, boat-only, naturalist-led β and sustainable not as a label, but as the heart of how the lodge runs.
See how we do things
What our guests say
- Google 906 reviews4.4 / 54.4 / 5 Read all reviews on Google
- TripAdvisor 1,821 reviews4.2 / 54.2 / 5Travelers' ChoiceRead all reviews on TripAdvisor
- Expedia 253 reviews9.0 / 109 / 10Wonderful
- Booking.com 1,907 reviews8.7 / 108.7 / 10Location 9.3
Eleanor
Apr 23β26, 2026
10 / 10
βGreat lodge with wildlife all around. Great breakfast. An easy walk to town and the national park to really get a feel for the area and to have different options for dinner etc.β