Getting to Costa Rica…

Getting to Costa Rica is easier than ever. Fly direct to Juan Santa Maria International Airport (SJO), just outside San José, with options from major American and European cities. Once you land, the real Costa Rican adventure begins as there are 3 ways to get down to La Zona Sur. The most popular option is to rent your own 4x4 car. Another option would be to arrange a Shuttle or Private Transfer and the last option is to take an internal flight.

Getting to Pura Vida Ecolodge

Driving & Independence

We highly recommend renting a 4x4 vehicle with Vamos Rent-a-Car to ensure maximum independence and access to all of Costa Rica's stunning scenery.

The Drive (SJO to the Lodge)

• Duration: The drive from San José takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the season (dry vs. rainy) and recent road improvements.

• Scenic Route: Travel via Jacó and Quepos. Enjoy views of coffee plantations and ranches, and pause near Carara National Park to safely view crocodiles.

• Lunch Stop: We suggest stopping for lunch and beachside dining in Dominical.

Final Stretch & Welcome

• The lodge is located shortly after Uvita (home of Parque Nacional Marino Ballena).

• Rendezvous: Once you reach the sleepy village of Coronado, our housekeeper, Juan Carlos, will meet you.

• Privacy: To maintain the retreat’s privacy, we are purposefully not signposted, so Juan Carlos will lead you up to the lodge in convoy (10-15mins)

Our Neighbourhood

After your journey to the wild Southern Pacific coast—a road trip through Costa Rica’s natural diversity—you’ll find refuge up at Pura Vida Ecolodge in the small village of Tres Rios, Puntarenas. Nestled in a private corridor of primary rainforest, our neighborhood is a living symphony of Costa Rican biodiversity. Perched at an altitude of 350 meters, Pura Vida Ecolodge offers a unique vantage point: incredible panoramic views that stretch across the Pacific all the way to the Osa Peninsula and Panama. On clear days, the sacred Isla del Caño sits like a jewel on the horizon directly in front of the lodge. Being elevated above the coast means you’ll enjoy a fresher, breezier climate than the humid lowlands, with the added luxury of virtually no mosquitoes.

Your Gateway to Conscious Adventure & Plant-Powered Foodie Favorites

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Costa Ballena, Pura Vida Ecolodge is perfectly positioned at the crossroads of raw jungle adventure and mindful coastal living. As you can see on our curated Local Experiences Map, you are just moments away from world-class surf clinics in Uvita, dramatic waterfall rappelling with Costa Canyoning, and marine day trips to the biological wonder of Isla del Caño. Beyond the high-adrenaline treks, our unique location places you in the epicenter of a vibrant, wellness-driven culinary scene, surrounded by an incredible concentration of artisanal cafes and plant-powered foodie favorites. Whether you are chasing sunsets on secluded beaches, participating in local ocean conservation, or fueling your body with wholesome, organic ingredients, the lodge serves as your ultimate sustainable basecamp for an unforgettable, earth-first escape.

Experience the dawn of 'Pura Vida' as Congo Howler monkeys often provide nature’s alarm clock, followed by toucans and scarlet macaws gliding past the hanging balconies at dusk. While the location offers absolute peace and seclusion, it is also a gateway to adventure. Within minutes, you can be hiking to hidden waterfalls or exploring lush nature trails teeming with rare flora and fauna. Whether you’re here to watch the sun sink into the canopy or to embark on a trek from your front door, our location offers the perfect balance of serene isolation and doorstep discovery. It’s not just a stay; it’s an immersion into the wild, where the only 'traffic' is the local wildlife.

flights from San Jose

Both Sansa Air & Costa Rica Green Airways have daily flights from San Jose to Quepos, Puerto Jimenez, and Drake Bay (80, 120 & 150 mins from Pura Vida Ecolodge). Flight times from San Jose are between 30-50 mins. If you choose to arrange an internal flight to one of La Zona Sur’s airports, you can then arrange a ‘meet & greet’ service with Vamos Rent-A-Car

*Tip: don’t forget your camera!

4x4 Car Hire

We recommend Vamos Rent-a-Car, a trusted, locally-owned 4x4 specialist. Mauricio and his team have been looking after our guests for years, providing personalized service with no hidden extras. NOTE: You will need a 4x4 (Not AWD).

✨ Exclusive Pura Vida Guest Benefits

• GPS/Wazephone & Complimentary Child Seat (Included)

• Ice-Box for beach day trips (Included)

• FURTHER 5% DISCOUNT when booking via our link

• They will Price Match any better deal you find elsewhere.

• Price guide: Jimmy 4x4 $50, Daihatsu Terios $60, Rav 4 $80, Fortuner $110 (prices per/day & vary seasonally).