The Golfito area and specifically Cielo Lodge is a top destination for birdwatchers looking for a Costa Rica eco lodge. 

One of our guests spotted 80 different bird species during their short stay at our costa rica rainforest resort. They remarked on our outstanding visibility and variety during their jungle and water (gulf, mangrove and river) excursions. 

The lush rainforests surrounding Cielo Lodge are home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatching in Costa Rica. Whether you and your group are Hardcore birders, Enthusiastic birders, or Casual birders our Lodge's unique location and expert guides will provide you with many unforgettable birding experiences.

With over 60 species spotted on our grounds, and even more spotted in the mangroves and during other included guest excursions, we offer exceptional birding opportunities for visitors.

Our journey to become a top destination for birdwatchers started with a commitment to restore and reforest the land. 

We planted thousands of trees to re-establish habitats and created an eco lodge that supports the idea of Costa Rica becoming the "world's great eco-tourism hub", as Harper’s Bazaar eloquently wrote when they included Cielo Lodge on their list of  20 Best Places to Travel.

We take great pride in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation, and we continue to strive towards providing a top-tier birding experience for our guests.

Unlike many luxury resorts in Costa Rica, you can take over Cielo Lodge in its entirety to host your birdwatching group. Beside the included personalized birding and wildlife walks with a certified naturalist, your group will enjoy exclusive access to our extensive system of trails and waterfalls, nestled within 380 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. Plus in between, you'll enjoy the private, infinity-edge saltwater pool and eat “Michelin-quality” meals. 

So, if you're looking for an exceptional location for birding, that happens to be at one of the best all inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, Cielo Lodge is the place to be. With our stunning location, exceptional amenities, and diverse bird species, it's truly one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica for bird enthusiasts.

*These are the birds that we have seen AT THE LODGE - ON OUR GROUNDS, AND IN OUR ECO GARDENS. The list does NOT include the birds that our guests see when they are out on the water. That’s a whole separate list.

For our most up-to-date list of birds we’ve seen on the Lodge grounds and in our gardens, please visit our Bird List.

What if your next vacation directly impacted more women in the travel industry? You hold the power to choose such a destination, where exceptional service meets the genuine pillars of an eco-conscious luxury eco lodge, focused on community and authenticity.

Today, and all month long, we celebrate International Women’s Day, and, in honor of this special occasion, we are turning the spotlight of admiration onto our General Manager - Catalina Torres Portela  –  a true pioneer in eco-tourism in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone. 

 After graduating with a degree in tourism and a minor in botany, Catalina collaborated with an NGO to develop the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and managed it for 16 years. She is also an entrepreneur. Before joining Cielo Lodge, she ran her own bed and breakfast in Golfito, and helped establish Golfito as an eco-tourism destination among her guests, who came from over 30 countries. 

Catalina’s professional presence and leadership has a ripple effect, positively impacting employee morale and ensuring an impeccable guest experience.

With the support of Cielo Lodge’s owners, Nicole and Keith Goldstein, Catalina continues to encourage the development of local micro-businesses, including many women-owned businesses, thereby benefiting many families in the Golfito area.  We have partnered with a local uniform supplier, local fruit and vegetable purveyers, local fisherman, and local boat and tour operators to bring the best of the area to our guests.

Her connection to community also allows us to provide truly authentic experiences for our guests.  A visit to a family-owned chocolate-farm, a day-trip to the indigenous community of Boruca, an afternoon spent with an artisanal fisherman, or a beach lunch served by a local family are all activities that we are able to program and arrange because of Catalina’s personal connections.   

And it is because of Catalina – her connection to the community, her passion for the environment, her focus on all things local -  that Cielo Lodge was named to National Geographic’s Six of the Best Luxury Eco-Lodges in Costa Rica

 We cherish Catalina's life-long passion of true hospitality and ecotourism, unlocking doors for other women’s’ futures. Her signature style of exceeding expectations attracts a dedicated team of local talent, and there is a constant buzz felt around the Lodge from proudly serving natural and memorable experiences and cuisine that guests carry home for the rest of their lives.

Ready for your bespoke Eco-friendly luxury trip to one of the best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica? Inquire about your dream family vacation or eco resort rental buyout for group travel by emailing Catalina at info@cielolodge.com .