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Rancho Margot

3.0 star property
Tranquil Costa Rican retreat where garden views complement fresh local meals, and nature activities balance perfectly with quiet relaxation moments

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Rancho Margot, surrounded by lush gardens and a peaceful lake, offers all meals at its buffet restaurant with local cuisine. Enjoy excellent horseback riding, well-maintained hiking and biking trails, and a cozy library for quieter moments.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room | View from room

Deluxe Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Basic Room (Bunkhouse Experience)

Basic Room (Bunkhouse Experience) | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Basic Room (Bunkhouse Experience)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Eco-friendly toiletries
4 bathrooms
Electric kettle
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Superior Bungalow

Superior Bungalow | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Superior Bungalow

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Electric kettle
In-room safe
  • Mountain view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Tronadora, Rancho Margot is in a rural area and on a river. Los Lagos Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Quebrada Grande Arena or Tronadora Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding. Visit our Tronadora travel guide
View more Resorts in Tronadora
Map
3km West of El Castillo Center, Tronadora, Alajuela, 21007

Restaurants

  • Shangri-La Gardens
  • Ave Restaurant
  • La Mesa de Mamá
  • Restaurante El Jilguero
  • Fusión Arenal Mirador.

About this property

Rancho Margot

Resort by the lake
Consider a stay at Rancho Margot and take advantage of free breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. The on-site local cuisine buffet restaurant, Rancho Margot Restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and garden views. Enjoy onsite activities like horseback riding and hiking/biking. In addition to a playground and a library, guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An indoor pool and an outdoor pool, along with sun loungers
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), a natural pool, and luggage storage
  • A banquet hall, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance
  • A front-desk safe, a vegetable garden, and meeting rooms
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as safes and sound-insulated walls.
Other amenities include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • Electric kettles and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Rancho Margot Restaurant

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Indoor pool
  • Library
  • Natural pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle

More

  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 170 per vehicle (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Rancho Margot All meals included Resort El Castillo
Rancho Margot El Castillo
Rancho Margot Hotel
Rancho Margot Hotel El Castillo
Rancho Margot Hotel Arenal Volcano National Park
Rancho Margot All meals included El Castillo
Rancho Margot meals included
Rancho Margot Meals Included
Rancho Margot All meals included
Rancho Margot - All meals included Resort
Rancho Margot - All meals included Peñas Blancas
Rancho Margot - All meals included Resort Peñas Blancas

Frequently asked questions

Does Rancho Margot have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pool types include natural pools.

Is Rancho Margot pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Rancho Margot?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Rancho Margot?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Rancho Margot provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 170 per vehicle applies.

Where is Rancho Margot located?

Situated on a river, this resort is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Lake Arenal and within 3 mi (5 km) of Butterfly Conservatory and Arenal Eco Zoo.

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Reviews

Rancho Margot Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.2

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location with a great story of hoow it got started. Highly recommend this place to everyone and anyone. Staff were fantastic, our tour was insightful and the food was amazing and so fresh. Came with 3 kids age 1,3 and 5 and they absolutely loved the place as much as we did.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

All I had hoped for

Staff very friendly and helpful. Helped plan excursions and able to speak English & Spanish. New Years was a blast❣️
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very cool experience, very minimal room amenities (none). Super rustic but very authentic and educational and beautiful Hummingbirds everywhere! Farm tour, horse back riding and hiking!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As a solo traveler, I was welcomed and my needs were met from the very beginning. The owner, Juan, joined me for dinner the first night, which was welcomed and resulted in a very interesting conversation. The bungalow I was assigned was very comfortable. The farm tour is not to be missed. The included three meals per day were tasty and satisfying. The rancho and its facilities are well thought out, efficient, and highly sustainable. Truly a remarkable experience. Highly recommended (don't forget to bring and apply bug spray).
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really loved this place and already want to return. Two days is not enough time! It is rustic, like glamping accommodations but if you’re into health, authenticity, and sustainability, it’s such a dreamy, magical place. I loved the horse riding and farm tour. Make time for them. The farm tour is thorough! We wished we could make the cheese and soap but ran out of time to take those classes. The food was so great—the tomatoes taste like tomatoes! The WiFi is spotty in the cabin & frankly it helped my mental health! The front desk and staff are so kind and real people who truly connect with you.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jackson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Eco Jungle Ranch

Exactly what we were looking for in an eco + budget friendly stay in the heart of Costa Rica. Far away enough from the hustle and tourist madness of La Fortuna but close enough that you can still take a short drive to all the sights. Rancho Margot food was average and having access to three meals a day was clutch. Legit working farm and the tour is a must. Horse back riding with a river crossing. Played soccer, pool, ping pong. Yoga classes in a true pura vida scene. El Mirador hike for volcano views. Not fancy amenities but clean rooms and fresh farm made soap. All the jungle feels and sounds. Extremely friendly young staff that truly seemed that they enjoyed their jobs.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stunning stay!

I came here for 3 days and rented a deluxe cabin. We had the most amazing time at rancho Margot. The photos don't do it justice! It is stunning. It is so relaxing and mind altering. I would highly recommend taking them up on the farm tour. It is so informative and you can just feel how much the property means to everyone who works/lives there. You could certainly bring a light raincoat however they provide umbrellas which we found more that sufficient. There were some mosquitos but being from canada they were do where near as bad as we are used to.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Most visitors stay longer than we did to learn about the permaculture and sustainability ethos or there on a volunteering stint, but we were made to feel very welcome. The staff are friendly, helpful and passionate about their home. Our 2-night stay allowed us to enjoy a morning farm tour and evening twilight walk, hike up to the top of the property to take in the spectacular views of the lake and volcano, afternoon horse riding hack to explore the surrounding areas and relaxing dip in the spring pools. Our deluxe room was big and comfortable with farm made soap provided. The kitchen staff provided meals that represented the farm to plate and local community buying concept and the pizza made with farm made cheese was some of the best I've eaten. Wi-fi was available in the bar and communal areas, but not the rooms. The drive into Rancho Margot is bumpy and unmade, so slow and although a 4x4 isn't a must, it is recommended. It's a great base to look upon the Arenal sights rather than being in it and looking outwards.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Able to connect with nature and have the ranch experience. Outstanding people that make you feel welcomed.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lourdes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a retreat from the WORLD
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

fabulous stay

Excellent sustainable farm stay! Highlight of our trip. Educational walks were wonderful as well as staff and food.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Hali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rancho Margot is a gem

I can’t say enough about Rancho Margot. It’s relaxing, inspiring in its commit to sustainability, and the staff is wonderful. It’s a gem in a beautiful part of the world. We loved the tours, the free workshops, the forest walks, the pools, the food. All great.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Gardens a bit scruffy, buffet food service, wine v expensive, no views, staff v pleasant

8/10 Good

Kirsten

Disliked: Room comfort
Our experionce was good, although it was difficult to get around with a child in a wheelchair. The place is very nice and so are the cottages and the simple but tasty food. But we did find that the staff at the front desk were inexperienced which at times led to misunderstanding.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Rancho Margot. The staff was so kind and accomadating. The property was lovely, it was so nice that food was included. We loved going to see the animals. The Pook is warm and fun for kids to swim in. It was more adventurous as the drive in is on a dirt road. I definitely recommend driving to La Fortuna first and coming on the road from La Fortuna. We drove straight from Liberia and it was a rough road where we crossed several rivers, including a VERY large one at the very end. I highly reccommend this ecolodge. The rooms you stay in are separate little bungalows with a porch and hammock, which is fun!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was amazing, literally one of the most beautiful properties that I have ever stayed at! The staff were so accomodating, especially given a reservation error . They had us check in, stated they would handle the problem with Expedia, and told us the most important thing is that we have a good time. AND THEY LIVED UP TO IT! I couldn't believe there wasn't 100 extra charges and excuses etc--such incredible service! Our family of (6) kept busy on the hiking trails, at the beautiful river/waterfalls/rapids, reading on our porch hammocks, sitting by the big dining-side fireplace, or grabbing a beer at their cute little bar. We would absolutely return! Thank you Rancho Margot!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
If you're interested in sustainability, the environment and being in the wilderness, this is an amazing place to be. The farm tour was incredible. The area it's in is absolute heaven, surrounded by rainforest and rivers and on the edge of a lake under a volcano. The bird life is astounding and the activities and tours available are great. The room I was in was very small, but perfect for 1 person. 2 would people would have been cosy. But it has a gorgeous little terrace out the front and back with a hammock :) The food is fresh and delicious and simple, although not a huge variety as each day is very similar. The daily yoga was delightful and in a beautiful setting. The downsides are, it's very isolated. You can't walk anywhere easily so you do need a car. It rains a lot. it is the rainforest so it's to be expected(!) but nothing dries and everything is damp. With this comes mosquitos! So take lots of spray, they seemed to stay away, once I was covered in Deet. The other slightly disappointing thing was that most (not all) of the staff seemed very bored and miserable. They were all helpful and polite, but they didn't seem too happy! The tour guides were good and knowledgable, but didn't go much beyond the necessary. I was there for 5 nights, which was maybe a little too long without a car and eating the same food every day. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and amazing to see the biodiversity and positive environmental impact they are having.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Palmer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The commitment to sustainable eco resort is comprehensive in scope and detail with very generous farm to table meals and well meaning interactive activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeroen van

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
De accommodatie en de locatie waren helemaal top. Je waant je midden in de jungle. Het is wel ruim 30 minuten rijden vanuit La Fortuna, doordat de laatste 15 minuten over een onverharde weg zijn. Wij hadden wel een 4x4 maar zagen ook kleine auto's zonder 4x4 op de locatie. Het eten is lokaal, basic, maar erg lekker. Verwacht geen patat en hamburgers, maar er is wel iedere dag pizza. Het zwembad is lekker verwarmd en erg leuk voor de kinderen. Personeel is erg vriendelijk. Verwacht geen luxe van een hotel, dus ik denk dat het niet voor iedereen is weggelegd, maar wij hebben een super fijne tijd gehad met onze 3 kleine kinderen.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
C’est une magnifique expérience. La nourriture est incluse et délicieuse. Le personnel est passionné et c’est vraiment un projet grandiose qui mérite d’être vécu.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rancho Margot - Completely Amazing!!

Rancho Margot is an amazing place. Completely self sufficient. Really amazing. The ranch is secluded and completely in the rain forest. When you get the end of the road, you just have to go a little bit farther. What they have done to the land over the last 16 years is mind bending. If staying in the rain forest appeals to you and you're heading to Costa Rica, do yourself a favor and book a few nights at Rancho Margot. You won't regret it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The ranch itself is a beautiful property. Is a magical place were you’ll receive great service. Is a place to in contact with nature, farm animals
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Staff & service
Great experience but basic accommodation. Slightly overpriced in my view.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

susana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ideal para descansar y estar en armonia

un lugar maravilloso la naturaleza y la ecologia

10/10 Excellent

Niklas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unikt lodge, utöver det vanliga!

Fantastisk lodge, fint läge med trevlig personal, fantastisk mat. Nära till naturen och turer o närområdet. Rekommenderar detta hotell varmt!