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I recently stayed in one of the most beautiful accommodations I think I’ve ever visited, a treehouse Airbnb in Costa Rica with views of the stunning nature the country is best known for.
This self-serviced unit is on the grounds of two friendly locals, Ralph and Margarita, who helped me plan my travels and get the best out of the surrounding area.
In this review, I’ll tell you what it’s like staying in a treehouse Airbnb and whether or not it’s worth it (spoiler: it definitely is!)…
Where is the treehouse?
It’s located close to the town of Atenas, around 1 hour driving from the capital of San Jose. Getting there is easy whether you have a rental car or take public transport.
Given the small size of Costa Rica, you can reach most places from the Atenas treehouse. It’s possible to use it as your base for exploring the country… But given how lovely it is, you’d be missing out on enjoying this spectacular venue.
I enjoyed simply spending a few days relaxing at the treehouse and exploring the immediate surrounds. It felt too lovely to leave!
Getting to the treehouse
If you have hired a rental car, it’s easy to drive to the treehouse in around 1 hour from San Jose or 2.5 hours from Monteverde.
San Jose to Atenas by bus: If you’re coming by public transport like I was, take the bus from the Coopetransatenas terminal in San Jose. I paid in cash to the driver; I believe the ticket cost me around $2.
Just as a precaution, note that the bus station isn’t in the best area of San Jose so I recommend taking Uber in and out. Keep your belongings close while in the station. However, most locals are very kind and will be happy to help you out.
The treehouse to San Jose by bus: this is even easier because a bus passes at the end of the road bound for the capital (Ralph and Margarita will happily point you in the right direction). There’s no need to go into Atenas town.
The treehouse interior
In the treehouse, you have a comfortable double bed, a spacious balcony, a small bathroom with waterfall shower and fancy Japanese toilet (seriously, very impressive!) and a small but equipped kitchen bar.
Ralph and Margarita have thought of everything from ambient reading lights to chargers right beside the bed.
The treehouse is a self-serviced unit with everything you need to cook, including a microwave, electric-powered frying pan, fridge, rice cooker, blender, coffee pot and sink (the water is drinkable in Costa Rica).
Although I didn’t cook while there, there are decent supermarkets a short drive away.
Views from the balcony
During my three days staying in the Costa Rican treehouse Airbnb, I didn’t have a bad sunset!
You can see all the way to the coast; impressive since it’s over 50km away. I hear that on a clear day, you can even see the crashing waves… but I fear my eyesight isn’t that good.
What made the sunset even better was the mini bottles of red wine and chocolates provided at the treehouse!
Breakfast in the treehouse
Included in your fridge is a tasty breakfast of eggs (which you can cook yourself using the electric pan) and homemade yoghurt and granola with fresh fruit.
I enjoyed this from my balcony each morning, accompanied with fresh coffee, grown from the plants metres away under the hut.
Indulging with a massage
One of my favourite moments of staying in the treehouse Airbnb in Costa Rica was getting a massage up at the main house. Margarita’s sister is a qualified masseuse who offers wonderfully relaxing massages. She’ll be happy to book you in for some R&R.
The luxurious swimming pool
Although Atenas was put on the map years ago when National Geographic described it as having the best climate in the world, it’s HOT these days. If there’s one thing we’re sadly learning doesn’t stay the same, it’s the weather.
On the plus side, it’s easy to cool off while staying at the treehouse in Atenas. This pristine infinity pool overlooking the Costa Rican countryside is located just up the hill from the treehouses, beside Ralph and Margarita’s house.
Guests are free to use it whenever they want. In the corner, there’s even a small jacuzzi.
Coffee tour
I had a fascinating tour of the coffee farm on the estate. The family’s sweet 10-year-old nephew led the tour and, for such a young guy, was incredibly knowledgeable!
He showed me the coffee plants that grow below the treehouse as we searched for ripe red beans. Once we’d filled a basket, we headed to the production area where we poured them in water to see which would sink and float, indicating the quality beans.
The good ones go through a machine that takes off their shell, then they dry in the sun. After another layer of shell is removed, the beans are ready to be roasted and ground… and drunk (which I did in copious amounts, naturally).
Touring the orchid garden
While staying at the treehouse, you’re free to do your thing and be left to your own devices, but the friendly local family is there to befriend if you wish! Margarita will be happy to show you her wonderful orchid garden. I loved my tour of these beautiful, colourful flowers.
Exploring Atenas town
If you want to explore the local surroundings, I suggest taking a trip to Atenas. There’s not a huge amount to do but it’s a pleasant local town. It’s worth snapping a photo with the Atenas ‘el mejor clima del mundo’ (the best weather in the world) sign.
With pretty churches and several decent restaurants and coffee shops, it’s a good place to while away a couple of hours and get your culture dose.
Book the treehouse
The treehouse is bookable on Airbnb for around $100 (£80) a night. The minimum length of stay is 3 nights (but trust me, you’ll be wishing you stayed even longer!).
Note – there’s also a second treehouse on site if this one is booked up. I went inside and can confirm it’s also lovely. It may be better suited to younger/more adventurous travellers because you have to climb a ladder up to the bed.
Thanks for reading!
Note: While I was hosted at the treehouse, all opinions are my own.
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