Vista Verde Lodge — Hotel in Tronadora

Location: The lodge is beautifully located and the view is unique. For the approach a 4x4 car is necessary. Because of the remote location you have a great view and a nice quiet from the hustle and bustle of other regions. In about 15 minutes distance you can reach some adventure parks. A hiking trail to a waterfall belongs to the lodge, partly quite challenging, but a great experience.

Rooms: The rooms are clean and pragmatic. You have WiFi and hot water, the showers work well. Due to the location in the nature it can happen that sometimes a small crawling animal comes to visit. At night you can hear many animals like birds and frogs. During the day hummingbirds fly around outside the window.

Lobby: The lobby is very cozy, there is also WiFi, plus a TV (which you actually do not need) and a fireplace. There you have the best view directly at breakfast or dinner.

Food: The food is very tasty. For breakfast and dinner there is a small selection of different dishes and very tasty juices. The fruit is fresh and probably comes directly from the owner's plantation. The coffee is also from the owner's plantation and is organically grown. Very tasty.

Hosts: The hosts are very warm and very concerned that you have a good time. They give tips on activities, assist with bookings and are very friendly. We felt very well treated.

General: We unfortunately only looked at the homepage to the lodge after our stay (booking via Booking). The lodge has an interesting history with an ecological background and you can probably visit the coffee plantation. The electricity is self-produced. We liked the hiking trail of the lodge better than the hiking in a nearby park with 4 hiking trails (16$ per person). We had booked a standard room and, probably because we were the only guests, got a suite in a separate building. We were very impressed with the friendliness of the host and wish the family and staff all the best.

Conclusion: If you want to enjoy nature in the cloud forests of Monterverde in a sustainable and relaxed way, do not need luxury, but value a warm atmosphere, you will find a...

I can’t say enough good things about my experience at Vista Verde Lodge. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with such genuine warmth that I immediately felt at home. The family who runs the lodge pours their heart into every detail—it’s clear they care deeply about creating a meaningful experience for every guest. The food was absolutely incredible. Every meal felt like something special, and it was a highlight of my stay. And of course the view. Simply breathtaking. Being completely engulfed in the clouds, shifting to reveal a vast green rainforest, then back again, all within 30 mins. I spent each morning in the lodge drinking their fresh brewed coffee (tasted amazing by the way) with the company of a good book. It was the perfect place to relax, reflect, and recharge. Whether watching the sunrise or enjoying the peaceful evenings, the scenery never stopped amazing me. The family’s dedication was evident in every interaction. They worked together from early morning hours to night, always with a smile, making sure everything was just right. That kind of care and attention is rare and truly appreciated. If you’re looking for a place that combines natural beauty, outstanding food, and heartfelt hospitality, Vista Verde Lodge is it. I’m already dreaming of my return.

I would definitely recommend bringing hoodies, pants, cozy socks, etc. the rooms have many cozy blankets but it’s pretty cold up there! Potential for rain and wind too. Embrace your inner author when staying here. Definitely feels like a fairy tale (; Also definitely take the time to visit their private waterfall! It’s just gorgeous. Also so cool that it powers the entire lodge.

Thank you again to everyone at Vista...

Perched high above Lake Arenal, the Vistaverde Lodge has spectacular views across to the volcano and the rolling mountains in between. The room we had afforded an unobstructed view as the sun rose just beside the volcano. Even when sunny in the low lands, it can be a very cloudy area up top. With no way to plan the weather around your trip, it would be a long drive up to see the inside of a cloud. Yet, if you can catch a clear day up there, you can see it all. As a bonus, it is very close to some highly rated adventure tour companies, if that will be on your vacation itinerary. Jo Jo (his nickname) is a wonderful host with good English, and an eager willingness to please. We arrived later than expected in the evening to a delicious warm meal and a bottle of wine. And again, after an early morning hike down to the waterfall, a fantastic breakfast in the morning. My compliments to the chef, who we had not the opportunity to meet. An SUV with AWD is a must to reach the top. We drove in from the Northwest (coming from Lake Arenal), which took a good few hours, and was slow and bumpy going. Our departure took us South towards San Jose, and it was much less adventurous. A friendly dog and cat will greet you upon your arrival, and the two cows may stop by after dark for a moo. We originally went for the view, and were pleasantly surprised to find a cozy little out of the way place to...