Los Gallitos Eco Lodge

We had the best traditional breakfast of our two-week trip at the local restaurant. It was simple and authentic. The hotel itself is lovely, with charming bungalows dotted through a huge garden full of cocoa plants, plus a nice pool and a terrace with beautiful views.

We saw more birds here than almost anywhere else on our trip. The owners were very friendly and told us lots about the place. I’d really recommend spending at least two nights here.

The views are incredible, and the sounds are just as lovely. Birds sang us to sleep in this little paradise. It felt so close to heaven that I found myself praying the Lord would make my heaven like my stay at Los Gallitos & Eco Lodge. Does that sound hard to believe? Come experience it for yourself. Jorge and his family were amazing on top of the scenery, sounds, and comfort. They reminded me of the perfect families you see on the Hallmark Channel, the kind you wonder could really exist. They’re the family I never had and always wished I did, and I hope they know how blessed they are. This feels like my new home away from home. I may have to return around the holidays, though I’d rather it didn’t become Costa Rica’s hottest tourist attraction!

Jorge showed me around the beautiful family farm when I arrived. He pointed out the communal kitchen and said someone would be up early if I wanted coffee or food. My cabin, number 2, was right beside the country road inside the property. It was very convenient for town, but cars passed directly in front. The bed was hard and uncomfortable, though the linens were clean. There were a couple of lamps, two towels, a fan, some bars of soap, and a bathroom with a shower and working hot water. No TV, coffee maker, or AC. Fumes from the nearby gas station came in sometimes, depending on the wind. People arrived at 11:30pm, waking me as their cars went past. The mattress and barking dogs made it hard to get back to sleep. At 1:30pm, something alive landed on the bed. I turned on the lamp and a bat flew up. It had pooped on the bed and kept circling the cabin. I opened the door, hoping it would fly out, but it didn’t. I left the overhead light on and went back to bed, though I could hear more bats in the wall behind me. Vehicles arriving or leaving woke me again, so I barely slept. I got up at 5:30am and went to the kitchen building, but it was locked. After walking around for 45 minutes, I found a way in at 6:15am. I made coffee and oatmeal I’d brought. Jorge’s father arrived halfway through, heated a mug of coffee in the microwave, and offered me a cup. I was making my own, so he left. Later he brought me a piece of freshly picked fruit, then left again. I ate on the deck, which had an amazing view, and went to use the bathroom there. There was debris on the floor, a hole in the ceiling, and the toilet in my cabin wouldn’t flush. I enjoyed the birds and the breakfast view. A Spanish family came for breakfast around 7am, and I told them nobody was there. The kitchen needed cleaning. I packed and left before 8am. This wasn’t what I expected. The farm has potential, but it needs renovations, the bats need to be dealt with, and the toilets, floors, and ceiling need repairs and cleaning. Staff also need to be available for breakfast. There are two cabins by the entry road across from the gas station. The other cabins, on the far side of the farm, seem better placed and likely quieter.