Casitas Tenorio: Eco-Lodge Near Rio Celeste for Families
Nestled in the rainforest near Río Celeste, Casitas Tenorio B&B is one of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica for families. It’s peaceful, welcoming, and packed with local flavor—from fresh farm breakfasts to jungle hikes and sustainable tourism practices. Plus, you’ll get 5% off your stay with code PURAVIDAMOMS when you book direct. That’s a savings of up to $45 per night depending upon which Casita you choose.

Casitas Tenorio Overview: More Than Just a Place to Sleep
Casitas Tenorio is a seven-cabin, award-winning eco-lodge located just outside the quiet town of Bijagua in northern Costa Rica. It’s nestled between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes—just a few kilometers from Rio Celeste—and totally surrounded by lush rainforest.
This place is a passion project created by two women—Pippa (an Aussie-turned-Costa Rican citizen) and Nana (Adriana Chacón), the full-time onsite manager. Nana lives right on the property with her daughter Camila and partner Jeff, and together with their small team, they make every guest feel welcome and right at home.
Casitas Tenorio is also a certified BCorp—one of the only tourism businesses in Costa Rica with that designation. So when you stay here, you’re directly supporting environmental conservation and sustainable rural tourism.
RELATED POST: Costa Rica With Kids- The Complete Guide

What It’s Like to Stay At Casitas Tenorio
We stayed in Casita El Sol and instantly felt at home. It had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, big open ceilings, and gorgeous hand-painted murals. There’s no TV and no WiFi in the rooms—which, for us, was a huge bonus. We played, we relaxed, and we actually connected.
The house had its own kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and sink, plus a beautiful porch with rocking chairs and a private garden. Also, Pippa and Nana have taken extra care to have really high quality linens on the beds- which is not always common in Costa Rica. One of my girls claimed the little mural-covered bed immediately and said, “I’m sleeping here.” She did—and she slept so well.
SEE ALSO: Driving in Costa Rica

The Daily Routine: Mornings on the Farm
One of my favorite parts of the entire stay? Breakfast. It’s served in the open-air reception area, and it’s not just a meal—it’s a whole experience.
Each table has laminated bird guides so kids (and grownups!) can ID the incredible birdlife right from the table. When we were there years ago, Sheila the giant orb-weaving spider was living above one of the tables. They told us that her web is strong enough to use in surgery—don’t worry, you’ll learn all about it at breakfast!
Meals include Costa Rican favorites like gallo pinto, homemade pancakes, and farm-fresh milk, cheese, and fruit—most of it made right onsite. The vibe is super casual and communal… and so tasty.
SEE ALSO: 30+ Foods To Try In Costa Rica

Activities Onsite and Nearby
Casitas Tenorio is also a working farm, and guests can join the morning farm tour to milk cows, feed baby animals, and collect eggs. There’s also a short rainforest trail where we spotted toucans, howler monkeys, and more. The trail is so short, and you can hear the kids the entire time, that we let the girls explore it on their own- they felt so cool!
The reception area is perfect for downtime—kids can color or read while parents sip coffee and flip through the wildlife guides. There’s even a towel art class in the afternoons, which my girls loved.

Nearby adventures include a hike to the stunning Río Celeste waterfall, walking the hanging bridges at Heliconias Lodge, visiting the giant Ceiba tree, taking a night frog tour or local chocolate tour, and swimming in the Blue River. When you’re too tired to go out? Pizzería El Barrigón delivers for just $10.
One thing we haven’t done yet is the river tubing. Readers come back and LOVE it, and say it’s pretty tame and good for all ages. The Casitas crew can definitley get you booed on that. The hanging bridges are Heliconias Lodge are pretty underwhelming compared to those in Monteverde and La Fortuna, just to forwarn you. It can also be good to get reservations at the Tenorio National Park if you plan on visiting on your own.
RELATED POST: Top Costa Rica Excursions For Families
Which Casita Should You Book?
Every casita at Casitas Tenorio is unique—thoughtfully designed with families and nature-lovers in mind. But, you need to know which casita will work best for you, and the website is a little clunky when you try to choose. I’ve condensed it down for you here to privide a quick peek to help you pick the one that’s right for your trip:

Casita El Sol
- Sleeps up to 5: two bedrooms, two bathrooms
- Bright and airy with high ceilings and colorful mural art
- Private garden, rocking chairs, and a hammock-ready porch
- Great for families wanting space to spread out
- This is where we stayed and loved it

Casita La Luna
- Cozy for couples or small families (sleeps 3)
- Beautiful views of the gardens and surrounding forest
- Includes kitchenette and large bathroom with walk-in shower
- A guest favorite for quiet, romantic getaways

Casita Volcán
- Designed for accessibility—fully wheelchair friendly
- Open-plan layout with one queen bed and one twin bed
- Extra wide doorways and roll-in bathroom
- Ideal for guests with mobility needs or young children in strollers

Casita Bosque
- Tucked into the forest for a peaceful, secluded vibe
- Queen bed + daybed—perfect for a couple with one child
- Spacious bathroom and private covered porch
- Birdsong as your morning alarm clock
Casita Río
- Sleeps up to 4: queen bed and two twin beds
- Large wraparound windows for great forest views
- Kitchenette and indoor/outdoor living spaces
- Ideal for two kids and two adults
Casita Miravalles
- Two-bedroom setup with a queen and two twin beds
- Volcano views on clear days!
- Includes kitchenette, dining area, and private entrance
- Works great for families with older kids or grandparents tagging along

Mi Casa es Su Casa (Separate Guesthouse)
- Full two-bedroom home on the same property
- Sleeps up to 11 (yes—11!)
- Full kitchen, two bathrooms, laundry, large porch, and living area
- Great for extended families, groups, or retreats
Note: Sometimes getting a room at Casitas Tenorio is tough last minute. If they are full, we also adore La Carolina Lodge. It’s an off the grid farm- not for everyone- but in the same area and a similar concept.
Also, if you are looking for another farm stay, Rancho Margot in La Fortuna is a great option- and we also have a discount with them.
A Deeper Connection: Community and Sustainability
Casitas Tenorio is the definition of rural tourism done right. Everything is thoughtfully designed to reduce impact on the environment—like rainwater collection, composting, biodegradable products, and smart architecture to avoid the need for air conditioning.
They support the community through projects like Pack for a Purpose, local hiring and training, environmental education for schools, and murals painted by Costa Rican artists in each casita. They’re also founding members of CANTURURAL, Costa Rica’s national chamber of rural tourism.
Nana and the team are also just incredibly welcoming. You’ll get honest restaurant recs (nothing gets suggested unless they’ve personally tried it), thoughtful tips, and plenty of heart.
YOU’LL ALSO LIKE: Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List For Families
Booking Tips + Exclusive Discount
Ready to book your stay? Head to the official booking site and use code PURAVIDAMOMS for 5% off. It’s a small savings, but every bit counts—and I’m so happy I get to pass it along to you. How to book:
Check Availability at Casitas Tenorio B&B
Remember:
- Two-night minimum stay (you’ll want to stay forever-trust me! Also, we sometimes book this and take a day trip into busy La Fortuna instead of staing in La Fortuna and taking a day trip to the Rio Celeste. Just an idea!)
- Be sure to check out Mi Casa es Su Casa if you’re traveling with a large group—it sleeps up to 11!
- To get the discount you must book directly on the website. Use code PURAVIDAMOMS.
Final Thoughts: You’ll Leave Changed
I say this a lot, but Casitas Tenorio truly feels like a second home. You get to live Costa Rica, not just visit it. It’s peaceful, it’s powerful, it’s playful—and it’s exactly the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Click here to book with your discount, and tell Nana I sent you.
- 20+ Amazing San José Costa Rica Day Trips
- A Foodie’s Restaurant Guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Planning a Trip to Costa Rica– Start Here!
- Basic Spanish Phrases for Travel
Pin it!


Start Planning Your Trip to Costa Rica Now
Ready to plan your trip? These popular guides cover what to pack, where to go, and how to travel smart with kids.
My Must Have Travel Tools
These are the exact tools I use to travel smart, stay connected, and keep things smooth on the road:
- Rental Cars – I trust Adobe Rent a Car every time. Local, no hidden fees, super family-friendly.
- Unlimited Data– Holafly eSIMs = no roaming, no SIM swaps, just instant data. 5% off here.
- Learn Spanish Together – Rosetta Stone makes it fun and doable before you go. Exclusive deal here.
- Need Extra Help? – Book a 1:1 consult with me. I’ll help you build your dream trip without the overwhelm.
Meet Christa

Hi, I’m Christa! I help families plan stress-free, culturally immersive trips to Costa Rica. As a home chef, I also share my passion for Costa Rican food through authentic recipes. My mission is to help your family fall in love with Costa Rica through practical advice, unforgettable experiences, and delicious meals.