Tilajari Eco Resort & Retreat Center

Tilajari Eco Resort & Retreat Center, on the San Carlos River

Tilajari sits on the banks of the San Carlos River in the Arenal volcano region, with lawns and gardens running down to the water. It is a relaxed, open resort that works especially well for families: there is room to run around, a big pool for laps and two pools just for the children.

Why we choose it

• The river at the door. The restaurant faces the San Carlos River and the jacuzzi terrace hangs right over it, so the river is part of every meal and every soak.
• Built for families. Besides the semi-Olympic pool there are two children's pools, open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus tennis courts.
• Pick your view. The Junior Suite Superior is the room for a volcano view; the Junior Suite faces the river or the gardens, and both have two queen beds.

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Rooms and views

The hotel's own site shows two suite types, and both have two queen beds, which suits a family of four or two friends sharing. The difference is the window. The Junior Suite looks out to the San Carlos River or the tropical gardens, and the Junior Suite Superior looks to Arenal Volcano or the gardens. If the volcano matters to you, tell us and we will request a Superior that faces it.

On the property

Restaurante Katira has an open dining room in front of the river and a menu with plenty of Costa Rican dishes. The Lounge Bar is the place for a drink after a day of tours. There is a gym and a sauna, the tennis courts, and a souvenir shop open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hotel also runs its own tours: a river safari on the Peñas Blancas, a canopy tour and horseback riding, which means the first adventure of the trip can start without getting back in the van.

Location and getting there

Tilajari is on the San Carlos River rather than in the town of La Fortuna, which is why it feels open and quiet. It is about 3 hours by road from Liberia or San José airport. From here we can set up the volcano, the hot springs, the hanging bridges and the zip lines around Arenal, with your private driver handling every day on the road. See more of the Northern Zone.

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