Hotel Aguas Claras

Costa Rica
Rooms
15
Floors
1
Pools
1
Restaurants
2
Location
  • Seaside

key features

Delicious Food

Delicious Food

Excellent Location

Excellent Location

Kid-Friendly Grounds

Kid-Friendly Grounds

Spacious Rooms

Spacious Rooms

Welcoming Staff

Welcoming Staff

Stay here for

A boutique family hotel on Costa Rica’s undeveloped side, where beach and jungle vibes collide and capture the essence of Costa Rica. Kids 3+ only.

2BR bungalows start around $625

why we like it
for families

Location and
Activities

Tour of Amenities

Best Rooms
for Families

Traveler Reviews

Other Hotels
and resources

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Why we like it for families

  • The Vibe:We’re a bit obsessed with the Cayuga Collection hotels here at Mango Tree, and Hotel Aguas Claras is no exception. If you’re looking for a hotel with heart and soul, dig a little deeper here. Every corner of this place is bursting with personality, from art-filled walls to its bohemian, yet luxury vibe. It’s spacious and private—perfect for families who want a stylish and personal stay on Costa Rica’s less-discovered Caribbean coast. Tropical chic decor, with stunning handmade artisanal touches, blends seamlessly into the jungle surroundings, and five-star service elevates your experience.
  • The Staff: The team at Hotel Aguas Claras is truly one-of-a-kind. This is one of those places where everyone knows your name, and the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable. Traveler reviews consistently note that their attention to detail and service is exceptional.
  • The Food: Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience at the hotel’s Papaya restaurant, which focuses on fresh, local ingredients at every meal. Don’t miss out on the refreshing cocktails, fresh juices, and coconut water—the perfect way to cool off after a day in the jungle. Dietary restrictions? No problem. The kitchen is happy to cater to every need, making dining here a breeze for the whole family.
  • The Location: It’s a hike to get to Hotel Aguas Claras, but perhaps that’s why it remains so special. Nestled deep in the jungle but just five minutes from the pristine Playa Chiquita beach, the location of Hotel Aguas Claras gives you the best of both sides of Costa Rica. You get the wildlife and beauty that brings travelers to Costa Rica, but with a Caribbean beach too! A quick trip to Da Lime beach club gives you access to a pool, bar services, and even snorkeling gear, so it’s easy to spend the whole day here. Plus, you’re only five minutes from a super cool town with a laid-back surfer vibe, where you can explore local shops, surf spots, and casual restaurants.
  • The Kid-Friendly Grounds: Hotel Aguas Claras is a dream for families who want to show their kids an immersive rainforest experience. The bungalows are tucked into lush greenery, with monkeys, macaws, sloths, and butterflies on site. With bikes available on the property, families can easily cruise around and head into town for a bit of local fun.
  • The Value: For a luxury, immersive experience, Hotel Aguas Claras offers incredible value. You get a world-class stay with exceptional service, art-filled surroundings, and nature on your doorstep—all without the hefty price tag you might expect from such a unique getaway. Families can enjoy a luxury vacation that feels special and authentic without breaking the bank.
  • Please note. that Hotel Aguas Claras welcomes children age 3+
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Location and Activities

It takes a journey to get to Hotel Aguas Claras, which is on Costa Rica’s lesser frequented Caribbean coast, near the border of Panama. But the hotel concierge team, with our help, can make the journey feel easy, and that’s a big reason we love it. The website captures it best: “because your first time to the Caribbean coast should feel easy.” Fly from San Jose International Airport (SJO) to Limon, and then you’re a one-hour drive to the property.

You could easily spend your whole trip here, with the beach and town nearby, plus plenty of activities like snorkeling and nature reserves. But since Costa Rica has so much to offer, we can also help you pair Puerto Viejo with another great property to round out your stay.

Tour of Amenities

Dining

  • 2+ Restaurants
  • All-Inclusive Option
  • Breakfast Included
  • Kids Menu
  • Restaurant On-Site
  • Room Service
  • Walk to Restaurants

Rooms

  • Air Conditioning
  • Cribs
  • Fridge
  • Laundry
  • Private Pools
  • Rollaway Beds
  • Terrace/Balcony

For Kids

  • Animals
  • Calm Beach
  • Good Pool for Littles
  • Ocean Waves for Active Kids
Pool at Martinhal Sagres in Portugal

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Pool
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Though close to Puerto Viejo town and its beautiful beaches, the property feels like a secluded jungle escape—a true hidden gem in Costa Rica, the authentic Costa Rica experience most travelers seek, but which is increasingly hard to find.
  • As you enter the main, airy reception area, you’ll be greeted by warm, friendly staff (and maybe even a sloth) that make you feel at home right away.
  • The 2-bedroom bungalows are perfect for families with space to spread out and relax. There aren’t many, so book this hotel early to get that room! For an extra touch of luxury, opt for the deluxe bungalows – they come with private pools, making your jungle retreat even more special.
  • The rooms combine tropical chic with local artisan flair, with natural wood, bold tiles, and vibrant art that connects you to the beauty of Costa Rica. Nothing frilly, not too much fuss; just a design that feels clean, open, and connected to the natural surroundings.
  • Hotel Aguas Claras keeps dining fresh and local. Mornings start at Papaya Restaurant with a complimentary à-la-carte breakfast—think tropical fruits, fresh juices, and Costa Rican favorites. The menu is super accommodating, with plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Don’t miss the Friday night barbecue. If you’re craving a slow, relaxing evening, you can even have dinner on your bungalow terrace.
  • For lunch, DaLime Beach Club is the place to be. Set right on Playa Chiquita, it’s the spot for fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and cocktails with your toes in the sand. You can eat at a shaded table or have food brought right to your beach lounger.
    Hotel Aguas Claras isn’t a kid-focused resort, but families are absolutely welcome — in fact, the hotel has a page on its website dedicated to families, with Family Vacation Specialists who can help you put together a great daily itinerary with kids in mind. The beaches nearby are calm, and kids can roam freely on property to hunt for monkeys, parrots, and iguanas.
  • For adventure-loving families, the hotel’s complimentary bikes make it easy to explore Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. Older kids can kayak through mangroves, hike jungle trails, or visit the BriBri Reserve for a cultural experience.
  • Hotel Aguas Claras can help you find balance and mix some wellness into your family vacation in Costa Rica. The open-air yoga shala, surrounded by lush jungle, offers yoga and meditation classes that let you start your day in total serenity. If deeper relaxation is on the agenda, the spa offers holistic treatments, massages, and facials.
  • The hotel also knows how to bring the fun. Theme nights at DaLime Beach Club, beach bonfires at Playa Chiquita, and live DJ and music nights keep the energy up after dark.

Best Rooms for Families

The hotel has 5 categories of rooms, ranging from suites to bungalows, but these ones have the best room configurations for families.
Two-Bedroom Bungalow

Two-Bedroom Bungalow

  • Best for families of 3-4
  • Master bedroom with king bed
  • Second bedroom with king or two twin beds
  • Separate open-air living and dining space
  • Minibar and coffee maker
  • Two ensuite bathrooms with showers only
  • Private veranda surrounded by lush gardens
View on Hotel Website
Two-Bedroom Bungalow Deluxe

Two-Bedroom Bungalow Deluxe

  • Best for families of 3-4
  • Master bedroom with king bed
  • Second bedroom with king or two twin beds
  • Separate open-air living and dining space
  • Minibar and coffee maker
  • Two ensuite bathrooms with showers only
  • Private veranda surrounded by lush gardens
  • Private plunge pool
View on Hotel Website

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Traveler Reviews

What a place!! The best! This felt so exclusive & yet so close to nature. We saw humming birds & howler monkeys on arrival. The amount of nature on your doorstep cannot be imagined. The restaurant is fabulous & the staff are friendly & helpful. The beach is really close & the Cerviche & patacones in the beach bar was the best thing I have ever eaten!

Reviewed by Caroline P, Aug 2024, via TripAdvisor

The best of beach vibe and nature Beautiful setting in a lush jungle garden visited my all the wild animals of the area (howler monkeys, sloths, agoutis, raccoons, birds, hummingbirds, iguanas, frogs… right on your doorsteps). The one-room bungalows feature a roomy bedroom with A/C and outdoor kitchenette, sitting area, and bathroom. It was fun to take our shower outside with the sound of nature all around us. Access to the beach is super easy and secluded. My son had fun playing in the waves which are usually mild but can become stronger depending on the weather. The main restaurant and the beach restaurant offer good quality local food and the staff is absolutely amazing. Dania, Jefferson and Michael, in particular, went out of their way to make sure we were always comfortable and not wanting for anything. There are plenty of coconuts to order <> everyday, which is very refreshing.

Reviewed by Caroline P, Aug 2024, via TripAdvisor

Other Hotels and Resources

Want to see more of what Costa Rica has to offer? Dive into our complete Costa Rica Collection for more family-friendly hotels in Costa Rica and must-do activities. If you’re still in the ‘Hmm, which island?’ phase, our ‘Find Your Caribbean Island‘ page is designed to help busy parents like you sift through the noise and pick the perfect family getaway.