Tucked into the rainforest with Arenal Volcano in the distance, Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down. Our family spent a few days here and enjoyed not only the views, but the overall nature experience. In this post, we’ll share the details of our stay to help you decide if the hotel is a good fit.
Note: This is an unbiased review based on our personal experience. We paid for our stay and received no compensation. We share our honest opinions to help you plan your trip. Read our hotel reviews for other properties in La Fortuna and all around Costa Rica.
Overview
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is a boutique property with around 40 rooms, suites, and a few larger houses spread across a 120-acre (49-hectare) rainforest property. It sits on a steep hill with gorgeous views of Arenal Volcano. The hotel has a high-end feel, though the rooms still have warm, rustic Costa Rican character.
The main draw at Lost Iguana is the peaceful atmosphere and lush jungle surroundings. Wildlife viewing was a highlight of our stay. We spotted an anteater with a baby right near the restaurant, coatis and howler monkeys near our room, and many kinds of birds throughout the property.
The resort has several amenities, including two pools, a restaurant, lounge, spa, fitness center, and onsite trail.
One thing to be aware of is that the property is spread out and some rooms are located up a steep hill from the main area. The staff can help you get around by golf cart, though, which is a nice touch.
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is one of the most popular hotels in the Arenal area.
Location of Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
Lost Iguana is located near La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most visited destinations. The resort is, however, quite far from town at about a 30-minute drive so it’s important to keep that in mind. You won’t be able to walk to restaurants or amenities, and tour companies charge extra for pickup here.
Tip: We highly recommend renting a car for your stay. This will give you the flexibility to explore La Fortuna and get to the hot springs and other attractions. Be sure to check out our discount to save 10% through one of the most reputable rental companies in Costa Rica.
One convenient aspect of the hotel’s location is that it’s right next to Mistico Hanging Bridges, one of the most popular attractions in the area.
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is about 2.5 hours from Costa Rica’s largest international airport near San Jose (SJO) and about 2.5 hours from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR). See the Transportation section, below, for specific information on driving or taking a shuttle.
Customer Service
The staff at Lost Iguana were friendly and helpful throughout our stay.
Check-in was at the gorgeous reception area, which overlooks the rainforest and a scenic river. The front desk team was welcoming and took time to explain the property and its amenities. They were also reachable by WhatsApp during our visit, which was convenient.
Throughout our time at the resort, all the staff were kind and professional. The restaurant team in particular always made sure our family had everything we needed.
Note that the reception is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Room Options
Lost Iguana has a range of accommodations for couples, small families, and larger groups.
Room Categories
Standard Deluxe (10 rooms)
The entry-level option, with 2 full beds and a small private balcony with volcano views. These rooms are a good size at around 430 sq. ft. (40 m²). Can hold up to 4 people.
One of our family members was traveling with us and stayed in one of these rooms.
Suite Upper Deluxe (8 rooms)
Located on the second floor (walk-up) with 1 king bed and 1 double bed in the same space. Has a Jacuzzi tub and a small balcony with volcano views. Around 538 sq. ft. (50 m²). Can hold up to 4 people.
Deluxe Suite (8 rooms)
A good option for couples, with 1 king bed, a sitting area, volcanic rock rain shower, Jacuzzi tub, and balcony with volcano views. Around 538 sq. ft. (50 m²). Can hold up to 2 people.
Villas Junior Suites and Villas Superior Suites (8 rooms)
Set in a more secluded area of the property, each has a king bed in the main room with a sitting area and kitchenette (fridge and microwave), plus a separate bedroom with 2 full beds, 2 bathrooms, and a large porch with great volcano views. Around 592 sq. ft. (55 m²). Can hold up to 6 people.
Las Casitas (4 units)
The largest spaces on the property, located in a separate building at the top of the hill. Units are either on the top or lower level. Each has 2 bedrooms, a primary bedroom with a king bed or queen bed that opens onto the balcony and a smaller bedroom with 1 full bed. These have 2 bathrooms, a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave, living area with TV, and very large porch with volcano views and a Jacuzzi. Can hold up to 4 people.
Our Room
We stayed in one of Las Casitas and really enjoyed it. It was comfortable and had plenty of space for our family of four. We were traveling with our kids, who were 6 and 10 at the time. Having separate bedrooms and a living area made the stay much easier.
The huge porch was a big highlight, with an amazing volcano view. We have visited the Arenal area many times in our 10+ years living in Costa Rica and the volcano view at Lost Iguana was one of the best.
Our only criticism of the space is that the furniture and decor felt a bit worn out and dated for the price point.
Other Room Amenities and Parking
All rooms at Lost Iguana have A/C, TV, Wi-Fi, a ceiling fan, security box, coffee maker, phone, hair dryer, and toiletries.
As we mentioned, the property is spread out with different areas for the various room types. The staff can help you get from your room to the reception, restaurant, and pools by golf cart. If you’ll have a rental car, you’ll be able to park at your room and can drive to the main area. Parking is available.
Pricing
Lost Iguana is one of the more expensive hotels in La Fortuna, though in the high-end hotel category for this area, its prices are on the lower end. Rates generally range from around $245 to $650 per night. Prices are highest during Christmas and New Year’s and Easter Week.
Rates include breakfast. Lost Iguana does not charge a resort fee or for parking.
Check Rates and Availability at Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
Volcano Views
One of the highlights of staying at Lost Iguana is definitely the volcano views. All room types have a balcony facing Arenal Volcano, and the views are genuinely lovely.
That said, something to know about this area is that the volcano is often covered in clouds. During our stay, we had one day with a completely clear view of the entire volcano and another where it was mostly obscured by clouds. This is very common and not unique to Lost Iguana.
Wildlife
One of the unexpected highlights of our stay at Lost Iguana Resort was the wildlife right on the property. We were fortunate to spot an anteater with a baby hiding in the gardens just steps from the restaurant! We also saw a couple of coatis (raccoon-like animals) near our room and heard howler monkeys calling in the distance. Birds were all around the grounds too, including mot-mots and hummingbirds.
The onsite Puma Trail (see below) has more opportunities to see wildlife from the path, amphibian viewing area, and hummingbird and butterfly garden.
Pools
The pool area at Lost Iguana is small but nice. There are two pools right next to each other on different levels, surrounded by thick tropical gardens. The upper pool is heated and has a swim-up bar that connects to the lounge, which was a nice feature. There are some loungers around the pools as well.
The pools are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Restaurants
Lost Iguana has two dining options: the main Blue Hibiscus Restaurant and a more casual lounge adjacent to it. Both serve the same food menu, though the lounge has its own separate drink menu. The spaces are open-air and have a nice ambiance.
The menu leans traditional, with things like grilled chicken, octopus, rib-eye steak, beef tenderloin, salmon, and sea bass. There are also some pasta dishes, a burger, and pizza. Options for vegetarians are limited, though a few dishes are available.
We ate at both spots during our stay. At the main restaurant, we enjoyed our grilled shrimp with herb risotto and Caribbean-style chicken with rice and beans. And at the lounge, it was nice to share appetizers like the zucchini carpaccio and mixed seafood plate.
Lost Iguana has a big kids’ menu with pasta, mac and cheese, a burger, pizza, and grilled chicken or steak.
Appetizers range from $12-17 and mains are $18-45, with most dishes in the $25-35 range plus tax and service.
Although we enjoyed the food, it was pricey for the quality. There weren’t a lot of options for some people in our group who are vegetarian either, so we also enjoyed eating at some of La Fortuna’s great restaurants. See our La Fortuna destination guide for recommendations in town.
Breakfast
Like most hotels in Costa Rica, breakfast is included in the nightly rate at Lost Iguana.
We were really happy with the breakfast. It’s a buffet served at the main restaurant. The selection varied each day and included traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans), scrambled eggs, plantains, homemade corn tortillas, chicken in tomato sauce, squash picadillo, and sausage. There were also options like toast, homemade bread, pancakes, and cereal. One morning, there was an egg station. Rich Costa Rican coffee and fresh juice was provided.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Spa
We didn’t have any treatments at the spa but visited and found the space to be beautiful and modern. The spa is located on the lower part of property near the fitness center. The Balinese-style building is gorgeous and inviting, with warm woods throughout and an opulent light fixture in the entrance. Treatments are done in private bungalows set in nature near a river.
Services include massages ($90-115 for 60 minutes), wraps and exfoliations ($160-180 for 90 to 100 minutes), and facials ($120 for 80 minutes).
The spa is open from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Gym
The fitness center is small but nicely done, with large floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to lush gardens and good air conditioning. Equipment includes a treadmill, a couple of bikes, and some weight equipment.
The gym is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hiking/Nature Trail
Lost Iguana has an onsite trail called the Puma Trail, named for the pumas that have been spotted on the property. It’s a short dirt trail that takes about 1-1.5 hours to complete. Highlights include a hanging bridge, viewpoints, an amphibian viewing area, river access, and an open hummingbird and butterfly garden.
One thing worth noting is that the trail has an additional charge of $12 per person for a self-guided walk. We did find this to be a bit unusual, as most hotels in Costa Rica provide trail access for guests at no extra cost. To access the trail, you’ll need to pick up a bracelet from the front desk.
The trail is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last entrance at 3:00 p.m.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi was very strong in our room, at the restaurant, and at the pool area.
Nearby Attractions
Lost Iguana’s location is convenient to Arenal’s top attractions:
- Mistico Hanging Bridges: About a 5-minute drive
- Arenal Volcano National Park: About a 10-minute drive
- La Fortuna Waterfall: About a 30-minute drive
- Tabacon Hot Springs: About a 15-minute drive
- Ecotermales Hot Springs: About a 15-minute drive
- Baldi Hot Springs: About a 15-minute drive
- Sky Adventures Zip Lining and Hanging Bridges: About a 20-minute drive
Tours
From Lost Iguana, you can do all of La Fortuna’s amazing adventure and eco-experiences like safari floats, volcano hikes, hot springs, ziplining, hanging bridges, waterfall rappelling, and night tours. Just keep in mind that tour companies charge extra for pickup at Lost Iguana since it’s farther from town. If you’ll have a rental car, you can meet for the tour to avoid extra fees. If you won’t have a car, expect to pay around $35-50 round-trip for transportation (1-4 people).
Need help booking tours for your trip? Be sure to check out our guide on the best things to do in La Fortuna and our La Fortuna Tours page. Our travel agency can take care of all the arrangements and help you figure out transportation if you won’t be renting a car. We offer discounts on many activities in Arenal, including hot springs, ziplining, and hanging bridges. Below is a sampling of the activities we can help you book in La Fortuna.
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Arenal Volcano – El Silencio Trail (Group Tour) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $61.00 +VAT Select options -
Mistico Hanging Bridges (Group Tour) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $65.00 +VAT Select options -
North Fields Coffee & Chocolate Tour – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $38.00 +VAT Select options -
Pure Trek Canyoning (Waterfall Rappelling) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $99.00 +VAT Select options -
Sky Adventures Zipline-Hanging Bridges Combo – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $110.00 +VAT Select options -
Ultimate Jungle Hike – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $85.00 +VAT Select options
Value for Money
Overall, Lost Iguana gives a more upscale experience without the prices that come with Arenal’s most luxurious lodges. You can still get volcano views, lush rainforest, wildlife, and attentive service at this more reasonable price point. For couples or families who want a peaceful, nature-immersed stay with local character, Lost Iguana delivers solid value. The included breakfast also helps justify the cost.
On the other hand, the dining options are limited and the restaurant prices are high. The trail access fee also felt unnecessary.
Best For
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is best for:
- Couples looking for a romantic, peaceful retreat with volcano views
- Families who want a quieter, nature-focused stay with some space and privacy
- Wildlife enthusiasts; the large, rainforest-covered property offers great wildlife viewing
- Travelers who want a boutique feel at a more accessible price point
- Those traveling with a rental car
The resort is not ideal for:
- Budget travelers
- Those looking for a luxury experience
- People traveling without a rental car
- Visitors who want to be within easy reach of La Fortuna’s restaurants and town center
Pros and Cons of Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
Pros:
- Spectacular volcano views from every room
- Peaceful, private atmosphere on a large rainforest property
- Excellent wildlife viewing right on the grounds
- Beautiful spa with Balinese-inspired design
- Boutique feel with attentive, personalized service
- No resort fee; breakfast included
- Convenient access to Mistico Hanging Bridges
Cons:
- Far from downtown La Fortuna / restaurants
- Pool area is small
- No hot springs onsite
- Limited dining options on property
- Restaurant quality is average and prices are high
- Trail access costs extra ($12/person)
- Rooms feel dated
When to Visit
La Fortuna stays lush and green year-round because it receives more rain than other parts of Costa Rica.
December and January are typically the wettest months, and cloud cover is common, which can affect volcano views. Our visit to Lost Iguana was in January and we had a mix of gorgeous, clear weather and some rain. It was actually a nice balance and the rain came and went fairly quickly. On previous trips to the area in March, June, and July, we had mostly sunny days with only occasional showers.
September tends to be one of the better months for clear views of Arenal, even though it falls in the rainy season in other parts of Costa Rica.
For more details, see our Weather in Costa Rica post.
Transportation
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa is about 2.5 hours from both San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR).
Renting a Car
The drive from both airports is on well-maintained paved roads, though some stretches are narrow and curvy. A standard car is fine (four-wheel drive is not required).
For more information, see our posts Road Conditions of Specific Routes in Costa Rica and Driving from LIR to La Fortuna.
We recommend renting a car (see our discount for 10% off) if you’re comfortable driving in Costa Rica. The resort has free parking. Having a car makes a big difference at Lost Iguana given its remote location.
If you are nervous to drive from the airport, you could shuttle to Lost Iguana then pick up a car once you arrive and use it locally. The rental car company that we work with, Adobe, can deliver cars to La Fortuna from their office in nearby Ciudad Quesada. Just select Ciudad Quesada as your pickup location and write a note to ask them to deliver the car to the hotel. Here’s a link to our Rental Car Discount page with more information.
Taking a Shuttle
If you’re arriving without a car, we can help you arrange a private shuttle from either airport. We work with an excellent local transportation company for these routes that offers door-to-door service. From San Jose or Liberia, the cost is around $200 to $250 plus tax. See our Shuttles page for more details and book using the links below. Please note that some transportation companies charge an additional fee for Lost Iguana Resort.
Once at the resort, you’ll need to take a taxi to get to La Fortuna or nearby attractions. The front desk can help with arranging taxis. There is no hotel shuttle to town. A taxi from Lost Iguana to downtown La Fortuna is around $40-50 each way.
Conclusion
Our stay at Lost Iguana Resort & Spa was a highlight of our recent visit to Arenal. The combination of stunning volcano views, lush jungle surroundings, abundant wildlife, and warm hospitality made for a memorable trip. While the remote location is best with a rental car and the dining options are limited, the setting more than makes up for it.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, boutique resort experience in the Arenal area, whether for a couple’s getaway or a family trip, Lost Iguana is a great choice.
Our Review Policy
This review is based on our family’s personal experience at Lost Iguana Resort & Spa. We paid for our own accommodations and received no compensation or special treatment in exchange for this review. Our goal is to provide honest, unbiased information to help travelers make informed decisions about their Costa Rica accommodations.
Please note that if you book a stay at Lost Iguana using one of our links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Other Arenal Hotel Reviews
Wondering how Lost Iguana compares to other hotel options in La Fortuna? Here are more hotels we’ve covered:
Los Lagos Hot Springs Resort Review: An affordable hot springs resort not far from downtown La Fortuna.
Arenal Springs Resort and Spa Review: A mid-to-high-end hotel with hot springs, pools, several restaurants, and lots of amenities for kids.
La Fortuna Hotel Guide: Our general hotel guide for all budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lost Iguana Resort good for families?
Yes, Lost Iguana can work well for families. The villas and Las Casitas are spacious and can accommodate larger groups. The property also has a kids’ menu and plenty of nature to explore. That said, families with very young children should note that the property is spread out and hilly, and there is no dedicated children’s pool or play area.
Can you see the volcano from Lost Iguana Resort?
Yes! All rooms at Lost Iguana have a balcony with volcano views. The views can be spectacular on a clear day. Keep in mind that the volcano is sometimes covered by clouds; however, we have always been able to see it at some point during each of our many visits to this area over the years.
How far is Lost Iguana Resort from the airport?
Lost Iguana is about 2.5 hours from San Jose International Airport (SJO) and about 2.5 hours from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR).
Do I need a car to stay at Lost Iguana Resort?
You don’t need to have a car as the hotel has a restaurant and tour companies will pick you up for an additional charge. However, since the resort is farther from downtown La Fortuna and most amenities (about 30 minutes), it’s most convenient to have a rental car.
How much does it cost to stay at Lost Iguana Resort?
Rates range from around $245-650 per night depending on room type. Prices are highest during Christmas/New Year’s and Easter Week. All rates include breakfast. There is no resort fee.
Check current rates and availability at Lost Iguana Resort & Spa.
Does Lost Iguana have hot springs?
No, Lost Iguana does not have hot springs. Its pools are regular temperature (one is heated, but not geothermally). However, several popular hot springs resorts are within a 15-minute drive, including Tabacon, Baldi, and Ecotermales.
Is there wildlife at Lost Iguana Resort?
Yes, the 120-acre (49-hectare) property has a lot of wildlife. During our stay, we saw an anteater mother and baby, coatis, howler monkeys, and many birds including mot-mots and hummingbirds. The onsite Puma Trail offers additional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Have a question about Lost Iguana Resort & Spa or have you been? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:
Mistico Hanging Bridges: A Treetop Rainforest Experience – You won’t want to miss these awesome hanging bridges, which are right next to Lost Iguana.
19 Unique Things to Do in La Fortuna: La Fortuna offers so many things to do, from adrenalin-pumping adventures like waterfall rappelling and zip lining to cultural activities like coffee tours and cooking classes.
Cloud Forest Lodge Review: If you’re heading to Monteverde after La Fortuna, check out this high-end ecolodge with its own reserve and great onsite restaurant.
Practical Travel: These practical guides cover all the basics from safety and drinking water to using credit cards and getting cash.