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Casitas Tenorio B&B: Eco-Lodge Near Rio Celeste for Families

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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.

Entrance to Casitas Tenorio Costa rica bed and breakfast with logo and rubber boot wall

Casitas Tenorio B&B Overview: More Than Just a Place to Sleep

Casitas Tenorio B&B 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 B&B 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.

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Modern House in Costa Rican rainforest

What It’s Like to Stay At Casitas Tenorio B&B

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.

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Golden Orb spider in web.

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.

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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 definitely get you booked on that. The hanging bridges at Heliconias Lodge are pretty underwhelming compared to those in Monteverde and La Fortuna, just to warn you. It can also be good to get reservations at the Tenorio National Park if you plan on visiting on your own.

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Which Casita Should You Book?

Every casita at Casitas Tenorio B&B is unique—thoughtfully designed with families and nature-lovers in mind. Right on the home page is a description of each casita, including Mi Casa es Su Casa, a larger house for bigger groups. Don’t forget to use the code PURAVIDAMOMS for an exclusive discount when you book directly on their website.

We stayed in Casita El Sol, and it was incredibly comfy, homey, and had gorgeous views from the front porch.

Note: Sometimes getting a room at Casitas Tenorio is tough at the 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.

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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 staying 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.

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