Best eco lodges in Central America to book now

These sustainable stays match the magnificence of their surroundings, well almost

Trendy AND considerate? Central America’s most stunning eco-resorts are here to prove it’s possible…

Central America is a treasure trove of beaches, rainforests, wetlands, and wildlife – but it’s fragile too. Tourism, if unmanaged, can fuel habitat loss, soil erosion, water scarcity, and pollution, and the region is among the most vulnerable in the world. That’s why choosing where you stay matters. We’ve rounded up the very best eco-conscious hotels and resorts that put nature first, support local communities, and deliver unforgettable, luxurious experiences.

These are places where the environment isn’t just preserved – it’s celebrated. Integral to this is leaving a positive mark on the people who call it home, and who hold vital knowledge of how to work the land. Here we highlight those looking out for both planet and people, while offering an ultimate Latin American escape for those adventure-seekers among us.

Morgan's Rock, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Jungle stay, luxury style - each bungalow is constructed with tropical woods, sourced from responsibly managed logging and reforestation projects

On a pristine crescent-shaped beach along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, Morgan’s Rock is barefoot luxury with a green heart. Bamboo ceilings, reclaimed-wood villas with plunge pools, and solar power seamlessly blend together over jungle and ocean views - the vibe is exotic while beautifully polished.

Wildlife is woven into the retreats core, as you might find yourself swinging in a giant daybed as howler monkeys call, watching sloths and macaws roam the private reserve, or helping release baby turtles at dawn.

The working organic farm fuels the lodge’s farm-to-table restaurant, so fresh breakfasts and sunset coconut cocktails taste even better knowing they’re sustainable. Paddle out for waves, ride horseback along the sand, or cross a secret jungle suspension bridge to dinner – it’s one big eco paradise.  

Morgan’s Rock farms its own produce

Laguna Lodge, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Laguna Lodge looks over the magical, volcano-formed Lake Atitlán

One of the Sunday Times’ world’s 50 most amazing places to stay, Laguna Lodge is an atmospheric retreat nestled within its own nature reserve on the shores of Lake Atitlán. The pale blues of the lake and surrounding volcanoes are mesmerising, but it’s not just the scenery that makes this eco-stay spectacular. Accommodations use indigenous materials, the on-site restaurant serves organically grown meals, and the lodge actively supports environmental conservation and local communities.

There’s plenty to do amidst the lush lakeside greenery – from kayaking, hiking, and exploring nearby Mayan villages to relaxing at the lodge’s lava bar or lakeside pavilion. Whether it’s the golden-lit restaurant with its stone fireplace and antique candelabras or the star-studded sky above, Laguna Lodge is an eco-escape full of wonder.

Hotel Aguas Claras, Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica

Aguas Claras effortlessly blends into Costa Rica’s luscious natural scenery

Tucked between the jungle and the sea on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the Cayuga Collection’s Hotel Aguas Claras is an artistic eco-retreat that feels like a visual poem. Designed by local artist Elizabeth Steinvorth and her daughter Elena, the property is a curated collection of Victorian-Caribbean bungalows and suites, each adorned with upcycled antiques, mosaics, and original artworks.

Nature is the resort’s beating heart, as it sits amidst bountiful jungle gardens and flourishing coral reefs. Solar-heated water, underground electrical systems to protect wildlife, and the elimination of single-use plastics are just some of the ways it treads lightly. It also prioritises employing local staff all year round, including in the low seasons.

To eat, Afro-Caribbean flavours dominate the menu, with produce from the hotel’s greenhouse and seafood arriving daily through its “dock-to-dish” programme supporting local fishermen. With surfing or snorkelling at the Da Lime Beach Club and the coastal town of Puerto Viejo nearby, as long as you’re into beaches there’s plenty to do.

Hotel Bolontiku, Flores, Guatemala

On an island, the only access to Bolontiku is over the lake

Perched above the tranquil shores of Lake Petén Itzá and a 15-minute boat ride from colourful Flores, Hotel Bolontiku offers a nature-immersed retreat that feels a world away from any hustle and bustle.

Bolontiku refers to the union of nine Mayan gods believed to guard the underworld, each playing a vital role in humanity’s well-being. In honour of its name, the hotel safeguards both ancient culture and its untouched natural surroundings. This includes preserving Mayan sanctuaries discovered on site and protecting significant trees such as the 200-year-old Pukje tree that the restaurant is built around. All staff are local, many still speaking indigenous languages, including Maya Itzá which is at risk of disappearing.

With sweeping views of the emerald lake and infinity pool, the open-air restaurant serves Guatemalan-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. In terms of how to fill your days, there are dedicated rainforest trails so you can wander off into the rocky hillsides, as well as kayaks and paddleboards available on the lake. To truly soak in the area’s culture, visiting the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal is a must, with the hotel able to arrange dedicated excursions.

Isla Palenque, Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama

The clue’s in the name, but Isla Palenque is its own island

On a 400-acre private island in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí, Isla Palenque is a tropical sanctuary home to diverse wildlife, primary forests and seven hidden beaches once revered as sacred ground by ancient tribes. The stay is as intimate as it is immersive, with just eight Beachfront Casitas and one secluded Villa Estate boasting private terraces strung with hammocks, open-air bathrooms, and ocean views framed by rainforest.

Days are to be spent snorkelling coral reefs or kayaking through mangroves, while sunset rum tastings and yoga by the shore bring the island’s slower rhythms to life. Local life is integrated into the hotel, with furniture crafted by island artisans, a composting system enriching the soil, and the resort collaborates with Panama’s largest Indigenous group, the Ngäbe, who create traditional beaded necklaces sold on-site. When it comes to dining, ingredients come from the island’s organic gardens and fish is caught fresh – as you can’t have the full Panamanian experience without tasting the local land and sea itself.

Central America’s as breathtaking as it is fragile