Top 7 Sustainable Getaways in Central America

Central America boasts a natural paradise that attracts countless travelers. From volcanic landscapes and verdant cloud forests to black sand beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and vibrant Indigenous cultures, the reasons to explore are limitless.

To preserve the beauty of this region, it’s essential to travel responsibly and leave a light footprint. Fortunately, there are fantastic sustainable lodging options available—eco-lodges powered by solar energy, B&Bs constructed from upcycled materials, organic ranches offering farm-to-table dining, family-run boutique eco-hotels, tranquil yoga retreats, and enriching homestays with local communities.

These remarkable accommodations play a vital role in safeguarding Central America’s extraordinary biodiversity and vibrant culture while delivering unforgettable experiences. Here are our top sustainable stays in Central America.

1. Lush Atitlan – Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala

Ideal for Eco-Friendly Lakeside Luxury

Nestled between three stunning volcanoes and surrounded by Maya villages, Lago de Atitlán—the jewel of Guatemala's highlands—has attracted backpackers, digital nomads, and tranquility seekers for years. However, tourism in this delicate lake ecosystem has sometimes harmed the environment. Lush Atitlan, one of the few family-run eco-luxury lodges on the lake, is committed to reducing this impact. Its delightful rooms and suites feature upcycled reclaimed wood and recycled glass windows, while the owners prioritize energy efficiency, use biodegradable cleaning products, and treat greywater to safeguard the lake’s crystal-clear waters.

2. Aventuras Naturales Yorkin – Talamanca, Costa Rica

Perfect for Chocolate Enthusiasts

Costa Rica offers an abundance of pura vida (pure life) adventures, with 24% of its primary forests remaining intact and protected. For a deeper connection to the forest, step off the typical tourist path for a homestay in the Yorkin Indigenous Reserve near the Panamanian border. Here, the Bribris—one of the last Indigenous cacao-growing communities—live sustainably by the Yorkin River in naturally-cooled thatched homes.

Trips are organized through the Cooperative Consortium National Ecotourism Network, and the journey here—navigating rapids in a dugout canoe—is not for the faint of heart, but the experiences are incredibly rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to harvest, roast, grind, and enjoy chocolate in its purest form, swim to a waterfall across the river in Panama (no passport needed), and rethink your understanding of colonialism and its impact on the original inhabitants of the Central American isthmus.

3. El Respiro Ecolodge – Granada, Nicaragua

Ideal for an Immersive Experience

A French-Hungarian couple swapped their restaurant and chef careers to create this stunning, off-the-grid four-room eco-lodge, nestled at the base of the majestic Volcán Mombacho—just a short drive from the ancient city of Granada in western Nicaragua. This lodge runs entirely on solar energy and harvested rainwater, offering an exclusive gateway to local coffee and cacao farms, hidden swimming spots, authentic Nicaraguan crafts, and breathtaking hikes up an extinct volcano. After a day of exploration, enjoy gourmet meals sourced from the on-site organic farm, witness panoramic sunsets from your private wooden deck, take refreshing dips in a stone-carved pool, and relax under a dazzling canopy of stars at night.

4. Dolphin Bay Hideaway – Bocas del Toro, Panama

Perfect for a Robinson Crusoe Experience

Bocas Del Toro may be Panama’s top party spot and boast some of its most beautiful beaches, but you can escape the hustle at the family-run Dolphin Bay Hideaway, located on a small, uninhabited island in the Atlantic Ocean. Accessible only by boat, the cozy, off-the-grid cabanas (huts) run on solar energy and rainwater, living up to its name with frequent dolphin, stingray, and other marine life sightings. Swim, snorkel, explore the islands’ incredible biodiversity, and enjoy lunch on nearby isles during the day. At night, after enjoying lovingly prepared communal dinners, gaze up at the expansive, star-filled sky.

5. Omega Eco Lodge – Pico Bonito National Park, Honduras

Ideal for effortless rainforest exploration

Nestled between the lush forests of Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios national parks in northern Honduras, Omega Eco Lodge is crafted from upcycled wood and features a unique solar-powered water heating system. The lodge utilizes recycled water and offers some of Central America’s finest mountain biking, rainforest hiking, and birdwatching trails, along with exhilarating Class IV rapids on the Rio Cangrejal—an experience you won't want to miss! End your action-packed day by spotting toucans from your hammock or enjoying a refreshing swim in the freshwater pool, as the natural rainforest breeze lulls you into a restful sleep.

6. Volcan Laguna – Nayarit, Mexico

Perfect for yoga enthusiasts

While Mexico isn't technically in Central America, we can't overlook this stunning destination. Located on the shores of the Santa Maria del Oro volcanic crater lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views in Nayarit, Volcan Laguna is a plant-based, semi-off-the-grid yoga retreat that brings together artists, volunteers, and travelers seeking a deep connection with nature.

The retreat's vegan kitchen emphasizes seasonal ingredients to craft wholesome dishes—think vegan cheeses, vibrant salads, and ayurvedic-inspired meals that cater to all palates. Enjoy homemade picnic lunches during waterfall adventures, then indulge in gourmet veggie burgers after a day filled with volcano hikes, stand-up paddleboarding, or swimming from the deck. Let the exquisite natural beauty surrounding you inspire a lighter footprint on the earth.

7. Rancho Margot – Lake Arenal, Costa Rica

Ideal for organic enthusiasts

Nearly two decades ago, well before the #regenerativetravel movement gained traction, a Chilean scientist transformed the barren Rancho Margot cattle ranch in northern Costa Rica into a flourishing endemic forest. Today, this 400-acre haven features bungalows with living roofs for natural temperature regulation, hydro-electric generators for energy, spring-fed rock pools, and an organic farm supplying over 75% of the ingredients for the delicious farm-to-table meals served to guests. Adventurers can kayak, hike, and mountain bike around the breathtaking Lake Arenal and Caño Negro River, while volunteering and sustainable living immersion programs are offered for travelers seeking a more profound experience.