Rancho Margot

Just 15 km from the Monteverde Biological Reserve, Rancho Margot has its own unique micro-climate. A steady gentle breeze, flowing mountain rivers, Lake Arenal and the Arenal volcano contribute to maintaining a comfortable temperature and friendly environment year round. Rancho Margot is owned by the Sostheim family who upon visiting Costa Rica fell in love with Lake Arenal and its surrounding area. As luck would have it, they were able to purchase approximately 400 acres on the shores of the lake with beautiful volcano views, primary rainforest, eleven natural springs and the largest river feeding Lake Arenal flowing through the property. Having traveled all over the world and witnessed the devastation that had occurred in other “paradises”, the family decided to develop Rancho Margot as a teaching community based on sustainable rural tourism and conservation. There are no cables or wires that come into Rancho Margot. Electricity is generated with two hydro turbines located on the ranch. Methane gas for cooking is produced with bio-digesters, and hot water is produced by heat exchangers located inside compost ovens. No waste, only reusable resources.

Accommodations: On the hills of Rancho Margot, you will find 17 deluxe bungalows. These bungalows are hidden in the botanical gardens, each equipped to house couples or families of up to 4 people. Each bungalow has its own terrace on which you may enjoy the great view, relax on your hammock and read a book. The Caño Negro river whisper will guide you to the most peaceful rest possible, only to wake up the next day with the loud call of the howler monkeys.

Included in your stay:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, all meals are buffet style. (Coffee, tea and water are available from all day, natural fruit juice or ice tea are available during meals)
- Yoga classes twice a day
- A guided ranch tour with a two hour duration
- WIFI at the restaurant and bar area
- Catch and release fishing in our fishpond and river
- Trails, obstacle course and children's play area

Activities at Rancho Margot: Pools Built with river rocks and filled with pure crystalline water from the onsite springs, the pools are the perfect spot to relax on a hot day. This natural setting combined with great views of the primary forest, the lake and the Caño Negro River will cast a spell on you.

Bar/Lounge The bar is the center of the Ranch's evening life. Nghtly salsa, wine and rum will delight your senses. The cozy atmosphere and the variety on the cocktail menu combined with the opportunity to mingle with people from all around the world are some of the elements that will make for an unforgettable evening.

Yoga Join your fellow guests for everyday yoga practices at 7am & 4pm. The Yoga center at Rancho Margot sits perched above the Caño river and nestled amongst the trees. The facilities are designed in an open air concept that allows you to feel completely submerged in nature while offering protection from the elements. Imagine a place with fresh air filling your lungs, an abundance of elements to nurture thousands of species of local flora and fauna, allowing you to listen to nature's whispers. All the senses come into play as the sound of the rushing river, the singing of tropical birds, the gentle breeze sweeping through carrying the soft scent of indigenous flowers and the vivid colors of nature surrounds you in all directions.

Organic Sustainable Ranch Guests will enjoy a variety of activities on the organic sustainable ranch, such as milking cows, making soaps and cheeses. The ranch carries approximately 50 calves a year for beef, and sustains enough milking cows to produce enough dairy for guests at the ranch. The ranch works 10 acres of cultivated land for fruit and vegetable gardens. Guests will enjoy getting their hands dirty while learning new sustainable techniques, as well as the confidence developed while growing their own food. At Rancho Margot, not only is organic fruits and vegetables grown, but their own herbal pharmacy is also cultivated. In the medicinal garden, you will find culinary herbs which are grown worldwide such as spearmint and basil, tropical plants including cardamom, ginger, and turmeric, and native rainforest trees like senna, amargo, and firebush. In recent times, rainforest plants and the indigenous groups that use them have become an important resource for treating the modern ailments seen today.

Trails The ranch and its surrounding beauty is the perfect place to hike and observe birds, trace wildlife or watch the sunrise as the whisper of the river along with the magnificence of the jungle transport you to another world. Mountain bikes are available to rent for a reasonable fee, or bring your own.