The recognition is not symbolic — it is backed by concrete and measurable actions.
Sustainability in Costa Rica is not just a trend — it is a way of life. In the heart of Boca Tapada, San Carlos, surrounded by tropical rainforest and unique biodiversity, Maquenque Lodge has achieved one of the highest recognitions in responsible tourism: the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) Elite Level, granted by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).
This achievement positions the lodge as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Costa Rica and reaffirms its long-standing commitment to environmental conservation, community development, and tourism resilience.
The Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) is a program with more than 30 years of experience that evaluates the business management of tourism companies across four main areas:
The CST promotes climate action, collaboration with local communities, and resilience within the tourism sector. Achieving the Elite Level means meeting the highest standards of sustainability and continuous improvement.
The history of Maquenque Lodge dates back to the late 1940s, when the Artavia Carvajal family arrived in Boca Tapada, at a time when there were no roads and life revolved around working the land and respecting the natural environment.
In 2009, together with the Baumann family, the lodge was formally established with a clear vision: to demonstrate that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand.
Located next to the Maquenque Mixed National Wildlife Refuge, the project understood from the very beginning that the true wealth of the region lies in its biodiversity, wetlands, and community.
The recognition is not symbolic — it is backed by concrete and measurable actions.
Protection of more than 100 hectares of mature forest.
Reforestation programs in partnership with the Macaw Recovery Network organization.
Participation in cleanup campaigns along the Tres Amigos River and the San Carlos River.
Promotion of birdwatching and species preservation.
Rainwater harvesting system for the frog pond.
Conversion of organic waste into feed for the farm.
Use of cattle manure as organic fertilizer.
Advocacy efforts to encourage municipal waste collection in the community.
Financial donation to support the construction and connection of the municipal aqueduct system.
On-site farm supplying the restaurant with eggs, cacao, herbs, tomatoes, cassava, lemons, and sugarcane.
Use of acacia wood in the wood-fired oven.
Purchase of textiles from a local seamstress.
Workshops on sustainability and responsible tourism in partnership with INA (National Training Institute).
Active participation in the local tourism chamber.
Involvement in the local emergency committee, providing boats and trained staff when needed.
Internal benefits for employees, including a complimentary overnight stay on their birthday.
These actions demonstrate that sustainability at Maquenque Lodge is not a marketing strategy, but a deeply rooted organizational culture.
Maquenque Lodge’s case demonstrates that sustainable tourism in Costa Rica can:
Generate dignified local employment.
Conserve strategic ecosystems.
Strengthen the local economy.
Promote environmental education.
Foster climate resilience.
The CST Elite Level is not a final destination, but a commitment to continuous improvement.
Today, Maquenque is more than a lodge: it is a living conservation project and one of the main economic drivers of Boca Tapada.
Receiving the CST Elite Level Certification reaffirms that the path chosen decades ago — grounded in respect, consistency, and commitment to nature — is the right one.
In a world where travelers seek authentic and responsible experiences, Maquenque Lodge represents the true meaning of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.
Today, we invite you to take the next step: come and experience firsthand what it means to stay at an Elite hotel, where luxury blends with nature and every experience is designed to be authentic, personal, and genuine.