If you prefer a peaceful surf vacation away from the house and bustle of the town center, this is definitely the spot. We loved Eco Venao, and even had some waves out front when the rest of the beach was too crowded. We switched our reservation kind of last minute from the main break to Eco Venao and so happy we did. Thanks for everything :-)

Stayed in August 2025

To get to the center you either have to walk along the highway or the beach, as there are no actual roads. There is also no lighting or public transportation, so going out or coming back after dark is not recommended. The beds in the dorms are not the most comfortable and make noise whenever you move.

The place is huge and very spread out, with many areas to relax. They have a very nice beach bar and yoga studio across the highway, along with a nice stretch of beach. In addition there is a breakfast nook and coffee studio. They have a hiking trail which leads to a waterfall and you can hear howler monkeys in the trees. The staff are very pleasant.

Stayed in May 2025

I had to do some work and it was difficult because the internet kept going out or it was too slow. Not good for those that need high speed internet. The bar owner who is 3rd party also seemed a little cocky.

Lovely bungalow and beautiful beach. From my understanding, this place is one of the only remaining locally owned establishments (everything is being bought out or developed by foreigners). It was nice being able to support the locals!

Stayed in February 2025

A bit muddy during the rainy season.

Awesome jungle location, lots of monkeys.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Best beach ever, huge, no rocks, wonderful waves,no undertow. So much fun, felt like a kid again, and we are in our mid seventies! Staff could not have been better, - the manager Estoben, staff Manual, Eli, Aaron, Juliette etc, all exceptional. The restaurant and bar was very cool based around a big old style fishing boat. The food was very good. Very romantic setting at night under the multiple strings of lights made it like a movie setting. Lots of places to lounge in the shade or under trees in their large wooden chaise lounges. Saw howler monkeys in the trees. There are plenty of trails, one leading to a waterfall.

Stayed in March 2025

Perfectly tucked away from the crowds and party vibes but close enough to dip in if you choose to! Not for the faint hearted with cats jumping on your bed in the middle of the night Great spot for surfing and waking up to jungle noises

Stayed in February 2025

The only thing that I didn’t like was the illumination, there should be more light in the trail from the entrance to the Panama Hub, and inside of the Panama Hub as well.

The quietness, the view, the comfort.

Stayed in October 2024

The map for hiking trails was a little confusing

Breakfast was delicious and fresh. A sandwich with locally made bread.

Stayed in September 2024

Was too short.

Just excellent! Nothing else to say. The place is fantastic, the food is great, the waves and beaches are outstanding.

Stayed in August 2024

Seems like a bit of a walk to the shops but we really appreciated being a bit far for the busy hotels and centre area as it was noisy. Eco Venao has all you need though!

Everything! The cabins were the best space we had and being so close to the water felt amazing. 100% recommend. Everyone was super friendly, it was all clean and easy to fall in love with the beach.

Stayed in July 2024

The staff were amazing. Particularly Manuel at reception who went above and beyond to make my stay amazing. He connected me with other guests there and organised my travel to and from an amazing day out to see iguana island and the whales.

Stayed in July 2024

Maybe it would be cool if it had more ilumination at night

I love the waterfall and that it is really peaceful. Really a great experience.

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing, the place has everything you need for a perfect stay!

The hidden gem of Playa Venao. Secluded and quiet, while only a 15 min walk along the beach to the main part of town. The staff are amazing. Shout out to Manu, Male, and Esteban! I came for 5 nights and stayed 5 weeks! If you are interested in surfing, check out Surf Dojo. Carmelo and the guys are the best teachers and chillest dudes in town. Also it's the best value for long-term surf rentals and classes in Venao!

Stayed in May 2024

I stayed in the 8 person dorm. The room is amazing. Very spacious (the size of 4 standard bedrooms). They give you a very large locker and the beds are hand crafted, they look great. The cleaning ladies are so friendly, they brought us mangos from their garden and helped me a stain out my shorts. They are so nice. It’s an easy walk to the beach meaning you feel secluded but everything is accessible at the same time. The communal kitchen is large and has everything you need. There is a hammock area too.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing really. I rate as an 8 because it is not a five star facility but excellent for what we wanted

Location and individual huts with outdoor showers

Stayed in March 2024

20 minute walk to the main beach, but it was not so bad.

Peaceful place in the nature (sound of monkeys in the morning is fantastic) and beds are good.

Stayed in March 2024

It’s a walk to the town and I prefer to be a bit closer to for example a supermarket

The whole property was super nice, good relaxing atmosphere in general

Stayed in February 2024

The air conditioning is too small for such a big cabin and at mid day it didn't cool that well, but still, it was never hot, just warm.

This are just hidden gems. The beach cabin was perfect. You could see the beach and hear the waves. The cabin is very well constructed, spacious and with big windows. Pricey but it's worth it.

Stayed in February 2024

Option to have a bit more lighting at night, perhaps a table that folds off the wall to eat food

Loved staying here :)

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

Great little house, independent and private. Excellent

Stayed in November 2023

The kitchen and the restaurant are far from the room and at night time walking can be long and dark.

Although the location is not right on the beach, it has its own magic. The rooms are very well-maintained and clean. You wake up to an amazing view and to the sound of the birds and the monkeys. If you are looking for a magical, quiet place 10 minute walk from the beach this is the place for you.

Stayed in January 2024

When I returned one evening already in the dark from a restaurant at the beach, I had a problem with the battery of my flashlight. Never leave your casita without a flashlight! The reception was already closed and it was pitch dark. It was impossible to find the way through the dark forest to my casita. To my big luck, approximately a quarter of an hour later a friendly person with a working flashlight found me waiting at the reception and guided me to my casita. The lighting of the trails during night certainly needs improvement, otherwise it's really dangerous.

I stayed two nights in the Eco Venao Lodge. Right at the beginning there was a very friendly reception. They showed me also other rooms for rent in this lodge, but I stayed with the casita I had booked. The casita in the forest was a really great experience: view from the terrasse and windows into the forest. The room was perfectly clean and everything worked. The WiFi was fast.

Stayed in October 2023

The only tiny thing is that windows could be opened but had no cover from mosquitos.

Great position. The room was clean and got cleaned daily. Many services, from surf lessons to yoga classes. Two great bars (and a couple restaurants (which were closed during our stay). Hospitality was great, our room was upgraded.

Stayed in September 2023

40 minute drive from Pedasí, but overall an easy drive.

Location, kids playground, facilities, room, restaurant, turtle nursery/sanctuary, and outside bar.

Stayed in August 2023