The Peruvian hotel chain Aranwa Hotels Resorts & Spas has launched its first property outside Peru in Costa Rica’s Sarapiquí region, marking a key step in the brand’s growth. The new Aranwa Sarapiquí Rainforest Lodge opened this week in La Virgen de Sarapiquí, Heredia province, and stands as the first international brand to invest in this area known for its rich biodiversity.
The lodge covers seven hectares of tropical forest and features 40 rooms arranged in circular palenques, drawing from pre-Columbian indigenous designs. Each palenque holds eight rooms with air conditioning and private terraces that blend into the surrounding greenery. The setup promotes a close tie to nature while offering modern comforts.
Gonzalo Calderón, the chain’s general manager, pointed out the fit between Aranwa’s approach and Costa Rica’s strengths. “We picked Costa Rica for our first move abroad because it matches our core ideas: strong biodiversity, a solid tourism sector, and a national focus on sustainability and quality of life,” Calderón said. He noted that Sarapiquí provided a setting where the brand could operate in a genuine and respectful manner.
The hotel employs only local workers, which helps create jobs and supports the area’s economic progress. This choice reflects Aranwa’s aim to connect with the community and aid tourism growth in Sarapiquí, a spot often visited for its natural attractions.
Aranwa has committed $1 million to a renovation plan that upgrades the lodge to match the standards of its five Peruvian locations. The updates modernize facilities, improve services, and refine guest stays, all while keeping the original natural and cultural elements intact. Work focuses on infrastructure and operations without disrupting the site’s harmony with the forest.
Guests at the lodge can take part in various activities tied to the environment and local heritage. Options include forest hikes, birdwatching – a popular draw in Sarapiquí – and visits to the nearby Tirimbina Biological Reserve. The property also has a swimming pool set among native plants, rural tours that link visitors to nearby communities, and an on-site pre-Columbian archaeological site. These elements let travelers engage in learning and relaxation amid the tropics.
Food plays a central role at the lodge’s Encuentro Restaurant. The menu combines Peruvian staples like ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina with Costa Rican dishes made from fresh, local produce. This mix creates a dining experience that bridges the two countries’ traditions through shared flavors and methods.
With more than 17 years in operation, Aranwa runs hotels in key Peruvian spots, emphasizing wellness, culture, and eco-friendly practices. The Sarapiquí lodge extends this model to Central America, targeting visitors who seek real encounters with nature in a peaceful setting. Sarapiquí’s ecological diversity makes it an ideal base for such stays, drawing people interested in conservation and outdoor pursuits.
This opening not only expands Aranwa’s reach but also highlights Costa Rica’s appeal to foreign investors in sustainable tourism. The country continues to attract brands that align with its environmental goals, strengthening its position as a leader in responsible travel. As renovations wrap up, the lodge aims to draw more international guests to Sarapiquí, potentially increasing visits to this northern zone.
Travelers can book stays through the chain’s website, with rates starting around $150 per night for standard rooms. The property operates year-round, with peak times during the dry season from December to April when weather favors outdoor activities.
Aranwa’s entry into Costa Rica signals potential for further investments in underserved regions like Sarapiquí, where tourism can drive local benefits without harming the ecosystem. Calderón added that the brand sees long-term potential here, building on shared values between Peru and Costa Rica in protecting natural and cultural assets.
