Our Journey in Conservation
We founded Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat in 2006 with a simple goal: protect the rainforest in one of the most critical sectors of the San Juan la Selva section of the Meso American biological corridor and run a lodge that treads lightly, contributes positively to our local community and where friends and family would love to visit.
As a Sarapiqueño–Irish-Canadian family, we started small—a rustic lodge on the river—guided by mentors at Rainforest Alliance and EARTH University to build and operate responsibly with recycled materials, solar, rainwater collection, natural ventilation, and biodegradable products. Sustainability was our starting line.
Over time we learned that reducing harm wasn’t enough for a place we love. Our work grew from sustainability to regeneration—not only treading lightly, but actively helping the forest and community thrive. Today we safeguard 42.8 hectares of lowland rainforest, thanks to conservation land purchases in 2016 and 2024. We’ve restored riverbanks, created wildlife-friendly trails, and set quiet, low-light zones so animals can move safely. With our neighbors, we host travelers, students, and research teams; support artisan markets and youth programs; and collaborate with local schools and partners so that benefits stay here in Sarapiquí.
Regeneration, for us, is a way of living. Every stay, meal, and program is designed to nourish a living local economy and a healthier forest—now and for the next generation. While Meghan currently supports from Canada, Davis and our daughter Lluvia lead day-to-day operations with our incredible team on site. Our family and team remain united by the same goal that started it all: keep the forest thriving and share its benefits widely and fairly.
When you visit Chilamate, you’re not just a guest. You help protect habitat, sustain dignified livelihoods, and carry this conservation journey forward along the Sarapiquí.
Sustainability
At Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat, we don’t just protect the rainforest—we live in harmony with it.
Since day one, we’ve followed the Rainforest Alliance Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism, building our Retreat with recycled materials, rainwater catchment, solar energy, and natural airflow. These choices aren’t decorative—they keep the forest alive and make it easier for you to see toucans, frogs, and monkeys just steps from your room.
Our commitment has been audited and celebrated: we’ve received top ratings from the Rainforest Alliance and worked closely with EARTH University and PROMES to keep improving.
But our real sustainability begins in the community.
We believe that conservation only works when local families see and feel its benefits. That’s why we invest in education, support rural community tourism, run a soccer program, and buy local—always.
How you help:
🌿 Book directly with us
🛍️ Buy handmade items at our shop
🏠 Try a homestay
🐸 Take a tour with our neighbors
💬 Share our story
Each visit helps us grow the forest and strengthen our community. Gracias for being part of it.
Rainforest Conservation
We protect over 42 hectares of primary rainforest—and we keep expanding. In 2024, we acquired a critical 23.8-hectare piece of land to reconnect ecosystems and regenerate habitats. The easiest way to support? Stay with us or become a symbolic owner of a square meter of forest. Every step you take helps us conserve this piece of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
🍃 How you can help
– Donate via PayPal: meg@chilamaterainforest.com
– Contact us: chilamaterainforest@gmail.com
– Become a symbolic landowner of this majestic forest
Your support becomes trees, clean air, and a future worth living. Gracias for being part of this story.
Sarapiquí
Sarapiquí, in northern Costa Rica, is a place of contrasts: one of the most biodiverse regions in the country, and yet economically challenged due to large-scale monoculture crops like pineapple and banana. But here, the forest resists—and thrives.
You’ll find some of the best-preserved premontane rainforest in the country, protected in areas like La Selva Biological Station, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tirimbina, and of course, our own Chilamate Rainforest.
And then, there’s the river.
The Sarapiquí River, born between Poás and Barva volcanoes, carves its way north for 85 km to the San Juan River, offering world-class paddling and unforgettable scenery. With rapids for the bold and gentle floats for all ages, it’s the beating heart of this region.
Adventure meets culture here. You can:
– Zipline through the canopy
– Raft or kayak year-round
– Explore rural farms
– Take educational eco-tours
– Or simply listen to the birds from your hammock
At Chilamate, we’ll help you connect with this place—its people, rivers, forests, and stories. Just say the word, and we’ll help you build your perfect itinerary.
Chilamate School
Just steps from our Retreat, on the other side of the Sarapiquí River and main road, stands Chilamate Elementary School—a place we hold close to our hearts. It’s not just the school our three children attended; it’s a cornerstone of our community.
For over a decade, Meghan served as President of the School’s Administrative Board, while Davis has led countless projects to improve the campus—playgrounds, classrooms, gardens—always with love, collaboration, and local hands.
We’ve seen how education sows long-term change. That’s why we continue to support this school and other schools in the area through donations, shared projects, student visits and guest initiatives like Packing for a Purpose.
Want to support education in Sarapiquí?
Reach out to us—we’ll gladly tell you how to get involved.
Sarapiquí Rivel School
In a place where rivers are part of everyday life, many local youth had never held a paddle—until we decided to change that. The Sarapiquí River School was born from a simple dream: make kayaking and river skills accessible to all, especially local kids who watch tourists glide by but never get a chance to try.
With love, vision, and a growing collection of donated gear, we began lending equipment to motivated local youth, organizing workshops and hands-on instruction. Since 2011, thanks to partnerships with World Class Kayak Academy and Esprit Whitewater, and support from generous volunteers, the river school has grown into a space of confidence, resilience and joy.
Are you a skilled paddler with a big heart?
We welcome volunteers ready to share their time and talent on the river in exchange for lodging and meals. Whitewater rescue certification and at least conversational Spanish are ideal.
Also welcome: gently used gear and donations.
Let’s make the river a classroom for everyone.
📩 Reach out to: edu@chilamaterainforest.com
Pack for a Purpose
When you travel to Chilamate, you can bring a little extra love in your luggage. By participating in Pack for a Purpose, you help provide school supplies and much-needed materials to the rural schools that we support in the area.
Whether it’s a few pencils, a pack of markers, or a Spanish-language storybook, every item helps plant seeds of opportunity in our local classrooms.
📩 Want to know what’s needed? Write to us!
Adventure Hotels Costa Rica
We’re proud members of this beautiful network of family-run hotels—no chains, no greenwashing. If you need to stay near the airport, we recommend Adventure Inn in San José. Mention you’re coming from Chilamate and receive a 10% discount. We believe in supporting one another through responsible travel.
https://www.adventurehotelsofcostarica.com/
