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About Nature Observatorio

Tropical forest Treehouse overlooking Caribbean

 

A 2 storey treehouse, with modern conveniences and comforts, powered by solar energy and using collected rainwater, suspended 25 metres in the rainforest canopy.
The first level has a 360° view to the jungle and the Caribbean sea, with hammocks and sofas. Not a single nail or screw was used to secure the structure, which is held in place by strong nylon webbing. Built from the top down, it has two double bedrooms while a hatch in the top room provides access to the very top of the tree Observatorio, a further 30m above you.

Don’t worry about having to climb yourself. The solar collectors also power an electric winch should you not want to climb.

Views are spectacular. Across to the coast and Caribbean, or into the rainforest.

 

Find your balance with nature

 

                Comments
Like this 87 People like this
Henrik Stabell
Jul 31 2012
This is an amazing project/"hotel"/observatory in the beautiful forest in Manznillo where Peter and some local companions have built a fabulous tree house 25m up in a huge tree. Peter arranges treks of the jungle including a climb to the tree house and the wonderful views and atmosphere there. Staying the night there is truly magical and was the highlight of our entire Costa Rica experience. The walk to the Tree House is not at all hard but full of fascinating experiences, and Peter is enthusiastically finding, showing and explaining the many wonders of the forest, from "walking trees" to colourful dart frogs and fabulously beautiful toucan birds. The climb up the ropes to the tree house is also a fun and memorable experience, although I understand this has been made much easier now with the "elevator". As mentioned, staying overnight in the Tree House was magical, particularly waking up with the forest, listening to the birds and animals and see the morning mist clear and enjoy the amazing views and atmosphere. It is very comfortable and naturally, really fascinating 25m up there in that massive tree. We did the overnight stay during a night of a tropical rain storm with our 8 year old son and his 74 year old granddad, and had an amazing experience!

Christina Opalka
Jul 25 2012
It's hard to describe why you need to see the jungle from a treehouse. I suppose it's that you are quiet, motionless, in the jungle but at eye level with the canopy where all the action is, and the more you settle in, the smaller noises and motions become apparent and more of the jungle's layers and subtleties are possible to detect. Contrast that with a walking tour - it's very different. Then there's Observatorio itself. Getting up to the treehouse is fun for the kids and the adults, regardless of ability level. More importantly, while it's not far to get there from the trailhead, it overlooks an area of the jungle that is totally inaccessible to humans and consequently filled with animals. The forest itself is ancient, ancient growth, a rare thing and an absolutely necessity--the balance of flora and fauna is so weird, wonderful, and perfect because it is the product of forever and a day. You marvel at that. The treehouse is comfortable to inhabit and make your own. The Nature Observatorio experience is probably in the category of "glamping" - luxury and camping all together, a total exit from civilization but with over the top services (within reason considering you're in a forest) and people who help you get the most out of your time. Any nature traveler or lover knows this: the crux of your experience is the "interpreter" - your guide. In other reviews I noticed Peter's name keeps coming up, and that's because he's really an immeasurable part of what makes Observatorio such a full experience. He has a naturalist's sharp eyes and narrative ability, an innovator's inventive ideas on how people's interests can align with conservation, and a gentle spirit that is just him - but it also may be influenced by the time he has worked and lived with indigenous people. Our family is international and has done a lot of traveling, and we count our time in Manzanillo and Nature Observatorio in particular as the best vacation we've ever had. Really.

Mark Dennis
Jun 29 2012
We were picked up at our hotel by Peter who turned out to not only be our guide but also the builder/designer of the treehouse. He drove us into the jungle, provided hiking boots for both of us as well as water for the hike to the treehouse. Every once in a while Peter would stop and show us something really cool that we would never have seen ourselves: poison dart frogs, exotic plants, the markings on a tree where a jaguar had recently sharpened its claws, etc. Peter had something interesting to say about everything and his eye for the jungle caught so many things we'd overlooked. His philosophy on life and reason for moving to Costa Rica was what most interested us though and we both felt we were in the company of someone who truly appreciated nature. Everything out of his mouth was fascinating and when we reached the base of the treehouse, we were eager to learn more. Kind of like that one teacher you had in high school who made all of their classes a blast to learn in. When you expect to sleep in a treehouse in the woods, you expect exactly that. You don't expect a shower, a sink, beautiful architecture and artwork everywhere in sight. You don't expect bean bag chairs, a hammock, mosquito nets, powerful binoculars, and a night vision scope. You expect a platform and maybe a mattress at most. Peter's treehouse, while no one would ever describe as luxurious, seemed like the Bellagio of treehouses. It had everything we needed and had incredible views everywhere you could look. Peter and his helper left us to watch the monkeys and birds for a couple of hours, then returned with a delicious dinner which we pulled up on the rope. It was a truly unique experience that my friends are already "liking" all over my facebook album. I've posted hundreds of pictures of my trip to central america but the pictures of our treehouse experience have received the most envy and for very good reason: It was awesome!

John Kroells
Jun 27 2012
I wish I had the right words to say about how much I loved this experience. I came to Costa Rica for adventure and nature, and Nature Observatorio is both; and very educational. Peter; the owner, teaches you during the whole experience about plants and animals and how important it is to save. I got to see tarantulas and poison dart frogs on the way to the tree house. The rope climb up is probably a little scary but I was too excited to reach the top. Once you get to the top, you cannot believe the view. The tree house has bean bags and hammocks inside and are very relaxing. I spent time in the hammock just relaxing and watching Howler monkeys and Tucans in the surrounding trees. In the morning we were awoke by Howler monkeys and sounds of many, types of birds. I could go on and on about the great time I had; And I will be going back hopefully sooner than I think, but you must check this place out for yourself and you will understand what I am talking about. Thank you Peter for the great experience, and your homemade dried fruit in banana leaf was amazing!

Jeffrey Crooks
Jun 27 2012
One of these days I will make it to the Costa Rica, and will certainly have to stay at this one. I have always wanted to live in a Rain Forest Canopy since I was a kid. I would consider this hotel to be one of the most unique hotels in the world. http://www.americanlivewire.com/top-ten-most-unique-hotels-world/

Christian Friederich
Jan 7 2012
Coming to Peter's Tree House was for me and my family the biggest adventure of our Costa Rica trip. The idea to put up this platform in this beauty tree without harming it and to be involved in the atmosphere of an untouched rainforest for one night was showing us how important it is to take care of our planet and what is possible. The climb up was big fun and the look out just fantastic ..we listened to all the noises at night and saw a lot of birds around.Peter gave us a great idea even if we had just a night and one day how much is out there and what your eyes and ears are able to see and hear.His great personality and his spirit made this trip unique also his native guides who teached us a lot about plants and medicine and we had big fun out there ...pura vida His idea of protecting land and environment is a great example to take care of what we love. All the best and many thanks again Peter

Linda Barnhard
Nov 4 2011
Looks like it would be an incredible adventure. Are there lots of hummingbirds and orchids around?

Andrea Babalova
Oct 22 2011
The tree house is an incredible adventure for everyone!!! The nature around was amazing and the climb up was a lot of fun. We didnt sped a night there, but if we had time we surely would. We really recomend this place. You will never forget this experience. Wish there were more hotels like that in the world. Thanks Peter

Clara Mauni
Oct 15 2011
so nice place!! waw!!

George Crown
Oct 15 2011
I spend a week there and that was so amazing, is a house but is like to be inside the nature. I used to listen monkeys, birds and a lot of strange animals that I didn´t know them. Although have rained too much, I spend my best relationship with nature ever! Completely reccomended, and hope to travel again to Costa Rica very soon! Thank you very much!

Isabel Gallardo
Oct 14 2011
Sleeping in the treehouse was the best experience of my life, the feelling of being in the middle of the jungle suspended at 25 metres from a tree with all the comfort of a modern appartment was amazing. I can't wait to do it again!

Henrik Stabell
Jul 31 2012
This is an amazing project/"hotel"/observatory in the beautiful forest in Manznillo where Peter and some local companions have built a fabulous tree house 25m up in a huge tree. Peter arranges treks of the jungle including a climb to the tree house and the wonderful views and atmosphere there. Staying the night there is truly magical and was the highlight of our entire Costa Rica experience. The walk to the Tree House is not at all hard but full of fascinating experiences, and Peter is enthusiastically finding, showing and explaining the many wonders of the forest, from "walking trees" to colourful dart frogs and fabulously beautiful toucan birds. The climb up the ropes to the tree house is also a fun and memorable experience, although I understand this has been made much easier now with the "elevator". As mentioned, staying overnight in the Tree House was magical, particularly waking up with the forest, listening to the birds and animals and see the morning mist clear and enjoy the amazing views and atmosphere. It is very comfortable and naturally, really fascinating 25m up there in that massive tree. We did the overnight stay during a night of a tropical rain storm with our 8 year old son and his 74 year old granddad, and had an amazing experience!

Christina Opalka
Jul 25 2012
It's hard to describe why you need to see the jungle from a treehouse. I suppose it's that you are quiet, motionless, in the jungle but at eye level with the canopy where all the action is, and the more you settle in, the smaller noises and motions become apparent and more of the jungle's layers and subtleties are possible to detect. Contrast that with a walking tour - it's very different. Then there's Observatorio itself. Getting up to the treehouse is fun for the kids and the adults, regardless of ability level. More importantly, while it's not far to get there from the trailhead, it overlooks an area of the jungle that is totally inaccessible to humans and consequently filled with animals. The forest itself is ancient, ancient growth, a rare thing and an absolutely necessity--the balance of flora and fauna is so weird, wonderful, and perfect because it is the product of forever and a day. You marvel at that. The treehouse is comfortable to inhabit and make your own. The Nature Observatorio experience is probably in the category of "glamping" - luxury and camping all together, a total exit from civilization but with over the top services (within reason considering you're in a forest) and people who help you get the most out of your time. Any nature traveler or lover knows this: the crux of your experience is the "interpreter" - your guide. In other reviews I noticed Peter's name keeps coming up, and that's because he's really an immeasurable part of what makes Observatorio such a full experience. He has a naturalist's sharp eyes and narrative ability, an innovator's inventive ideas on how people's interests can align with conservation, and a gentle spirit that is just him - but it also may be influenced by the time he has worked and lived with indigenous people. Our family is international and has done a lot of traveling, and we count our time in Manzanillo and Nature Observatorio in particular as the best vacation we've ever had. Really.

Mark Dennis
Jun 29 2012
We were picked up at our hotel by Peter who turned out to not only be our guide but also the builder/designer of the treehouse. He drove us into the jungle, provided hiking boots for both of us as well as water for the hike to the treehouse. Every once in a while Peter would stop and show us something really cool that we would never have seen ourselves: poison dart frogs, exotic plants, the markings on a tree where a jaguar had recently sharpened its claws, etc. Peter had something interesting to say about everything and his eye for the jungle caught so many things we'd overlooked. His philosophy on life and reason for moving to Costa Rica was what most interested us though and we both felt we were in the company of someone who truly appreciated nature. Everything out of his mouth was fascinating and when we reached the base of the treehouse, we were eager to learn more. Kind of like that one teacher you had in high school who made all of their classes a blast to learn in. When you expect to sleep in a treehouse in the woods, you expect exactly that. You don't expect a shower, a sink, beautiful architecture and artwork everywhere in sight. You don't expect bean bag chairs, a hammock, mosquito nets, powerful binoculars, and a night vision scope. You expect a platform and maybe a mattress at most. Peter's treehouse, while no one would ever describe as luxurious, seemed like the Bellagio of treehouses. It had everything we needed and had incredible views everywhere you could look. Peter and his helper left us to watch the monkeys and birds for a couple of hours, then returned with a delicious dinner which we pulled up on the rope. It was a truly unique experience that my friends are already "liking" all over my facebook album. I've posted hundreds of pictures of my trip to central america but the pictures of our treehouse experience have received the most envy and for very good reason: It was awesome!

John Kroells
Jun 27 2012
I wish I had the right words to say about how much I loved this experience. I came to Costa Rica for adventure and nature, and Nature Observatorio is both; and very educational. Peter; the owner, teaches you during the whole experience about plants and animals and how important it is to save. I got to see tarantulas and poison dart frogs on the way to the tree house. The rope climb up is probably a little scary but I was too excited to reach the top. Once you get to the top, you cannot believe the view. The tree house has bean bags and hammocks inside and are very relaxing. I spent time in the hammock just relaxing and watching Howler monkeys and Tucans in the surrounding trees. In the morning we were awoke by Howler monkeys and sounds of many, types of birds. I could go on and on about the great time I had; And I will be going back hopefully sooner than I think, but you must check this place out for yourself and you will understand what I am talking about. Thank you Peter for the great experience, and your homemade dried fruit in banana leaf was amazing!

Christian Friederich
Jan 7 2012
Coming to Peter's Tree House was for me and my family the biggest adventure of our Costa Rica trip. The idea to put up this platform in this beauty tree without harming it and to be involved in the atmosphere of an untouched rainforest for one night was showing us how important it is to take care of our planet and what is possible. The climb up was big fun and the look out just fantastic ..we listened to all the noises at night and saw a lot of birds around.Peter gave us a great idea even if we had just a night and one day how much is out there and what your eyes and ears are able to see and hear.His great personality and his spirit made this trip unique also his native guides who teached us a lot about plants and medicine and we had big fun out there ...pura vida His idea of protecting land and environment is a great example to take care of what we love. All the best and many thanks again Peter

Andrea Babalova
Oct 22 2011
The tree house is an incredible adventure for everyone!!! The nature around was amazing and the climb up was a lot of fun. We didnt sped a night there, but if we had time we surely would. We really recomend this place. You will never forget this experience. Wish there were more hotels like that in the world. Thanks Peter

Clara Mauni
Oct 15 2011
so nice place!! waw!!

George Crown
Oct 15 2011
I spend a week there and that was so amazing, is a house but is like to be inside the nature. I used to listen monkeys, birds and a lot of strange animals that I didn´t know them. Although have rained too much, I spend my best relationship with nature ever! Completely reccomended, and hope to travel again to Costa Rica very soon! Thank you very much!

Isabel Gallardo
Oct 14 2011
Sleeping in the treehouse was the best experience of my life, the feelling of being in the middle of the jungle suspended at 25 metres from a tree with all the comfort of a modern appartment was amazing. I can't wait to do it again!

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Nature Observatorio

, Costa Rica
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Tropical forest Treehouse overlooking Caribbean
Experience Thrill, Wild,

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