Azania Bungalows is a small hotel of ten thatched-roof bungalows set in a tropical garden 50 meters from Playa Cocles, about 1.5 km south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. It is a comfortable, laid-back beach base rather than a conservation lodge, and it suits couples and families who want a private bungalow, a pool and the Caribbean coast’s parks within a short drive.
At a glance
| Location | Playa Cocles, 1.5 km south of Puerto Viejo on the road to Manzanillo |
|---|---|
| Style | Small hotel of ten independent bungalows with pool, restaurant and bar |
| Setting | Tropical garden under tall rainforest trees, 50 meters from the beach |
| Best for | Couples and families who want a beach stay with day trips into nature |
| Getting there | Paved coastal road from Limón; about 4 to 5 hours by car from San José |
| CST status | Not in the official CST directory on 2026-Oct-21 |
Where it is
The hotel’s website places it in front of Playa Cocles on the coast road from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, 1.5 km south of town. Cocles is the beach break of the area: there’s no reef in front of it, so waves break straight onto the sand, with a surf spot at the north end and the mouth of the Río Cocles to the south. The beach has a lifeguard program and has held the Blue Flag for clean beaches, according to the hotel.
Puerto Viejo’s restaurants and nightlife are a short bike or taxi ride away, and the quieter beaches of Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo continue south along the same road.
The bungalows
The bungalows page describes ten independent units spread through the garden near the pool. Each is built in a mix of traditional materials, tropical woods and palm thatch on a modern frame, with high peaked roofs and large screened windows for air flow.
Every bungalow sleeps up to four, with a queen bed below and two twin beds, one of them on a mezzanine for a bit of privacy. Inside are ceiling fans, bamboo lamps and furniture, a flat-screen TV, a mini fridge, a safe and a hair dryer. The signature feature is the softly lit, sauna-style bathroom, open enough that you can watch the garden while you shower. Out front, each bungalow has a private porch with a hammock. Some units have air conditioning, according to the hotel’s rate page.
Pool, restaurant and garden
At the center of the property is a free-form pool with a sculpted waterfall that spills into a cold-water jacuzzi. The garden is planted with bromeliads, heliconias, gingers, palms and fruit trees, which draw birds and butterflies.
The open-air restaurant by the pool serves a fusion menu with grilled specialties and fresh local produce, open for lunch and early dinner and closed one day a week. A full breakfast is included with the room. The bar sits in the clubhouse, where reggae is more likely than silence in the evening. Other services include a tour desk, laundry, bicycle and car rental, secure parking and Wi-Fi.
Nature nearby
Azania’s real draw for nature lovers is location. The hotel’s tours page lists what can be booked at reception:
- Cahuita National Park: a guided walk of about two hours on the coastal trail, or snorkeling on the reef followed by a hike back.
- Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: a four-hour guided hike from Manzanillo through forest to the coast, with a swim at the end.
- Sea turtle nesting: hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles nest on Gandoca’s beaches roughly from February to July, with local guides.
- Dolphin watching: by boat from Manzanillo toward the Panama border.
- Kayaking at Punta Uva, rafting on the Pacuare River, horseback rides on the beach, and a canopy tour.
- Bribri indigenous territory: a hike to a waterfall and a visit to a Bribri community to learn about their crafts and way of life.
- Jaguar Rescue Center and the Sloth Sanctuary: wildlife rehabilitation centers near Playa Chiquita and Cahuita.
Our guide to snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica covers the Cahuita reef in more detail.
Sustainability
Here the honest answer is: not much is documented. The hotel says it supports the PANIAMOR code of conduct, a Costa Rican program against the sexual exploitation of children in tourism, and it uses the area’s small-scale, low-rise style, with thatch and natural materials. It does not publish energy, water or waste practices, and it is not in the official CST directory. If green credentials are your main reason for choosing a place, ask the hotel directly, or see our guide to choosing a sustainable hotel in Costa Rica.
Who it suits
Azania fits couples and small families who want their own bungalow in a garden, a pool to come back to, and an easy walk to the beach, with nature as day trips rather than the center of the stay. The mezzanine layout works well for parents with two children.
Travelers looking for a lodge with its own reserve, guided trails or a strong sustainability program should look a little further south. Shawandha Lodge at Playa Chiquita and Almonds and Corals on the edge of the Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge are both close, and the full list of Caribbean eco-lodges covers the coast. Costa Rica Journeys also profiles the hotel.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Azania Bungalows from the beach and from Puerto Viejo?
The hotel is about 50 meters from Playa Cocles and 1.5 km south of Puerto Viejo's center, a few minutes by bike or taxi.
Is Playa Cocles safe for swimming?
Cocles has open beach-break waves and can have strong currents. The beach has a lifeguard program, but swim near the lifeguard posts and ask locally about conditions. Calmer water is found farther south at Punta Uva.
How many people can stay in one bungalow?
Up to four. Each bungalow has a queen bed and two twins, one on a mezzanine. Children under six stay free with two adults, according to the hotel's rate page.
How do I book tours from the hotel?
Tours are booked at reception after you arrive, according to the hotel. Popular choices are snorkeling in Cahuita, the Gandoca-Manzanillo hike, and a visit to the Bribri territory.
