Last Updated on April 6, 2025
Sleeping In A 727 Boeing Airplane In Costa Rica
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Ever dreamed of sleeping inside an airplane without the cramped seats and turbulence? Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica offers one of the most unique accommodations in the world—an old Boeing 727 converted into a luxury hotel suite, perched high in the jungle between the vibrant Manuel Antonio National Park and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Hotel Costa Verde is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
This four-star escape at Hotel Costa Verde is known for its elevated service, tropical-meets-rustic charm, and unexpected surprises (like, say, sleeping in a retrofitted aircraft).
Located just 3 miles from the lively town of Quepos and a scenic 2-hour drive from San José’s international airport, Costa Verde is perfect for a quick getaway or a longer jungle-meets-beach escape. Whether you’re chasing wildlife in the national park, casting a line on a sport fishing charter, learning to surf, or simply soaking up the chill vibes of Manuel Antonio’s iconic beaches—this is your adventure hub.
Only 300 yards from the beach and boasting views over Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Verde features three cliffside pools with jungle panoramas and spacious rooms, studios, and bungalows. Every room includes a balcony with a front-row seat to rainforest action—think toucans, monkeys, and sloths just doing their thing right outside your window.
During our stay, we spent two unforgettable nights inside the Boeing 727 Fuselage aircraft, waking up to the sounds of the jungle and taking in breathtaking sunsets from the airplane’s wing-turned-balcony. But Costa Verde isn’t just about the airplane stay—it’s located near some of Costa Rica’s best adventures, from zip coasters to wildlife-filled national parks. Here’s everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind experience and all the incredible things to do nearby.
Our Experience In The 727 Boeing Fuselage
First Impressions
As we drove up to Costa Verde, we were immediately struck by how lush and green everything was. Tucked into the hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the property felt like it was part of the jungle itself. But nothing prepared us for the sight of a full-sized airplane seemingly suspended in midair, its nose pointed out toward the ocean.
The 727 suite is dramatically perched on a platform, as if it’s ready to take off straight from the treetops. The walk up to the plane built the anticipation even more. As soon as we stepped inside, we were blown away by how beautifully designed it was—a perfect blend of rustic charm and aviation nostalgia.
Inside The Airplane Suite
Forget tight economy seats—this airplane has been transformed into a cozy, two-bedroom suite with polished teak interiors that make it feel like a high-end jungle cabin. The interior is surprisingly spacious, with:
- Two bedrooms with comfortable beds and air conditioning.
- A small kitchenette equipped with a fridge, microwave, and sink.
- A living space with a small dining table and seating area.
- Two bathrooms with showers and plenty of hot water.
- A balcony (the plane’s old wing!) offering panoramic jungle and ocean views.
The cockpit basics remain intact—now serving as a quirky bathroom feature and the original airplane windows offer glimpses of the lush jungle outside. At night, the combination of warm lighting and jungle sounds made it feel like we were in a treehouse… just one with a fuselage.
Wildlife Encounters At Costa Verde
One of the highlights of staying in this airplane suite is the wildlife. From the moment we arrived, we saw monkeys swinging through the trees nearby. Each morning, we woke up to a variety of jungle sounds that kept us guessing what animals it was. At night, we watched bats circle by. Bird lovers will be in paradise too—scarlet macaws, toucans, and other tropical birds regularly fly past, adding splashes of color to the green backdrop. One evening, we were watching the sunset and a pair of macaws flew across the sky; it was magic.
If you’re a photographer or nature lover, bring binoculars or a zoom lens—you won’t regret it. We captured some incredible shots!
Swim At The Pool With Monkeys
Costa Verde has multiple pools, but the best one is in Area A, steps from the 727 Fuselage, and surrounded by jungle and regularly visited by monkeys. It’s a surreal experience to be lounging in the water while monkeys swing overhead, have an intense playtime with one another and occasionally stopping to observe (or steal unattended items).
One afternoon we were taking a swim to refresh from the heat and at least 20 monkeys bombarded the pool area, jumping all over the trees and the canopy that covered the pool. It was hilarious watching them all go at it; seemingly having the best play time. And then, one of the monkeys tried to steal a kid’s flip flop. This was one of the highlights of our stay; the monkeys sure were cheeky!
- Best time to spot monkeys – Early mornings and late afternoons.
- Perfect for families – Kids will love the excitement of seeing animals up close while splashing around.
We found the monkeys loved to show off during the early evening hours—so schedule your swim around golden hour for the best chance of a “monkey show.”
Dining Options
Hotel Costa Verde offers a variety of dining options that cater to diverse tastes, each providing a unique atmosphere and culinary experience. Here’s an overview of the on-site restaurants:
1. Anaconda Restaurant
Anaconda Restaurant features casual dining elegance surrounded by grazing monkeys, jungle, and ocean vistas. The menu includes a variety of Costa Rican and international dishes, specializing in fresh fruits and seafood. For breakfast, guests can enjoy traditional Gallo Pinto or a Full English Breakfast. Lunch options feature wraps, sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled beef and fish, and rice dishes.
2. La Cantina BBQ
La Cantina BBQ offers a lively dining experience with live music and a menu focused on grilled meats and seafood. Guests can enjoy dishes like BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, and fresh fish, all cooked over an open flame. The vibrant atmosphere and hearty meals make it a popular spot for dinner.
Each of these restaurants provides a distinct dining experience, allowing guests staying near Manuel Antonion National Park to enjoy a range of culinary delights without leaving the property.
3. El Avión
El Avión is a renowned restaurant and bar built around a historic Fairchild C-123 airplane. The restaurant offers stunning ocean views, especially at sunset, and a unique dining atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, including seafood specialties, and even plant based options. The chef also creates fresh fish specials with unique local flavors daily. This was our favourite restaurant option.
4. El Wagon
El Wagon is known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant is decorated with colorful murals and offers outdoor seating, making it a great spot to enjoy a casual meal. In addition to pizzas, the menu includes a variety of sandwiches and traditional Costa Rican dishes. We opted to take the pizza back to the 727 Fuselage and enjoy a peaceful dinner with the nature sounds on the back deck.
What To Do Nearby
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
Just minutes from Costa Verde, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most famous and beautiful parks. It offers an incredible mix of rainforest trails, wildlife sightings, and postcard-worthy beaches. You don’t need a guide to visit—but if you want help spotting sloths, monkeys, and toucans, booking a tour with a guide and spotting scope is worth it.
Right at the base of the national park, Manuel Antonio Beach is absolutely stunning. Its powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, playing, or just relaxing under a palm tree. Backed by lush jungle and framed by rocky outcroppings, it feels like something out of a tropical postcard. Don’t be surprised if you spot monkeys or iguanas making their way across the sand—or if a sloth takes up residence in a nearby tree. It’s a fantastic spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Pro tip: If you’re driving yourself, continue driving towards Manuel Antonio until you hit a dead end and don’t stop for people trying to wave you over to pay for parking or tour guides. Park at the big gravel lot across from the beach when you reach the end of the road—it’s $5US and no hassle. You can absolutely visit the park and see wildlife with a general admission ticket (no mandatory guide needed). The “park rangers” that were trying to pull us over were trying to get an additional $75US per person (above our already bought admission tickets), plus parking, and there are six of us. Inside, we hired a guide for $25US TOTAL, for the six of us. The guiding lasted for an hour and was the perfect amount of time. It was money well-spent, but not necessary if you just want to piggy back off what other people are finding. Having use of the scope, however, is super helpful.
2. Ride The Canopy Zip Coaster
One of the most unique experiences at Costa Verde is the Canopy Zip Coaster—an adventure that combines the glide of a zipline with the curves and twists of a roller coaster. Suspended high in the jungle canopy, the steel track lets you soar through the treetops, gently winding through loops, dips, and turns.
You’re harnessed in securely and is a perfect option for younger kids or anyone who wants a unique flight, and those trying a zipline for the first time.
3. Try The Canopy Bike
For a milder thrill, hop on the Canopy Bike—a fun, slow-paced ride through the treetops. Imagine gliding gently above the jungle in a suspended motorbike-style frame, where the wheels are on top and the pedals are just for show. You switch between cables like a tree-top gondola, swaying through the canopy at a leisurely pace.
Our five-year-old even said it was “too slow,” but the views were beautiful and the ride was relaxing. It’s a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the forest and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way.
You’ll find the Canopy Bike at the same location as the Canopy Zip coaster, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park.
4. Watch Sunset At El Avión
Even if you don’t stay at Costa Verde, El Avión is a must-visit. This iconic restaurant is built around a vintage C-123 Fairchild cargo plane that was part of a CIA operation in the 1980s. It has incredible views over the Pacific and is one of the best spots for sunset drinks or dinner with a view. The vibe is casual and fun, with great food and even better photo ops. Take a walk into the airplane to check out the bar, where you can even climb into the cockpit.
5. Go On A Wildlife Night Tour
Many local companies offer nighttime jungle walks where you can spot frogs, spiders, snakes, and other creatures that come out after dark. It’s a totally different experience than visiting during the day—and kids find it especially thrilling.
Staying in the 727 Fuselage at Hotel Costa Verde was one of the most memorable and unique experiences of our travels. It combined the comfort of a boutique hotel with the excitement of sleeping in a literal airplane high in the jungle canopy. Add in cheeky monkeys at the pool, stunning sunsets, and adventure at every turn, and it’s the kind of stay that sticks with you long after you’ve returned home.
If you’re heading to Costa Rica and want more than just another hotel room—this is it. Whether you’re traveling with kids, your partner, or a group of friends, the 727 is an unforgettable basecamp for exploring Manuel Antonio and making some seriously cool memories.
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