In every rainforest, there are certain trees that rise above the rest, literally in stature and figuratively in meaning. At Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs, one such tree quietly rises among the trails: a Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra), towering, rooted, and older than much of the Chachagua Rainforest that surrounds it.
Also known as a Kapok tree or silk cotton tree, to walk to its base is to step into a story that has been unfolding for centuries, long before the hotel, the town of Chachagua, or even the nearby reserves were established. This Ceiba is more than a tree. It is a guardian, a living monument, and a reminder of the deep bond between nature and culture in Costa Rica.
It’s no wonder this is one of our guests’ favorite experiences.
Chachagua’s forest is considered secondary growth – lush and vibrant, yes, but younger than many of Costa Rica’s protected old-growth areas. That’s why the Ceiba feels even more extraordinary: it predates the newer forest.
This Ceiba is one of the oldest living beings in the forest, a natural witness to the history of the land and its people. Its immense roots have anchored themselves here for generations, surviving changing landscapes, offering shade, and serving as shelter to countless forms of life.
Look closely and you’ll see what it supports. Epiphytic orchids cling to its high branches, drawing moisture and nutrients from the air. Toucans and trogons rest in its canopy. Monkeys use its horizontal limbs as pathways between feeding grounds. Even insects, bats, and frogs make their homes in its crevices.
The Ceiba, quite literally, holds an ecosystem in its embrace.
Across Latin America, the Ceiba has long been considered sacred.
Pre-Colombian indigenous civilizations saw it as a bridge between the heavens, the earth, and the underworld – its deep roots reaching down, its massive trunk grounding life, and its crown connecting with the sky. In Costa Rica, Indigenous Bribri traditions describe the Ceiba as the pillar that supports the heavens, with the resting place of ancestors lying beneath its roots.
Throughout the tropics, stories and gatherings have taken place under Ceibas. Villages held meetings in their shade. Healers drew upon their symbolism of strength and connection. And still today, standing at the base of a Ceiba brings a feeling that is hard to put into words: reverence, awe, peace. Guests often describe the sensation as humbling, as if the tree itself is reminding us of our place in the greater web of life.
Visiting our Ceiba is simple but unforgettable. Join us for a complementary hike or ask at reception for directions; the trail winds through our private rainforest reserve and can be enjoyed on a guided nature walk or independently. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, when the light slants through the canopy and the forest is alive with bird calls.
Take your time when you arrive. You may wish to bring a journal, a camera, or simply an open mind. Some guests sit quietly in the natural alcoves formed by the Ceiba’s buttressed roots, reflecting or meditating. Others wander around its massive trunk, marveling at the scale. Children often see it as a tree straight out of a storybook, its towering branches forming secret hideaways and magical nooks.
However you approach it, you’ll likely feel its presence before you even reach it.
It’s no surprise that so many guests leave with memories of the Ceiba at the heart of their visit. Vera, a recent guest, described her family’s experience:
“A highlight of our trip was after our hike in the morning to the Ceiba tree (a stunning characteristic of Chachagua)… [and] a very kind staff member showed us a sloth! It was truly memorable and meant a lot to our family. We are very grateful for our time at the amazing hotel.”
Stories like these are common. For some, the Ceiba is the backdrop to a wildlife encounter. For others, it’s a connection to tradition and history. For many, it can be a quiet moment of stillness in a busy itinerary. And for all, it is a reminder of why protecting these living monuments matters.
At Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, conservation is not an abstract concept, but a value woven into every aspect of daily life. Protecting trees like our precious Ceiba means protecting the wildlife, water systems, and cultural memories that they sustain.
The Ceiba stands as a symbol of longevity and resilience, anchoring not only the rainforest but also Chachagua’s commitment to stewardship. Each guest who visits, photographs, or reflects at its base is participating in that legacy.
Welcome to a living example of why destinations like Chachagua Rainforest Hotel exist: to celebrate Costa Rica’s biodiversity while ensuring that future generations can experience it too.
As our guest, Chachagua’s Ceiba is yours to discover. It’s a free experience, included simply by being here – one of the many gifts that come with being immersed in a private rainforest reserve.
Join us for a complimentary nature walk, ask our Front Desk team for guidance, or set out on your own with curiosity as your compass. The Ceiba will be waiting, just as it has for centuries, offering shade, shelter, and a sense of awe.
Come stand before this guardian of the forest, and let its story become a part of yours.