Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra)

Carretera Interamericana Sur km 71, Cartago, Costa Rica
–Excellent location – show map
+30 photos

Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra)

Lock in a great price for Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) – rated 8.7 by recent guests!

to get started.

Lock in a great price for Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) – rated 8.7 by recent guests! to get started.
Scored 8.7
8.7
Rated excellent
Excellent
456 reviews

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra). Sign in to check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to booking dates, stay dates, and other available deals.

Featuring mountain views, Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) in Cartago features accommodations, a garden, and a shared lounge. Housed in a building dating back to 1985, this bed and breakfast is 13 miles from the Cerro de la Muerte. There's a sun terrace and guests can access free Wifi and free private parking. At the bed and breakfast, every unit includes a desk. Every room is fitted with a shared bathroom. At the bed and breakfast, every unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests are welcome to eat at the on-site family-friendly restaurant, which is open for dinner, brunch, and high tea. You can play darts at the bed and breakfast, and the area is popular for hiking. With an outdoor fireplace and a picnic area, this bed and breakfast offers plenty of opportunities to unwind. La Managua Airport is 42 miles from the property.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Family rooms

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.3)

Free Private Parking Available On Site

Sign in, save money

Sign in to see if you can save 10% or more at this property.
Sign inCreate an account
Sign in, save money

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

—
Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 twin bed
and
1 queen bed
1 twin bed
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.6
Facilities
8.1
Cleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.5
Value for money
8.9
Location
9.3
Free Wifi
8.1
High score for Cartago

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Bachmann
    United States United States
    “Iyok Ami was a lovely spot to be embraced by the highlands. The well marked and cared for trail system revealed some of the most subtle magic and nourishment from the earth I found while in Costa Rica. I received community, conversation, and...”
  • Norene
    United States United States
    “The staff was friendly. We liked the hiking trails. The fireplace upstairs was cozy. The breakfast was very good. The extra blankets were appreciated.”
  • Blanca
    Spain Spain
    “Beautiful surroundings, they have trails inside the property that are even better that the Quetzales national park. The place was comfortable and welcoming and we immediately felt at home.”
  • Steve
    United States United States
    “Quaint, rustic lodging with their own large pretexts area. They have a system of trails for fit hikers. Very eco-conscious. Very nice staff/owners.”
  • Amy
    United States United States
    “Shirley is a rock star. The food was delicious. This is a creative persons dream. Loved it.”
  • Walasek
    United States United States
    “Hiking and rustic with a hot shower and ping pong!! Shirley was incredible - kind and helpful in every way!”
  • Walasek
    United States United States
    “The hiking trails were great. The woman you worked there, Shirley, was amazing! She was so kind and attentive, made us great meals and helped anytime we had a problem. We also loved the pingpong table and hot shower.”
  • Michael
    United States United States
    “Host was exceptional. Very welcoming. Trails were very well marked and birding excellent”
  • Corinne
    Canada Canada
    “Lots of natural space, wilderness, out of the tourist track. Very comfortable and hospitable and friendly. Amazing views from the deck”
  • Benjamin
    United States United States
    “The owner was very friendly and knowledgeable about the animals and plants of the area. I was in CR for bird watching it was nice because he gave me some tips for certain birds. There was also point blank views of a Resplendent quetzal outside the...”

Hosted by Bedrich Sruta

9.6
9.6
Host Review Score
Host Review Score
Bedrich Sruta
Iyok Ami, which means Madre Tierre or Mother Earth, is located in a cloud forest in the high mountains of Cartago at an altitude of 2800m. The philosophy and main objective of the reserve Iyok Ami is the conservation and protection of its natural resources. The reserve (23 hectares) consists of a large house with several rooms and common areas, a garden of about half a hectare for agriculture, and about 10 km of trails in the cloud forest. The main trail (3 km one way) leads to a waterfall. Early in the morning quetzales, humming birds and other endemic birds can be spotted in the garden.
I graduated in natural resource management and am a guide with extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem. As your host, I will be happy to guide you through the reserve and answer your questions about the cloud forest, its fauna and flora. My aim is to share my passion for mother nature with you during your stay.
Iyok Ami borders the National Park Tapantí in the east and the Reserve Rio Macho in the northeast. The National Park Los Quetzales is located 5 km south from Iyok Ami. Outside temperatures vary between maximum 25 degrees during the day to around 8 degrees at night. From approximately November to January night temperature can go down to 0 degrees. The nearest small shop is about 5 km south and a larger market about 20 km north from Iyok Ami, so be prepared when you come for several days. Of course, we also serve breakfast (included), lunch and dinner (latter 2 not included).
Languages spoken: English,Spanish

Area info

Restaurants
1 Restaurant On Site

  • Restaurant
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Brunch • Dinner • High tea
    • Ambience
      Family-friendly
    • Dietary options
      Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra)
Great facilities! Review score, 8.1

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Family rooms

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Shared toilet
  • Shared bathroom

Bedroom

  • Linens

View

  • Landmark view
  • Mountain view
  • Garden view
  • View

Outdoors

  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Sun deck
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Shared kitchen

Activities

  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Temporary art galleries
  • Hiking
  • Darts

Living Area

  • Desk

Food & Drink

  • Fruit
    Additional charge

Internet
Wifi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

    Services

    • Daily housekeeping
    • Shared lounge/TV area
    • Private check-in/out
    • Baggage storage
    • Currency exchange
    • Laundry
      Additional charge

    Entertainment & Family Services

    • Indoor play area
    • Board games/Puzzles
    • Books, DVDs or music for children

    Safety & security

    • Fire extinguishers

    General

    • Designated smoking area
    • Smoke-free property
    • Hardwood or parquet floors
    • Family rooms
    • Non-smoking rooms

    Accessibility

    • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

    Languages Spoken

    • English
    • Spanish

    House rules
    Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) takes special requests – add in the next step!

    Check-in
    From 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
    You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
    Check-out
    From 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    Cancellation/ prepayment
    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
    Children & Beds

    Child policies

    Children of all ages are welcome.

    Children 18 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

    To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

    Crib and extra bed policies

    Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

    No age restriction
    There's no age requirement for check-in
    Pets
    Pets are not allowed.
    Cash only
    This property only accepts cash payments.
    Smoking
    Smoking is not allowed.
    Quiet hours
    Guests need be quiet between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

    The fine print
    Must-know information for guests at this property

    Payment can only be made in cash, colones or USD.

    Please inform Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

    Quiet hours are between 20:00:00 and 22:00:00.

    FAQs about Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra)

    • Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) is 14.9 miles from the center of Cartago. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • Room options at Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) include:

      • Twin/Double
      • Single

    • Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) has 1 restaurant:

      • Restaurant

    • Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

      • Hiking
      • Darts
      • Walking tours
      • Temporary art galleries
      • Tour or class about local culture

    • The prices at Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

    • Check-in at Iyok Ami (Madre Tierra) is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.