Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [358]
Poor Man’s Paradise (2771-4582; www.mypoormansparadise.com; 3-day package per person from US$315) Sportfishing can be an expensive prospect, but local fisherman Pincho Amaya aims to make it more accessible. Here at the aptly named Poor Man’s Paradise, guests can take advantage of Bahía Drake’s most reasonably priced fishing excursions. Accommodations are in large canvas tents, which are elevated on sturdy wooden platforms to protect you from the cold, wet ground. You can also choose rooms in the rustic ranch houses and cabins, which have private en suite facilities.
Punta Marenco Lodge (2234-1308, 2234-1227; www.puntamarenco.com; 3-day package per person US$339; ) This intimate family-run lodge shares access to the Punta Río Claro Wildlife Refuge, providing excellent opportunities for independent hiking and wildlife-watching. Accommodations are in thatch-roof cabañas (cabins) in the style of the Brunka indigenous peoples and have private terraces, ocean views and 360 degrees of screened windows, which affords a wonderful cross-breeze.
Guaria de Osa (2235-4313, in USA 510-235-4313; www.guariadeosa.com; 3-day package per person US$395) Cultivating a new-age ambience, this Asian-style retreat center offers yoga, tai chi and all kinds of massage, along with the more typical rainforest activities. The lovely grounds include an ethnobotanical garden, which features exotic local species used for medicinal and other purposes. The architecture of this place is unique: the centerpiece is the Lapa Lapa Lounge, a spacious multistory pagoda, built entirely from reclaimed hardwood.
Proyecto Campanario (2258-5778; www.campanario.org; 4-day package per person US$436) Run by a former Peace Corps volunteer, this biological reserve is more of an education center than a tourist facility, as evidenced by the dormitory, library and field station. Behind the main facility, five spacious platform tents with ‘garden’ bathrooms offer a bit more privacy and comfort. Ecology courses and conservation camps are scheduled throughout the year, but individuals are also invited to take advantage of the facilities. The whole place is set on 150 hectares of tropical rainforest, which provides countless opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation.
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge (2256-3181, in USA 888-896-6097; www.casacorcovado.com, 3-day package per person from US$955; ) A spine-tingling boat ride takes you to this luxurious lodge on 175 hectares of rainforest bordering the national park. Each bungalow is tucked away in its own private tropical garden, and artistic details including antique Mexican tiles and handmade stained-glass windows make the Casa Corcovado one of this area’s classiest accommodation options. Guests can also stretch their legs at any time on the lodge’s extensive network of hiking rails, which winds through the forest and passes by a number of refreshing watering holes. On site, the Margarita Sunset Bar lives up to its name, serving up 25 different ’ritas and great sunset views over the Pacific. Discounts are available for longer stays.
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Getting There & Away
BOAT
All of the hotels offer boat transfers between Sierpe and Bahía Drake with prior arrangements. If you haven’t made advance arrangements with your lodge for a pick-up, grab a private water taxi in Sierpe for a negotiable price.
HIKING
From Bahía Drake, it’s a four- to six-hour hike along the beachside trail to San Pedrillo ranger station at the north end of Corcovado. If you’re heading into the park, make sure you have reservations to camp at the ranger stations – for more information, Click here.
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RESERVA BIOLÓGICA ISLA DEL CAÑO
The centerpiece of this biological reserve is a 326-hectare island that is the tip of numerous underwater rock formations. Along the rocky coastline, towering peaks soar as high as 70m, which provide a dramatic setting for anyone who loves secluded nature.
The submarine rock formations are among the island’s main attractions, drawing divers to explore