good for you

Located on Costa Rica's southwest Pacific side of the Osa Peninsula, this lodge is set in its own nature reserve in one of the world's most pristine and biodiverse rainforests. Watch monkeys leaping in the trees, exotic birds calling and the occasional big cat stalking wild peccaries - the observant hiker can find sloths, kinkajous, eagles, toucans and parrots, or even jaguars, ocelots and several species of rare endemic birds. Beyond the forest is the near-deserted beach, where you can explore tide pools, take a dip, or just relax on the sand.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy – from boating trips to spot dolphins to monkey-inspired rapelling among waterfalls. But if the thrills of riding a zipline through the trees aren't for you, your porch offers an armchair view of the tropical birds, while the beachside pool and deck are great for a relaxing afternoon cocktail.

The food is well beyond what many all-inclusive resorts offer in terms of taste, freshness, variety and inventiveness, and the accommodations are simple but comfortable, with most enjoying lovely views of the jungle or the Pacific Ocean. On-staff naturalists and guides help you get to know the local flora and fauna, and the staff and delightfully helpful and friendly.

good for costa rica

Owned by two ex-Greenpeace enviro-warriors, the lodge runs on 100% renewable energy and its accommodations are all built from salvaged or plantation wood, and are naturally ventilated. The lodge owners are very involved in conservation campaigns on the Osa Peninsula and they employ locals, support the community and keeps lodge operation small enough to leave the wildlife unmolested and its surroundings unpolluted.

Rooms

Food

The food is a real highlight at El Remanso, with a focus on Costa Ricans cuisine, with some international dishes and plenty for vegetarians. The dining terrace looks straight onto the forest.

Fresh mahi mahi, snapper and tuna caught by the local fishermen are served with avocados, papayas and mangoes just plucked from the tree. A large variety of red and white wines and fresh juices complement the meals, which are completed with delicious home made desserts.

All meals are included in the price of your accommodation, but wines and cocktails are extra.

Features & Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Bar
• Restaurant (all meals included in rates)
• Naturalist guides on-site to lead hikes
• Safe for storing documents and valuables
• Satellite internet connection available to guests.

Local Info & Activities

lodge activities

The lodge offers a range of activities for most interests and fitness levels. Prices for activities are not included in the rates, but are generally quite affordable.

waterfall rappelling

This is the lodge's most popular tour, and the first of its kind in Costa Rica, allowing you to explore four waterfalls and enjoy four hours of invigorating activity in a truly beautiful deep forest setting. Rappelling, also known as abseiling or canyoning takes you into the heart of the jungle through the wild river canyon at El Remanso. This four hour tour follows the steepest route from your cabin to the beach 400 vertical feet below.

A short walk down a trail gets you to the river where you put on your harness and helmet. After a short safety and instruction talk, you descend down the rope while being belayed with a backup rope. Rappelling can be done by most reasonably fit people with a good sense of balance. After rappelling the first waterfall, you follow the river to the second, then third waterfall. The best is saved for last as the fourth waterfall is a 70 foot high beauty. Bring your cameras for this one as the photo opportunities are marvelous.

The light filters through the canopy towering above you and reflects off the many pools. The sounds of rushing water soothe your mind while cooling your body.

At the bottom is a pool where you can enjoy a neck and shoulder massage courtesy of the cascading water. You then follow the river to the beach where it meets the Pacific Ocean.

The price of this activity is US$75 per person.

zipline

Within seconds of leaving your cabin you can enter the canopy world, riding a cable up to a platform high above the jungle floor. Enjoy spectacular birding and wildlife watching as you look down into a canyon of leaves and branches. El Remanso offers zip line tours to one of the trees that rise above the canopy of the jungle. Attaching a harness to a cable enables you to ride over to a tree platform 125 feet above the jungle floor. You'll see many species of birds, as well as monkeys, sloths and anteaters.

The zip line is right next to the cabinas, making trips very accessible. Early morning and late evening are best, as these cooler times of day bring more animals out of the darkness of the canopy. You can even enjoy a delicious breakfast while sitting 125 feet up. The tree platform is also one of the best places for bird watching and photography.

Almost any age group can partake of this tour. Safety is taken seriously, and you have double lines attached to you for added security. You also have double lines attached while you stay on the tree platform.

The price of this tour is US$50 per person.

tree climbing

About 80% of the forest species live in the tree tops, and an El Remanso canopy tour can take you into their world. Botanists, artists, photographers, birders, researchers and thrill-seekers will all appreciate the climbing tours.

Experience the grandeur of 180-foot tall giants while standing on a safe and comfortable platform or swinging in a hammock hung among their branches. The forest vegetation takes on a totally different perspective as you look down through the canopy to see the many flowers, fruits and vines that make up the jungle.

Safety is taken very seriously, using only top-of-the-line climbing and arborist equipment that is kept in excellent condition. Conscientious instruction and guiding will provide you with a safe and comfortable experience. You'll finish your climb on with a rest on a tree-top platform taking in ocean and forest views.

The price of this tour is US$75 per person.

**For researchers, the lodge is cataloguing the different tree species and their flowering and fruiting seasons and can make special arrangements to suit your needs.

**Special rates can be applied for groups or for those individuals who want to do multiple climbs. This can be particularly useful for photographers, naturalists and those that participate in the lodge's tree identification course.

hiking

The lodge's resident naturalist guides will take you on one of several different hikes, explaining along the way the marvels of this forest ecosystem. Scarlet macaws, toucans, parrots, hawks, tanagers and many other types of birds are easily spotted among the 400 species that make this forest home. You'll see plenty of monkeys, with Costa Rica's four species all living in this part of the country: the holwer monkey (congo), spider monkey (colorado), white faced monkey (cara blanca) and squirrel monkey (titi). Other commonly seen animals are the white-lipped and collared peccaries (saino and chancho de monte), coati (pizote), agouti (guatusa), tayra (tolomuco), kinkajou (martilla), sloth (perezoso), armadillo and anteaters (oso hormiguero).

Also spotted on the lodge's refuge have been jaguars (tigre), pumas (leon), ocelots (manigordo), margays and jagarundis. There is also a host of amphibians and insects to observe, including such exotic creatures as the poison frog, iguanas, boas, morpho butterflies, leaf-cutter ants (zampopas), and many more. You'll also see amazing flora, from giant trees, to many exotic mushrooms, vines, fruits, flowers, and seeds.

You can also customize your own tour with El Remanso's guides. While you may explore on your own, we recommend hiking with someone who has knowledge of the local ecology. When hiking in a remote forest environment, care should be taken as you may encounter snakes and other possible dangers.

birding

The Osa Peninsula is well known as one of the world's best birding destinations. Costa Rica is home to some 830 species – amazing for such a small area, and more than in all of North America. The Osa Peninsula itself is home to 400 species of bird. With its 71 hectares of private reserve, El Remanso offers plenty of opportunities to spot the creatures – hear the white hawk crying out in the afternoon, the scarlett macaws flying over your cabin, the tucans nesting in front of the restaurant, and if you're up early enough you'll see hummingbirds drinking the morning dew.

yoga

It's hard to imagine better place to practice your asanas than on the lodge's yoga platform, where you can sit in lotus position for hours enjoying the forest views. If you are a group looking for a place to do yoga, contact Good Travel and we can customize a special package at El Remanso, including transportation, accommodation and activities.

horse-back riding

Enjoy a three-hour ride trough the rainforest and along the impressive Pacific beach. The tour is guided by Miguel Sanchez, a local neighbor, who with his eagle-eye is capable of spotting see the tiniest creatures on the way.

dolphins tour

The tour sets out early in Puerto Jimenez's harbor where you into the gulf to spot dolphins, and if your lucky, whales. Once you come upon a pod of dolphins, you will be able to swim with them and see them play with the waves the boat leaves behind. The trip also includes snorkeling and swimming on the other side of the Gulf.

kayak

The lodge offers different kayaking tours which will allow you to explore the beauty and variety of wildlife in the Golfo Dulce. Weave through the mangroves or head out to the Golfo Dulce where there is a good chance you'll spot dolphins and rays. The Sunset trip is particularly popular – float in your kayak as you enjoy a fantastic view of the golden horizon.

surf

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, the beaches around Matapalo point offer a variety of spots for all levels. The beach is just ten minutes away, and the lodge offers both classes and board rental.

Sustainability

El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge was founded by Belen and Joel Stewart, former Greenpeace workers and committed environmentalists.

The lodge has very strict policies to reduce the ecological impact on its environment. It is the only lodge in the south of Costa Rica that relies 100% on renewable energies (hydroelectric and some solar), it does not use pesticides or toxical chemicals, and the lodge is built exclusively from certified fallen timber and plantation wood.

One of the biggest environmental threats in the Osa Peninsula (an enormously rich and bio-diverse ecosystem) is the shrinking of the local wildlife's habitat due to increased human presence in the area. Large projects like commercial marinas and mass tourism-style hotels threaten the biological corridor of the park, endangering the species within it.

A proposed tuna farm was recently defeated by local NGOs working with lodges like El Remanso – the gulf contains one of only four tropical fjords in the world and the fish farm would have polluted the water and threatened the native fish.

The lodge buys everything in bulk to reduce waste, and all recyclable waste is recycled.

The lodge educates guests, staff and the wider community by holding talks - every week someone from a local NGO visits the lodge and gives a talk on the area's biodiversity and its preservation.

The lodge employs about 20 people, all of them locals from the Osa Peninsula. It also supports the community through sponsoring school events and local sports, buying from local stores and suppliers, and working with local NGOs to help meet the environmental challenges the Osa Peninsula faces. One such is "Friends Of The Osa" – its website, www.osaconservation.org, contains lots of information on the area and its precious ecosystem.

The lodge's owners are vigorous environmental campaigners in the region - when they first arrived at the Osa Peninsula more than a decade ago, they brought two Greenpeace ships to Puerto Jiménez (the peninsula's largest town) to campaign against commercial logging in the area - a fight which was eventually won. The lodge also supports and participates in wildlife studies undertaken in the area – for example, it has cameras installed on the property to help keep track of the varied wild cat population that lives in the Corcovado National Park and the Osa Wildlife Refuge.

The lodge caters to guests with disabilities – in accordance with Costa Rican law, one cabin has wheelchair access, as does the restaurant.

Getting There

El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula, in the southwest corner of Costa Rica. It is halfway between Puerto Jimenez (22 kilometers) and Carate on the road to Corcovado National Park, on the Pacific side of the Peninsula just around the corner from Golfo Dulce.

insider tips

weather

Costa Rica has two main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. You can expect dry weather on the peninsula from December through April, with just a few scattered showers per month. March and April are normally the driest months of the year. From May to July is the beginning of the rainy season – it usually rains several times a week, mostly in the afternoon, leaving very sunny days. Late August through early November bring the hardest rains - there is normally a pattern of sunny mornings, cloudy afternoons and rain in the evenings. The temperature stays around 70-80 degrees Farenheit, or 21-27 Ceclius, with the hottest time being March.

what to bring

Light, quick dry clothing is best, since it is never very cold and can be hot and humid. During rainy season a pair of lightweight long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a rain jacket are useful. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes for hiking and thongs for being around El Remanso are the most practical footwear. A hat, sun block and sunglasses are important for sun protection. Don't forget your camera, binoculars, and a good flashlight. A journal if you like to write, and a good book. A water bottle (not disposable) is recommended although the lodge can provide you with one – the idea is to reduce the need to buy commercial bottled water, whose transportation emits lots of greenhouse gases and whose bottles create unnecessary waste. If you would like to lend a hand to the local community, bring a new book in Spanish for the public library in town - it would be much appreciated.

special diets

Please inform Good Travel if you follow any special diet. While most needs can be catered for, the lodge is grateful to be informed in advance.

drinking

El Remanso is located in the midst of a primary rainforest. During the day, temperatures can rise into the high 80sF (20sC) - the body needs constant hydration, especially if you're exercising, so always take a re-usable water bottle with you. If you don't have one, the lodge will lend you one.

health

If you have any health issues that require medication it is best to bring it with you in its original containers, clearly labeled. There's a local drugstore in Puerto Jiménez that can provide most of the medicines you may need. You do not need any vaccines if you are coming to El Remanso since there is no risk of contracting any of the typical Central American diseases. Please let the hotel staff know if you have any serious condition that they should be aware of.

roads

Although Costa Rica is considered a fairly well developed Central American country, roads can be pretty bumpy. The road into the peninsula (especially from Chacarita to Rincón) is in pretty bad shape. Drive defensively. Usually, distances are measured in time and not in miles/km. From Puerto Jiménez it is a 45min - 1hour drive (depending on the season) to cover the 22km distance.

money

The national currency is the colon and the exchange rate is around 520 c = US$ 1. At El Remanso, as in most places in Costa Rica, you can pay in either US dollars or "colones".

travel documents

Passport-carrying nationals of the following countries are allowed 90days' stay with no visa: most EU countries, Argentina, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama and the USA. Citizens of Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, New Zealand, South Africa and Venezuela are allowed to stay for 30 days with no visa. Remember that you will be asked for a $25 airport tax when leaving the country.

Important: Passports need to be valid for at least 3 months ahead of your arrival date, otherwise you will not be allowed enter the country. Also, you need to present immigration officials with a round-trip ticket when entering the country.

insurance

We advise all travelers to take out insurance, both for a last-minute cancellation before the trip as well as health insurance.

communication at el remanso

The lodge is connected to the internet via satellite, and is connected to Puerto Jiménez via radio in case of emergencies. However, telephone access is not available at this remote part of the Osa Peninsula, and mobile phones are out of range.

photography

If you use film you should be aware that the options available in Puerto Jiménez (and the rest of Costa Rica) are limited, so bring plenty of your own rolls - watch out for the X-ray machines at airports. If you use a digital camera, you can download your photos at the lodge – they will provide CDs for back-up copies.

valubles

The lodge has a safe where you can leave your money, traveler checks or other important things that your want to keep secure.

children

While guests of all ages are welcome, the lodge does not encourage parents to bring children under 5 years of age.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

• Prices are per person per night.
• Prices include 3 meals a day plus taxes.

HIGH SEASON 3 Jan – 14 May 08

deluxe cabin – la vainilla

Single: US$205 p/per

Double: US$150 p/per

Triple: US$145 p/per

Quadruple: US$145 p/per

one room cabins

Single: US$185 p/per

Double: US$150 p/per

Casa Osa (minimum 4 persons)

US$140 p/per

Casa Poniente Suites

Single: US$205 p/per

Double: US$165 p/per

Triple: US$135 p/per

Quadruple: US$130 p/per

Casa Poniente Ocean View

Single: US$185 p/per

Double: US$150 p/per

Triple: US$140 p/per

Quadruple: US$135 p/per

Casa Poniente Forest View

Single: US$160

Double: US$125 p/per

Triple: US$115 p/per

Quadruple: US$110 p/per

GREEN SEASON 15 May – 30 Nov 08

deluxe cabin – la vainilla

Single: US$185 p/per

Double: US$145 p/per

Triple: US$145 p/per

Quadruple: US$145 p/per

one room cabins

Single: US$165 p/per

Double: US$130 p/per

Triple: US$120 p/per

Quadruple: US$115 p/per

Casa Osa (minimum 4 persons)

US$125 p/per

Casa Poniente Suites

Single: US$185 p/per

Double: US$145 p/per

Triple: US$135 p/per

Quadruple: US$130 p/per

Casa Poniente Ocean View

Single: US$165 p/per

Double: US$130 p/per

Triple: US$120 p/per

Quadruple: US$115 p/per

Casa Poniente Forest View

Single: US$160

Double: US$125 p/per

Triple: US$115 p/per

Quadruple: US$110 p/per

included:

• Prices are per person per night.
• Prices include 3 meals a day plus taxes.

booking & cancellation policies

• To secure a booking, 50% of total cost of booking has to be paid 45 days prior to arrival. The balance is paid on departure from the lodge.
• Cancellations made prior to 45 days before arrival will incur a 10% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made between 45 and 15 days prior to arrival will result in a 60% forfeiture of your total booking cost.
• Cancellations made 15 before arrival or later, will result in 100% forfeiture of the total cost of your stay.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.