Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of Costa Rica's original ecolodges, this welcoming place offers four cabins on a
2-hectare hillside above the Río Blanco. Devoid of cable TV and air-con, it's a throwback
to earlier days when ecotourism was all about unplugging. Croaking frogs and flickering
lightning bugs provide late-night entertainment, while daytime diversions include visits to
the spectacular nearby swimming hole.
Helpful owners Annette and Herbie organize rafting tours on the Río Pacuare and off-
the-beaten-path day excursions through the Tortuguero canals. The lodge offers 20%-dis-
count vouchers for the Rainforest Aerial Tram and zip line in the adjacent Parque Nacional
Braulio Carrillo. Additional organic meals (including vegetarian options) can be arranged,
and free wi-fi is available in the open lounge. To get here, travel 1km south of the Río
Blanco bridge on Hwy 32 (7km west of Guápiles near La Marina). Call ahead or email for
reservations.
Eating
Guápiles
El Rubio
COSTA RICAN
( 2710-2323; Guápiles; mains US$5-12)
The clutter of pick-up trucks out front is a clue that you've stumbled onto this popular fam-
ily eatery serving grilled fish, roasted meats and
bocas
(savory bar snacks). Our favorite is
chifrijo
, rice and beans studded with fried pork, tomato salsa and chips. Head north 250m
on the paved road just east of Burger King, then turn east another 250m.
Soda Buenos Aires
COSTA RICAN
( 2710-1768; Hwy 32; casados US$5; 6am-7pm Mon-Sat)
Situated 600m west of Burger King on the south side of the main highway, this popular
soda
(cheap, informal lunch counter) is a good bet for early-morning breakfasts and af-
fordable
casados
.
Más X Menos
SUPERMARKET
(
7am-9pm Mon-Sat, to 8pm Sun)
