Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
2471-1012;
www.hoteldecampo.com
; s/d incl breakfast US$79/95;
restaurant 7:30am-9:30pm;
)
Set in an orchard of mango and citrus trees next to the 'Chapel' lagoon, this Italian-
Tico-run hotel is a paradise for fishers and bird-watchers. After angling for tarpons or spy-
ing on spoonbills, relax in the ceramic-tiled
casitas,
decked with vaulted beamed ceilings
and tasteful bedding. The stylish restaurant - adorned with gushing fountains and twirling
fans - serves top-notch Italian and seafood.
You can hire boats, guides (who speak English, Spanish, French and Italian), kayaks
(four hours US$20) and fishing equipment here at the well-stocked tackle shop.
Caño Negro Natural Lodge
LODGE
( 2471-1426;
www.canonegrolodge.com
; d incl breakfast US$140; )
Perched on land that becomes a virtual island in the Río Frío during the rainy season, this
lodge is surprisingly upscale. Well-appointed rooms have glass sliding doors, wooden and
wrought-iron furnishings and tiny terraces facing the garden. Relax in the pool or Jacuzzi
or stroll the leafy grounds, while the staff makes arrangements for boat tours of the lagoon.
Information
Caño Negro refuge is part of the Area de Conservación Arenal-Huetar Norte and is ac-
cessible primarily by boat. Close to the park entrance (that'd be the dock) is the tiny com-
munity of Caño Negro, which has no banks or gas stations. All visitors to the park must go
to the
Real Tour
( 2471-1621; park entry adult/child under 12yr US$10/1; 8am-4pm)
office to
pay the park entrance fees. You can book a local guide here. It's best to arrange an early-
morning boat the day before.
The Minae office and ranger station, located about 150m behind (north of) the green-
and-pink
pulpería
(corner grocery store), no longer offers service to tourists. For years ru-
mors have swirled that all park offices, research labs and revamped accommodations were
scheduled to move to the new Estación Biológica Caño Negro, located 6km north of the
church at the end of the gravel road past the radio tower. It may be worth checking in at
the ranger station to see if basic accommodations at the new station are up and running.
Getting There & Away
