Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Escaleras
Escaleras, a small community scattered around a steep and narrow dirt loop road that
branches off the Costanera, is famed for its sweeping views of the coastline. If you want to
make it up here, you're going to need a 4WD to navigate one of the country's most notori-
ously difficult roads. Needless to say, the locals weren't kidding when they named the
place
escaleras
(staircase). Aside from the scenic views, travelers primarily brave the road
to relax in a mountain retreat.
The first entrance to Escaleras is 4km south of the San Isidro de El General turnoff be-
fore Dominical, and the second is 4.5km past the first one. Both are on the left-hand side
of the road and poorly signed.
One of the first places you'll come to along the main road is
Bella Vista Lodge
(
in
)
, a remote
finca
(farm) with
USA 305-975-0003;
www.bellavistalodge.com
; cabins $65-75;
several shiny-wood cabins on the property.
About 2km up the road,
Villa Escaleras
( 8823-0509, in USA & Canada 866-658-7796;
www.villa-escaleras.com
;
villas for 4/6/8 people US$240/280/320, casas US$70; )
is
a spacious four-bedroom villa accented by cathedral ceilings, tiled floors, colonial furnish-
ings and a palatial swimming pool. Twice-weekly maid service and a wraparound balcony
awash with panoramic views make the setting complete. The smaller
casa
has a three-
night minimum stay when it's not housing a longer-term tenant. Inquire about discounted
weekly and monthly rates.
Located on a different access road that's 1.2km south of the first entrance is
Pacific
Edge
( 8935-7905, 2200-5428;
www.pacificedge.info
; cabins/bungalows from US$70/100;
)
. The owners are a worldly North American-British couple who delight in showing
guests their slice of paradise. Four cabins are perched on a knife-edge ridge about 200m
above sea level, while larger family-friendly bungalows accommodate up to six and come
with fully stocked kitchen.
If you have a hankering for chicken wings,
Bar Jolly Roger
( 8706-8438; 10 wings
US$9; 4-10pm)
offers 19 varieties, in addition to cold beers and good margaritas. This
friendly expat outpost is up the southern entrance to Escaleras. Look for the smiley-face
Jolly Roger sign.
