Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Set on 56 hectares of rainforest, El Remanso is a tropical paradise founded by a couple of
Greenpeace activists and now run by their daughter. Constructed entirely from fallen trop-
ical hardwoods, the secluded, spacious and sumptuous cabins have shiny wood floors and
beautifully finished fixtures. Miles of private trails lead through gardens to the beach, a
waterfall and tidepools.
Eating & Drinking
Most lodges in the area offer all-inclusive accommodations as there aren't many places to
grab a bite (besides the lodges themselves). If you're planning on hiking, be sure to stock
up on lots of fresh water and snacks - once you're out in the woods or on the beach, op-
tions are scarce.
Buena Esperanza Bar
BAR
(Casa Martina's; 2735-5531; rd to Carate, Km 15; meals US$5-15; 9am-10pm)
About 1km before the Matapalo turnoff, you'll find this festive, open-air, tropical bar. The
menu includes sandwiches, smoothies and vegetarian items, plus a full bar, and it hosts
pizza nights on Wednesdays and an artisan market on Fridays starting at 4:20pm. It's
Matapalo's only place to eat or drink, and so often attracts a mix of local residents and
tourists.
Getting There & Away
If you are driving, a 4WD is highly recommended even in the dry season, as roads fre-
quently get washed out. There are several shallow rivers to cross on the way here. Other-
wise, the
colectivo
(US$6) will drop you here; it passes by at about 7:30am and 3pm head-
ing to Carate, and 9:30am and 4:30pm heading back to Jiménez. A taxi will come here
from Puerto Jiménez for about US$55.
Carate
If you make it all the way here, congratulations. A bone-rattling 45km south of Puerto
Jiménez, this is where the dirt road rounds the peninsula and comes to an abrupt dead end.
There's literally nothing more than an airstrip and a
pulpería
. Carate is not a destination in
