Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
itself, but it is the southwestern gateway for anyone hiking into Sirena ranger station in
Parque Nacional Corcovado.
A handful of recommended wilderness lodges in the area make a good night's rest for
travelers heading to/from Corcovado. The ride from Puerto Jiménez to Carate is also its
own adventure as the narrow, bumpy dirt road winds its way around dense rainforest,
through gushing rivers and across windswept beaches. Birdlife and other wildlife are pro-
lific along this stretch: keep your eyes peeled and hang on tight.
Sleeping & Eating
Many places in Carate don't have 24-hour electricity or hot water. Reservations are recom-
mended in the dry season - communication is often through Puerto Jiménez, so messages
may not be retrieved every day. High-season rates are quoted; prices are per person, in-
cluding three meals, unless otherwise stated. For shoestringers, the best option is to camp
in the yard in front of the
pulpería
. The owner is an old Canadian guy who will charge you
about US$5 a day to camp in his yard.
West of Carate is the national park, so if you're planning on hiking into Corcovado, you
must be self-sufficient from here on. The
pulpería
is the last chance you have to stock up
on food and water.
Luna Lodge
LODGE
(
2206-5859, in USA & Canada 888-760-0760;
www.lunalodge.com
;
s/d from US$140/250;
)
A steep road crisscrosses the Río Carate and up the valley to this enchanting mountain re-
treat on the border of Parque Nacional Corcovado. Accommodations in this dreamy wil-
derness retreat range from tent cabins to thatched bungalows with open-air garden showers
and private terraces, but all have stunning views of the gardens and the pristine jungle
rolling down to the ocean.
The open-air restaurant is a marvelous place to indulge in the expansive views, while an
open-air yoga studio provides an even higher vantage point. Lana, the founder and owner
of the lodge, is
passionate
about conservation and sustainability and has made the lodge a
working practice in both.
Lookout Inn
HUT
