OSA PENINSULA or try OSA Part II BUSTEMENTE
	At the southern end of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is the Osa Peninsula, widely recognized as the richest biological zone in Mesoamerica.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park (54,500 hectares) includes a huge range of habitats from wet, mainly impenetrable rain forest to dripping, steamy cloud forest, oak forest seashore and swamp. The park is located on the Osa Peninsula on the southern Pacific coast and fringed to the west by endless, wide, flat sandy beaches. The 1000 hectare Corcovado lagoon and swamp harbors large crocodiles and many of the park's 140 mammals. Tapir can be seen along the gravel river banks of the Rio Claro and Rio Sirena and monkeys swing above every trail. All the country's big cats live in Corcovado. Jaguars are occasionally seen on the beach and the grassy airstrip near Sirena and it is not uncommon to see their prints along the muddy trails.

Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place, considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas, this virgin rain forest park invites superlatives from all who visit. At least thirteen distinct vegetation types in close proximity, including mangroves, palm swamps and bloodweed forest make Corcovado a botanist's dream.

Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapers, and a host of rare rain forest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park's center. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and of its coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world.

There are over 400 species of birds including hummingbirds, trogons, toucans and the largest population of scarlet macaws in Central America. A night visit to the mouth of the Rio Claro to watch the extraordinary fishing bulldog bat in action is not to be missed. Another Corcovado phenomenon is the presence of hammerhead sharks in the river mouths - hikers should wait until low tide to cross them!

Corcovado is hard to get to and even harder to hike through but if you are fit enough, the chance to experience such splendor and isolation shouldn't be missed. Two routes take you along the coast north to south, or along the coast and inland (east). Visitors to Corcovado can fly to Palmar and then take a boat along the Rio Sierpe to the village of Drake or fly to Golfito and take a boat across the Gulfo Dulce to Puerto Jimenez.

Caño Island Biological Reserve

is located less than 30 miles off the Pacific coast of southwest Costa Rica and is one of of the most valuable archeological sites in the country. Caño Island is also one of the world's newest hot spots for adventure diving. This virgin area offers a variety of unique diving attractions. "The Devil's Drop" for example, is a rockpile which begins at 40' and drops to as deep as 250'. It is not uncommon for divers upon descent to be met by schools of thousands of fish swimming freely among them.

This could very well be Costa Rica's finest diving spot!

Not only do the waters surrounding Caño Island contain some of the most abundant and varied marine life in the world (see Diving), but the island also possesses several pre-Colombian archeological artifacts. These artifacts can be explored on several hikes through the lush tropical vegetation. The perfectly spherical stones are believed to have once marked an offshore burial ground and ceremonial site for the indigenous Diquis cultural group who inhabited the Golfo Dulce area until the arrival of the Spanish. Along with the stone spheres, Caño Island is believed to have once been a pirate hideout and some go so far as to claim that the island was the inspiration for Robert Stevenson's Treasure Island. Furthermore, within 50 feet (15 meters) of the beach you can explore the warm crystal blue waters with a mask, fins and snorkel and see the wide variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish and coral species that call Caño Island home.

Drake Bay ... An abundance of sea life can be seen while exploring the underwater world of Caño Island. The island is a Marine Reserve, as designated by the Costa Rican Park Service. This classification prohibits commercial and sports fishing within the reserve hence protecting the schools of larger game fish including dogtooth snapper, black jacks, barracuda, and wahoo. Of course, there is also an abundance of tropical reef fish. The reef is volcanic rock. There are fissures and pinnacles, large boulders and rock formations that create a wall to the depth of 110 ft. Water visibility is exceptional: it ranges from 40 to 90 ft. Temperature ranges from 75 to 82 degrees F (23-29 C).

Our favorite dive sites include:

El Bajo Del Diablo (The Depth of the Devil): One of the best sites in Costa Rica. A favorite of locals. Towering rock pinnacles rise from a depth of over 150 ft. to just under 20 ft. An abundance of fish life, definitely the best place to encounter the renowned Giant Mantas. Groupers, snapper, and amberjack reaching up to 70 lbs., swim along side great schools of tuna, barracuda, reef sharks and a hundreds of varied tropical fish. Several species of eels can be found as well.

Cueva Del Tiburon (Shark Cave): A small cave housing beautiful white tipped reef sharks. Other inhabitants include angels, butterfly, damsels and parrotfish, Moorish idols, puffers, surgeonfish, and occasional mantas and stingrays. A very exciting dive.

Los Arcos (The Arches): Unique rock formations formed in the shape of arches. A swim beneath these towering arches accompanied by a variety of stunning tropical creatures creates the memories of a lifetime.

El Barco Hundido (The Wreck): No sunken boat exists, yet the variety of rock formations with the area’s most plentiful hard corals are home to an astounding array of fish life. This is a great dive to encounter white tip reef sharks, stingrays, and an occasional sea turtle.

Paraiso (Paradise): Prolific fish life. An excellent site to catch a glimpse of the white tip reef sharks. Large schools of big grouper, barracuda, snapper, tuna, and roosterfish can be found here as well.

Jardin de Coral (Coral Gardens): A shallow dive. Excellent visibility. Loads of reef fish and baby white tip reef sharks. Turtles and barracuda are commonly seen at this site.

Equipment: All gear is included in the 2-tank dive price. We Imprex TUSA fins with booties, Sherwood regulators and gauges, BCD’s, masks, and snorkels. Wetsuits are available if you choose to use one. Remember that because of flight and boat transfers our clients are restricted to a 25 lb. weight limit on luggage. If you wish to bring personal gear it is recommended that you bring a mask, booties, a dive computer and/or regulator. We use 80cu aluminum tanks with K-valves.

Boats: Our dive boat is a spacious 34 ft. catamaran. The vessel provides a comfortable 40-minute ride out to Caño Island (with plenty of shade). Check out a photo of the Jalousie on our photo album page.

Safety: Our diving staff is Medic First Aid trained. We ALWAYS carry our oxygen kit and our extensive first aid kid aboard our dive boat. We encourage our guests to purchase DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance prior to embarking on this wonderful diving vacation.

Puerto Jimenez
http://www.latinamericavacationguide.com/travel/PuertoJimenez2676_Overview.html

After exploring all the possibilities for excursions from Golfito, some travelers may feel the urge to explore new shores. No problem: all you have to do is take the ferry to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. Leave the Panamericana at Piedras Blancas ("White Stones"), or more precisely at Chacarita, a village with at restaurant and a gas station. Take Highway No. 245 via Mogos and Rincon where the paved portion ends; continue southward until you come to Puerto Jimenez, the only major town (4,000 inhabitants) on the Osa Peninsula.

Until 1964, Puerto Jimenez was a sleepy hamlet. Then the Costa Rican lumber industry discovered it and began cutting down the rain forest in the area. Later a few lucky prospectors found gold. The village boomed and the land suffered great damage through clearing and pit mining.

Today, Puerto Jimenez is a relaxed, easy-going place where young backpackers make up the bulk of the tourists. Several white sand beaches south of the town provide ideal sunning and bathing conditions. Surfers try their luck at the beaches of Platanares, Tamales, Pan Dulce ("Sweet Bread") and Carbonera. On weekends many Ticos from the north come here to shop in the free-trade zone and combine a few days shopping with a short vacation on the beautiful neighboring white beaches. Puerto Jimenez has survived its boom and bust years, and now first and foremost serves Costa Rican travelers and globetrotters as the gateway to the nearby Corcovado National Park.

Source: Frommer's Costa Rica 2003

Despite its small size and languid pace, Puerto Jiménez is a bustling little burg, where rough jungle gold panners mix with wealthy ecotourists, budget backpackers, and a surprising number of celebrities seeking a small dose of anonymity and escape. Located on the southeastern tip of the Osa Peninsula, the town itself is just a couple of gravel streets, with the ubiquitous soccer field, a block of general stores, some inexpensive sodas, a butcher shop, and several bars. Scarlet macaws fly overhead, and mealy parrots provide wake-up calls.

On first glance, it's hard to imagine anything ever happening here, but looks are often deceiving. Signs in English on walls around town advertise a variety of tours, with most of the excursions going to nearby Corcovado National Park. The national park has its headquarters here, and this town makes an excellent base for exploring this vast wilderness. If the in-town accommodations are too budget-oriented, you'll find several far more luxurious places farther south on the Osa Peninsula. However, not only the highbrow are making their way to this remote spot: You will also find a burgeoning surfer community. It's no secret any longer--Cabo Matapalo (the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula) is home to several very dependable right point breaks.

If you're worried the nightlife is going to be too sleepy for you, don't forget about all those gold miners lurking about. As the home base and resupply station for miners (most of them panning illegally) seeking to strike it rich in the jungles in and around the park, Puerto Jiménez can actually get pretty rowdy at night, especially when panners cash in a find.

Just A Few Of The Activities

Tree Climbing

Our most popular experience is climbing the braided roots of the "Cathedral," a massive ficus over 200' tall. Germinated in the crown of a giant host tree nearly 400 years ago, the roots of this seedling strangler fig began their quest for earth. By direct competition for photosynthesis from leafy foliage and a tightening downward spiral of roots, this fig eventually overwhelmed its host and killed it. What remains is the largest jungle gym ever created!

Using quality climbing gear, you climb the inside using the strong roots as hand and foot holds. At the ceiling, ~90', previous climbers have left tokens of appreciation, including a Tibetan prayer bell. The ringing of this bell has become a traditional goal for fresh ascenders. Once you've attained your personal nirvana, you are belayed halfway down. From this point you to swing from the inside to the outside of the tree for an eye-opening perspective. A free descent to the forest floor completes the adrenaline rush!

$55/per person. Approximately 3-6 hours.

Turtle Release Program             

For the past two years, TUVA Foundation has been sponsoring a volunteer working group with a turtle project. Humans, and animals have seriously threatened the survival of the turtles that come every year to lay their eggs on to our beach. TUVA Foundation started a program to protect them by collecting all the eggs and keeping them in a nursery on the Piro river, next to El Remanso.

From now, December 2002 to the end of January 2003 you can be a witness to the releasing of the turtle’s eggs into the ocean. This is a tour that we strongly recommend, especially if you have kids. It is a unique experience, and will help you to be closer to the meaning of protection, and the life cycle. The release is at 7 a.m.

You have two options to do it: Go walking to the point of the release (40 minutes by the beach). Once there Miguel will be waiting for you. He will show you and explain everything you want to know. ($20 per person)

But also, and don’t miss this: YOU CAN GO WITH THE BUFFALO CART!! Miguel will come to the entrance of EL Remanso at the beach (6 a.m.) and will take you with the Buffalo Cart to the Piro River. After the release of the turtles he will bring you back. ($35 per person)

Whether walking or by cart, you just have to imagine yourself on an endless empty beach with the first light. You will experience the immensity of the ocean at the same time that you feel the beauty of your own life. UNFORGETTABLE so TAKE YOUR CAMERA!!!

Swimming with Wild Dolphins in the 

Golfo Dulce

A fabulous exciting adventure where you and your friends head out into the Golfo Dulce with George, an experienced seaman, who locates one of several pods of dolphins that live in the Gulf.  After that, the party's on.  George will tow you behind his boat at the same speed as the frolicking dolphins with his special equipment.  You can dive down deep with the dolphins as they twirl around you...no kidding!  You wear a mask so you can easily see them swimming all around you.  Recently, our kids went out and although they didn't find dolphins to swim with...they very much enjoyed swimming with the largest shark in the world, called a whaleshark, which happens also to be harmless. Some of our guests have had such a good time, they went more than once and had a great time both times.  The boat can take up to 6 people and costs $200

The Orchid Tour
Osa Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce

The trip begins at the docks of Puerto Jimenez where you head across the Golfo Dulce searching for dolphins, turtles whales and whale sharks. You will travel by boat north through the Gulf to a remote palm studded beach, only accessible by boat; go ashore and visit the fantastic botanical garden and farm of Casa Orquideas.

At Casa Orchideas meet Ron and Trudy MacAllister (and possibly their children) who have lived here for over 20 years. Self taught botanists, Ron and Trudy escort you through their magnificent gardens and farm that will spotlight the incredible diversity of tropical plants.

Their gardens and farm sit in the spectacular back drop of high hills and primary forest that rise from the Golfo Dulce.

The two to three hour tour covers an amazing array of plants and topics from the wide variety of orchids, heliconias, bromeliads, palms, to the practical and useful plants such as vegetables, fruits, spices, and medicinal plants to the unusual such as miracle fruit, the gourd tree, and the cannonball tree.

This is not just a looking at the "flowers" tour. Touch, taste and smell the plants and fruits When you come across the Ylang-ylang we will instantly recognize the famous scent of Channel #5 and a base for numerous perfumes...(we have some trees flowering at the lodge...que rico). There is nothing like the fresh smell of vanilla beans or ginger root. You will get to taste some of the unusual exotic fruits such as star fruit, the sweet pulp around the chocolate seeds, and the pulp around the magic seed which transforms the taste of lemons from sour to sweet.

Costa Rica has an amazing variety of plant and animal life. This is truly a fascinating tour. You will learn about the unique and various ways tropical plants compete and reproduce. No one will forget the pelican flower with its labyrinth passageways that will trap insects for several days and then release them, all in the pursuit of reproduction.

Recently we had a guest return with his return with his wife from Casa Orquideas.  Although he expected merely to indulge his wife and accompany her, he told us that it was the best tour of his entire stay. 

We highly recommend this is a half day tour.  If you are interested in an all day trip we recommend combining this tour with the pristine Rio Esquinas Tour.

Price : Casa Orquideas Tour is $5.00 per person (what a deal!), but does not include round trip boat transportation which varies depending on the number of people  (price is  approximately $100 to hire  boat).

Riding Horses through the Primary Forest

There are a variety of great horseback rides around the Osa. Our personal favorite is a fabulous ride through gorgeous primary forest, a lunch stop at a local Tica house, and down the river to see how many shades of green there really are in this jungle.  Recently guests spotted 3 types of monkeys, a sloth, anteater, toucans and numerous exotic birds on this great primordial  adventure.  Tour runs $50 per person

You can also gallop down our endless beach with a great guide named Luis who brings the horses right here to the Lodge.   Minimum of $18 per person for a two hour romp.

Salsa,Merengue, & Cumbia Dancing

Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia...oh yes, bring your dance shoes. There is a hot little dance club in town on the weekends, and we can also arrange group or private dance lessons as you like. There are great teachers, too.

Quoting from Chris Baker's Costa Rican Handbook and National Geographic, "On weekends rural folks flock to smalltown dance halls, and the Ticos' celbrated reserve gives way to outrageously flirtatious dancing befitting a land of passionate men and women...Says National Geographic: 'To watch the viselike clutching of Ticos and Ticas dancing, whether at a San Jose discotheque or a crossroads cantina, is to marvel that the birthrate in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation is among Central America's lowest.'"

IGUANA LODGE

Welcome to the Iguana Lodge...deep in the costa rican rainforest, planted on A MAGNIFICENT beach, there lives a world that once was all there was...the surf rolls in...the moon rises...the fiery-billed aracaris sing and the howler monkeys call...and on the veranda we await you to join in our quest FOR TRUE ADVENTURE WHILE refining the vanishing but cherished art of relaxation

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically intense places on our planet.  It  is the "Last Great Peninsula", truly untouched by the ravages of civilization. Here you will find the ancient rainforest with over 350 species of birds, 115 species of reptiles, 750 species of trees and 10,000 species of insects...along with the 100,000 acre fantastic Corcovado National Park. 

In the midst of this spectacular setting, a secluded and exotic jungle-beach ecolodge, located on the best beach on the Osa, surrounded by the Preciosa Platanares Refuge, awaits you.  

The veranda beckons you to sit down a moment and simply relax...savor paradise...listen to the macaws call overhead  But then of course you may prefer to dive into any number of truly impressive outdoor adventures... 

and then come on home.  Sit down with us for a fabulous meal, great conversation, candlelight, maybe music...salsa dancing perhaps?  

Iguana Lodge now has a lovely Japanese Bathhouse where you may partake in the ancient, oriental art. You can combine this with a massage if you like. 

As one favorite guest put it: "The only problem here is ... when you wake up you think you died and went to heaven."

Accommodations

Straight out of "Jungle Architectural Digest" (quoting a recent guest), the  private tree-house like  bungalows are steps from the most beautiful beach on the Osa Peninsula

They are set on pillars and are built with indigenous self-sustaining hardwoods bamboo, and cana-blanca.

Each of our rustically luxurious two-story bungalows have beautiful bedrooms, with large orthopedic beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, soft pillows, good reading lights, and hefty fans.  Each bungalow, of course, has a lovely hot-shower private bath, and some have semi-outdoor garden showers.  Perhaps best of all, is your own huge private, shaded deck; you can sprawl peacefully in a swaying hammock or read a good book in a plush lounge chair  as you overlook the magnificent Golfo Dulce and the lovely and fragrant tropical gardens of the Iguana Lodge.

The main rancho is an awesomely impressive jungle structure.  On  the lower veranda breakfast and lunch are served...and major relaxation occurs.  (Inside the lower story is a large kitchen and library/research  area stocked full of interesting information about the rain forest...we have also been told we have one of the largest libraries in the Osa.)  The upper story is where we feast every evening...it is a fantastic space, with an ocean view in a classic tropical setting under the massive palm thatched roof.

We create delicious gourmet feasts on a nightly basis.  The menu consists of local seafood, meats and poultry along with vegetarian dishes, fresh salads, local juices and fresh baked pastries...many with an interesting combination of "Gringo-Tico" ingredients, not to mention a few African and Indian influences.  An evening menu may consist of ginger-chile grilled mahi-mahi with stuffed avocados, chipotle grilled steak with grilled bananas and palm hearts, North-African chicken with black pepper bread and hummus, and GREAT desserts (a real passion around here).  For breakfast we may serve mango scones, banana crepes, stuffed French toast, a great Costa Rican "tipico" breakfast, or pineapple pancakes, along with tons of fresh fruit and Costa Rican coffee.   

No matter whether you spend the day repelling down waterfalls, boogie boarding in the waves, or napping on your hammock, everyone looks forward to the evening's feast.  To take a trip into the Fabulous Iguana Lodge Kitchen ...

The Fabulous Iguana Lodge Kitchen....

The Iguana Lodge is creating GREAT food. We eat breakfast and lunch on the veranda...and dinner is always served in one of the most beautiful settings in Costa Rica...our second-story candlelit thatched rancho. We serve breakfast and lunch when you want it...so sleep in or don't, take a long hike, or laze on the beach...we are here to give you a great vacation and the best service around.

In the morning we start you out with coffee and tea and perhaps mango-pecan scones (or something equally tempting) and fresh fruit as early as you like...or as late...followed by pineapple pancakes, banana crepes, huevos rancheros, or the always popular classic Costa Rican tipico breakfast...not to be missed.

Lunch is generally local Costa Rican fare prepared by our lovely, talented, and very friendly Marisol. Look for rice and beans (Costa Ricans say it isn't lunch without rice and beans) along with garlic-buttered dorado, whole roasted pargo, fresh salads, steak in salsa, black bean soup, grilled platanos, patacones, stuffed tomatoes, chicken-cashew salad, etc. Occasionally depending upon the season, we may dine at The Pearl of the Osa for lunch. They serve a great menu of burritos, empanadas, and even pizza for kids.

Dinner takes on a whole different tone...prepared by your hosts and their wonderful chef Jose, who is the former head chef of Lapa Rios and hotly sought after by the local restaurants when anyone is in need of an emergency chef. You will find us serving our fresh home baked French bread, along with oh...maybe ginger-chile grilled mahi-mahi, stuffed avocadoes, grilled bananas, chipotle grilled steak, sweet potato salad, carrots with pineapple and raisins, Asian coleslaw...or one of our guests may turn out to be a chef and jump in the kitchen and create something.

Ready for more? Try some mango mousse, key lime pie, exotic cheesecake, pecan pie, mango crisp, tropical cobbler, brownies with berry compote, pineapple upside down cake...and the beat goes on..

Notes From The Owners

Toby and Lauren Cleaver were criminal defense attorneys in the Denver/Boulder area of Colorado. After 15 years of practicing criminal law and wanting to spend more time with their children, Toby and Lauren decided it was time to take a leap of faith and change their lives forever.... You will be happy to know that a couple seasons later, they are still as pleased as punch and happy as clams. (How about them smiles!)

Hola Bob,

We do have space from Dec. 28th (not the 27th) into January , and would love to have you come visit. Wow! Sounds like a great time with all your friends and/or family. Iguana Lodge is a fabulous spot for groups. Before giving you a final price, I would need to know how many rooms you want, beds you want, and the age of the kids. But, to give you a general idea, we charge about $100 per adult, 1/2 price for kids under 14, and kids under 7 are free. This includes tax and three excellent meals a day.

Also, regarding "packages," obviously people coming here want to do activities, some don't. Because of the vast variety of tours, prices vary considerably depending upon the tour. For example, a mangrove kayak is $25 per person; a waterfall rappelling adventure is $75 pp...so, we should probably carry on some discussions about what kind of activities you have in mind. It is also our experience that many people think they are going to do a lot of things when they arrive; but they end up spending more time relaxing, walking and swimming on the beach, hanging out. Thus, we wouldn't want to get you all signed up (and charged) for a lot of activities, and then find that many of your group would prefer to stay behind. That would be more expensive for you. It is easy to arrange trips upon arrival, and so that is an option as well.

We can arrange your flights from San Jose, hotels in San Jose (if needed), taxi pickup in San Jose, and taxi pickup in Puerto Jimenez to the Lodge. All we need to know are your international flights plans. Generally, if you have an international morning arrival into San Jose, you can get down here to the Osa on the same day. Also, if you have an international afternoon flight, you can leave the Osa on the same morning.

By the way, I know that you stated you wanted to come on the 27th...we are booked, but depending upon your flight times into San Jose, you may need to spend the 27th in San Jose.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Pura Vida y un beso,

Lauren and Toby Cleaver

Hola,

The diving at Cano Island off of Drakes Bay is excellent and easy to set up.  You can fly from Puerto Jimenez while at Iguana Lodge and dive just for the day.  (You can also take a taxi that takes two hours...plus a boat trip, so the day gets to becomes quite long.)  Yes, I think we can definitely set up soccer games...and every afternoon and all day Sundays soccer is going on in town.  The orchid tour is lovely throughout the year.  The boat trip takes about 45 minutes, and often you will see dolphins and other marine creatures (we have seen whale sharks) on the trip over.  Then you tour for about three hours and get back to Iguana by lunch.  As to which orchids are in bloom...I can't really say.  The gardens are fabulous and much more extensive than orchids alone.

Lauren

Hi there,

No problem regarding babies coming. At present, we have about 14 children, which is a first at Iguana Lodge. Ages range from 1 to 15. The family with the most children are using our neighbor Francini and really enjoying her.

Lauren

Guest Comments

What our wonderful guests have to say...

"You have surely made a paradise on earth."  Laura and Louie Pinna  - Highland Village, Texas

"One could get lost out here...such beauty, marvelous food and great conversation." Audrey Ethier - Montreal, Quebec

"We made lifelong memories and friends sharing this tropical paradise with you all. We have been to a lot of great spots...but Iguana takes the Special Place Prize."  The Crawford family - Houston, Texas

"The jungle was beyond description, the food five-star, the people incredible. We all decided it was the best vacation we ever had." David and Joanie Lane and family - Denver, Colorado

"Today is the best of times and the worst of times...We had an awesome time here. The worst is today, we have to leave.  This place returns one to where the heart and soul should be, we just lose our way.  The taste of the air, the sensual smell of the earth, the caress of the rain, all so rejuvenating." Jan and Dave Allen - San Diego, California

"I think you have the most beautiful sunrise on earth...and the ocean pounding on the beach is a natural tranquilizer. What a fabulous retreat you have."  Robert and Diana Crew and family - Denver, Colorado

"A remarkable excursion into another world." Thomas and Sidra - Switzerland

"Beautiful beaches for walking...Splendid water for swimming...Delectable food for eating...Quiet, still afternoons for siesta-ing...We couldn't dream of a more fantastic honeymoon."  Kim and Donnie Picou - Atlanta, Georgia

"A pity about the return ticket...I could go native here very easily." Dee Humphries - London

"We only planned to stay a couple of days but spent our whole vacation at Iguana Lodge. It’s the perfect spot if you just want to relax." Mark and Jenny Dunaway - San Diego, California.

"The price is a real bargain compared to other lodges we went to. The food was great and the lodge is beautiful. We are coming back next year!"  Greg Simpson and family - Miami, Florida.

"Something magical happens here...maybe it's the beach or the gardens, the conversation or the jungle, the nights or the days."  Susan and Tim Barrows - Raleigh, North Carolina

"We really wanted some adventure and there was plenty of it. We especially enjoyed the rainforest and tree climb. Panning for gold was a blast and we both caught our first sailfish!"  Brent Williams and John Chase - Seattle, Washington.

"The folks who told me to see the Osa Peninsula were right. it's wonderful.  I Loved the Lodge, the cooking, the family spirit, the conversation." Marty Bauman - Wisconsin

"Fantastic!  Thanks for the stay in paradise." Miles and Joe - San Francisco, California

"Accommodations great, food fantastic, conversation splendid, beach is gorgeous. Tip to new arrivals: Get out there and explore this area!  The trips to repel the waterfall; explore the cave; hike to Corcovado, explore the other side of the gulf are all fantastic!  Thanks for creating such a great place for us all." Mary and Geoff Botoson, NYC

"What pie! Pecan from Heaven itself.  This after a thunderstorm that strew lightening across the gulf and Rain, Rain, Rain. Gorgeous." Debbie and Gregg - San Diego, California

"The people, the lodging, and the food...it's nature at it's best." Diana Osrob - Bend, Oregon

And a message to our guests...thank you for bringing your lives our way. You know how much we have enjoyed the nights of talking, dancing, laughing, searching for turtles and stars...the days hacking through the jungle, boogie boarding, hanging out on the veranda, playing backgammon, enjoying our lives with you... it has been a pleasure, may you all farewell...  Gracias y Pura Vida.

So come and visit (you may not want to leave)  and do some world class adventures and relaxing. It may very well be the most exotic vacation of your life

A Little History

For many years, old friends Jeff Lantz and Stig Hanson from San Diego envisioned their own tourist and fishing lodge in some exotic location of the world.

"I dreamed of having my own lodge since I was a young boy" says Jeff. "I wanted the outdoor lifestyle. As I checked out other operations over the years, I always thought about how I would build and run my own place some day." 

"I spent a lot of time in Mexico but started traveling to Costa Rica in 1989 and realized how unique it was. After several trips getting to know the country I became enchanted with the Osa Peninsula. It was quite spectacular in terms of raw nature and, to me, Costa Rica’s best kept secret."

Jeff and Stig spent the next 5 years building the Iguana Lodge in a rustic but very comfortable setting. Iguana Lodge is located just outside the town of Puerto Jimenez. The beach is all sand, stretches for miles and is virtually deserted. Great for swimming, beach combing, kayaking and surf fishing.

"We are a small family style operation" said Jeff. "We like to spoil our customers. No matter what your needs are, we do our best to provide it, from special food requests to checking your e-mail."

In the spring of 1999, Jeff and Stig decided to sell Iguana Lodge. Both had put their sweat and blood in building Iguana Lodge but they realized that more cabinas were needed to make a go of it. They decided it was easier to sell the lodge than try to find investors to build.

In the fall of 1999 Toby and Lauren were dreaming of a new life...somewhere in the tropics where life was still simple and people danced the salsa. While surfing the web one Saturday afternoon, up popped the Iguana Lodge for sale. (Was it luck or fate?) Coming for a quick visit, they immediately fell in love with the relaxed family atmosphere of Iguana Lodge and its fantastic jungle/beach setting. It was their picture-perfect dream come true. After meeting with Jeff over numerous bottles of beer it was clear that he was good guy. Returning to Colorado, they quickly submitted an offer, and after tense negotiations where numerous folks attempted to sway Jeff to sell them the lodge, on Halloween they got the email from Jeff: great news - Iguana Lodge was theirs. By the middle of November, Toby, Lauren and their two younger children Rio (11) and Lakota (10) had moved into the Iguana Lodge.