Tiskita Jungle Lodge
Tiskita Jungle Lodge
Tiskita Jungle Lodge, remotely located where the road comes to an end in Costa Rica on the southernmost Pacific coast, provides a unique rustic ecolodge experience within a private biological reserve. Perfect for nature lovers and curious families who enjoy taking "the road less traveled", this ecolodge was founded in the 1970s when owners Peter and Lisbeth Aspinall began reforesting their 800 acres with native and tropical fruit trees. The land quickly returned to its original state, a wild tropical rainforest. With habitats restored, the native animals returned and the Aspinalls then created successful ongoing sea turtle and Scarlet Macaw restoration programs. Only a 5-minute walk away, miles of pristine beach feature excellent swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The included three meals a day can accommodate special dietary needs, and a refreshing swimming pool will cool you down after your hikes.
One of the most unexplored regions in Costa Rica, the area is rich in biodiversity with over 275 recorded species of tropical birds. Wild animals including jungle cats (nocturnal) live here as does the once vanishing squirrel monkeys. Despite the remote location, Tiskita Jungle Lodge can be reached by car, bus, national air service, and private planes. Plus, certain cabins are wheelchair accessible. Driving from San Jose can take up to 9 hours and at times the last stretch can be quite rough. Regional flights from San Jose to Golfito take only 50 minutes followed by a 2-hour taxi ride, or can land in Puerto Jimenez in 50 minutes followed by a 45-minute boat trip preferably taken in the morning before the winds kick in. The Lodge can provide helpful advice regarding current conditions. Private planes are able to land on an airstrip in the small nearby town of Pavones.
Pavones, on the Pacific Ocean, marks the opening to Golfo Dulce created by the geolographical features of the Osa Peninsula. Boat tours provide fishing expeditions for Roosterfish, Dorado, and Kingfish plus seasonal whale watching tours are available when whales come to breed and give birth. Also famous for surfing, Pavones has one of the longest left surf breaks in the world. The beach in front of Tiskita Jungle Lodge has a good surf break as well, where it is fun for beginners to take surf lessons.
For horse lovers, guided tours on Tiskita's well-trained, well cared for horses will take you exploring the waterfalls on the Biological Reserve, onto the beach for an ocean swim, up to the small town of Pavones, or over to the Conte Burica Indigenous Reserve. They can even create custom riding tours based on your particular interest. Once the horses become too old for riding, they live their lives out comfortably in the lush pastures on the property.
The Lodge also offers onsite guided Night Tours when weather and viewing conditions are favorable. During the day, guests can walk the trails using the provided map or elect to take one of two guided tours where the knowledgeable staff can easily spot and identify surrounding rainforest wildlife. Birdwatching can also be done alone or with a guide and you might enjoy a trip to the onsite organic orchard where over 125 different tropical fruit trees attract and feed local wildlife. Daily yoga classes and occasional art classes are offered.
The ecolodge features 7 cabins with 17 guest rooms providing a variety of spatial configurations for families, groups of friends, couples, or rugged individualists. Each cabin has a large deck with hammocks, hot water, and offers privacy while within easy walking distance to the main lodge, restaurant, self-service bar, and pool. Limited wifi is available helping you unplug from your busy life.
Latitude: N 8° 21' 18.57"
Longitude: W 83° 8' 6.01"
