Pedacito de Cielo Eco Lodge
Boca Tapada
Nature enthusiasts who wish to explore the native jungles and rivers of Costa Rica will find this ecolodge the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Fourteen individual bungalows, some perched on stilts overlooking the San Carlos River, are spacious and comfortable with outdoor covered porches offering excellent bird watching opportunities. Remotely located, the last 20 miles drive down a very bumpy road redeems itself when you reach the end surrounded by rainforest wilderness and the scenic meandering river. Once you've arrived, plan to relax and spend several nights to take advantage of the many forest hikes and boating options available immersing you in natural encounters. The food has rave reviews and the budget price makes spending your days at the ecolodge very affordable. The local naturalist guides can ensure you see the visible wildlife throughout your stay.
Pedacito de Cielo means little piece of heaven and indeed it is. The local owners warmly welcome you to discover the wild and untouched beauty of their 740-acre private reserve. The ecolodge is located due north approximately 3.5 hours from the capital city of San Jose almost at the Nicaraguan border. A GPS is recommended for getting there. An excellent choice for serious birders, the bungalows are surrounded by a diversity of fruit trees and tropical flowers attracting an abundance of birdlife. Bird feeding stations cater to resident toucans, parrots, honeycreepers, and oropendolas to name a few, giving you an up-close and personal viewing experience. Home to the Great Green Macaw, this forested river area supports a variety of spectacular wildlife not easily found in other parts of the country.
You can enjoy the river by kayak, safari boat or motorboat. The ecolodge offers guided nature tours aboard all three depending on your preference. Kayaks can also be rented and you will be taken up river to put in for an easy float back to the lodge taking your time. On the river, waterbirds, crocodiles, and turtles may surround you as well as interesting iguanas, insects and if you're lucky, small foraging wild animals. A horseback riding tour on well cared for horses can take you for a scenic journey through the rainforest. Self-guided hikes are available along forest trails. You might like the guided Night Hike to see snakes, spiders, insects, colorful frogs, and other night-dwelling creatures.
Back at the ecolodge, you'll spend your time enjoying the front porch views of magnificent scenery. All of the individual, log cabin style bungalows blend into the forest through intentional organic design. The interior artisanal furniture, made by local craftsmen out of renewable wood, reflect the pride the people have in sustaining the natural beauty of their country. Each cabin has a private bathroom, ceiling fan, bookcase, bed(s), mosquito netting, outdoor sitting area, and plenty of windows with drapes for nighttime privacy. Some of the cabins face the river and others face the small graded road with rainforest views, be sure to request the cabin of your choice. You'll want to pack plenty of bug repellent for your outdoor adventures and to enjoy sitting on your private porch.
Rave reviews describe the excellent meals available at the ecolodge’s restaurant. Many international dishes, as well as local traditional meals, are on the menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The open-air dining room allows you to connect with nature as well as watch the secrets of the chef as your food is being prepared. WiFi is available in the restaurant area and all meals are served at a scheduled time. The personal attention you'll receive at the Pedacito de Cielo Eco Lodge will likely create lasting memories of time well spent in Costa Rica.
Latitude: N 10° 42' 2.82"
Longitude: W 84° 11' 27.14"
