IGUANA
LODGE
welcome
to the Iguana Lodge...deep in the 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:
-
repel
down a waterfall,
-
explore
a cave,
-
hike
through the primeval rainforest,
-
beach
comb along our deserted 6-mle long beach...the Best Beach
on the Osa,
-
go
birdwatchng through-out the surrounding Platanares Preciosa Reserve or boat up the Rio
Esquinas
in search of over 350 species of birds,
-
boogie-board
or surf a while,
-
play
in the waves,
-
kayak
through serene mangroves
-
enjoy
a sunset kayak upon the pristine Golfo Dulce with dolphins
and manta-rays leaping through the photoluminescence,
-
observe
whales breaching
-
watch
sea turtles laying eggs along our beach or the hatchlings
emerge from their nests in our hatchery,
-
catch
a sailfish, snook or maybe a marlin,
-
visit
Casa Orquideas, a magnificent world-class garden,
-
stroll
on our deserted six-mile long sandy beach with the surf
rolling in and the stars overhead
...and
then come on home. Sit down with us for a fabulous meal,
great conversation, candlelight, maybe music...salsa dancing
perhaps?
The
surf is pounding and the jungle calls are all around...the moon
is full and the natives are restless. The nearby howler monkeys
are ready to rock you to sleep...but perhaps you would prefer
to retire to your own secluded paradise. Saunter along
a candlelit garden path to your own two-story bungalow where
you can lounge in a hammock on your deck overlooking the Golfo
Dulce, or take a hot shower in your roomy bath, or relax upon
your orthopedic
bed and
enjoy the tropical breezes and the sounds of the quiet wildness
of the jungle playing backup to the rhythmic pounding of the
surf.
in the morning
when birds are singing and the monkeys chattering...come on
down to our spectacular thatched Rancho Grande to try some
mango scones or banana crepes, excellent Costa Rican coffee,
fresh juice and bowls overflowing with tropical fruit.
At the Iguana Lodge our food is legendary...try some ginger-chili
grilled mahi-mahi or chipotle grilled steak, along with fresh
baked breads, crisp and cold cucumber-carrots, grilled plantains,
braised kamote, mango mousse, key-lime pie...and the cooks
just keep on cooking...
We
hope you join us and the other wildlife here in paradise.
The Osa Peninsula is in southwestern Costa Rica, near Panama.
The easiest way to visit us is to fly from San Jose; driving
is possible, usually it is a lengthy and occasionally a quite
thrilling way to pass a day. We are happy to set up your flight
reservations from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, as well as book
a hotel for you in San Jose. From Puerto Jimenez we are
a twenty minute taxi ride away.
And here is what our wonderful guests have to say:
"A remarkable
excursion into another world." Thomas and Sidra - Switzerland
"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 four-star, the people
incredible. Our family 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
"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.
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