Saladero Lodge sam, January 25, 2012September 21, 2013 Location: Golfo Dulce Price: $10-$135/night Features: Ocean view, snorkeling, bird-watching, kayaking, guided nature trails . Introduction Juxtaposed between the verdant Piedras Blancas National Park and the pristine Golfo Dulce waters, Saladero Lodge is a 480 acre accessible by boat only farm, which is touted to be one of the best rainforest specialty lodges in Costa Rica. Guests here can savor a wide range of incredible natural experiences from watching the crimson skies at sundown to hearing the background sounds of singing tree frogs. The less intrepid can enjoy Golfo Dulce Peninsula’s wildlife treasures from Saldero’s immaculately manicured gardens (housing edible plant varieties such as banana, papaya, pineapple, jackfruit, mango, jackfruit, citrus, avocado and more), while the more adventurous guests can venture into the adjoining national park on a self-guided trail. Saladero Lodge is a great fusion of comfortable, relaxed charm and luxury amidst wilderness. Sprinkle this combination with an environmentally responsible approach that does its best to support eco tourism and local sustainability initiatives and you’ve picked the perfect property for a ‘fun without weighing on the conscience’ vacation. Activities and Amenities Guests can enjoy a wide range of nature and adventure based activities at the Saladero Lodge. A stay at the loge includes usage of their kayaks, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear. Based on their daredevilry quotient, guests can experience an assortment of leisure options ranging from plain relaxation to pure adventure. All guests receive a complementary guided tour of Saladero’s property to help them behold the bio-diverse ecological wonders housed within the premises. Other activities organized by the lodge include bird watching (over 300 species of birds in the surrounding bio-diverse primary rainforest area of Piedras Balncas). A variety of fascinating and rare bird species such as the Fiery-billed Aracari, Blue-cronwed Motmot and Scarlet Macaws can be observed in the area. Apart from this, snorkeling in the tranquil waters of Los Mogos and Ballinas, river tours up the Rio Esquinas, boat rides to the picturesque Csa Orquideas Botanical Gardens( with the possibility of spotting dolphins, leaping rays, sea turtles and the occasional whales) are also popular options with tourists. A native-guided jungle tour to view the forest from an insider’s perspective along with deep sea fishing at Golfo Dulce and Rio Esquinas and hiking at the Piedras Blancas or Corcobado National Park are other pursuits that find many takers. Visitors can also relish the flawless natural beauty of the region by traversing through the labyrinth forest paths on a trilling horseback ride. Kayaking along the serene waters of Golfo Dulce or relaxing while inhaling the tropical air at Saladero’s gardens are other favorites with Saladero’s guests. Accommodation Accomodation at Saladero Lodge is available in the form of a Beach House, Tree House, Mariposa Cabin and a few adventure camping tents. The Beach House is a two-story structure located a few steps away from the beach and is made from elegant hardwood, while offering sweeping views of the gulf and Saladero’s property. It is ideal for accommodating large groups and extended families. The second story is equipped with an open-air lounging area with a private king bedroom and attached bath, an expansive living room with extra sleeping area (two queen beds) and a bath. Private, spacious and cozy tree-top cabins feature a full bath along with tastefully done-up hardwood floors. Ideal for guests who want to sip their early morning tea on a private balcony, while greeting toucans and howler monkeys. The Mariposa Cabin features a double and single bed along with a private garden, offering alluring vistas of the Golfo Dulce. For those seeking unadulterated adventure on a budget, tents are pitched on Saladero’s 30 acre camping gardens. A full shower, bathroom, BBQ grills and covered picnic table is available to complete the back-to-nature experience for tent guests. Rates Prices are all inclusive of boat transportation, cabin, meals, afternoon salsa, unlimited use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment. Based on double occupancy and 3 day minimum stay. Nov 15th – April 30th May 1st – Nov 14th Beach House $130 per person per day. $110 Tree House $110 per person per day. $95 Mariposa $95 per person per day $85 Bungalow (New) $110 per person per day $95 Camping fee is $10 USD per night per person. Costa Rica Eco Lodges Southern Pacific Eco Lodges Beachfrontbird watchinggardensguided nature trailsOcean ViewsnorkelingTree Houses