Poor Man's Paradise

The hardest part was leaving. The people around us, including Yohan, Mario, Wendy, and the rest of the crew, were the kindest I’ve met, always welcoming and helpful. Meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all delicious and served with a smile, perfect fuel for adventures day and night. It felt deeply connected to nature, and the fishing was insane, monster tuna. I can’t wait to return. ¡PURA VIDA!

We spent a week here and it felt like paradise. The beaches work for everyone from complete beginner bodyboarders to expert surfers, and the wildlife was everywhere. In my six weeks in Costa Rica, I saw more monkeys, reptiles, and beautiful birds here than in many of the national parks. During rainy season, it’s best to come by boat, perhaps arranged by the host for a fee, since driving isn’t a good idea. If you want a really relaxing, fun time, please come here!

Poor Man's Paradise Lodge is deep in the wild, in Corcovado National Park, and the setting is impressive. You can only get there by boat. There’s a road, but it’s almost impassable, and the boat trip is quite expensive. Still, it felt worth the money. The spacious bungalows have a seating area, a fan, and a private bathroom with a shower. There’s a garden and bar, and meals are included in the rate at the lodge restaurant. Bar de PMP is about 45 m away, with other restaurants a short distance away too. Activities nearby include hiking, diving, and snorkelling, and free parking is offered. Marino Ballena National Park is about a three-hour drive away. The Sirena boat tour takes guests around 30 km of the bay.

The rooms are very simple, as you’d expect, and some were being fitted with hot water systems when I wrote this. In this climate, though, who really needs hot water? The remote location means there’s no cell reception or internet, and power cuts aren’t unusual in the rainy season. The restaurant meals were good and the staff were very friendly. You can see plenty of animals from the cabins, and the walk to playa San Josecito is great, though water sandals are a good idea. I’d recommend the Sirena tour too. We saw lots of animals and had a great picnic. Getting here is an adventure on its own: the boat from Sierpe takes about 90 minutes and leaves from the Lodge's office by the river. The passage from river to ocean is exciting, and you’ll see why. Crocodiles, birds, and whales are possible to spot. Rain can leave you completely soaked, so wear a rain jacket or just your swim clothes. Luggage goes in large plastic bags to keep it dry. If you’re after a luxury room with AC, internet, and the like, this hotel isn’t for you.