The Jaguars Jungle

We had an unforgettable stay at Jaguar’s Jungle Lodge. It's a real jungle adventure, far from a conventional hotel, in a remarkable spot by the sea and rainforest with direct access to Corcovado National Park hiking trails. Mornings brought colorful birds and coatis, and we had chances to see all sorts of wildlife, including toucans and tapirs. We joined three of the offered tours: snorkeling, a night walk, and an excursion into Corcovado National Park. Our guides, Keylor and Everado, were dedicated and knew a lot about local plants and animals. The tours were a highlight for us. The rooms are basic but practical. Mosquito nets on all the windows meant we could leave them open, and the fan kept a pleasant breeze going for a good night's sleep. Meals are included, with generous portions, fresh ingredients, and delicious food. They were happy to accommodate individual needs like vegan or gluten-free diets. Getting to and from the lodge is an adventure in itself. Take the packing list on the website seriously, and make sure your luggage for the boat is fully waterproofed and securely fastened. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this lodge to anyone after an authentic, adult-oriented backpacker experience.

What stayed with us most was how much wildlife we could spot around the lodge: five or six tapirs, including a baby, spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, a black hawk, coati, and plenty of other birds. The food was fantastic, and we enjoyed every meal. Portions were fine, though there were no seconds. We chose regular or vegetarian meals for lunch and dinner at breakfast, and when we were out on excursions, lunch was served when we got back. We brought nuts and protein bars for snacks. We were a family of four and spent five nights at Jaguar's Jungle in early May. Its remote spot between the ocean and rainforest made for an unforgettable stay. The Sansa flight and Sierpe boat shuttle both went smoothly, and the staff were kind and genuine. The beach was lovely, and we spent some time in the ocean every day. Our first outing was snorkeling at Cano Island. We loved it and saw turtles and lots of colorful fish. The following day, Kaylor took us on a Corcovado Tour. He clearly loves sharing the rainforest with visitors, and we saw so many animals, birds, and insects. He taught us a lot, too. It was a highlight of our trip. We'd planned a hike the next day, and Everardo, our waiter, offered to suggest a route. He spent at least an hour showing us birds, plants, and animals near the lodge that we might otherwise have missed, then recommended a great hike and made sure we started on the right trail. On our last full day, we went horseback riding. It was probably the most fun any of us have had on horseback. We rode through the rainforest, stopped for a break on a beautiful beach, and then rode back. Rodger, the concierge and manager, was incredibly kind and helpful. He greeted us every morning with a big smile and did all he could to make our stay a joy. It was our first trip to Costa Rica, and we fell in love with its beauty and people. We met guests from all over, including a Canadian, a Dutch family, and a couple from Switerland. If you're after a remote place to immerse yourself in nature, with delicious food and genuinely caring staff, Jaguar's Jungle could be a great fit. It's a lodge, not a luxury resort, so bring insect repellent, an adventurous spirit, and a bit of a glamping mindset. Pura Vida!!

If you love nature, this is a must visit. Tapirs, Pumas, and other wildlife may even come right to the lodge, if you're lucky. The guides are kind and clearly passionate about nature and wildlife. It feels like they lead tours because they love doing it, and that really comes through. We had an amazing stay at jaguar jungle Lodge. The location is incredible, the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the views and tours are unforgettable. We were welcomed with fresh towels and amazing smoothies, and our beautiful room was right on the beachfront. The food was good, too. We could keep going, but it was an experience we'll never forget!

The setting was stunning, and we saw monkeys, macaws, toucans, coati, and tapir, sometimes right from the bar. The staff were outstanding. A special thanks to Roger for looking after our needs, and to Everado for sharing so much knowledge and making a night hike that felt daunting at first into a fun experience. The boat ride in and the included excursions made this a better jungle getaway than we could have expected. It was an incredible way to start our vacation in Costa Rica. We were sad to leave after our three-day adventure. Highly recommend for anyone with an adventurous spirit or a love of nature :)