Aninga Lodge

The early morning outings were great for spotting wildlife, and the pool and cocktails were a highlight. We enjoyed the loud howler monkeys at night too, they really add to the jungle feel. Aninga Lodge is a memorable place. The food was fine and breakfast decent. Since everything is right there, we'd suggest full board. Coffee facilities in the rooms would be useful, and the reception staff could be warmer when welcoming guests. Still, we had a good stay.

The pool was pleasant and the bar was fine, though the drink choices were limited, perhaps in keeping with the hotel's rating. The food was basic and the portions initially served seemed a little small, but you could ask for more. The lodges were a good size, and the mesh in place of glass in the windows didn't bother us. Wildlife is everywhere if you wait patiently and get a bit lucky. It's a good-quality three-star hotel. We later learned that guests could walk through the neighboring hotels' grounds to reach a forest nature trail. We'd already taken a boat to the starting point, after collecting guests from a hotel accessible only by boat. Our guide hadn't mentioned that walking was an option.

The food was delicious, and the pool stayed quiet. Two friendly bartenders were there, and the Jacuzzi was a favorite of mine. I spent hours in it during my three days there. The activities felt like just the right amount of soft tourism, and our guide was a very friendly local. I also got beautiful wildlife pictures because the animals roam freely through the forest. The attached photos were taken with a 55-200mm objective.

You get plenty of outdoor sounds in the bungalows, since they're open through mesh and have no air conditioning or heating. The village drums and celebrations at nearby lodges carried into our room and could disturb sleep. I actually liked the sounds, and there's no need for heating anyway. The spacious rooms and excellent service made the stay good, and the beautiful setting inside Tortuguero National Park more than made up for the noise. It does take an hour and a half by boat to get there.