Topas Riverside Lodge

The kitchen brought a lovely surprise each evening, and the food was very affordable. Drinks, though, cost 50%+ more than at a normal 4-star hotel. We found the local setting, scenery, and indoor decor beautiful, and the staff were kind and helpful. Our room was quite humid, and there was no cleaning during our stay. The tour guide prices also seemed absurd. We paid USD 500 in total for two short trips with a great local guide, though we could easily have done them ourselves.

We arrived, got pointed toward the lodge, and were left to figure things out for ourselves. Nobody showed us our room or explained anything. We found a map on a table and set off hiking on our own, luckily. Even a basic welcome and a quick explanation of where to sit or find the bathroom would have made a difference. I didn’t feel welcome at the river lodge. The lodge itself is beautiful, and being out in nature is wonderful. Food costs 550k per person / per day for lunch and dinner, and you have to eat what’s provided. There wasn’t really an experience arranged for us. The Eco Lodge seems like a great experience, though, and I’d skip the river lodge and go straight there.

The food was amazing, and the local culture is vibrant. The owner and family are welcoming and take good care of everyone. It’s an incredible place to stay in a really interesting part of the country.

The meals could use more variety, but the staff were all very friendly. Rooms are basic yet functional, with nice bathrooms. The riverside location is amazing, and the views are peaceful.