Esquinas Rainforest Lodge

We stayed for 4 nights at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and it was the highlight of our 14 night stay in and around the Osa Peninsular. From the moment we checked in the wildlife was walking around our feet and flying around our heads. The room was lovely, very comfortable and with a view over the shallow valley. Despite only having a fan rather than air con, the room was remarkable cool in the evenings and at night and the screens (rather than glazed windows) kept all the bugs out. Meals were set but were excellent and the fresh fruit fabulous.The pool has not chlorine and is fairly cool and shaded for about half of the day and was a fantastic way to retreat from the heat. We loved the way the wildlife walked past us as if we weren't there... even the basilisks ran across the pool as we swam! We went on the morning bird walk, the night walk and the mangrove tour. In all of those we had Kevin as our fabulous guide, whose English was excellent and technical English re the animals amazing. All the tours were good, we saw loads and were very manageable, even for unfit 60 somethings. The highlight though was the mangrove tour; new species just kept on coming! The boat was comfortable even after half a day and the awning kept us cool (worth the trip just to get away from the stifling heat and humidty around the lodge). Special mention to the skipper, Melvin, who slowed the boat to a halt every time he saw me lift my telephot lens. The staff at Esquinas were fantastic and it was really quite emotional leaving them after only 4 nights; Kevin was a star and when not guiding people on tours helped in the bar but special mention to Joanne, who was just lovely about everything and incredibly attentive. I can't praise Esquinas enough; the placed oozed wildlife and comfort and will stay in our minds for years to come. Highlights... the Charming hummingbird that perched outside our lodge all day; the Tayra that stole bananas from the tree 40 feet from us as we ate our luch; the mangrove tour; the basilisks and the absolutely stunning Cherrie's Tanager; the welcome. There were several "birding tours" that arrived here during our stay; each staying just 2 nights and we probably spoke to 20 odd members of the tours. All, without exception envied our 4 night stay and wanted to stay longer. This place is an absolute gem... you need to visit. I took 1800 photos in a 4 night stay...the attached are all at Esquinas or on the mangrove tour. If you're in any doubt, please contact me.

We spent two nights here as part of a tour of Costa Rica. The rooms are simple, with a balcony and chairs outside so you can sit and watch the birds. The bathroom was nice and recently refurbished. No glass in the windows, just mesh. It is very humid, so everything feels damp. Beds were comfortable. The food in the restaurant is good, again simple and no choice (they display the menu in advance so you can let them know if you don’t eat something). Breakfasthad a choice of three options. It was very peaceful and relaxing, the staff were good. We did the night hike which was well worth it.

We had three nights here at the end of our Costa Rica holiday and loved it. Very quiet apart from all the noises of the rainforest, clean, simple and very comfortable cabin type rooms with a nice seating area outside, and beautiful surroundings. We did a great early morning bird tour with Kevin, and talked to people who had really enjoyed his night tour. The staff were all delightful and the meals were lovely - they catered perfectly for us not eating red meat and lovely fresh fruit juice was served with meals. The pool was beautiful, and where else could you watch a pair of Baird’s Trogans while swimming? We also liked walking down the approach road where we saw lots of birds and we got great views of manakins on the lodge trails. A perfect place for nature lovers. I would love to go back.

One of my best places for birds and other wildlife in Costa Rica. This time I got photos of three totally new species of butterflies for my photo collection. It is a quiet and relaxing place with gourmet Tico food, a different fruit juice every day and a different vegetable soup every day! :-) Plus it is next door to the La Gamba Research Station from the University of Vienna.