shaynak

We just heard about this area. Would it be worth shortening our 7 night stay in Manuel Antonio for a 1 night stay here just before we fly out? I can't go to Monteverdi, so I am wondering if this may be a good way to see the cloud forest. I know that it isn't nearly as fabulous as Monteverdi.
Has anyone stayed the Poas Volcano lodge?
Thanks

Pat_Hewitt

We love La Paz Waterfall Gardens. We were there just last month. We spent our first night in the country here. We have a long relationship with them, and the owner was kind enough to loan us his house. We invited the owner of Orquideas Inn to come up with his girlfriend. We had a great time.

It had been a long time since I had last visited. It was pre earthquake. There was some new stuff to see, and it was fun to see the rest of it again. We had a particularly good time hand feeding the hummingbirds and the toucans. Some great photo ops! We also visited the big cats, and of course hiked the trails.

The gals are both gardeners, and they had a wonderful time together looking and touching everything. Even more fun was that neither are all that proficient in the others language. But they made it work and were fast friends at the end of the day.

We had a couple of really good meals in the restaurant. My wife had a really interesting appetizer. It was a salad made from watermelon, feta cheese, and a light balsamic vinegar. It was cut into a tower. I know how weird that sounds. But it really rocked! We have been making a version at home.

The rooms here are fabulous, and perfect for honeymooners. I shot some video. I haven't posted them on youtube yet. Just busy. But I will try to get to it.

Some people say that this place is a little Disneylandish. I guess I can see that. But I still think it is worthwhile. There is so much concentrated in such a small area. You really get to see a lot. It was the first time in my life that I hand fed a hummingbird! I need to put that picture on facebook.

Figure that this is about a four hour drive from Manuel Antonio. I don't know what time your flight departs. But you are an honest ninety minutes away from the SJO airport, and probably have to check in three hours ahead of time. So you have to plan accordingly.

Two nights would be better. But you have to go with what you have. They also offer a day tour from San Jose, that includes a meal, transportation, and a guide.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,

Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

volcanogirl

We love the Waterfall Gardens too, and handfeeding the hummingbirds. They also have a neat nocturnal frog tour. We stayed at the Peace Lodge for just one night on one of our trips; that was fun because we could get up early and hike the falls before anyone else arrived. We haven't tried Poas Volcano Lodge, but it gets pretty good reviews. If you want to stay in the area, I'd get there fairly early so you have time to hike the falls and do all the other activities before it gets dark.

MichelleY

I would use two of your nights, either off Arenal or Manuel Antonio, and stay at the Peace Lodge at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Well worth it.

sylvia3

The Poas Lodge is a great place, and is very close to the Poas National Park. Much cheaper than Peace Lodge, if that is important:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Alajuela.html

shillmac

Absolutely agree with Pat--Peace Lodge/La Paz is a fabulous place to visit. We were fortunate enough to stay 3 nights in June with a pgk. deal we purchased from Luxury Link. Always before, we had stayed 2 nights. 2 nights is plenty, one not enough, IMHO. 7 nights is a LONG time (again, IMHO) for Manuel Antonio, and if you can swing it, it would definitely be worth your while to spend the last 2 nights at Peace Lodge. As Pat said, very important to take travel logistics and times into consideration. Peace Lodge is expensive, the property amazing and extensive, and it isn't a place to arrive late, spend a night, and leave early the next day!