Fodor's Expert Review La Ensenada Lodge

Part of a national wildlife refuge, this is the most comfortable and affordable base for bird-watching, crocodile spotting, and nature appreciation on this side of the Río Tempisque. The 1,000-acre property is also a cattle ranch and salt producer, with nearby salt flats and a freshwater lagoon that attract wading birds (and crocodiles that snack on them). You can tour the ranch on horseback ($35) or take a boat tour through the Abangares mangroves ($35, minimum six people) or alongside Palo Verde National Park, with a birding guide ($50, minimum six people). The wood cabins are modest but comfortable, with verandas and big screened windows that let the light and breeze in. Because most of them are duplexes, they don't afford a lot of privacy, so ask for a freestanding one. The rancho restaurant serves buffet-style Italian and Costa Rican meals, including beef raised on the ranch.