tully

There are sections you are required to have a guide, I believe Los Patos to Sirena is one of them. Others you don't, though I definitely think it's worth it.

I'm considering La Leona in May/June. I'm assuming they have treks into the park with guides that you don't have to hire an outside operator.

tully

Here's where I saw it, seems to usually be on top of things, great site overall for lots of info - http://www.corcovadoguide.com/currentnews.htm

hipvirgochick

That makes sense, tully, that some sections require a guide. People always post on trip advisor about needing a guide too and honestly I think it's just an assumption they make based on a singular experience.

seawitch1

Well I am now majorly disappointed. Finca Exotica had no cabinas available for me, only a tent. My better half is not into sleeping in a tent, so I need to find some other accommodations. Still considering Lookout Inn, but does anybody have input into Luna Lodge? It's quite expensive and I'm not a spa kind of gal. I would consider extending my stay at BcD, but that's pricey as well.

tully

Try Laguna Vista Villas, maybe? I'm considering it for next trip - http://www.lagunavistavillas.com/rat...ervations.html

plumboy

There's that place that roadadvisor always suggests over on Trip Advisor - but I don't have it bookmarked. Does anyone else have the name and website?

I've heard Luna Lodge is beautiful. I'd consider it if I were you. Isn't it about the same or maybe a little less than BdC?

Re: guides. Yeah, I read the same thing that tully referred to -- about the Los Patos to Sirena trail. I don't think you need one for the La Leona-Sirena trail (unless something has changed very recently). But, I have to say, I would really recommend a guide. Not only does it help support people economically and encourage responsible tourism over some other means of livelihood that might not be so great for the environment, but they ALWAYS seems to find things that you'd never see on your own. It's like magic!

It's also just safer.

And, as long as we're giving names of guides here, I'll recommend my excellent, excellent guide Nito Paniagua. He knows the area really well and is a great guide (did I say that already?). He can be reached at [email protected].

And, no, I haven't forgotten that I owe a trip report -- it's getting later and later. I'm procrastinating...

tully

plum you will just have to go back again, to eh...recall all that stuff you forgot! Hey any reason is a good reason. Seriously though, hope you do get to it soon, love to hear all about your Corcovado trek!

volcanogirl

plum, I want to hear the details too!

plumboy

Okay, found the info on that other lodge in Carate. Looks great, actually. It's called ISEAMI, which stands for Instituto de Sostenibilidad, Ecología, Arte, Mente e Investigación.

Here's the website: http://www.iseami.com/eco-lodge.htm

Looks like $75 to $90 per person with all meals included.

I *think* it may have been another lodge once -- I may have read that somewhere, but I don't know which one.

OsaGold

A very good guide who not only know well the Parque Corcovado but also is very familiar with the Osa Biological Corridor is Enrique Sobalbarro [email protected]

tully

plum, Iseami used to be Terrapin Lodge. I walked around there years ago and it was pretty run down, hopefully they've spruced it up with the name change and I'm assuming new owners.

plumboy

Ah, I see.