Hi, everyone - my husband and I are staying at the Peace Lodge for one night before heading down to the Osa. I've read that the hours for the gardens are 8-5. If you're a guest at the Lodge, are the hours extended? If so, could someone tell me what they are?

Also, what was your favorite activity on the property? Seems like it has a lot to offer, and we're only staying for the one night, so would love some feedback. I've heard about a night tour to view the frogs, is that worth doing?

Hi Volcanogirl,
I'm not sure about the extended hours, but the actual waterfall hike (not very long, only downhill with a shuttle bus back uphill) must be done during daylight hours. Since it gets dark around 6 yearround, you wouldn't want to be out much past 5 anyway. As far as activities on the property, you can do everything - see butterflies, frogs and snakes in the exhibits in just a few hours so you can basically do everything Peace Lodge has to offer in one day. We were there 2 years ago for 2 nights and we ran out of things to do. It rained while we were there so be prepared even if it's not rainy season.

There is a special frog tour you can take at night--$5pp. Totally worth it! Don't put any lotion on your hands so you can hold the frogs. Alex leads the Ranarium and he is great.

We also loved feeding the hummingbirds. Touristy? Sure. But so fun.

If you like hiking, start at the Fern Trail just beyond the Trout Pond. It's usually deserted and is quite a beautiful lead up to the waterfalls.

Definitely do the night frog tour. And hold the frogs! You might not want to at first, but they really are fun to hold! We enjoyed the butterfly observatory - it was interesting to see the butterflies coming right out of the cocoons! It was raining when they were feeding the hummingbirds, so we missed that, but I would have loved to have done that! And definitely start the waterfall hike at the Fern trail, at the back of the property. It makes for a much longer, and beautiful hike. It's not just climing downhill and getting the shuttle bus. It's through the forest, there's a couple of hanging bridges and then you get to the falls. I think it's a 2km trail if you start there.

I'm sure if you get up early, there's no reason you can't start walking around and get on the trail early, right after breakfast. And with the frog tour at night, that gives you something to do after dinner if you'd like.

We had a short afternoon there, one full day and then left the next morning. But on our full day, we actually got up, drove to the Poas Volcano in the morning, came back, had lunch and then did the longer waterfall hike. Then did the "activities" on the grounds, such as the aviary, butterfly observatory, snakes, frogs etc. Then we relaxed a bit, had dinner and then did the night frog tour around 9:00 I think? You'll have plenty of time!

Enjoy!

Thanks, everyone for all the great tips. It's exactly the information we were looking for. I was afraid we would have to miss out on something, but looks like we can do it all - including holding the frogs!

Our daughter and son in law took the waterfall trails before the park opened up, and they loved having the park to themselves. When my husband and I were there, our balcony was so beautiful, we just wanted to stay there and enjoy it in the morning. If you're there for lunch, don't waste your time at the buffet. We liked the Trout Bar much better for a nice lunch by the water.

Thanks for the info. on the Trout Bar. We will definitely do that. We're not big fans of buffets, and eating by the water sounds really nice. Plus I'm sure it's more affordable than the restaurant prices.

Same here! Thanks!

We just returned from Peace Lodge on Wednesday. About 2 weeks ago they opened a very large aviary. Many, many beautiful birds - upclose. All were rescued in some fashion or another. And, sometime in the future they will have a cat exhibit. We were lucky and were able to view the cats one afternoon, just the two of us an a guide who usually is in the butterfly exhibit. Great. They take you back where they also have some monkeys, and rabbits. Guess what the rabbits are for. Yep - the cats. They had an oncilla (which I have never seen) a jaguarundi, two ocelots and a margay. Way fun. We ate once at trout lake and the rest as room service. It was just great to spend the time (except breakfast) when we were not hiking and visiting exhibits privately dining in our beautiful balcony and room! We started the Fern Trail - waterfall hike at 5:30 a.m. Not another soul around. Hard to say favorites. Went to birds, snakes and frogs twice each. Watched them feed two snakes smaller snakes and two snakes mice. Had a ball visiting will all of the guides at each exhibit. Very knowledgable folks.

Hi Connette,

So they actually have monkeys and cats on the Peace Lodge grounds? How did you manage to get that behind-the-scenes tour?? I would totally love that!

I hope you'll post a full trip report.

They have marmosets in the aviary, didn't get to see the cats but the staff there is extraordinarily eager to please. Jorge in the aviary let me feed a toucan, took pics etc.

As far as walking around PL, I would have breakfast as soon as they opened it (7am) and would see a couple people down below already walking around. I would say you'd have the best chance to get more in during the morning as it gets dark early & fast. I did the trails about 10ish and never even ran across another person on them. The frog tour is great, just be prepared to have them jump on you (I ended up with one in my hair). I really loved the whole deal, the aviary, the butterflies, the snakes, the waterfalls, the frogs, the hummingbirds etc. Maybe I'm easily amused but I had a blast just being in the room. I did a last minute switch to a deluze for 1 night then a standard for the 2nd night, I had fun just trying to use all the tubs and showers. I really just enjoyed sitting on the balcony - more so in the deluxe as it is on 2nd floor and a little more private.

We stayed at the Peace Lodge for one night last December. The aviary was still under construction at that time. We won't be staying there again this year (we'll be at Orquideas for 3 nights), but I think we'll have to plan a day trip out there. We absolutely loved La Paz last year. I'll never forget waking up that first morning in CR and looking out our balcony window at the Peace Lodge. What a phenomenal view!

Tully,

Sounds like you had some terrific adventures based on the first few posts you've contributed since getting back home. I hope you'll do a formal recap of your trip. I would love to hear your impressions of the places you visited this time around.

cmerrell - I had a terrific time and will post a report soon, probably post my pics first. Unfortunately I seem to have caught a bug (luckily on the day I was leaving) or a reaction to a couple mango con leches that I had (I haven't drunk milk for years) and have been sick since, but I kept a journal this go round and will post as soon as I can.

Sounds good, Tully. I'll be looking forward to both the photos and the written description.

I hope you'll be fully recovered and back to good health very soon!

Hi cmerrel,

We asked at reception to see the cats. Did not even know about the monkeys until we got there. Not sure what they plan to do with those. The exhibits for the cats are about 1/2 done. You will not be able to view the cats unless you stay at the property. That is what they told us is the plan for now anyway.

I will try to get going on a trip report. My husband has had chills, fever and dizziness since about 2 days after our return. He went to the dr. today, assuming he picked up a parasite or something. He was diagnosed with vertigo. Dr. said it is quite common after airplane flights.

One thing before I forget is I wanted to mention our rooms #'s at the different properties as I think they were supurb. By the way, we were more than pleased with each one. At Hotel Sapo Dorado we had #17. Great views. At Bosque de Paz #6. It has an extra window on the side overlooking the fish pond and some trees. The birds just love this area and we had some AMAZING sightings right from the bed! Savegre #139. Also had two extra windows on the end. And, again from the bed could see Quetzals and Toucans in the avacado tree. Rancho Naturalista #1. What a gorgeous room this is! Upon arrival we could barely leave our the balcony of our room. We saw around 15 new birds within 5-10 minutes of arrival. Views of 2 volcanos and the beautiful valley. What a place!

It sounds like we only birded from bed! Really, we did bird usually 4-7 hours per day too - that was not from the bed.

LOL, connette! Are you sure you didn't get out of bed?!

Thanks so much for the things you have mentioned! I have #1 at Rancho Naturalista booked for myself in a few weeks. SO looking forward to that.

We will be at Peace Lodge with our granddaughter for a couple of nights in July. I am more and more convinced that we made the right decision. So expensive! I think she is going to love every second of it, and it will be very special to enjoy her excitement! She'll be 2.5 years then, and everything about it should be pretty fascinating--to her and to us again!

LOL LOL--SO SORRY! I meant to say "are you sure you GOT out of bed"--well, enough of that! It's a great deal, though, to start the birding for the day before you even have a chance to get up and about!

Thanks for the 'mini' report, Connette. I'll look forward to more of your reviews when you've got hubby feeling better. It sounds like you had a really fun trip.

As for the kittys at Peace Lodge, I guess I'll just have to find my way back there sometime for another stay in one of those beautiful rooms. You wouldn't have to twist my arm too hard...

Shillmac,

Your next CR adventure is almost within striking distance now. This is the Panama trip as well, isn't it? I'm envious!

First week of August in Panama, yes. First I go to CR to study (and play), then will return with husband and granddaughter. Yes, almost within striking distance! The days are passing too quickly, in fact. So much to do!