Would my 74 year old mother with bad knees be able to experience Costa Rica without a whole lot of walking if we stay at Lost Iguana and Peace Lodge??? Should we rent her a scooter you think???

Leigh

Both Lost Iguana and Peace Lodge have some pretty steep walks - They're set in the hills and have steep inclines and lots of steps. I don't know how practical a scooter would be there with narrow walkways and steps. I know both of the properties have golf carts - I'd check with them and see how available they are to guests. I believe Lost Iguana will come pick you up at your room if you request it. I'd check with them on the most appropriate room for your mom too - maybe you can get something close to the restaurants that involves less walking.

Peace Lodge has many, many stairs - to get to/from the rooms, to the park area itself, in the park area, to the waterfalls, to reception, to restaurant etc. I don't want to turn you off of it just want to make sure you know what will be there. I felt like it was a constant stairmaster when I was there!

Uh-ohhhh...that doesn't bode well. Good to know that they have a golf cart to pick you up at Lost Iguana. We could forego the Peace Lodge and try something else back in San Jose.

I really, really appreciate the pertinent information you just sent earlier...thanks a bunch!

Leigh

Does she like birds? How about Selva Verde? There was a group from Elder Hostel there when we were there. You could ask for a room close to dining area etc. Cabins laid out in rainforest. Raised and covered paths connecting cabins and other bldgs. All beautifully planted. Tons of birds and vegetation to see just from path. Trips can be arranged from there. Easyish 2 - 3 hr drive on good road from SJ.

Thanks glover for an alternative choice...looked at their website and it does seem to be worth a visit. Seriously thinking about that Lodge as opposed to Peace Lodge. It's certainly cheaper staying at Selva Verde.

Leigh

Should add that rooms at Selva are rustic -not at all lux like Peace Lodge. Just so you know.

The whole property is quite beautiful a(despite entrance being located RIGHT ON busy highway). Rooms, dining area have feel of summer camp.

But we loved it.

Just to ditto what glover said, Selva Verde is a great option. There would be walking involved, but not a huge amount and mostly all level. I stayed there this past May and would certainly return, I really enjoyed my time there and yes, it's a great deal moneywise. They can arrange a pick up at the airport for you, I believe it was about $80 and took about 2 hours.

Good Morning Tully...that doesn't sound bad at all. Level ground and $80.00 for transportation, I like that.

Did you stay in the main lodge or one of the bungalows across the street?

Leigh

sea - I stayed in the bungalows across the street but walked by all the rooms at the main lodge and they all looked nice as well. The bungalows are really cool, very private and have a/c, but may be too much of a walk for your mother.

I've tried this before but will try again to direct link to pics: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...0&y=vrpq03 For some reason it will only start at my Playa Nicuesa album pics, so just start the slide show then at the bottom select 'browse all albums' and select Selva Verde - hope that works!

Tully...

Thanks for the good information. If we don't stay in the bungalows, how hot is it or humid there in December???

Leigh

Tully, Tully, Tullyyyyy....those pictures were INCREDIBLE of the Peace Lodge! That will most definitely be a spot to visit and stay on my second trip without my mom!

The S.V. photos were just as cool...I am soooo excited about seeing C.R.!

Leigh

tully, I love your pictures. Where is that swimming pool at the Peace Lodge? I thought we had to swim with the trout! Never saw the pool when we were there.

Sea - thank you, PL is definitely a must do. Kind of a silly fun to stay there at least once.

vg - the pool was smack dab between the 4 bldgs (if you discount the Monarch Villa) It went from hot, warm then cold. I'm sure the trout didn't mind though

Selva Verde is awesome, but Mom must walk up 2 flights of stairs to get breakfast, lunch and dinner. The stairs are not steep as far as the grade, but they are still stairs. I believe there is a wide landing half way up. Perhaps there is another way in to the restaurant, but I didn't see an elevator. Book early as Selva Verde fills up quickly with tour groups. Also , you might want to request a room close to the restaurant.

The area is hot and humid, but there is a nice pool and the river rooms, lodge rooms have ceiling fans.

Is it always hot and humid in Selva Verde?? What's the temperature like at night and are the ceiling fans enough?? Just curious as I'm totally hot-natured and can't stand the HOT, HUMID summers in Central Georgia! Yuck! 8-)

Leigh