Rainmaker — Attraction in Parrita

In search of those beautiful, colorful frogs, my sis and I took the night frog tour. Frankly, I was not enthusiastic going in as frogs and snakes are not really my choice for vacation connections, but I went anyway. It was even less than my already low expectations. After being greeted with a disclaimer/waiver,we wereeach given a flashlight. We then earned that that those colorful poison dart frogs are diurnal and we would only encounter the red-eyed tree frog and Bufo toads - if we are lucky. Plus snakes. I was relieved to see our guide was well equipped including a snake-handling rod and Wellington boots, but I also suddenly felt very vulnerable, not having boots myself. Still, I was grateful to have worn long pants, as many in our group did not. We set out around a pond just as night fell and we did see plenty of toads - the same variety we are plagued with here in Florida that poison our dogs.we also saw a few spiders and yes even a couple of the little red-eyed tree frogs. Also a few small spiders. After circling the pond, we headed a little deeper into the woods. I am most grateful that there was only one small snake, non-venomous and I chose not to go off the path to say hello. We were told, though, that the night before there had been an encounter with a particularly nasty snake - the third most venomous snake in Costa Rica and particularly dangerous because it is aggressive. I don't know the exact type because I did not understand the name when I heard it, but I needed nothing more to keep me close with the group. In any case, we had no such meeting. The walk was okay but nothing more. Our guide was a little disappointing. Although she had some knowledge, she had no professional credential and was just an enthusiast. That's fine and well, but I would have appreciated gaining a better education - it would have given the trip a little more value. Nevertheless, it was good enough. The trail ended back at the open air pavilion where we were served a typico dinner. The tour could have done without the dinner, but I suspect the timing of the tour necessitates dinner, as it's still a fair drive back to the hotel area. We never had a bad meal in all of Costa Rica, so it was good enough. Admittedly, I went for the benefit of my sister and I had little interest to begin with,but even with her deeper interest, my sister found it to be far less than worthwhile. It was okay. Given the opportunity again, I would lass...

My wife and I did the night tour with Edgar as our guide. I will provide the preamble by saying I’m a hobbyist with exotic animals; snakes, lizards, insects, and mostly arachnids. My wife, on the other hand, will run for her life at the site of a house spider.

For someone with a (slightly beyond) basic understanding of the Central American jungles, I still learned some very interesting facts outside of my knowledge spectrum while someone who has no knowledge at all about the jungle will not be overwhelmed with facts of a foreign subject and anyone will find it just as informative. We found and learned about several species of frogs, birds, insects, spiders, snakes, and the surrounding tree and plant life. Two of the most exciting finds: we found a wandering spider (endemic of Brazil), and a fer de lance viper (bites from either of these creatures would ensure a very bad, potentially fatal day for the unlucky recipient).

It was a dream come true to encounter so many things the jungle keeps hidden in its vault of biodiversity. Edgar, our guide was a wealth of knowledge, yet never took himself too seriously, and was as humorous as he was knowledgeable.

I do owe a sincere apology to Edgar and the lovely ladies who prepared our meals at the end of the tour. I was in pretty bad shape with food poisoning I’d contracted earlier that day (to the point of having cold sweats and body aches) and I didn’t eat any of the dinner they’d prepared for us. To make matters worse, in the swirling mix of sickness and jungle induced euphoria, I neglected to provide Edgar a very well deserved tip when the tour had completed. Edgar, this fact alone is sufficient enough to warrant a trip back to Costa Rica to right this wrong…. and maybe have another tour of the jungle while we’re there. You’ve not seen the...

The Rainmaker Lodge is a hidden gem tucked away in the lush greenery of Costa Rica. The self-guided tour allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery at their own pace, while the friendly staff is always on hand to offer helpful tips and suggestions. As you make your way through the park, you'll encounter a world of wonder, with incredible wildlife and vegetation around every corner.

The canopy bridges are a true highlight of the experience, providing an up-close and personal look at the incredible flora and fauna that make this place so special. The sound of rushing water and the occasional chirping of birds will keep you company as you cross the bridges, each step bringing you closer to the heart of the park.

The waterfalls are simply mesmerizing, with crystal-clear water cascading down into sparkling pools below. Take a dip in one of the swimming holes for a refreshing break from the heat, or simply sit back and bask in the beauty of it all.

When hunger strikes, make sure to indulge in the delicious lunch option offered by the lodge. It's the perfect reward for a day spent exploring, and the flavors of Costa Rica will dance on your taste buds with each and every bite.

As the sun begins to set and the sky transforms into a stunning canvas of pinks and oranges, consider joining a guided night tour. The darkness only adds to the magic of the Rainmaker Lodge, with the sounds of nocturnal creatures filling the air and the stars twinkling above.

Overall, the Rainmaker Lodge is a true paradise, offering visitors an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. From the lush greenery to the incredible wildlife, this is a place that simply must be experienced to...