Vista Drake Lodge — Hotel in Bahía Drake

My boyfriend and I did an overnight trip to Paradise Verde on the boarder of Corcovado through Vista Drake. We had originally scheduled for 2 nights, but due to the crazy rain that caused overflowing rivers we could only do one. Emilio thankfully put us in one of the cabanas for that night. It was relaxing and beautiful.||||The overnight trip was guided by Luis and his brother Nico. It was a private trip to a private location. We were the only ones on the trail which made it very special. Both brothers were incredibly knowledgeable about the area and fantastic at spotting out animals. Sleeping in a hammock in the middle of the jungle was unforgettable. We also did a night hike and found lots of frogs, snakes, and a turtle. For the trip you are provided food, water, rubber boots. Take your own sleeping bag if you want one. The hike itself is not difficult.||||Communication with Emilio was not the best. We found that WhatsApp was the best way to talk to him. We didn’t really know what to expect and what to bring. He was very kind and informative in person. For anyone thinking about going, do it! ||||Below are some things to expect if planning by yourself: ||Getting to Vista Drake: take the “ferry” in sierrpe. I use this term loosely as it is a small boat. You check in at the restaurant by the “ferry terminal”. A few people will approach you, but they are all working together. Very kind and helpful. 11:30 ferry is $15 per person, the later one is $20. You will pay before deboarding in Vista Drake. Make sure you have cash.||Deboarding means... walking off the boat into the ocean and to shore. Someone from vista drake will be there to meet you. It is less than a 5 min walk. ||||The hike: being sleeping bag, water, bug spray and a change of clothes. The paradise verde has hammocks for sleeping, flushing toilets, and a shower if you desire that. Expect to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and be woken up by the birds and monkeys calling to each other. In the fruit season, enjoy fresh fruit from the garden. ||||Leaving Vista Drake: similar to the way of deboarding. The ferries are pretty good with being on time. Listen for the man calling our Sierrpe. Pay him in cash before deboarding. ||||Also recommend to bring a rain jacket, and cover for your...

I had to be sure to review this lodge as it was such an amazing experience and it had so few reviews (probably because it doesn't come up in all searches). Please note that this is not a typical hotel/lodge. You are staying with the Guaymi in accommodation like they would live in, not a commercial establishment.||||Who Would Love?||Those seeking a truly authentic experience who are not afraid to live humbly and simply without creature comforts and are open to new experiences different from the world that they might know and inhabit in their own daily lives.||||Esteban and Daniela were truly amazing hosts. I wanted to see a fer-de-lance and Esteban took me into the jungle to show me one along with other wildlife. My travel companion wanted to learn about the fiber arts and worked with Daniela to spin thread from plant fibers and make bracelets/bags. ||||Dining was incredibly intimate--dining with them in their home beside the earthen stove and eating food typical of their culture. They opened up their home and themselves to us in wonderful ways. ||||This was a truly magical experience that causes one to re-evaluate what things in life are truly important and which are not. ||||Getting to the lodge is an experience in itself and not for the faint of heart. You will need four-wheel drive to reach the lodge and if they recommend that you not drive but be met and hike or go by horseback, I would heed their recommendation. I don't say this to scare anyone, but simply to highlight that it is off the beaten path and remote and they know the conditions of the "road" best at any given time.||||A very special experience that shall live in my heart and memory for a...

First off, the view of this place is simply amazing! Beautiful view over the bay and lush vegetation all around. We saw so many animals just outside the terrace (which is huge btw): Toucans, Macaws, all sorts of birds, iguanas, butterflies..||The terrace has several seating options, armchairs, bar stools and hammocks. The cabins are designed with attention to details. Everything you need is there, a fridge, places to put your things, hangers and hooks.||The owner Emilio was super accommodating and helped us with everything we needed. He booked us an excellent guided private overnight tour to Corcovado as well as a snorkeling tour. He also showed us a really nice trail to a secluded beach, rainforest with lots of animals as well as interesting plants. ||Delicious home-cooked breakfast in generous portions with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes and sometimes cinnamon buns. This even on days when we went on tours as early as 5.30 in the morning(!). ||We also appreciated the care for the environment, you can refill your water bottles by the reception (for free) to reduce the amount of plastic waste. ||As some other reviews have mentioned - it’s rustic, and sure it’s humid and you’ll probably get a visit by ants but it’s part of an authentic experience of this area of Costa Rica. We wouldn’t have wanted to miss it...