Hiking, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding & More
with Green Lodging on Drake Bay

Hosts: Jolanda Hess & David Argüello When: Any time Length of stay: Up to you Number of guests: Our two-story duplex accommodates 5 people, but we also have smaller cabins Fee for lodging and meals per day/person: 2 persons/room: US-$ 50.-- + 16 % taxes 3 persons/room: US-$ 45.-- + 16 % taxes 4 persons/room: US-$ 40.-- + 16 % taxes Some of the activities also have fees, which are given below. GETTING TO US: Whether you fly from the central valley to the pacific over mountains and beaches, or if you travel by car/bus through picturesque mountains and flatlands, just getting to south Costa Rica is an experience! From San José to Sierpe By car: You take the Interamerican Highway (over San Isidro) or the new coast road (over Quepos/Dominical) to Palmar Norte. Right after the bridge over the Terraba River you turn to the right and get through Banana and Palm oil plantations to the small town of Sierpe (travel time about 5 hours). There you can park your car safely at one of the local parking spots, and continue your trip by boat. By bus: Close to the Coca-Cola bus station you take one of the daily buses of Transportes Panameños Costaricenses TRACOPA (buy your ticket at least the day before). If you want to get to Drake Bay the same day, you have to take the 5 a.m. bus, which arrives about 10.30 a.m. to Palmar Norte (travel time 5 to 6 hours). From there you reach Sierpe after a short taxi ride (travel time about 20 minutes) through banana and palm oil plantations, where the boat to Drake Bay awaits you. By plane The domestic airlines SANSA (from the International Airport) and TRAVELAIR (from the Pavas airport) fly daily to Palmar Sur (travel time about 40 minutes). You continue your trip by taxi to Sierpe (travel time about 20 minutes) and by boat to Drake Bay. You can book your flights online through www.flysansa.com and www.travelair-costarica.com. From Sierpe to Drake Bay The boat ride from Sierpe to Drake Bay takes you about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. On your way down the Sierpe River you can look at idyllic mangroves, seabirds and maybe crocodiles. After about 45 minutes you’ll cross the river mouth and continue your trip inshore for about 20 minutes more, until you’ll reach the beaches of Las Caletas. BE AWARE!: Your feet will get wet as soon as you get out of the boat!

LODGING:
We offer you two private rooms in a two-story duplex (max. 5 persons) with private tiled baths and their own decks. Or a completely private, secluded cabin far above the main lodge with a bedroom (max. 3 persons) upstairs, a living and lounging area downstairs, and a private bath.

Just a few meters away from the forest, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the sea, and it's ever-changing coastline. The three daily meals are a mix of European and Tico styles, with a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits.

ACTIVITIES:
Here are our main activities, other than just lying in a hammock and enjoying the great view:

• HIKING AT CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
• SNORKELING ON CAÑO-ISLAND
• FISHING-DOLPHINS-SUNSET TOUR
• HORSEBACK RIDING
• FISHING
• KAYAKING
• DIVING
• NIGHT TOUR
• EARLY MORNING BIRD TOUR
• SLIDE SHOWS

We also have more structured activities:

HIKING AT CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

• one day tour
• 30 minute boat ride (one-way)
• min. 2 people
• Price: $ 65.-- per person (includes boat ride, guide and Park Entrance)
• You take a boat ride to the nearby park station San Pedrillo. From there you hike on different trails through the jungle and can take a refreshing bath at the San Pedrillo waterfall. On the way there you may observe a large variety of the pacific lowland forest, and with luck, some of it's inhabitants (agouti, quatimundi, parrots, monkeys, sloths, etc.).

SNORKELING ON CAÑO ISLAND

• one day tour
• 45 minute boat ride (one-way)
• min. 2 people
• Price: US-$ 55.-- per person (includes boat ride, Park entrance, snorkeling gear)
• The main attraction of the inhabited Caño Island is the surrounding underwater world. The clear water around the coral reefs invites you to snorkel and swim. On the way to the Island you often can see dolphins, turtles and whales. On the Island, a hiking trail is available that brings you to a viewpoint and some pre-Columbian artifacts. On the way back we often fish and hope to serve you fresh fish for dinner.

FISHING-DOLPHINS-SUNSET

• 2 to 3 hour tour
• min. 2 people
• Price: US-$ 30.-- per person (includes boat, use of fishing gear)
• For this tour we start in the late afternoon. With some luck we prepare you fresh fish for dinner. While you try your fishing luck you can hopefully observe some dolphins and enjoy an impressive sunset.

HORSEBACK RIDING

• half day tour
• min. 1 person
• Price: US-$ 30.-- per person
• You start after breakfast or lunch. The very gentle horses (fine for beginners and kids) bring you along the beach or through the forest trails to the refreshing Rio Claro. There you explore the river either swimming or with a canoe.

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