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Etthan · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

Hello all,

Does anyone have any recommendations for which is the nicest lodge in the cloudforests? I've been looking online and there seems to be loads, and it's really hard to see the differences. I'm looking for somewhere fairly luxurious, with good wildlife and somewhere to swim.

Any guidance will be very much appreciated!

Jared · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

Below is a review I wrote after our stay at Cabanas San Isidro in August 2006. It is not luxury in the usual sense of the word, but it is very comfortable and well run. I'm not sure how much of a compromise you want to make between luxury and good wildlife. The cabins are cozy and clean and the hummingbirds are amazing. Also, keep in mind a cloud forest is cool and damp most of the time, so you may not feel like swimming much. This place did have a cool (in both senses of the word) little waterfall you could hike to.

I give it my highest recommendation. While it is primarily a destination for serious birders, it is also a great place for those (like my wife and I) who enjoy birding, but also want to do and see other things and prefer a more leisurely pace. We went there in August 2006 and stayed 1 night at Guango and 2 nights at San Isidro and wished we had at least another day. We had our two children with us and they enjoyed it too - especially standing under the waterfall. The staff was excellent and very friendly, the food was gourmet - a big surprise in this rustic but comfortable location. It is a cloud forest, so expect and be prepared for rain - but don't let it deter you from enjoying the birds, the plants and the trails. This is not a luxury accomodation, but it is as close to it as you could expect and still feel like you are in a remote and unspoiled area. It is a delightful balance of great service, excellent location, rustic charm, and rugged beauty. We loved it!