21st Aug, 2009

A Rain Forest Family Vacation

Osa peninsula - a rain forest jungle family vacation. We hiked in the rain forest, swam in waterfalls and bird watched at dusk. With no TV’s, telephone service or blackberry connections, family time in this remote jungle was amazing. We were at Lapa Rios (which means Tucan River in Spanish) which has 16 private bungalows; mostly occupied by honeymooners, my family and one other. The cabins were very private with terraces looking out into the ocean through the foliage of the rain forest.
Three meals were included daily and the fresh food was the best I’ve had at any property.
The traditional Costa Rican dishes were offered with recipes readily available. I can’t wait to try some Pico de Gallo at home (rice and beans).

I would caution anyone not able to walk 100 steps to and from their cabins (I had 170 steps) to choose another venue to explore the Osa. They are best known for their ‘green sustainable’ environment. They recycle almost everything and even feed their pigs leftover foods to increase the production of manure which in turn provides for methane gas used for cooking. We learned a lot about recycling and sustainable environments. Even the local school we visited (which the lodge helped build for the community), practices recycling to some degree. I will be sending school supplies to their school.

We ended with a few days at Paradisus Playa Conchal on the north west coast of the country. We had Royal service at the property which allowed us to be completely pampered on the beach. Kayaking, biking and golf filled our days. Spa services and various gourmet restaurants added to the complete pampering experience of this resort.

An easy destination to fly to with unique cultural and environmental experiences for every age group.
Nancy Yale, Cruise Resort & World Travel 203 254-3339 www.bookavacation.com

Leave a response

Your response: