Ecoadventure Lodge

The first example is Ecoadventure Lodge. Located in the mountains above Lake Coter, a few kilometers from Lake Arenal Ecoadventure Lodge has 300 hectares of primary forest plus another 300 hectares in citrus and pasture. According to our guide, this forest is unique: transitional between a could forest and lowland rain forest It combines features of both environments. World-famous Monteverde forest is about 40 miles to the south, but at a higher altitude and with more clouds than rain; Ecoadventures mountain top location catches a lot of rain The rainfall during our visit was phenomenal, but mostly happened in the evening with sunshine at least part of the day. Included in the cost of a room is a set of rubber boots and yellow rain parkas for each guest.
This particular project is operated by three Costa Rican businessmen who were originally assisted by a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) . Previously it had been a marginal cattle ranch with the uncleared forest as a bothersome adjunct. The price of the land was exceedingly favorable since the forest was worthless for cattle production and because the government wouldnt permit the remaining trees to be harvested. A token herd of cattle is maintained as an example of how cattle production radically changes the environment. A few horses are also kept for guests to ride on the many trails through the area.
As you walk across a grassy field from the lodge, the forest appears as a towering green wall in the distance. Suddenly, as you step into the forest, you cant help but feel a clash of emotions and an awesome wonder at the dramatic change in your surroundings. The shock almost blurs the mind. From a tranquil meadow, you have just stepped into a primeval wilderness. You almost expect to see a broad-chested jaguar pacing past, or an iridescent quetzal bird fluttering through the air entirely possible, by the way. A boardwalk trail prevents damage by foot traffic as it leads you through a dense growth of vine-tangled trees, where moss- draped shrubs and broad-leafed philodendrons struggle upward, seeking the sunlight that weakly penetrates the thick forest roof. Once the initial surprise wears off when the forest becomes familiar and friendly another shock takes over: the horrible realization that before cattle became king in Costa Rica, most of the country looked exactly like this This awareness is what ecotourism is all about making the world mindful of the difference between how our world once was, and where it is headed, if we dont take steps to prevent disaster.
The developers did a good job in constructing a 25-room lodge, rustic and perfectly suited to its surroundings. The rooms are small and bathless; guests use communal showers and bathroom facilities. Money saved on plumbing was spent to provide a large dining area and meeting room, complete with bar and fireplacea wonderfully suitable place for sitting around and discussing the days events. Besides a lone pool table, the only other recreational facilities provided are a guitar and a selection of paperbacks.
The point is, instead of investing in high-rise hotel construction to attract visitors; this ecotourism venture only needed a minimum outlay to get into business. The staffs, except for kitchen and housekeeping help, are trained ecologists who earn their pay by conducting nature tours through the rain forest or river trips in the lower elevations. Ecoadventure Lodge is a perfect example of how tourists are more than willing to pay first class rates for rustic accommodations and put up with inconveniences in exchange for adventure. They slog through mud, suffer insect bites and get rained on; they not only enjoy it, but recommend it to their friends: For information: Ecoadventure Lodge, P.O. Box 2907-100 , San Jose, Costa Rica :(506) 2287-6705 : (506) 2225-6000 Fax :(506) 22258842

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Tel:+1.888.365.0904 / +506.2643.2953
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Telephone: +1.888.365.0904 / +506.2643.2953 -- Fax: +506.2643.1356
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