Overall, we very much enjoyed our stay. We are a family of 4 with 2 boys ages 12 and 10. The lodge and screen walled cabins provide a nice setting with wonderful creatures and sounds all around. The tours were very good. We did a kayak tour from the gulf beach into a mangrove canal and saw sea turtles, birds, monkeys, and a sloth. The tractor tour into Corcodavo was nice where the highlight for us was toucans. The guide Luiz is very knowledgeable about birds and plants. The drinks and meals were really great. The shower is big and great. Cameras on the front porch and back of cabin add a layer of security. The strong Wifi, lockbox, hammock, and refrigerator were all appreciated.
Some caveats:
1) Orientation: The park is “raw.” There isn’t a huge infrastructure of information centers and easy-to-find guides. You must have a local accredited ICT guide.
2) Tours: I was hoping to see mammals including tapirs and anteaters. It’s “the crown jewel” of CR’s national park system so I had my hopes up a little higher.
3) Lock-in: due to distance you are essentially “locked in” to the lodge for tours and meals.
4) Mostly only rain forest sounds: one cabin had small children crying one night.
5) Beds: two double-beds not great for the back and smaller than a queen.
6) Eco-lodge? This place runs on regular government supplied water and electricity.
7) Value: all in for lodging, drinks, meals, great service, parking, and 2 tours, we paid about $475/night for a family of four.