Las Caletas Lodge, Drake Bay Hotels
Simple waterfront lodge offering rooms with private balconies, a spacious garden, and an on-site restaurant
### Overview
Las Caletas Lodge presents itself as an environmentally conscious haven, ideally situated between the captivating Drake Bay and the world-renowned Corcovado National Park on the enchanting Osa Peninsula. With a history dating back to its construction in 1991, this established property provides a uniquely rustic and secluded experience for travelers seeking an escape from the ordinary. Boasting a limited number of only eight rooms, guests are guaranteed unparalleled, personalized service from a dedicated and attentive staff. While the very nature of its remote location dictates a certain degree of limitation in terms of lavish amenities, the lodge ensures that essential comforts are provided, including reliable power, albeit limited WiFi connectivity, and invigorating hot showers. However, the true essence and allure of Las Caletas Lodge lie in its remarkable outdoor excursions, meticulously designed to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in and explore the pristine, untouched wilderness that surrounds the property.
### Pros
* The absence of roads in the immediate vicinity of Las Caletas Lodge presents an exceptional and unparalleled opportunity to experience a truly undeveloped and unspoiled corner of Costa Rica, offering a glimpse into a world untouched by modern civilization.
* The lodge’s dedicated and knowledgeable staff has consistently garnered excellent reviews from previous travelers, who consistently praise their attentiveness, genuine care, and extensive local knowledge, ensuring a truly enriching and personalized experience for each guest.
* Guests have the opportunity to explore the wonders of the region both on land and at sea, with a diverse range of outdoor activities available, including delightful horseback riding adventures, immersive mangrove tours, captivating snorkeling excursions, and much more, catering to a wide variety of interests and preferences.
### Cons
* The lodge does not offer air-conditioning, which may be a concern for some travelers, particularly during the warmer months of the year. However, the natural ventilation and cooling sea breezes often provide sufficient comfort.
* The boat journey required to reach the lodge can be challenging, as there are no loading docks available. Furthermore, the climb up to the lodge is steep and can be slippery, making the property potentially inaccessible to travelers with limited mobility or those who may have difficulty navigating uneven terrain.
* The lodge offers a limited selection of comfort amenities, as there is no pool, spa, or fitness center on-site. Additionally, the WiFi connectivity can be quite unreliable due to the remote location. However, this encourages guests to disconnect from the digital world and fully embrace the natural surroundings.
### Authenticity
Las Caletas Lodge is meticulously designed to celebrate and showcase the pristine wilderness of Costa Rica, particularly the breathtaking beauty of the Osa Peninsula. With its limited number of guestrooms (just eight) and a maximum capacity of 20 guests at any given time, the lodge staff is uniquely positioned to provide exceptionally personalized attention to each individual, sharing their invaluable knowledge of the area’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unique customs. For discerning travelers who yearn to unplug from the stresses of modern life and immerse themselves in a stunning and secluded location, Las Caletas Lodge stands out as a premier choice in the region, offering an authentic and unforgettable experience.
### Location
Reaching this intimate and secluded lodge requires a scenic boat journey around the picturesque coves located south of Drake Bay, further emphasizing its status as one of the more remote and isolated destinations in Costa Rica. The boat ride typically takes approximately one and a half hours, providing ample opportunity to soak in the breathtaking views of the rugged Osa Peninsula coastline. The lodge is ideally situated along the renowned Drake Bay Hiking Trail, in close proximity to the magnificent Corcovado National Park, ensuring guests are completely surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Access to off-site excursions is limited to activities organized directly through the lodge, as there are no roads or public transportation options available in the immediate vicinity, guaranteeing a truly immersive and undisturbed experience.
### Rooms & Bathrooms
This charming, rustic lodge features eight cozy and inviting guestrooms, each thoughtfully appointed with private balconies, offering guests a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Guests can expect a simple yet comfortable experience as they unwind amidst the soothing sounds of nature in their inviting wooden beds. Netted windows and a ceiling fan help keep the rooms cool and bug-free, ensuring a restful and undisturbed sleep. In addition to the standard rooms, the lodge also offers three unique Tent Rooms, providing a truly open-air experience while maintaining a high level of comfort. These tent rooms are constructed on elevated platforms, equipped with power outlets, and furnished with comfortable amenities. It’s important to note that some of the rooms are situated at the top of a hillside, offering stunning and memorable panoramic views but requiring a climb of approximately 60 stairs.
### Wildlife
Bordered by lush rainforest and overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay, Las Caletas Lodge enjoys a privileged location within a stunning natural landscape that teems with a diverse array of wildlife. Previous visitors have enthusiastically reported sightings of various creatures on the property, including playful sloths, vibrant macaws, colorful parrots, curious iguanas, a wide variety of fascinating birds, mischievous monkeys, and delicate butterflies. Additional wildlife tours can be arranged through the lodge, including guided night walks, immersive trail explorations, and exciting marine excursions such as scuba diving and snorkeling, allowing guests to fully appreciate the region’s incredible biodiversity.
### Amenities
Staying in such a remote and pristine area of Costa Rica requires foregoing some of the usual modern conveniences. While the lodge does not feature a pool, spa, or fitness center, it does offer a unique opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Although complimentary WiFi is available, its reliability can be inconsistent due to the location. However, all meals are provided, with the room rate including both breakfast and dinner. While the meal choices may be somewhat limited, the emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Lunch can be ordered for an additional fee and enjoyed either on-site or packed for a picnic during a day of exploration. Due to the mandatory boat ride and the steep climb required to access some of the rooms, Las Caletas Lodge may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
### Family-Friendliness
Children of all ages are warmly welcomed at the lodge and receive a discounted rate. Cribs are available for infants, though extra beds are not provided. While the range of child-specific amenities is limited to puzzles and board games, the highlight for most children is the opportunity to swim in the inviting Pacific Ocean and participate in the various excursions offered by the lodge. The Duplex Rooms are particularly well-suited for families, offering a spacious floor plan and multiple beds, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.
### Other Highlights
While the guestrooms are intentionally simple and rustic, the hotel grounds offer a slightly more refined and elevated experience. Guests can unwind on the terrace, furnished with comfortable wooden furniture, and savor the magnificent views of the lush gardens and the sparkling coastline in the distance. The gardens themselves are a true delight, featuring charming picnic tables, relaxing sling-back chairs, and inviting hammocks scattered amongst towering palms and a vibrant array of native plants and flowers.
Hotel Information
Free wifiCosta Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream travel destination. Hike to hidden waterfalls, fly through the rainforest on a zip line, raft amazing white-water, or catch a wave on one of the many epic surf breaks.
When is the best time to visit?
Due to Costa Rica's location in Central America, near to the equator, it enjoys just two seasons annually as opposed to four. The dry season lasts from mid-November through April, and the rainy season lasts from May to mid-November. The latter is also referred to as the "green" season due to the brilliant vegetation that thrives during this period.
Travelers often opt to visit during the dry season. Peak crowds hit in December, with folks continuing to come during January and February and (for many North Americans) during spring break. However, there are advantages to visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season, from less crowds to lower prices. Read our travel guide for visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season to find out more.
Still not sure when to go, read our guide on the best times to visit Costa Rica.
Where to go in Costa Rica?
The people of Costa Rica are happy to welcome travelers and teach them about adventure and the pure life, or 'Pura Vida'. This country relies on the eco and adventure tourism that put it on the map, read about the main regions of the country to decide where you want to visit. Visit a baby sloth rescue, get to know Manuel Antonio National Park, see Arenal Volcano, and explore the Osa Peninsula Rainforest.
How many days do I need?
Costa Rica is a small country (size of West Virginia), with many sights situated fairly close together. With great roads (mostly), throughout the country, makes it easy to get around. In one week, you can explore a number of sights and get a great sense of the country if you are ready to be on the go. With 2 weeks, you have a bit more time to relax in each destination or explore more of the country. Still not sure how many days you need, read our guide to help you decide.
Getting around Costa Rica
Shuttles or private transfers are great options to get around in Costa Rica. Driving is not always straightforward, but still a great choice if you feel comfortable driving on curvy or unpaved roads. For longer transfers, Costa Rica has a network of domestic airports that connect the main locations in the country
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