Evergreen Lodge

Overview

Description

Evergreen Lodge is located in the middle of Tortuguero’s exuberant tropical forest, considered one of Costa Rica's most exotic areas, rich with plants and animals and the most important green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting site in Costa Rica. From July to October, thousands of green turtles come to the northern Caribbean coast to deposit their eggs in the sand; sixty days later the hatchling turtles emerge.

Located just 5 minutes from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park, the hotel has become a strategic place for exploring the magic of this unique protected area. Evergreen Lodge is on the shore of the Penitencia canal, which is part of a great network of navigable canals in Tortuguero National Park. You’ll have everything you need to relax and enjoy the flora and fauna of the "Costa Rican Amazon". Your vacation is not complete unless you include Evergreen Lodge on your list!

Rooms

29 rooms and 32 perfectly designed, Caribbean-style bungalows, respectful of the natural surroundings so as not to disturb wildlife. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, private bathroom, hot water, and ceiling fans and they have been carefully decorated with wooden and bamboo furnishings that reflect a unique tropical style.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 45

Percentage of local employees: 90%

Evergreen Lodge’s objective is to practice and provide sustainability. We implement the following best practices:

• Waste sorting plan.
• Use of biodegradable cleaning products in all areas of operation.
• No TVs or air-conditioners in the rooms.
• There are specific areas for smoking so as not to contaminate or affect wildlife.
• Feeding animals is not allowed because they can become aggressive when they get used to being fed by people.
• Use of fluorescent bulbs to save energy.
• Installed water meters to monitor monthly use and conserve water.
• Use of four-stroke boat motors that save fuel and oil and are less polluting.
• Use of natural efficient microorganism (EM) in the septic tanks for sewage and gray water; the tanks are continually monitored and cleaned.
• While community development is essential for the area, it is also very important for the Lodge, which has helped support the village for the last eight years by offering support to the Sea Turtle Conservation center, rural guards, local schools, and the church. Around 90% of hotel staff members are locals and they receive ongoing training. We also provide assistance in the area of village health through environmental stewardship and other initiatives such as the construction of the community recycling center.

In summary, our interest goes beyond simply serving tourists - we want to educate and introduce them to our sustainable policies to improve the environment using best practices.

Rates

$150 and up

From $189 - triple occupancy. Rates are per person and vary depending on the number of persons per room and on the chosen package.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.evergreentortuguero.com/rates.html (available in English).
• www.evergreentortuguero.com/es/tarifas.html (available in Spanish).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San Jose (SJO)

Nearest local/national airport: Tortuguero (TTQ)

Travel time to nearest airport: 5 minutes by boat

We are located on the canals of Tortuguero and access is by boat or air only.

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.facebook.com/pages/EverGreen-Lodge-Tortuguero-Costa-Rica/160662891042 (available in English). Evergreen Lodge's official Facebook page.

Date This Information Was Provided

September 2011.

Photos courtesy of Evergreen Lodge, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.