La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge

Overview

Description

If you're looking for a true tropical, unspoiled rainforest environment where you can explore at your own pace, come up to the northern zone of Costa Rica to our jungle hideaway, La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge.

Located approximately 90 miles (150 km) from San José and just 7 miles (15 km) from the Nicaraguan border, La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge is surrounded by 1,250 acres (500 hectares) of virgin tropical rainforest. At your leisure, you can roam through this tropical paradise, alone or with a local guide, on more than ten miles of well-maintained foot trails. Red and green poison dart frogs are plentiful, as are all three species of monkeys. Toucans, parrots, caimans, and Jesus Christ lizards (basilisks) are common sightings, as are an incredible variety of plants and approximately 150 species of trees. In addition, over 350 different species of birds have been recorded, among them the rare great green macaw (Ara ambiguus). There are also small pepper, heart of palms, yucca, and pineapple plantations, where you can see typical tropical farming procedures.

Rooms

22

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 10

Percentage of local employees: 90%

Laguna del Lagarto Lodge received a Blue Flag Ecological Award in 2009 for its organization and development in harmony with natural resource protection and efforts to improve hygienic sanitary conditions and Costa Rican public health.

Some ways in which we are supporting the local community:

• We bring our guests to eat at a local restaurant, which is primarily supported by sales from our guests.
• Through significant financial contributions and lobbying efforts, we have brought power, phone lines, potable water, improved road conditions, and bridges to the area.
• The management, employees, and quite often guests participate in activities to raise funds for community improvements.
• The lodge employs 13 people, all from the local community, including 4 women.
• We provide job training to all of our employees including first aid, food handling, English, botany, and identification of bats and frogs.
• We have trained three local people as guides.
• The Lodge has assisted employees with personal loans and incentives.
• At their 10th anniversary, all employees receive a gift and a certificate for loyal services.
• As a Rotary Club member, the lodge owner is able to invite groups who donate school supplies, medical supplies, and scholarships for local students; provide dental services; build and paint a local school; and participate in reforestation projects.

Rates

$26 – $50

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.lagarto-lodge-costa-rica.com/rainforest_lodge/lagarto_rainforest_lodge_rates.htm (available in English).
• www.lagarto-lodge-costa-rica.com/lodge_es/precios.htm (available in Spanish).
• www.lagarto-lodge-costa-rica.com/regenwald_lodge/lagarto_regenwald_lodge_preise.htm (available in German).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San José (SJO)

Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 60 miles (90 km).

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.eco-index.org/search/resultss.cfm?projectID=464 (available in English). Information about the Bi-National Green Macaw Festival on the Rainforest Alliance's Eco-Index website. La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge hotel is a supporter of the Green Macaw Festival. This page is also available in Spanish.

Date This Information Was Provided

August 2011.

Photos courtesy of La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.