Tesoro Verde Lodge & Hostel

Overview

Description

Tesoro Verde Lodge & Hostel is a small community-run lodge in the rainforest town of Los Planes in Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica.

Our proximity to Corcovado National Park (1.2 miles or 2 km) and our own private 30-acre (12-hectare) primary rainforest reserve make it an excellent place to explore the species-rich wilderness. The pristine beaches of the Pacific coast are within walking distance (approximately 1 hour).

We offer an ample choice of lodging suitable for families, all-inclusive guests, and independent and budget travelers alike.

Rooms

Six rooms for a total of 18 people.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 4

Percentage of local employees: 100%

The Association of Conservationists of Tesoro Verde was originally founded in 1998 by a group of families in order to stop the ongoing crimes against nature in the rural community of Los Planes and the vicinities of Drake Bay. Los Planes was founded some 50 years ago and has around 50 families inhabiting the area. The idea was to establish a self-sufficient community that looks toward the future and lives in harmony with the surrounding environment.

The venue of Tesoro Verde, a former national park station that was abandoned long ago, served as a perfect place for meetings and organizing projects as well as setting up an ecotourism lodge to provide local residents with work close to their homes.

Rates

$26 – $50

Camping: US$5
Room: US$15
Room + 3 meals: US$45

For more information about rates and reservations, click on the orange “Contact” button above.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San José (SJO)

Nearest local/national airport: Drake Bay (DRK)

Travel time to nearest airport: 1 hour

By air:

• The Nature Air and SANSA airlines provide daily flights. Keep in mind that the airstrip is 10 miles from Tesoro Verde. We can arrange transport if you book or call in advance. Approximate flight time is 40 minutes.

Public transportation:

• The Tracopa bus company provides daily service from San Jose to Palmar Norte. Once in Palmar Norte, take a collective taxi or the bus to the town of Sierpe de Osa, where we organize the boat trip leaving daily to Agujitas in Drake Bay. Please note that boats leave twice daily: 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. The estimated time from San Jose to Drake Bay is 8 hours.
• If you come from Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula, take the bus going to La Palma and once there, take the bus to Drake Bay, departing at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm; this trip takes about 2 hours.

Car:

• If your car does not have four-wheel drive, we suggest you drive to Sierpe de Osa where there is completely secure parking at the Restaurant Las Vegas; then you can take a boat to Drake Bay. It is not advisable to drive a car all the way to Drake Bay.

Four-wheel drive:

• If you like double traction vehicles and great challenges, you can take the Inter-American highway south and turn at the gas station in Chacarita to take the highway to Puerto Jimenez. Before crossing the Río Rincon Bridge, there is a sign on the right that says "Parque Nacional Corcovado Estación Los Planes". Along the way, you will cross several rivers; if you are unsure about the water level of the rivers, try crossing on foot before fording them with your vehicle. In the rainy season, the river levels rise faster and you may get stuck if you try to cross, so we suggest you call first to check weather conditions. Once you reach Agujitas in Drake Bay, follow signs for "Estación Los Planes" and you will reach Tesoro Verde in 3 miles (5 kilometers).

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.actuarcostarica.com/app/cms/www/index.php?id_menu=149&pk_product=23 (available in English, French, German and Spanish). General information about Tesoro Verde and the available activities on the ACTUAR website.

Date This Information Was Provided

April 2012.

Photos courtesy of Tesoro Verde Lodge & Hostel, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.