La Paloma Lodge Review, Costa Rica

My vacation in Costa Rica started at La Paloma Lodge located in Drake Bay close to Corcovado National Park. I spent 4 nights here and loved every minute of it.

Twelve acres of rainforest and beach meet here which makes for some pretty spectacular scenery. It doesn't hurt that the lodge is on top of a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's also the added bonus of having marine and terrestrial animals in one area making the location ideal for an eco-tourist like me. Before I get into describing what I did, here are some photos.

On my first day at La Paloma and without actually having to go on a guided hike, I saw a three-toed sloth (which ended up hanging out in a tree viewable from the lodge for 3 days), Coati (looks like a large hamster), White-Throated capuchin monkeys, Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan (watching him from the second floor of my cabana), Hermit Crabs on the beach, hummingbirds, Passerini's Tanager (black bird with a brilliant red belly), Boat-Billed Heron, Wood Stork, Slender Anoles, and even a scorpion up a tree. Butterflies in the area included the Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, and Doris Longwing.

On days 2 and 3 I went scuba diving at Caño Island. Both dive days were fun and well-coordinated by La Paloma staff. There was some added excitement from me forgetting my camera on the boat, but eventually I got it back and had no one to blame but myself.

On the 3rd night I had a night tour with Tracey “the Bug Lady” and her husband John.

On day 4 I headed out for a half day tour at Corcovado National Park.

Throughout my stay at La Paloma the staff were incredibly polished. They knew what to do and they did it very well including the wait staff, guides, and lodge managers. Susan, the owner, popped in now and again to socialize with us while Nicole, the head manager, made sure that everything ran smoothly.

The food was great and plentiful. I couldn't get enough of the freshly baked bread!

Before arriving I was concerned about the rooms being with air-conditioners. Surprisingly this turned out to be an unnecessary concern. In fact, on two nights I was actually cold and got out some extra blankets. Crazy, I know. The days were certainly warm and very humid, but that didn't bother me while I was active. Sitting under an overhead fan in the common area was a good way to cool down.

My one wish is that I'd like more formal activities in the afternoon. There just wasn't anything organized after lunch and before dinner. Many folks went to the pool or beach during this time, but since I don't enjoy either I was left to my own devices.

So I have no qualms recommending Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park in general along with La Paloma Lodge specifically. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to this area and I certainly hope to return some day.