Bosque de Paz Lodge and Private Reserve “Peace in a Montane Forest”
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| Main Lodge Building | Orchid near Lodge |
Introduction: Bosque de Paz Lodge is one of my favorite places in all Costa Rica. The setting could not be more relaxing with a stream near the lodge and the backdrop of cloud-forest on three sides. When I think of my many visits there I remember the absolute peacefulness of the area, exploring the trails in the pristine cloud-forest looking for Highland Tinamou, Scaled Antpitta, Blue Seedeater and many others, the diurnal and nocturnal mammals that come to the corn meal set out for them, photographing the hummingbirds, tanagers, guans, and brush-finches at the feeders near the lodge, the comfortable and spacious rooms, the delicious food, and the pleasure of spending time with Federico Gonzalez Pinto and his wife Vanessa de Gonzalez who the owners and gracious hosts of this lodge. Their main objectives are conservation, research, and education and they illustrate this by reinvesting most of their earnings to purchase more forest which they then protect. If you are looking for a peaceful mountain getaway with great birding, wildlife photo opportunities, lovely accommodations, good food, and refreshing atmosphere then this is the place to visit.
Location: Bosque de Paz is located NW of San Jose near Bajos del Toro, 1 ¾ hours by vehicle. A road map will be provided by CRG for guests using rental cars as it is not the easiest place to find thus adding to its peacefulness once you are there. The lodge itself is located at an elevation of 4,700 feet (1,450 m) near the continental divide. Its private reserve acts as a biological corridor connecting Poas Volcano National Park with the virtually inaccessible Juan Castro Blanco National Park. The habitat is a combination of pre-montane and cloud-forest ranging from 4,500 feet to nearly 8,000 feet in elevation.
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| Room and View | Dining Room |
Accommodations: Bosque de Paz consists of 12 rooms, 10 of which are located in a two story building adjacent to the dining room, the other 2 are above the reception. Most rooms have 2 double beds each. All of the rooms are spacious, very comfortable, furnished with attractive ironworks and Costa Rican pottery, well maintained, and have private bathrooms and hot water. Delicious and nutritious meals are served at set times in the in the dining room. Wine, beer, and sodas are available for purchase and the regular tap water is safe to drink as well. They also have a meeting room complete with an entertainment system and nature videos, a pleasant terrace to relax, an orchid garden, and an extensive trail system.
Climate: At this location and altitude expect cool temperatures in the early morning and late afternoon, mild temperatures in the middle of the day, and quite cool sleeping conditions at night. A fleece will come in handy in the evening and early morning if you are up and about. Being in a montane zone, rain can occur at anytime of the year especially in the afternoon. Clouds and fog are not unusual at times and for many people only add to the experience of exploring a pristine cloud-forest.
Bosque de Paz Yearly Rates
Standard Room
Family Room
Superior Room
Jr. Suite
Price Includes
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 Lodge and Stream |
Other activities or services at an additional cost:
- Guide service for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Day tour to Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs (very enjoyable).
- Day tour to Poas Volcano National Park and the Waterfall Gardens.
- Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River.
- Laundry Service.
Reservations: Reservations for Bosque de Paz can be made directly through Costa Rica Gateway at no additional charge.
Birding and Wildlife Attractions/Specialty Birds of Bosque de Paz Lodge and Private Reserve
