Bosque de Paz Lodge and Private Reserve "Peace
in a Montane Forest"
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, (see map).
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.
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. 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.
Yearly Rates:
$98.00 per person, per night, double occupancy.
$93.00 per person, per night, triple occupancy.
Single Supplement: The single supplement is $23.00 per nights stay.
Price Includes:
- Lodging.
- 3 delicious meals per nights stay.
- Coffee, tea, and fruit juice (sodas and alcoholic beverages
are extra).
- Maid service.
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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.
