IGUANA LODGE Welcome to the Iguana Lodge...deep in the costa rican rainforest, planted on A MAGNIFICENT beach, there lives a world that once was all there was...the surf rolls in...the moon rises...the fiery billed aracaris sing and the howler monkeys call...and on the veranda we await you to join in our quest FOR TRUE ADVENTURE WHILE refining the vanishing but cherished art of relaxation.

Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically intense places on our planet. It is the "Last Great Peninsula", truly untouched by the ravages of civilization. Here you will find the ancient rainforest with over 350 species of birds, 115 species of reptiles, 750 species of trees and 10,000 species of insects...along with the 100,000 acre fantastic Corcovado National Park.

In the midst of this spectacular setting, a secluded and exotic jungle-beach ecolodge, located on the best beach on the Osa, surrounded by the Preciosa Platanares Refuge, awaits you.

The veranda beckons you to sit down a moment and simply relax...savor paradise...listen to the macaws call overhead But then of course you may prefer to dive into any number of truly impressive outdoor adventures... and then come on home. Sit down with us for a fabulous meal, great conversation, candlelight, maybe music...salsa dancing perhaps?

As one favorite guest put it: "The only problem here is ... when you wake up you think you died and went to heaven."

Straight out of "Jungle Architectural Digest" (quoting a recent guest), the private tree-house like bungalows are steps from the most beautiful beach on the Osa Peninsula. They are set on pillars and are built with indigenous self-sustaining hardwoods bamboo, and cana-blanca.

Each of our rustically luxurious two-story bungalows have beautiful bedrooms, with large orthopedic beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, soft pillows, good reading lights, and hefty fans. Each bungalow, of course, has a lovely hot-shower private bath, and some have semi-outdoor garden showers. Perhaps best of all, is your own huge private, shaded deck; you can sprawl peacefully in a swaying hammock or read a good book in a plush lounge chair as you overlook the magnificent Golfo Dulce and the lovely and fragrant tropical gardens of the Iguana Lodge.

The main rancho is an awesomely impressive jungle structure. On the lower veranda breakfast and lunch are served...and major relaxation occurs. (Inside the lower story is a large kitchen and library/research area stocked full of interesting information about the rain forest...we have also been told we have one of the largest libraries in the Osa.) The upper story is where we feast every evening...it is a fantastic space, with an ocean view in a classic tropical setting under the massive palm thatched roof.

We create delicious gourmet feasts on a nightly basis. The menu consists of local seafood, meats and poultry along with vegetarian dishes, fresh salads, local juices and fresh baked pastries...many with an interesting combination of "Gringo-Tico" ingredients, not to mention a few African and Indian influences. An evening menu may consist of ginger-chile grilled mahi-mahi with stuffed avocados, chipotle grilled steak with grilled bananas and palm hearts, North-African chicken with black pepper bread and hummus, and GREAT desserts (a real passion around here). For breakfast we may serve mango scones, banana crepes, stuffed French toast, a great Costa Rican "tipico" breakfast, or pineapple pancakes, along with tons of fresh fruit and Costa Rican coffee.

No matter whether you spend the day repelling down waterfalls, boogie boarding in the waves, or napping on your hammock, everyone looks forward to the evening's feast. To take a trip into the Fabulous Iguana Lodge Kitchen,

Is right outside your door every morning...at the Iguana Lodge

Fortunately for us...and for you...we are located on the most beautiful beach on the Osa Peninsula.

This pristine beach is beyond perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and enjoying the surf...the warm tropical water isn't too bad either.

The deserted beach is over 6 miles long: you can walk for hours

along our virgin shores without seeing another person although you may likely see Macaws, turtles, dolphins and a variety of other wildlife.

Or ...You can take it easy enjoying our new hammock ranchito which overlooks the beach. Guests and locals unanimously agree that this beach is by far and away the best on the Osa.

This is the same beach that the Iguana Lodge Turtle Project takes place on. So often at night or in the early morning you can walk to the hatchery and see the moms laying their eggs or the baby turtles hatching.

The Iguana Lodge is creating GREAT food. We eat breakfast and lunch on the veranda...and dinner is always served in one of the most beautiful settings in Costa Rica...the second-story candlelit thatched rancho. We serve you breakfast and lunch when you want it...so sleep in or don't, take a long hike, or laze on the beach...we are here to give you a great vacation and the best quality service around.

In the morning we start you out with coffee and tea and perhaps mango-pecan scones (or something equally tempting) and fresh fruit as early as you like...or as late...followed by pineapple pancakes, banana crepes, huevos rancheros, or the always popular classic Costa Rican tipico breakfast...not to be missed.

Lunch is generally local Costa Rican fare prepared by our lovely, talented, and very friendly Marisol. Look for rice and beans (Costa Ricans say it isn't lunch without rice and beans) along with garlic-buttered dorado, whole roasted pargo, fresh salads, steak in salsa, black bean soup, grilled platanos, patacones, stuffed tomatoes, chicken-pineapple salad, etc.

Dinner takes on a whole different tone...prepared by your hosts and their wonderful chef Jose, who is the former head chef of Lapa Rios and hotly sought after by the local restaurants when anyone is in need of an emergency chef. You will find us serving our fresh home baked French bread, along with oh...maybe ginger-chile grilled mahi-mahi, stuffed avocadoes, grilled bananas, chipotle grilled steak, sweet potato salad, carrots with pineapple and raisins, Asian coleslaw...or one of our guests may turn out to be a chef and jump in the kitchen and create something.

Ready for more? Try some mango mousse, key lime pie, exotic cheesecake, pecan pie, mango crisp, tropical cobbler, brownies with berry compote, pineapple upside down cake...and the beat goes on.

Great adventuring and exploring is offered down here in the Osa. Experienced guides, many with biology backgrounds, can provide you with more information about this rainforest than you ever dreamed. High impact, low impact, wild and crazy, or a comfortable stroll...there are many ways to see and experience the Osa. Tours are generally private and the guides are working to please you. Everyone can enjoy the Osa. Look through our tour book and sit down with us to let us know your interests; we can help you choose and arrange everything.

Here are a number of the exciting adventures you can do during your stay at the Iguana Lodge:

• Jungle/Eco Tours
• Tree Climbing & Waterfall Repelling
• Rainforest/Tropics Educational Program
• River Tours and Crocodile Expeditions
• Bird watching
• Gold Panning
• Scuba and Snorkeling
• Sail Boat Tours
• Sea Kayaking
• Sport fishing
• Mountain Biking
• Surfing
• Turtle Hatchery
• Horse Back Riding
• Whale and Dolphin Watching, as well as Swimming with Dolphins
• Orchid Tour
• Massage and Acupuncture

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