La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn

Description:

• This small, family-run lodge makes a good base for exploring the Sarapiquí region. Located on the banks of the Sardinal River about 15 minutes west of Puerto Viejo, La Quinta caters primarily to nature lovers and bird-watchers. The rooms are located in a half-dozen buildings dispersed around the grounds among richly flowering gardens and connected by covered walkways. They're simple but clean, with good lighting and comfortable bathrooms. Each room has a small patio with a sitting chair or two for gazing out into the garden. The superior rooms have air-conditioning. There are also a small gift shop, a butterfly garden, a frog garden, an extensive insect display, and a vegetable garden and reforestation project on hand. If you don't have a car, call the hotel to see if you can arrange a pickup in Puerto Viejo. Meals are served either buffet- or family-style in the main lodge and will run you an extra $31 (£16) per day.

• © Frommer's 2013