Las Caletas Lodge, Drake Bay

Las Caletas Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat nestled between Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. Built in 1991, the property offers a rustic stay in a secluded area. With just eight rooms available, you'll get top-notch personalized service from the staff. Amenities are limited, given the remote location, but you'll still have basics like power, limited WiFi, and hot showers. The lodge's outdoor excursions are where it really shines, perfect for exploring the untouched wilderness. 

Pros

• No roads in the area means you'll have a unique chance to experience an undeveloped corner of Costa Rica. 
• The lodge's staff has received excellent reviews from previous travelers about their attentiveness and local knowledge. 
• Explore both on land and sea, with outdoor activities including horseback riding, mangrove tours, snorkeling, and more. 

Cons

• No air-conditioning is available at the lodge.
• The boat journey is tricky (no loading docks), and the climb up to the lodge is steep and can be slippery, making the lodge inaccessible to travelers with limited mobility. 
• There are very few comfort amenities here as there's no pool, spa, or fitness center, and the WiFi is quite unreliable. 

Authenticity

Everything about Las Caletas Lodge is meant to highlight and celebrate Costa Rica's pristine wilderness on the Osa Peninsula. With just eight guestrooms and a maximum of 20 guests at any one time, the lodge staff are able to give you extremely personalized attention, as well as share their knowledge of the history and customs of the area. For travelers who want to unplug in a beautiful and remote location, the lodge is a top choice in the region. 

Location

To reach this small, secluded lodge, you'll take a boat around the coves south of Drake Bay, making it one of the more remote locations in Costa Rica. The boat ride takes about an hour and a half, during which you can enjoy views of the Osa Peninsula. You'll be set right along the Drake Bay Hiking Trail, near the Corcovado National Park and surrounded by untouched nature. Off-site excursions are limited to hotel-organized activities, as there are no roads near the lodge. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

This rustic lodge offers eight cozy guestrooms, each with private balconies. Expect a simple yet comfortable experience as you unwind amid the sounds of nature in your wooden bed, with the netted windows and ceiling fan cooling you off and keeping you bug-free. The lodge also has three Tent Rooms, providing an open-air experience while maintaining most comforts, as these rooms are on platforms, have power, and have the usual furnishings. Keep in mind that some rooms are located at the top of a mountain location, offering memorable views but requiring a climb of about 60 stairs.

Wildlife

Bordered by rainforest and facing Drake Bay, Las Caletas Lodge sits on a beautiful natural landscape that's home to a diversity of wildlife. Previous travelers have reported seeing wildlife at various points on the property, including sloths, macaws, parrots, iguanas, birds, monkeys, and butterflies. Additional wildlife tours can be booked through the lodge and include night walks, trail explorations, and marine excursions such as scuba diving and snorkeling. 

Amenities

You'll have to forego many of the usual creature comforts to stay in such a remote area of Costa Rica. There's no pool, spa, or fitness center at the lodge, and while there's free WiFi available, it's notoriously unreliable. Meals are taken care of for you, as your room rate includes breakfast and dinner, though choices can be a bit limited. Lunch can be ordered for an additional fee and either eaten on-site or packed for a picnic mid-excursion. Due to the mandatory boat ride and steep climb to the rooms, the lodge won't be an option for travelers with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge and receive a discounted rate. Cribs for infants are available, but there are no extra beds. Child-friendly amenities are limited to puzzles and board games, but the highlight for most kids is swimming in the Pacific Ocean and taking part in one of the hotel's many excursions. The Duplex Rooms are the best option for families as they have the largest floor plan and multiple beds. 

Other Highlights

Though the rooms feel quite simple, the hotel grounds offer a slightly more elevated experience. You can relax on the terrace with its wooden furniture, enjoying the views of the garden and the coast off in the distance. The garden also features picnic tables, sling-back chairs, and hammocks scattered among tall palms and various plants and flowers.