Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Norte
La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge
Poised midway between Caño Negro and Tortuguero, 70km from either, La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge ( 
289-8163, 
www.lagarto-lodge-costa-rica.com ; Price: $51-75) is one of the most remote lodges in the country. Set within 1250 acres of virgin tropical rainforest, the ecolodge is home to an incredible variety of trees, plants and animals, and offers some of the best bird-watching in the country – it's one of the very few places in Costa Rica where you might still see the highly endangered great green macaw, as well as a large resident colony of more common oropéndolas. The lodge is only 16km from the Nicaraguan border and can arrange horse-riding and hiking tours, as well as river excursions on the isolated Río San Carlos as well as hiking and canoeing.
Rooms are rustic but comfortable, with private bath and peaceful views from their balconies. Breakfast is included in the rate, with lunch ($7.50) and dinner ($14) also on offer. To reach the lodge by car from San José or San Carlos you have to drive east through Aguas Zarcas, then turn left (signed) to Pital. From here, head northwest to Sahino and Boca Tapada on good gravel roads. The lodge is 10km to the east of Boca Tapada, also on a reasonable road, although a 4WD is recommended. Buses leave from Av 9, C 12 in San José daily at 5.30am and 12.30pm, and hourly from San Carlos to Pital, from where you can connect with buses north to Boca Tapada. The lodge will pick you up from here and can also arrange transfers from San José or La Fortuna.