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"Look down from that tree with broken top to bushes in front. That brown patch. Iguana."
"See top of that tree with big leaves? Sloth. (He whistles.) See?"
Second tree behind big palm. Lower branch off main trunk. Spider monkey."
I'm not totally convinced that these aren't in fact props, house pets borrowed for weekend to entertain tourists. But regardless, it is still a surreal experience to be immersed in such a lush, vibrant setting.
The Cabanas
Tortuga Lodge, named after Atlantic green sea turtles which nest nearby. Set on 20 hectares of elegantly landscaped grounds amid Tortuguero rain forest in Caribbean lowlands, lodge offers a relaxing, rustic retreat ideal for nature enthusiasts. The 24 river front rooms are screened, cross-ventilated, and feature cool ceiling fans and hot, private showers. While rates are offered on a nightly basis, some of more popular packages are for one and two nights, which includes roundtrip hotel-airport transfers, roundtrip airfare, and all meals.
Despite it's success as one of major lodges in Tortuguero and its recent expansion, Tortuga Lodge prides itself in keeping with Costa Rica's ecological conservation efforts. A number of measures were installed to preserve its eco-friendliness, including a solar energy system, water saving fixtures, and an environmentally friendly purification system for pools. Even small motor boats which ferry visitors around local canals feature electric motors (unless a swift current requires use of a gas-powered motor). Such measures earned Tortuga Lodge an honorable mention in Conde Nast Traveler's Ecotourism Award in both 1995 and 1996.
Extensive remodeling in 1996 included a new pool, upgraded bar and riverfront dining hall, where visitors can share a summer-camp like atmosphere with other guests, or dine alone while gazing out over tranquil Tortuguero canal. Savory meals feature traditional Costa Rican dishes, including fresh seafood, fruit and staple of every Tico meal, rice and beans. The servings are generous, which is an impressive feat considering most food is flown in to Tortuga Lodge.
Tortuga Lodge, named after Atlantic green sea turtles that nest nearby, prides itself on being an eco-friendly resort. Rustic architecture and construction of natural
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Misha Troyan, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
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