LOCATION:
The
virgin white sand beaches that extend north along the
Pacific coast from Cabo Blanco National Park on the
south western tip of the Nicoya Peninsula are among the
most remote and beautiful in the country. Trópico Latino
Lodge is located directly on the beach at Santa Teresa
de Malpaís, 5 kilometers north of the reserve and 150
kilometers from San Jose.
 THE
LODGE:
Trópico Latino Lodge was
opened in 1995 and offers the only accommodation in
its category in the area. The lodge is set in a
grove of Pochote trees in whose shade lush tropical
gardens have been planted. The bungalows, designed
by Italian architect Valeria Negrini, combine modern
lines and comfort with local materials. A typical
palm thatched "rancho" houses the restaurant which
overlooks the beach side swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
RESTAURANT:
The pool side restaurant
features North Italian and "típico" food: freshly
caught local seafood receives pride of the place. A
complete range of cocktails, wine, beer and spirits
are available.
 ACTIVITIES:
While many guests may be
content to soak in the pool or Jacuzzi, lounge in a
porch or beach side hammock, watching the monkeys
swing through the trees or stroll and bath on what
must be Costa Rica’s least crowded and most
beautiful white sand beach, Tropico Latino offers
plenty for the more active and adventurous. Tours
that can be arranged from the lodge include: Cabo
Blanco Reserve, horseback riding, sport fishing, Curu
Reserve, Nicoya Gulf Islands.
Surfers will enjoy some
of Costa Rica's least crowded and most consistent
waves with miles of empty beach break as well as
numerous points and reefs to choose from.
GETTING
THERE:
By car: From San
José drive to Puntarenas and take the Tambor or
Peninsular car ferry to Paquera (departs: 0500,
08:45, 12:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:45 daily). Crossing
time 1:15 hours. Drive through Tambor to Cóbano. In
Cóbano drive straight through town and turn left
after 1 kilometer to Malpaís. After 8 km. You arrive
at a crossroads just before the beach, turn right
and the hotel is 800 yards on your left. The hotel
is signposted from Paquera. 4x4 is not necessary,
but is recommended in the rainy season. Total
journey time from San José is 5 ½ hours, as we
recommend that you arrive at Puntarenas at least one
hour before the ferry departs.
From Guanacaste drive
south through Nosara, Sámara and Coyote, ford the
Río Bongo and continue through Manzanillo to
Malpaís. Several stretches between Coyote and
Manzanillo are along the beach, so make sure the
tide is low. This route is only possible with a 4x4
during dry season (Dec.-Apr.). There are alternative
but more roundabout routes north open year round.
By
air: Both SANSA and
Travelair fly daily to Tambor (25 min). Transfer
from the airport can be arranged through the lodge.
By public transport:
Bus to Puntarenas, Lancha or Ferry to Paquera. You
can either continue by bus to Cóbano and then
Malpaís or the lodge can arrange pick up at Paquera
dock or in Cóbano
 SURFING
MALPAIS
Malpaís's location
between the Central Pacific area and Guanacaste
means that it benefits from both the big south
swells which hit the beaches south of Puntarenas
during the wet season as well as the offshore
"Papagayo" winds which create optimum conditions on
the Guanacaste coast during the dry season. Another
great advantage is the complete absence of crowds;
this area is one of the last frontiers of surf
exploration in Costa Rica.
When locals refer to
Malpaís, they mean the whole area between Cabo
Blanco and Manzanillo. The best surf is found on the
following beaches:
-
El Carmen: Continue
straight on at the crossroads to the beach and
you'll see the peak right in front of you. A
long right wall and shorter section left break
over a gradually sloping sand bottom.
-
Santa Teresa: Turn
right at the crossroads and continue 3 km. To
"Cabinas Santa Teresa" and turn down to the
beach. Santa Teresa tends to pick up more swell
than El Carmen and holds shape better at low
tide.
-
Playa Hermosa: Next
beach north from Santa Teresa, and even less
crowded. Peaks all along the beach.
 When
the beach breaks get big, the reefs and points start to
work. Recommended spots are:
-
Playa de Los
Suecos: Turn left at the crossroads go 4 km.
And park where you see the fishing boats.
Walk south 100 yards along the rocks and
paddle out through the channel next to the
hotel. The wave is a lefthander with a fast
take off followed by a long workable wall.
Gets hollow with size and offshore.
-
Punta Barrigona:
Between Los Suecos and the crossroads turn
down to Mar Azul restaurant. A long
lefthander wraps round the point turning
into a great hotdog wave as it moves through
the inside. Needs a lot of swell to work
properly.
-
Manzanillo: Turn
right at the crossroads and go 8 km. To
Manzanillo village. The reef is offshore at
the north end of the beach. Very fickle wave
which needs a lot of swell to work.
The manager
at Trópico Latino Lodge is a surfer and is happy to give
you information, advice and directions.
|
RATES-2008 |
|
Room Rates |
HIGH SEASON |
|
Nov 1/07 - Apr 30/08 |
|
|
DOUBLE |
TRIPLE |
QUAD |
|
Bungalows A/C |
$145.00 |
$158.00 |
- |
|
beach fronted |
|
Garden Bungalows A/C |
$127.00 |
$140.00 |
$155.00 |
|
Garden Rooms A/C |
$91.00 |
$105.00 |
$120.00 |
|
2 Rooms Suite A/C |
$145.00 |
$160.00 |
$175.00 |
|
|
|
Rates do NOT include 16.39% tax. |
Reservation request click here
1-800-745-3135 (USA and CANADA TOLL FREE)
Costa Rica Phone : (506) 290-2878
Costa Rica Fax: (506) 290-2853
P.O.Box : 387-1200 PAVAS, Costa Rica
Turismo Expertos de Costa Rica S.A. is a member of CANATUR
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