What can I say. Ann Cabezas Creed, our Vacation Planner, told us that the Mawamba Lodge – Tortuguero was the only way to start our vacation in Costa Rica and would be a trip to remember for life. She was totally correct but there was one thing that made it all happen – the moment we stepped off the small bus to get on the large one for the 2 hour trip to the boat – this bright, outgoing person named Ana Maria said, “I think you’re Ron and she is Maria”. I thought how the heck does she know us! But she did and from then on we had the perfect Tour Guide that was with the group every day, every step of the way to show us the wonders of the rivers, canals, animals, birds, lizards, frogs, trees, and everything we were shown, with a passion that infected every person in the group. In short, it brought our time there to a level that was unattainable any other way. It was obvious that she knew what she was talking about every time she described an animal, lizard, bird, etc. She answered every question without hesitation. Perfect!The bus ride to Cano Blanco in Siquirres to catch the boat to Tortuguero and Mawamba Lodge took us through the Banana Plantations with explanations of how they are grown and harvested. The boat was large flat bottom and the 11/2 hour trip was through rivers and canals dug by the loggers of the early 1900’s. When we docked at Mawamba Lodge, Mr. Olman, the Manager, gave us an introduction to the facility and a brief description and what we would experience for the next 3 days. The lodge is basic but very comfortable and the food is typical Costa Rican. There are boat tours in the canals with your Tour Guide and complete with monkeys, croc’s, lizards and beautiful birds everywhere in the jungle. A trip to the Village of Tortuguero by boat with a guided tour is excellent. Another tour of the Mawamba grounds with butterfly enclosures and other interesting facilities complete the day.

It is an unforgettable excursion into a place you have never been before, meet people from all over the world, and shouldn’t miss if at all possible.

Room Tip: All the rooms are excellent