Hotels

Given the remote location and logistics of reaching Drake Bay, as well as the individual isolation of each hotel, nearly all of the hotels listed below deal almost exclusively in package trips that include transportation, meals, tours, and taxes. I've listed the most common packages, although all the lodges will work with you to accommodate longer or shorter stays. Nightly room rates are listed only where they're available and practical, generally at the more moderately priced hotels.

In addition to the places listed below, Guaria de Osa (tel. 510/235-4313 in the U.S., or 8358-9788 in Costa Rica; www.guariadeosa.com) is a beautiful lodge near the Río Claro that specializes in yoga, spiritual, and educational retreats.

In addition to the hotels listed here, you could try Corcovado Adventure Tent Camps (tel. 831/345-8484 in the U.S., or 8384-1679 in Costa Rica; www.corcovado.com). A semi-permanent tent, with three-squares per day and use of the facilities and watersports equipment, will run you around $70 (£35) per person, per day. Shared bathrooms are clean and the setting is beautiful, but meals and accommodations are a bit basic for the price.