The Río Colorado neatly divides the town of Barra del Colorado. The airstrip is in the southern half of town, as are most of the lodgings. The lodges that are farther up the canals will meet you at the airstrip with a small boat.

Getting There

By Plane: Most folks come here on multiday fishing packages, and most of the area’s lodges include charter flights as part of their package trips or will book you a flight.

By Boat: It is also possible to travel to Barra del Colorado by boat from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí or Tortuguero. Expect to pay $400 to $600 each way for a boat that holds up to 10 people. Check at the public dock in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí or call Oasis Nature Tours (www.oasisnaturetours.com; tel. 2766-6108).

Río Colorado Lodge (www.riocoloradolodge.com; tel. 800/243-9777 in the U.S. and Canada, or 2232-4063/2232-8610) runs its own launch between Barra del Colorado and San José. If you’re staying at the Río Colorado Lodge, be sure to ask about this option (for at least one leg of your trip) when booking.

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