Costa Rica jungle lodge accommodation

The Costa Rica jungle lodge accomodation was conceived with the purpose of protecting and raising value of the rainforest, through sustainable tourism. Without the forest and nature the lodge has no reason to operate. That is why it is a small project consisting of 20 rooms with no plans to enlarge it substantially. It is our policy to contribute to the development of the region of Boca Tapada by offering better job opportunities, inviting tourists to come and see for themselves the beautiful nature and its primary rainforest, and to provide counsel and assistance to the community and ecological associations at the surge of any problem that may cause damage or deterioration to it. For food preparations, the lodge uses produce from the region, such as Yucca, bread fruit, heart of palm, pineapples, pepper and from the garden lemons and juice fruits.

After cleaning the rooms, maids have to check that there are no leaks in the bathrooms. The water cisterns are controlled so that there is no excessive use of the liquid and if there is then we check for leaks and/or excessive use. Light saving bulbs are used as much as possible and clients are urged to turn off the lights and fans upon leaving the rooms. When clients leave their rooms for long walks and tours, the maid or Assistant Manager checks that no lights or fans were left on behind. If weather allows, all laundry is dried outside. The use of the drier is left only when the air is too humid or it rains nonstop. In as much as possible the wood stove is put to use, specially when cooking for large groups. Once all guests are asleep, the night watchman is responsible for putting off all unnecessary lights and leaving on only those required for security.

Biodegradable waste goes to compost and recyclable garbage is separated into plastic, glass and aluminum bottles, cans and containers, as well as cartons and paper. All of these is brought to a day care center in Escazú (San Jose) who have a recycling program and with the sale proceeds they provide food and school supplies to children of poor means. No beer or canned soft drinks are sold or served in the lodge premises in order to maintain the surroundings clear of waste. The cleaning personnel separate the contents of the rooms waste paper baskets.

With the exception of the manager, the lodge employees are all local people and the manager is in charge of training the personnel and check their performance. We have trained three local people as guides. The lodge particularly helped a local boatman to start his own business of fluvial transportation. This man makes 90% of his income from our guests.

Also we closely collaborate by giving transfers of tourists to a local member of the community. We have used our Rotary International Club relationship (the owner is an active member) to bring help to the community, specially to the local five schools.

We have also brought for two consecutive years groups of Rotarian Dentists to offer free dental care, this in collaboration with ULACIT (Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencias y Tecnologia), including medicines, dental care products and first aid. Rotary members of Atlanta have come to help locals build a dinning hall as well repair and paint the village schools. Recently we got a grant form the German Embassy in San José to build a water cistern to supply with running water the nearby hamlet of Santa Rita. We have also given scholarships to two children to continue their high school education in Boca Tapada.