Is Encanto Lodge next to the ocean?
Encanto Lodge is almost next to the ocean. There is a river “Rio Drake” (and its lagoon) in between Encanto Lodge and the beach. This means you have free view to the ocean from our restaurant and Cabaña Tapir. This means also, if you want to go to the beach, you need to use our canoes or kayaks (free service). However, you can also go by car (10min) or walking (1 hour).
What are the advantages of staying at Encanto Lodge?
– We offer a free pick-up service and free parking to our guests.
– You can use our kayaks and canoes to navigate on the river and lagoon or go to the beach for free.
– You can experience peace, tranquility, nature and wildlife as it is far away from the city.
– You do not need to go on a tour to experience wildlife, you can see animals as scarlet macaws, parrots, jesus christ lizards, monkeys, kinkajous, frogs and toads, butterflies, humming birds, tamanduas or caimans just at or around Encanto Lodge.
– If you wish to go on a tour, e.g. to Corcovado National Park or Caño Island, we are happy to organize it for you.
– Our meals are prepared with love.
Is Encanto Lodge in the village?
Encanto Lodge is not in the (center of) the village. Drake Bay consists actually of 10 little villages, Agujitas being the center of Drake Bay at 3km from Encanto Lodge, and El Progreso being the closest village to Encanto Lodge at 1,5km.
In El Progreso you can find two small supermarkets and pre-Columbian stone spheres. In Agujitas, you can find many restaurants, two supermarkets, an icecream shop and a souvenir shop. If you want to visit the village Agujitas we either recommend you to come by car or, if you go on a tour to Corcovado/Caño Island/Whale&Dolphin Watching, we can pick you up a little later than usual so you have time to visit the center. Another option is to pay a taxi ($25-$30 one way) or make a hike along the beach (around low tide), and sometimes there is a bus, too.
Is there an ATM in Drake Bay?
No there is no ATM and no bank in Drake Bay. This is why we recommend planning your activities/tours in advance and bringing enough cash. The next ATMS are in Puerto Jimenez, Palmar Norte or Chacarita.
I saw it is next to the Drake Bay airport. Is it very noisy?
Encanto Lodge is a very tranquil place.
Indeed, there can be noise of planes. But normally there are only around 4 small planes (12-20pax per plane) a day just landing and taking off 10minutes after, the first one to come around 9 a.m. There are days with fewer planes (sometimes in rainy season) or more planes (in dry season, with its peak around Christmas/new Year) and there can be some few odd days when a trainee pilot chooses to practice landing and taking off at Drake Bay airport.
We are at the dead end of a street, so there is usually no traffic noise. There is only a narrow path at the edge of the runway where sometimes our neighbors or people from the village pass by.
There is some noise every morning and afternoon produced by the songs of the birds and there can be constant noise during the night especially in the rain season from cicadas and frogs. We enjoy this type of noise very much.
Is there Wi-Fi available at Encanto Lodge?
Yes we offer free Wi-Fi at our restaurant.
Can I drive to Encanto Lodge?
Yes, you can perfectly drive to Encanto Lodge. We recommend to use a 4×4 vehicle and to plan your arrival during day time, as you need to go on a gravel road. However, there are now bridges over all the rivers to here so you do not need to cross rivers anymore. Additionally, steepest mountain roads are now of pavement. If you are unsure, e.g. in rainy season, you can always call us or send us a message and ask about the road conditions.
Does Encanto Lodge have air conditioning?
No, we do not offer air conditioning. However, all our rooms are equipped with fans and a balcony (mostly) with a nice breeze.
Can I bring my pet/dog?
No, we do not allow pets at Encanto Lodge.
What languages do you speak?
We both speak Spanish and English, plus one of us speaks German and Swissgerman and understands some French.
Is Encanto Lodge the right place for me?
It is perfect to disconnect from busy everyday life and to immerse in nature and discover wildlife. It is a good place to stay if you wish to go to Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, Whale Watching, Fishing, Bird Watching or any other tour. It is also perfect if you wish to discover wildlife and the environment by your own, as on a hike or by kayak on the river/lagoon, or walk on the lonesome beach in front. It might NOT be the right place for you neither if you look for special amenities as air condition, pool and a more luxury type of accommodation nor if you want to stay in town with different restaurants and bars. as it is quiet far from the center. Our “luxury” is the wilderness of this place, with the lagoon, jungle, sunsets, the beach, canoes and of course the wildlife.
Can we pay by credit card?
At this moment we cannot accept credit card at our lodge. However, you can pay your stay with paypal (if you are willing to pay for their commission (+8%).