Aninga Lodge

Without doubt the location is 5/5. Where the property fails is with the communication provided by the people at reception. We received conflicting information on tour times and bookings that were simply messed up. This was not just a unique experience as other guests we spoke to were perplexed with what time to meet for tours, meeting locations and booking requirements. The accommodation was OK and the meals on offer were just passable. Were it not for our fabulous guide Elston, our experience would have been a total disappointment. Elston was knowledgeable about the fauna and flora and really exuded a passion for the incredible ecology of the area. For us it was unfortunate that we had a guide who did all he could to make the experience unforgettable while resort management either lacked the motivation or intuition to replicate the efforts of other staff.

This is in Tortuguero National Park and are in the middle of the rain forest. You hear the wildlife and the rain. If you need quiet, this isn't the place. Our tour guide called it a little rustic. The lodges had a rustic appearance and a ceiling fan, no AC. It was rainy so we didn't get to use the spa or pool facilities and it was very damp; don't expect to be dry. However this is the rain forest and expect to be damp/wet. We were warned that the plumbing required some care, but the bathrooms were quite modern. Surprisingly mosquitoes weren't bad (housekeeping told me to keep the door closed). Every day the towels were folded in an artistic shape on the bed which was fun. Maybe bring slippers that you don't mind ditching at the end of your trip.

Aninga Lodge was an incredible place to stay and well worth the journey to get there. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the wildlife spotting was amazing—you couldn’t get much more immersive on your lodge doorstep. The accommodation was remarkable, especially considering its location in the rainforest. The pool was in an idyllic spot, and we even managed to see a sloth from the poolside. The buffet food was good, and the location was ideal if you wanted to visit Tortuguero and the beach, just a short boat trip across the river.

Amazing grounds after finally getting there. Planes, trains (not really), automobiles and a BOAT. You must take a boat to get here and back. Unfortunately it rained the entire time for the two days we stayed there. It was still beautiful. The real "Rain Forest" . The service here was amazing. The rooms had no glass windows, only screened openings. Air was free flowing, and so were the sounds of the rain forest. There is no a/c, no heat and no TV. There was a beautiful turtle-shaped pool. As for the food, the first day lunch buffet was very good. They had chicken breasts and pork tenderloins, along with a pasta bar. First night dinner was beef and fish, also good. There was no decent dessert. Probably a good thing because I would probably eat too much of it. Next morning breakfast was good. They had an omelette bar. Second day lunch buffet was not so good. They only had chicken thighs and drums. Dark meat only. I'm not a fan. The only saving grace was a great flan. I forgot what we had the last night...lol But we did have that omelette bar the day we left. There is a nice 2-mile walking tour through the rain forest, which was really cool. We did see some monkeys frolicking in the trees and a whole bunch of exotic birds. Our stay was really nice, but unfortunately it rained the entire time and it was supposed to be the dry season. Oh well.

What an amazing experience. We highly recommend this all inclusive lodge and Tortuguero National Park. Be prepared for rain if you go in the northern summer. There are a series of guided walks and activities as well as several optional ones. Three days including travel from elsewhere is sufficient.

Worth the 2 hour bumpy track to get the boat to arrive. Paradise indeed. Beautiful accommodation, charming staff, everything one needs with board walks, wildlife, cocktails and the experience of a lifetime