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LOCATION:

The virgin white sand beaches that extend north along the Pacific coast from Cabo Blanco National Park on the south western tip of the Nicoya Peninsula are among the most remote and beautiful in the country. Trópico Latino Lodge is located directly on the beach at Santa Teresa de Malpaís, 5 kilometers north of the reserve and 150 kilometers from San Jose.

THE LODGE:

Trópico Latino Lodge was opened in 1995 and offers the only accommodation in its category in the area. The lodge is set in a grove of Pochote trees in whose shade lush tropical gardens have been planted. The bungalows, designed by Italian architect Valeria Negrini, combine modern lines and comfort with local materials. A typical palm thatched "rancho" houses the restaurant which overlooks the beach side swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

RESTAURANT:

The pool side restaurant features North Italian and "típico" food: freshly caught local seafood receives pride of the place. A complete range of cocktails, wine, beer and spirits are available.

ACTIVITIES:

While many guests may be content to soak in the pool or Jacuzzi, lounge in a porch or beach side hammock, watching the monkeys swing through the trees or stroll and bath on what must be Costa Rica’s least crowded and most beautiful white sand beach, Tropico Latino offers plenty for the more active and adventurous. Tours that can be arranged from the lodge include: Cabo Blanco Reserve, horseback riding, sport fishing, Curu Reserve, Nicoya Gulf Islands.

Surfers will enjoy some of Costa Rica's least crowded and most consistent waves with miles of empty beach break as well as numerous points and reefs to choose from.

GETTING THERE:

By car: From San José drive to Puntarenas and take the Tambor or Peninsular car ferry to Paquera (departs: 0500, 08:45, 12:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:45 daily). Crossing time 1:15 hours. Drive through Tambor to Cóbano. In Cóbano drive straight through town and turn left after 1 kilometer to Malpaís. After 8 km. You arrive at a crossroads just before the beach, turn right and the hotel is 800 yards on your left. The hotel is signposted from Paquera. 4x4 is not necessary, but is recommended in the rainy season. Total journey time from San José is 5 ½ hours, as we recommend that you arrive at Puntarenas at least one hour before the ferry departs.

From Guanacaste drive south through Nosara, Sámara and Coyote, ford the Río Bongo and continue through Manzanillo to Malpaís. Several stretches between Coyote and Manzanillo are along the beach, so make sure the tide is low. This route is only possible with a 4x4 during dry season (Dec.-Apr.). There are alternative but more roundabout routes north open year round.

By air: Both SANSA and Travelair fly daily to Tambor (25 min). Transfer from the airport can be arranged through the lodge.

By public transport: Bus to Puntarenas, Lancha or Ferry to Paquera. You can either continue by bus to Cóbano and then Malpaís or the lodge can arrange pick up at Paquera dock or in Cóbano

SURFING MALPAIS

Malpaís's location between the Central Pacific area and Guanacaste means that it benefits from both the big south swells which hit the beaches south of Puntarenas during the wet season as well as the offshore "Papagayo" winds which create optimum conditions on the Guanacaste coast during the dry season. Another great advantage is the complete absence of crowds; this area is one of the last frontiers of surf exploration in Costa Rica.

When locals refer to Malpaís, they mean the whole area between Cabo Blanco and Manzanillo. The best surf is found on the following beaches:

El Carmen: Continue straight on at the crossroads to the beach and you'll see the peak right in front of you. A long right wall and shorter section left break over a gradually sloping sand bottom.
Santa Teresa: Turn right at the crossroads and continue 3 km. To "Cabinas Santa Teresa" and turn down to the beach. Santa Teresa tends to pick up more swell than El Carmen and holds shape better at low tide.
Playa Hermosa: Next beach north from Santa Teresa, and even less crowded. Peaks all along the beach.

When the beach breaks get big, the reefs and points start to work. Recommended spots are:

Playa de Los Suecos: Turn left at the crossroads go 4 km. And park where you see the fishing boats. Walk south 100 yards along the rocks and paddle out through the channel next to the hotel. The wave is a lefthander with a fast take off followed by a long workable wall. Gets hollow with size and offshore.
Punta Barrigona: Between Los Suecos and the crossroads turn down to Mar Azul restaurant. A long lefthander wraps round the point turning into a great hotdog wave as it moves through the inside. Needs a lot of swell to work properly.
Manzanillo: Turn right at the crossroads and go 8 km. To Manzanillo village. The reef is offshore at the north end of the beach. Very fickle wave which needs a lot of swell to work.

The manager at Trópico Latino Lodge is a surfer and is happy to give you information, advice and directions.

RATES-2008

Room Rates	HIGH SEASON
	Nov 1/07 - Apr 30/08
	DOUBLE	TRIPLE	QUAD
Bungalows A/C	$145.00	$158.00	-
beach fronted
Garden Bungalows A/C	$127.00	$140.00	$155.00
Garden Rooms A/C	$91.00	$105.00	$120.00
2 Rooms Suite A/C	$145.00	$160.00	$175.00

Rates do NOT include 16.39% tax.