La Cruz- Gunacaste Norte
The region of La Cruz, still largely overlooked by the traditional touristic guides and circuits, presents many cultural and natural treasures that we would be happy to share with you.
First occupied by settlers coming from the Mexico valley around 500 bc, then by the Chorotegas, the region has strong cultural ties with the North of central America and managed to conserve, despite its attachment to Costa Rica in 1824, its cultural, ethnic and culinary roots. Tamales, Pinol, Guacales and Nance wine are as many remnants of this living tradition.
Geographically speaking, the La Cruz region presents multiple attractions for nature lovers.
The coastal area, composed of the Bahias Salinas, Cuajiniquil Bay and Santa Elena Gulf, as well as the famous Santa Rosa National Park – an UNESCO world heritage site - displays many turtle laying-and gathering sites (olive, luth and Carey turtles), a brown pelicans refuge and the possibility to spot humpback whales in season.
Spotless and deserted beaches and mangroves invite you to discover the unique setting of the dry tropical forest, last vestige of the vegetation that once covered the whole pacific coastline.
Less than 20 km inland, the dry plains quickly turn to green hilly slopes as you encounter the Orosi Volcano, first summit of the Guanacaste mountain chain spreading down to the south.
The Los Andes area, where the lodge is located, enjoys a unique micro climate, allowing the growth of a lush evergreen tropical rainforest, thanks to the fresh breeze brought by the nearby Nicaragua Lake.
These strong climatic and altitudinal variations between the coast, pastures, dry plains and hills, sweet and salty waters, make this region a unique place for the observation of a great diversity of birds, insects and flora.
First occupied by settlers coming from the Mexico valley around 500 bc, then by the Chorotegas, the region has strong cultural ties with the North of central America and managed to conserve, despite its attachment to Costa Rica in 1824, its cultural, ethnic and culinary roots. Tamales, Pinol, Guacales and Nance wine are as many remnants of this living tradition.
Geographically speaking, the La Cruz region presents multiple attractions for nature lovers.
The coastal area, composed of the Bahias Salinas, Cuajiniquil Bay and Santa Elena Gulf, as well as the famous Santa Rosa National Park – an UNESCO world heritage site - displays many turtle laying-and gathering sites (olive, luth and Carey turtles), a brown pelicans refuge and the possibility to spot humpback whales in season.
Spotless and deserted beaches and mangroves invite you to discover the unique setting of the dry tropical forest, last vestige of the vegetation that once covered the whole pacific coastline.
Less than 20 km inland, the dry plains quickly turn to green hilly slopes as you encounter the Orosi Volcano, first summit of the Guanacaste mountain chain spreading down to the south.
The Los Andes area, where the lodge is located, enjoys a unique micro climate, allowing the growth of a lush evergreen tropical rainforest, thanks to the fresh breeze brought by the nearby Nicaragua Lake.
These strong climatic and altitudinal variations between the coast, pastures, dry plains and hills, sweet and salty waters, make this region a unique place for the observation of a great diversity of birds, insects and flora.
