Testimonial

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Craig O'Connell

06-07-2010

I recently spent 4 days at La Leona Eco Lodge during their so-called "rainy season". Initially I was a bit nervous about going during the rainy season, but to my surprise, the rainy season in this area was nearly identical to the rainy season in the southeastern U.S. During our stay, we had 3 days WITHOUT any rain, and on our fourth day, we had 3 hours of hard rain, and the remainder of the day was absolutely beautiful.
What actually makes the rainy season more ideal for spotting animals, is that animals tend to forage a great deal prior to and after a storm. So if you want to see an abundance of wildlife, you can strategize and plan your hikes accordingly. I spent one month in the Amazon rainforest, and in just 4 days at La Leona, I saw more land mammals than I did in the Amazon.
In the new Monkey tents (where we stayed and highly recommended), we went to bed with spider monkeys sleeping, literally, 10 ft from the front of our tent, and woke up to them chattering and traveling from tree to tree a little after sunrise. This rainforest if full of life, as we spotted a Jaguarundi, ~20 coati's, 2 collared anteaters, countless spider monkeys, white faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, snakes, spiders, frogs, and the list can go on and on.
If you want to go to a place with the friendliest staff I have ever met, 5-star quality meals, a relaxing and tranquil environment, and a place full of wildlife,
I highly recommend La Leona. Keep in mind, the "rainy season" is not a bad thing, and offers you a reprieve from the heat and a greater opportunity, at least in my research experience, to view the exotic wildlife of Costa Rica. Safe Travels!

Levonne Loe.

20-03-2010

Loved it!!! Beautiful setting, Wonderful staff, and Great food! No complaints!!!

Highly recommend to Anyone!

Levonne Loe.

19-03-2010

Loved it!!! The staff is very friendly and the food they cook is excellent! The tents are a perfect stay to enjoy Costa Rica!

Highly recommended!!! .

Paula & Dave.

20-06-2009

Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writting to you in relation to our recent trip into the Corcovado National Park with your guide Bolivar Cortes Elizondo.
Our trip was one which we will remember fondly. We managed to see most animals that we hoped to including pumas on our second and third day.
Bolivar was a fantastic guide who took his time looking for, identifying and showing us many many animals on our trip.
We wish to thank him and yourselves for our great experience which we will remember with great joy.
Many thanks
Paula & Dave.

Cullen Hallmark

11-01-2009

I have just returned from a wonderful visit to Costa Rica, the highlight of which was the several days spent at La Leona. I was truly sorry to leave.
The camp is remote, but accessible by either small airplane or a bumpy collectivo. Luggage is taken from Carate to the camp by horse drawn cart, while the humans enjoy a kilometer long hike along a stunning beach.
My experience was much like those of the other writers, so let me add some things that they did not discuss...
The camp offers tours by several very skilled guides. Our first tour was the nocturnal tour led by Bolivar, and we were fortunate enough to see both an ocelot and a tapir on that first night.
The next day I took the five hour Corcovado tour led by Laura. Both guides are excellent, and both are exceptionally talented in introducing the outsiders to this area.
My visit was during the dry season (early January). Among others, we saw dozens of scarlet macaws, several species of hawks/falcons, trogons, curassows, herons, basilisks, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, hummingbirds, agoutis, and several frogs/toads. As it so happens, I didn't see many snakes, though others had better luck. The plant species are too numerous to mention, but they are almost ridiculous in their variety.
Several in our group were not so enthusiastic about the hikes into the forest, but had a wonderful time playing in the surf, taking in the (incredible) views, or simply enjoying life around the camp.
I hope to return soon. Thanks for everything.

Tamir und Susanne

23-11-2008

A fantastic experience!
Dear La Leona Team. We like to say thank you for making our stay that great. Thank you for helping Susanne to get back healthy and for a great organisation with our luggage.
Special Thanks to Ute, Salma, Philippe, Bolivar and Margot.

Greetings from Switzerland Tamir und Susanne

Isabella (La Chinita)

09-08-2008

To the Staff at La Leona Lodge,
I miss you all and I want to let you know that I had a wonderful summer in Osa due to your hospitality and kindness towards me.
I will never forget you!
My love to Azucre, too.

Mark

21-07-2008

I would like to thank everyone at La Leona for making my stay a fantastic one. Corcovado did not dissapoint! The beauty and diversity of animals was amazing, but I was more impressed with everyone at La Leona making my stay so enjoyable. From helping me plan excursions into the park, to the excellent service and food, thank you! I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my time in Costa Rica. Mark

Victor Oppel

30-04-2008

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for an amazing time. Unfortunately, I forgot to write my comments in your book before I left.
As this was my first trip to the Osa, I expected many things such as an abundance of wildlife which did not dissapoint. What I didn't expect was the hospitality in which I was treated. I also didn't expect to find so many people pulling together to preserve their environment with a pride for their country unsurpassed by any other place I've ever been.
What a privilege to visit such a place. The memories will stay with me forever and I look forward to making more in the future. Thank-you for the best vacation ever.
Sincerely, Victor Oppel

Nicole Yunk

13-03-2008

I went in the summer of 2005 and i had soo much fun, i wished i could have moved there. I went with my aunt's high school class and it was unbelieveable, the zip line was too cool and since it was my birthday the amazing cook, Mario, made me a huge chocolate cake.
I encountered so many different kinds of animals, and actually was able to hold two baby boa constrictors, each day was a new experience and i cannot wait to come again!
whenever im in a down mood, i just think back to being there and everythings alright, laying on the beach with my new friends by the bon-fire our last night was so relaxing.
Thank you all so much!

Carlos Villegas y Martha Olivera

21-09-2007

When I close my eyes and remember the sound of the ocean, the delicious home-cooked style cuisine, the romantic nights in between the ocean and the virgin mountain next to La Leona Lodge, it makes me want to go back there immediately.
Nothing beats the hospitality and true friendliness of this 100% per cent Costa Rican owned and operated best kept secret in a little place in the southern part of Costa Rica, called Osa Peninsula.
From the moment you arrive you are greeted with open arms and a friendly smile inviting you to rest on a hammock enjoying a cold glass of fresh natural juice while your luggage is unpacked from the horse-pulled carriage.
This is the first place my wife got to see in Costa Rica and after about a day, she fell eternally in love with Costa Rica thanks to La Leona Lodge and their beautiful way of preserving the values and treasures Costa Rica has to offer.

Ted

20-09-2007

Dear Salma,
I would like to thank you again for your kind hospitality during my visit! I enjoyed my time very much, and the food was excellent, too!
Hope we can send you many customers in the future!

Saludos
Costa Rica & Peru Reisedienst

Robert Santiago

12-09-2007

There are no words to describe the experience we had this past Summer. All we could say is THANK YOU!
We had one of the most beautiful experiences in our lives and will definately be back soon!!!
Alvaro, YOU ROCK!!!

Ed(ease)

03-09-2007

IMPRESSION of the La Leona, what Paradise looks like - Experience!

Far away from everything entering the Penensula the Osa, travelling by bus to Puerto Jimenez in the middle of nowhere. After two hours through the bush in a four wheel drive, crossing rivers, we arrived in Karate; there is only a Pulperia. We still had to walk for about half an hour to arrive in La Leona. Walking in my surf short, the rest of my stuff could go on a horse cart.
All the people in my group said with a lot of respect: Wow, this is really paradise! We were completely overwhelmed by the nature of the Corcovado National Park, in combination with the Pacific Ocean and the pure and peaceful surroundings. This is what Costa Rica is all about, here the national saying - Pura Vida - is fitting in the best. I was in love with this place immediately!
No Internet, no mobile phone connection, no telephone at all! Only an emergency radio for the western security feeling. So one can really relax, till you drop.
In this place they know the art of making benefit of what you don´t have. No electricity means candlelight in the tent and along the tracks towards it!
Coming along with my really outdoor minded group of Mambo we found a good combination between adventure and relaxation. The virgin primary forest at the back and the constant sound of the powerful Pacific Ocean relaxes your body and mind and gives a lot of energy, at least as much as the Himalaya high up in the mountains or spiritual places in Aboriginal country in the north of Australia. I have been to La Leona many times and it´s always a feeling like coming back home in paradise.
I became very good friends with the Costa Rican family owning and running the place they are doing a very good job to create a brilliant atmosphere, makes you leave the place with tears in your eyes.
At the moment we are busy working out plans for a yoga platform to make a combination of going -back to basic - in the adventurous outdoor way, and going back to the basic of yourself.
To make a bridge from the active part to the more spiritual part (power) yoga or tai ji is a perfect way getting the right energy and space to open a new experience for the rest life.
Pura Vida!