If you've ever wanted, if only for a few days, to experience the rainforest and never see another person, you may want to visit Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. Esquinas boasts 10 miles of trails and they're the only ones in the neighborhood.
Located about 40 minutes from the small town of Golfito, in southern Costa Rica, Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is perfect for those looking for a secluded nature experience. 200 different species of birds have been logged in the area surrounding the lodge. The natural landscaping makes this place a haven for a myriad of wildlife.
The property borders one of Costa Rica's newest and least studied national parks, Piedras Blancas. Many think Piedras Blancas has even greater diversity than its more famous predecessor, Corcovado National Park, located on the tip of the Osa Peninsula.
I've spent weeks walking in Corcovado and I can honestly say that my time spent walking the trails behind Esquinas Rainforest Lodge were every bit as beautiful. And what's nice about these trails is that when you're done, you return to a wonderful lodge instead of a musty ranger station.
The lodge is big and open. The meals are incredible and all the rooms have ceiling fans and private bathrooms.
Esquinas is owned by Michael and Susanna Schnitzler. Michael is one of the most incredible and admirable people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. In 1991, Michael got concerned about the amount of logging and hunting that was going on and decided to get involved. Being a well-known concert violinist from Vienna, he started Rainforest Of The Austrians and started soliciting funds from his fellow countrymen. To date, Rainforest Of The Austrians has raised 3.5 million dollars, purchased 8,000 acres (15 square miles) of land and donated it to the national park system.
The ultimate goal is to prove that a small, ecologically safe nature lodge, accommodating no more than 40 guests, can generate enough income to raise the living standard of a whole community of 70 families. Esquinas is the largest employer in La Gamba, a small community close to the lodge, offering at least 15 permanent jobs. Except for management and office personnel, all employees at the lodge are from the local town. The lodge has assumed an active role in the financing and implementation of community projects.
I really appreciate the depth at which Esquinas has gotten involved both socially and environmentally. They are a true testament to the good that can result from a lot of effort and involvement.
Mitch Popa is an independent video producer working on promoting Costa Rica's Ecotourism Industry. Please visit our website at http://www.ecotourismtravelguides.com or contact me personally at redwoodmitch@yahoo.com.
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