Place to sleep: Tiskita Jungle Lodge, Pavones, Costa Rica

About this place:

The Tiskita Jungle Lodge sits in the middle of tropical rainforest on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the southern-most part of Costa Rica. The simple wood cabins have nice porches with hammocks, and they are spaced out nicely around the property. Staying here, we were absolutely surrounded by incredible wildlife. We woke up just about every morning to groups of monkeys playing just outside our window. On hikes with the local guide, we saw more monkeys, sloths, kinkajous, and agoutis - the highlight was a guided night hike using flashlights to look for reflected eyeballs in the pitch black jungle.

Local meals are served in the main lodge along with fresh juices made from the exotic tropical fruits grown on the property. There is also a central pool, and the beach is a 5 minute walk down the hill. The town of Pavones, just a short bike ride away, is a famous surfing spot known for its extremely long break.