Visit the Property
 

The property acquired by Save A Tree is easy to find. It’s an economical journey and safe, but quite an adventurous trip. Once in Costa Rica, one may leave from any point, but the easiest starting point is San Jose. From San Jose one travels by bus to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui in North Heredia Province. (Note The Map) one must specify Sarapiqui as a destination or risk ending up in Puerto Viejo Limon on the Caribe coast!

The Bus ride from terminal El Caribe is 1500* colones ($3.00) and takes two hours. The bus leaves every morning beginning at 6:30 and a bus leaves approximately every two hours after that. Once in Puerto Viejo, ones destination, everyone departs the bus.

In Puerto Viejo, one walks a short distance to the boat dock, about two hundred yards away. The boat departs promptly each day at 12:30 to go up river. The boat Captain’s name is Justo (pronounced who-stow). He and his sons taxi people up river, on the Sarapiqui River to the San Juan River on the Nicaraguan border. This area is referred to as the frontier.

The Boat ride takes three hours as the Captain drops off his passengers going north along the Sarapiqui. The boat ride costs 1050 colones ($2.50). Arrival at one’s destination is a clear one because in most cases you will be the last one on the boat. You must tell the Captain what day you want to return to Puerto Viejo. The Captain lives nearby and will pick you up first upon your return.

On the property we have refurbished a cabin and invite perspective donors to stay there free of charge. If you would like to make a donation but would like to make a visit first to see the rain forest you are welcome to do so. Contact Save A Tree through our e-mail address and we will do our best to accommodate your visit. The cabin is rustic but comfortable. It provides three double beds, indoor plumbing, 12 volt lights powered by solar panels and a nice shower. It is located on the Sarapiqui River where it meets the San Juan. Pedro, the care taker of the property and his wife live near by. He has a boat with a battery-powered motor and will take you for a tour on the Barbua Canal where you will see a variety of plants, reptiles, animals and birds. Monkey sightings are guaranteed. There are also navigable trails in this protected rain forest; one is truly on the frontier experiencing sights not ordinarily seen. Pedro will also assist in guiding you in the forest. Remember, a good pair of boots, a rain slicker, compass, binoculars, bug juice and fresh water are excellent companions; one might do well to add common sense to the mix. Pedro’s wife Manuela will cook for you if you wish. Hers is the simple Tico food but very good after a day of sight seeing

Across the Sarapiqui one finds Trinity Lodge, owned by Adilia Com Hernandez. She has five rental cabins which go for $7.50 per person per night. Adilia operates the lodge with her two daughters and son, and will cook dinner whenever you wish. Dinner can be vegetarian, chicken, beef, fish or river shrimp. Cost of the dinner is $5.00, and cold beer is $1.00. Adilia also operates a little pulperia similar to the old neighborhood store with a little of everything from canned food to toothpaste. The lodge has a generator that starts at dusk and usually is run until 9:00PM or perhaps later depending on the number of guests at the lodge. When we stay in the cabin we venture across the Sara at dusk for a dinner or a beer or two. Pedro supplies the transport over and back.

* The colone exchange rate varies monthly. All prices are approximate.