Evergreen Lodge

That was the warning sign at the boat dock upon arrival at Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero. We stayed in one of their bungalow surrounded by rain forest foliages. The bungalows were far enough part to have privacy. Beware that there are no windows to close within the bungalows, just screens. Inside was one large room with two beds and a separate bathroom. A ceiling fan helped with comfort. Cellular was virtually nonexistent, isolated 3G on occasions. Working Wi-Fi was weathered dependent. We were told monkeys (didn’t see any) and other critters were all around. We were warned not to touch any colorful wildlife (toads/frogs) because those are usually poisonous. There were walkable trails that led to other nearby resorts. A “turtle shaped” swimming pool for guests to use. On our first overnight, we were awakened by loud sounds similar to gunfires or firecrackers. Some sounds were distant and some on top of us. They told us that sounds were branches or other things falling onto the metal roofs of the bungalows. Metal roofs amplified the sounds. Nightly we received deluges of rain which probably accounted for the falling branches. There was so much precipitation in this rain forest that the water rose over the dock in the morning. We ate buffets at their dining hall. Choices were adequate, but definitely not gourmet. They can made omelets during breakfast and pasta of you choice during dinner. The staff were helpful, nice and accommodating.

It gives you a legit jungle experience. The only way in or out is by boat. You stay in a cabin that is nice but has no air conditioning, does have a ceiling fan and windows are screens. You can easily find wildlife anywhere you walk on your way to the restaurant or to the turtle shaped pool. Delicious meals are served buffet style by very attentive and polite staff. If you are squeamish about spiders or lizards, you will probably not enjoy this place because they are abundant. But also abundant are 3 species of monkeys and some sloths and iguanas just to name a few. The howler monkeys will let you know when they are awake. If you get a chance to do the sea turtle tour, do it, it’s amazing.