Bob and Ann in Costa Rica 2004

Map of the Osa Peninsula

We took an early taxi ride to the San Jose airport. We boarded a small plane and flew south to Palmar. We then rode a van to Sierpe and had lunch at a tiny cafe. Then it was on to a boat taking us to the mouth of the Sierpe River, through the largest mangrove forest in Central America, and south on the ocean to the Campanario Biological Station.

Campanario is situated on a small beach at the edge of the jungle. It consists of a large main lodge and several tent cabins. The main lodge has a large kitchen and dining hall, screened-in dormitories with bunk beds, tiled bathrooms, clothes washing area, a large front porch, and a great view. Electricity is generated through solar panels for basic lighting and other essential power needs. Supplemental lighting is by lantern or candlelight. The water is potable, coming from natural springs. For the educator, the field station also has lab tables and classroom area, library, and some basic equipment. There is also an outdoor classroom at the entrance to one of the trails.

The tent cabins are on platforms, each with its own "garden" bathroom with cold-water showers and toilets. The tent cabins are only a five-minute walk up the hill behind the field station. The tent cabins are right on the edge of the forest and surrounded by
gardens.

All of our meals were prepared by the staff and served family-style. There were several families there so we got to know people fairly
well.