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As you may know, Costa Rica has managed to protect a larger percentage of its land than any other country in the world, 10.27% by law and an additional 17% has been legally set aside as forest reserves. In total, more than 186 areas including 32 national parks, 8 biological reserves, 13 forest reserves and 51 wildlife refugees harbor an estimated 75% of all of Costa Rica’s species of flora and fauna. The largest, and perhaps most famous of these private reserves is the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest (CERF) or Bosque Nuboso Eterno de los Ninos (BEN), in Spanish. The CERF was established in 1986 and includes over 22,000 hectares or 54,000 acres of primary, secondary and regenerating forest areas. It is also renowned for the fact that it borders the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The CERF along with other private reserves including Arenal National Park, and the primary rain forests of Dendrobates Reserve (Poison Dart Frog Reserve) forms a forest block under protection of about 50,000 hectares or over 110,000 acres, representing at least 6 out of 12 life zones present in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna is also home to the largest lake in the country and the majestic Arenal Volcano. Arenal is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world, and lava flows daily. This area with it’s beautiful tropical rivers, thermal hot springs, pristine jungles, abundant wildlife, and numerous adventure activities and guided tours is a must stop on any Costa Rican vacation, no matter which beach you choose to visit.
Cabina Los Tucanes (The Toucan Cabin) is discreetly nestled on a dead end road which leads to the Dendrobates reserve, from which the active Arenal volcano can be viewed, on clear days. The cabin is a mere 15 meters (50 feet) from the Dendrobates reserve, an incredibly pristine and well protected natural resource. The Rio Cacao is a fresh water creek coming out of the Dendrobates Reserve and is the only natural border separating the cabin from this magnificent forest environment. Perhaps, now, you may better understand why it is possible, and common, to see dozens of toucans and other exotic species in the trees and sky immediately surrounding this magical cabin.
Los Tucanes is a modern eco-friendly construction completed in early 2007. It is a cozy (70m/800 sq ft) yet, very comfortable design. We are also proud to say that not one tree was cut in the entire construction process, and the cabin is built up on stilts as to lessen its environmental impact and gain an even better vantage point of the river and jungle. Built from farmed Chilean pine this handsome cabin has high ceilings with ceiling fans throughout, and the double roof provides excellent air flow. Because we are at almost 1000 feet above sea level and close to the canopy, the night time lows are generally cool, in the low to mid 20’s Celsius or upper 60’s Fahrenheit, which makes for great sleeping conditions without the need for A/C. Daytime highs normally reach the upper 20’s or mid to high 80’s fahreinheit. Just about right for a refreshing dip in the creek.
The home is fully screened with aluminum doors and windows and nicely finished with terracotta Spanish tiles and handmade Costa Rican window treatments and hardwood furniture, which enhances its rustic charm. There is a comfortable new king size bed, and dining and living room sets for four. The comfortable, ample kitchen, bathroom, closet, and terrace areas all provide a refreshing change from your standard hotel room or commercial “cabina”. Built as a second home or romantic mountain getaway, we think you’ll find Cabina Los Tucanes provides everything you’ll need to be comfortable.
The kitchen is well equipped, and includes an 18 cubic foot refrigerator, 4 burner gas stove and oven and hood extractor, a 9 piece Teflon cook set, stainless cutlery and kitchen knives, ample cooking accessories, and a garbage disposal. Hot water in the bathroom, a safe in the closet and covered parking are all part of Los Tucanes amenities. However the best part of Cabin Los Tucanes is the terrace overlooking the creek and jungle, where you can pass the hours away in one of the rocking chairs or love seat relaxing with a good book and a cup of Costa Rican coffee, while listening to the creek flow by, or many of the endemic creatures of the rainforest.
All of this comfort and privacy is just a mere 5 minutes to main street Fortuna (closer than many of the large hotels such as Tabacon) where you’ll find numerous shops and restaurants, or just 20 minutes to the Arenal National Park and Lake Arenal. All fees and maid service is included and our bilingual in town manager will be happy to suggest or help you book a guided tour, a spa treatment or a great local restaurant. Special discounts apply to Cabina los Tucanes guests at our private beachfront villas in beautiful Playa Santa Teresa, at the southern tip of the Nicola Peninsula. Come experience all that the prosperous and beautiful La Fortuna area has to offer, including the Arenal Volcano and the Costa Rican rainforest at Cabina los Tucanes. Pura Vida! |
