I stayed at Poor Man's Paradise in 2003. The Amaya family were kind and very helpful. They were extremely knowledgable and willing to share any information you requested. The resort is more rustic than some in the states, but you are in COSTA RICA! I came home covered in bumps from all the bug bites during my stay, but wouldn't have traded anything for the adventures that I was able to experience there. (The bugs were not related to the resort but rather just being outdoors there.) We were able to visit Corcovado National Rain Forest, go deep sea fishing, and see some wildlife that took our breath away. The food was superb and the price of staying there completely reasonable. The dancing in the evenings and the rooster calling in the morning are two memories that I don't ever want to forget. I would highly recommend this resort and be happy to answer any questions anyone has about my experience and what to expect.

+ restaurant, kind owners, placement
- cold shower, no internet, electricity only 2 hours per day

We were refered to this quaint getaway place by a friend who lived in the area. It was beyond our expectations. It was about a hour boat ride until you get to the ocean, but there is some great seanery getting there. Once you get there you are treated like royalty. Meals are prepared and served in then local kitchen fresh fish is always on the menu. If you are trying to get away and want some low key rest and activities this is the place for you.

I had previously come to Costa Rica and been disappointed by hitting all the hot spots that Lonely Planet recommended - Arenal, Monteverde etc., finding them overun with tourists and aggressive guides and taxi drivers. They were these gringo bubbles created, shuttling everyone from overcrowded destination to the next and back to the hostels serving cheeseburgers and big screen tvs and i felt like i got nothing in terms of experiencing any real aspects of Costa Rica.

Poor Man's Paradise was a different story. The office is located in Sierpe, a 6 hour bus ride from san jose to palmar norte (about $10) and a 10 minute taxi ride from the bus station to sierpe ($2) and you can make reservations and make arrangements for the hour and a half boat ride out to the beaches.

There you will find a virtually private beach, with about 40 cabins set back amongst the trees, along with an excellent restaurant and bar, and a staff whose family has lived there for over 30 years. There are tons of tours available, whale watching, hiking into the national refuge that's right next door, scuba diving, snorkeling, horse back riding, but there's also the option to sit on that beautiful beach or in a hammock and soak in the quiet peaceful atmosphere, interrupted only by the sounds and sights of monkeys and tropical birds.


Its true if you're looking for night hot spots and shopping this might not fit the bill, but if you are looking for rest, relaxation, quality service, great food, and beautiful sites, look no further. It is everything that you wished Costa Rica destinations would be.