Fodor's Expert Review Hotel de Montaña El Pelícano

On a precipitous ridge, this modest wooden lodge is an affordable and comfortable launching pad for a hike up Chirripó, or a pleasant spot to relax and breathe in fresh mountain air and scenery and watch birds. Along with budget rooms with private bath above the restaurant, there are private, comfortable cabins scattered around a pool, all with gorgeous views of the valley. The lodge's spartan but fresh rooms above the restaurant can accommodate up to five. One poolside apartment is spacious and fully equipped. The lodge is named for a twisted-wood pelican—one of dozens of idiosyncratic sculptures carved out of tree roots that now reside in a rustic museum on the property. The owners are eco-conscious, and they are part of the consortium that can arrange everything for a climb up Chirripó, from park reservations to transportation to porters to lodging. The driveway up to the hotel itself is quite steep; a 4WD vehicle is advised.