Fodor's Expert Review Canopy Lodge

Nestled in the forest overlooking the boulder-strewn Guayabo River, this lovely lodge is a mecca for bird-watchers and other nature enthusiasts. Its attractions are honeycreepers, euphonias, hummingbirds, and the other 300 bird species found in the surrounding forest. The sister lodge of the Canopy Tower (weeklong packages combine the two lodges), in Soberania National Park, guest rooms here are bright and spacious, with stylish slate floors, concrete bathrooms, and wide balconies that overlook the river and forest. Meals are served family-style in an airy restaurant-lounge with a self-service bar. There is a good natural-history library, but not one TV to be found. Though rates are steep, they include three meals, and wine with dinner. There is a minimum two-night stay, and with a three-night minimum stay, you get a free introductory nature/bird tour (otherwise all tours cost extra).