A mixed bag for serious naturalists/birders, but Elmer is a hero for making this especially good jungle camp experience (not to mention his five-star cooking) available on a backpacker budget, and I believe he and his brother are doing good conservation work. It would get five stars from me if the pack of dogs didn't follow us on hikes, which made birdwatching much more difficult (though still worthwhile), and daytime searches for ground animals mostly pointless (Elmer offered to stop them, but gave up almost immediately). Thankfully the dogs are mostly kept closed in at night. There is one very special feature for wildlife enthusiasts though: This is probably the best low-budget place in Costa Rica to see a tapir - they visit the banana farm around the hostel every night, and though two days wasn't enough for us to get lucky, others did see them, and I saw lots of their footprints. Experienced naturalists will also be able to find some other cool mammals, reptiles, and amphibians on the property at night. (The night walk tours are great for beginners, but not recommended for anyone experienced looking for wildlife in the forest at night. We went with a guide who we were told was “the best of the best”, and I found about as many animals as he did. And though he seemed to know his snakes and frogs very well, he casually and badly misidentified several insects and even a bird.) The hostel is not exactly “right in the jungle”, because it's surrounded by an area planted with bananas and cacao, there is well-preserved forest nearby in every direction (I don't know if it's “primary forest” - there were only a few really big trees even in the most natural parts, though they do have one awesome huge kapok/ceiba tree near the buldings). Be aware that you'll be more or less camping. They have a cool open-air wooden lodge structure, and some parts are separated as “private rooms”, while the rest of the accommodations except for a couple rustic cabins are literally camping tents (though with mattresses and good shelter from the rain). Elmer and Wilbur were both very kind, even trying to help point out wildlife for us when we weren't on the tour. And as others have said, Elmer’s cooking is exceptional (though he won't be home from now until December 2024). Just one more serious issue: The staff needs to listen to guests, and stop telling people that the trails are easy to follow. While we were there one volunteer got lost in the forest at night trying to get to the hostel the first time. Crossing waist-deep flowing water is also no joke, and even as a skilled hiker I couldn't find the route all the way to the waterfall (and we were not warned that the waterfall trail was nearly blocked by fallen trees at two places, or that it was an hours-long round trip). I'm adding the trails to OpenStreetMap though, so you should be able to at least see them on offline map apps soon.

My stay here was incredible. The farm is surrounded by primary forest and the opportunity to see all kinds of amazing animals like toucans and tapirs. I highly recommend doing the night tour as that’s when you can see the most animals, especially guided by Elmer or Emilio as they have a well trained eye for spotting them. Their hospitality was wonderful and they made me feel right at home :) I’ll never forget my time there, it’s an incredibly special place filled with incredibly special people. The accommodations are rustic but they will help you get that much closer to nature ;) this is the most authentic Oso Peninsula tour you can do. And rest assured you’re helping a multi-generational family farm maintain their way of life and manage the surrounding forest with so much love. Expect to get wet, sweaty, and up close & personal with animals that you may never see again. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Amazing experience! Basic Eco-Lodge, but in a gorgeous old jungle, so luxury cannot be expected. It's definitely an experience to come and stay here, but the staff is very friendly and an amazing cook as well! The lodge is surrounded by beautiful old trees, toucans, monkeys, hike trails to a cool waterfall.... It was recommended by the Nativos tour operator (same family business) in Drake town, instead of doing the intense and expensive tour to the Los Planes station in Corcovado Park, which is actually next to this lodge!

This place is magical. A sanctury for stranded souls and nature enthusiasts. Its in the middle of the jungle and you will experience nature deeper than on any tour. There are three optional (and delicious) meals a day for 10 dollars. Dont expect luxus. Respect the nature! Be chill :)

This place is a real life jungle you can stay in. You walk through 2 rivers and hike quite the terrain before you get to your rooms. This is off grid living at its best..... absolutely amazing, who has their own backyard jungle? WHAT??? A jungle backyard ? You got to be some kinda krayZee!!! Not at Finca Rio Agujitas, you have 200 acres to live in 100% authentic rainforest jungle without a peep of noise from the noise outside world. Elmer couldn't have been a better host. Pura Vida

The place is awesome and the people who run it are really cool. It's in the middle of the forest so you can get to see different animals and do diverse activities like hikes or going to the river or the waterfall. They are always trying to please you and the food they cooked is delicious. I spent two weeks volunteering there and I would visit them again if I ever come back to Drake's Bay. If you like nature and good company this place is for you.

It's a rustic farm surrounded by thick and lush jungle, a place for those who really want to immerse themselves in nature, a friendly environment with good people, good food and animals. I would definitely recommend those with an adventurous heart and a love for nature to stay here.

it was such a nice time to be in emilios place 5 days as a guest. so much nature, so pure, so kindful and helfful his familie. the voluntaries are such great people, lots of fun together and respect for mother earth. thank you for this experience in the dschunglecamp😘we will see us soon ☀️

A beautiful location, with a lovely river flowing through the property. Lots of wildlife, so much to see. Easy to get to with a vehicle, but a bit of a trek from town, on hot and dusty roads. (was here as a volunteer for 2 weeks).

Our stay here was one of our highlights in Costa Rica. Spending the night in the middle of the rainforest and experiencing nature up close is something very special. Elmer is the best host you can imagine and the food he cooks is amazing. I also highly recommend doing the night tour with him. We saw lots of animals, including 6 snakes, spiders, lots of different frogs, an owl and much more. I can definitely recommend Rio Agujitas Farm!