Fodor's Expert Review Reserva Natural Punta Patiño

The most comfortable accommodations near La Palma are in the Reserva Natural Punta Patiño, a private nature reserve 32 km (20 miles) southwest of town managed by ANCON, the country's biggest conservation group. A former ranch in the midst of ecological restoration, the reserve consists of 26,000 hectares (65,000 acres) of mature forest and former pastureland. It is home to crab-eating raccoons, crocodiles, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), and hundreds of bird species, ranging from the delicate mangrove swallow to the mighty harpy eagle. Ancon Expeditions offers four-day tours to the Punta Patiño Lodge, on the north end of the reserve.