Tropical Volcano & Cloud Forest

1) Hotel Bougainvillea

Hotel Bougainvillea allows you to step back from the hustle and bustle of Costa Rica’s capital city to a quiet place between the mountains where country roads and villages, fresh breezes and never-ending spring seasons invigorate and renew.

Located just 10 minutes from San Jose, this family owned and operated inn is set on a hillside with wonderful views across the valley. Twelve acres of lush gardens feature over 50 species of bromeliads, Costa Rican native trees, numerous species of orchids, herb and cacti gardens, and radiant humming birds.

Rooms are large with two double beds, a sitting area with specially made Costa Rican hardwood furniture, cable TV and direct dial telephones. Each has a balcony offering marvelous views of the mountains on one side and the San José skyline on the other.

Hotel Bougainvillea has the charm of a family owned and operated hotel. Every detail of the hotel and restaurant is personally supervised by owner Hans van der Wielen. Guests can stroll in the gardens, swim in the heated pool, enjoy a sauna or use the tennis courts. Additional amenities include a gift shop, meeting & conference facilities, Internet access and currency exchance.

2) Arenal Observatory Lodge

Set high on a ridge facing Costa Rica’s most active and spectacular volcano, the Arenal Observatory Lodge offers adventure travelers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge has 48 spacious rooms, most with a direst view of the volcano and/or the forest. Five rooms are fully equipped for disabled travelers, with rooms, bathrooms, hallways, parking areas and even the new swimming pool designed accordingly. This lodge is also recognized as one of the highest rated eco-lodges in Costa Rica.

The lodge is located just 17 miles from the active crater of Arenal Volcano, and is separated from it by a deep river valley. Scientists from the Smithsonian Institute specifically chose the location for its close but safe vantage point from which to study the volcano. Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on 870 acres of land adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The site contains 270 acres of primary rainforest with well-marked trails, 400 acres of reforestation projects and 200 acres of working farm lands.

There are 7 miles of well-maintained trails for walking, horseback riding, biking, running and observing a variety of flora and fauna. Approximately 400 species of birds live in the area making the Arenal Observatory Lodge a preferred destination for bird watchers. Activities at the hotel include hikes to the waterfall or to explore Cerro Chato (an extinct volcano with a small lake in the crater), horseback riding, bicycling through the trails, enjoying a refreshing swim in the pool or simply relaxing with a massage in the spa.

Please take note that other adventure activities, local tours and trip excursions are located about 45 minutes away from the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

3) Hotel Heliconia

Hotel Heliconia in Costa Rica's famed Monteverde region is located on a 6-acre property surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Family run by Doña Roxana and her family, Heliconia is one of the pioneer hotels in the Monteverde Cloud Forest area.

The perfect setting for those who love birdwatching and the serenity of a mountain retreat, the lodge offers panoramic views of Monteverde and opportunities to see hundreds of exotic birds and animals.

The ambiance at Hotel Heliconia offers home-style comfort, with fine wood finishing throughout. Standard rooms on our itineraries are Junior Suites, with two king-size beds, coffee maker, telephone, spacious private bathroom, flat-screen TV with cable, safety deposit box and a beautiful private balcony with sitting area and amazing views of the Monteverde mountains and the Nicoya Gulf. Upgrades to master suites and family suites may be available.

Two restaurants as well as a bar are onsite. Walking trails, scenic gardens and numerous jacuzzis dot the property. Amenities and services include free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi in hte lobby, concierge services and luggage storage.