We gather at the Hotel Heliconia located between the nearby towns of Santa Elena and Monteverde on the northern Pacific slope of Costa Rica, where we'll spend the next 2 nights of our tour. From there we head to the lowlands for 2 nights at Hacienda La Ensenada. Then we continue on to Hotel Villa Lapas just down the road from Carara National Park, where we'll spend our the next 2 nights before returning to the Hotel Aeropuerto in Alajuela near the international airport for our final night.
HOTEL HELICONIA
Hotel Heliconia is an excellent hotel offering fine accommodations within the small town of Monteverde. It is conveniently located at the junction with the road leading up to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the road leading down to Selvatura Skywalk and the Ecological Farm. The hotel features a fine dining room and is within walking distance of several excellent restaurants. The hotel offers professional therapeutic massage and provides indoor jacuzzi tubs for use by the guests.
Hotel rooms are well appointed and upscale. Some have balconies with views into the treetops, where birding is excellent, as well as fine views of sunsets over the valley below. Rooms feature 2 comfortable full-sized beds, private bath with bathtub as well as shower, hot water, and a ceiling fan. TOP
LAS ESPUELAS
Las Espuelas is a Best Western hotel located in suburban Liberia, gateway to Palo Verde National Park. The hotel is located near many restaurants and features amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour security. Rooms feature double or twin beds, private bath with hot water, cable/satellite television, and in-room safes.
Hotel rooms are well appointed and upscale. Some have balconies with views into the treetops, where birding is excellent, as well as fine views of sunsets over the valley below. Rooms feature 2 comfortable full-sized beds, private bath with bathtub as well as shower, hot water, and a ceiling fan. TOP
HOTEL VILLA LAPAS
Villa Lapas is an upscale eco-lodge focused on the conservation of nature. It's located just 5 minutes from Carara National Park, making it an ideal location for visiting birders. The lodge also has its own private reserve where one can hike and bird on a network of trails through secondary growth forest. A small village across a short foot bridge offers pottery and various other shops.
Rooms feature 2 queen-size beds or a king-size bed. All rooms are air-conditioned and include private baths with hot water and showers. All rooms have private terraces overlooking the gardens, Tarcolitos River, or pool. Meals in the restaurant are buffet or a la carte and include wine service with dinner. Full bar service is available next to the dining room. TOP
