Today you will drive to the charming village of San Gerardo de Dota in the Cerro de la Muerte. This mountain range separates the Caribbean and Pacific Coast. Before reaching the highest point of the road (3300m/11000 feet) descend into a beautiful green valley carved by the river Savegre and enjoy the breathtaking scenery before arriving in the charming, small town of San Gerardo de Dota (2500m).
Your hotel
Here you will be staying at Dantica Lodge, founded by a Dutch-Colombian couple. They’ve built a fantastic boutique hotel that offers excellent views of the valley, a jacuzzi, and a wood-fired heater in your room.
In the 1950s, a few local families settled in this area devoted to nature conservation. They promote sustainable tourism in the valley and the surrounding cloud forests to protect nature.
The village is also one of the few places in Central America where you can spot the quetzal. This elusive bird was sacred to the Mayans in Mexico. It also is the national symbol of Guatemala and, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary birds to see in the wild in Costa Rica.
Explore the area
At San Gerardo de Dota in the Cerro de la Muerte. This mountain range separates the Caribbean and Pacific Coast. Before reaching the highest point of the road (3300m/11000 feet) descend into a beautiful green valley carved by the river Savegre and enjoy the breathtaking scenery before arriving in the charming, small town of San Gerardo de Dota (2500m).
The elegant Hotel Belmar. Since the hotel was founded in the 1980s, the family Belmar has been well aware of the environmental impact, and social commitment that running a hotel entails. To balance this, they have always been involved in various projects of ecological conservation and social welfare, which have contributed to the integral development of the local community.
The Rafiki Beach Camp, also managed by the Boshoff family that runs Rafiki Safari Lodge, is a sublime destination in the quiet village of Matapalo on the Pacific coast. Being an off-the-beaten-track location, you will have the beautiful beach almost to yourself here.
Villa San Ignacio is a charming boutique hotel with spacious rooms, a nice restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful tropical garden. Everything is there to let you relax during your last day in Costa Rica and before stepping on the plane home.
Nestled in the heart of the Arenal region, Hotel Manoa offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of the iconic Arenal
In Bijagua, you will spend the night at Tenorio Lodge in a stylish bungalow. Nearby you’ll find a large jacuzzi with stunning views of the volcano to relax in after your day trip adventures. The owners of the lodge, Frank and Christine, offer great culinary delights to their guests. The lodge’s restaurant is famous for its delicious French fusion cuisine.
© Green Circle Experience2024
