Your next destination is Bijagua, a small town nestled in a lush volcanic valley. The village is the perfect stop-over to visit the Rio Celeste River and Tenorio National Park. According to a local legend, the Rio Celeste became so blue after God painted the sky blue and washed his brushes in the river. The scientific explanation for the bright blue is the minerals sulfate and calcium carbonate.
Your hotel
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.
The pair is genuinely committed to the local community of Bijagua and minimizing their impact on the beautiful surroundings. The lodge is small scale, all bungalows have been purposely designed for minimal visual impact, and extensive water, energy, and waste management systems are put in place.
Explore the area
You will stay at the family-run hotel and organic farm, Valle Escondido Nature Reserve. Owner Jonah and his wife Susana are passionate about permaculture and have designed their hotel and farm around the core principles of this philosophy. Jonah hosts elaborate tours on this subject while taking you around the property.
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).
At Hotel Isla Chiquita blend the adventure and eco-friendly appeal of a camping holiday with the comforts and amenities of a traditional hotel. Isla Chiquita elevates the glamping experience with premium tent accommodations featuring plush bedding, organic bath products, and lounging decks with gorgeous ocean or tropical forest views.
Ave del Paraiso is also within walking distance of the trendy neighborhood Barrio Escalante, home to many excellent restaurants to enjoy a nice dinner or a coffee. However, if you want to stay closer to home, cross the garden and enjoy a farm-to-table meal in Café Kracovia, managed by the sons of the hotel owners.
Located on the southern Caribbean coast, Manzanillo is a peaceful village at the end of the road and renowned for some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in the country.
The area is also known for its great cultural diversity of Latinos, Bribri, and Cabecar Indians. The Afro-Caribbean culture came with the Jamaicans in 1872 when the railroad between San José and the port of Limon was built.
© Green Circle Experience2025
