The romantic city of Vara Blanca is full of attractions, such as Barva Volcano and Braulio Carrillo National Park, and is loved for its gardens and mountain views.
You might want to head out to Barva Volcano for some fresh mountain air and a bird's-eye view of Vara Blanca. If you like Barva Volcano, you'll love Braulio Carrillo National Park and Poas Volcano, both just a short drive away.
If you like quiet time surrounded by flowers and greenery, then make a stop at Costa Rica Nature Pavilion in the heart of Tirimbina. Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to Tirimbina Rainforest Center, located nearby.
Tirimbina Rainforest Center is 4.9 mi (7.9 km) from central La Virgen, why not stop by during your stay. Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to Costa Rica Nature Pavilion, located nearby.
Rara Avis Waterfall is 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from central Las Horquetas, why not stop by during your stay. If you like Rara Avis Waterfall, you'll love Braulio Carrillo National Park and Frogs Heaven, both just a short drive away.
Costa Rica Best Chocolate is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from central Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, why not stop by during your stay. If you'd also like to explore some of the parks in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Tirimbina Rainforest Center is nearby.
Frogs Heaven is in the heart of Horquetas, so why not stop by during your stay. If you like Frogs Heaven, you'll love Rara Avis Waterfall, just a short drive away.
We were floored when we first saw the view and the room! It is so special and our first night was quiet and romantic. The grounds are gorgeous. The staff was exceptional! We only had a couple of complaints and when we had the complaints, the staff was eager to help in any way possible. We had an issue with our DVD player-which in our mind wasn't a huge deal because it's so fantastic there you don't really need movies, but we wanted to relax our last night and we couldn't get the DVD player to...
We were floored when we first saw the view and the room! It is so special and our first night was quiet and romantic. The grounds are gorgeous. The staff was exceptional! We only had a couple of complaints and when we had the complaints, the staff was eager to help in any way possible. We had an issue with our DVD player-which in our mind wasn't a huge deal because it's so fantastic there you don't really need movies, but we wanted to relax our last night and we couldn't get the DVD player to...
Anonymous traveler
Reviewed February 10, 2016Reviewed February 10, 2016
Wonderful property at the botanical gardens overlooking the San Jose city with nice walking trails.
Tons of birds and butterflies.
The on-site restaurant is top notch.
I don’t need one, but rooms do not have televisions.
Use caution if driving as the roads are steep and narrow. Cars and trucks often park in the road creating one lane there aren’t any sidewalks so people and dogs also share the roads so be mindful if driving.
Wonderful property at the botanical gardens overlooking the San Jose city with nice walking trails.
Tons of birds and butterflies.
The on-site restaurant is top notch.
I don’t need one, but rooms do not have televisions.
Use caution if driving as the roads are steep and narrow. Cars and trucks often park in the road creating one lane there aren’t any sidewalks so people and dogs also share the roads so be mindful if driving.
Going to CR by myself; the staff at Gardens House were awesome. They treated me and those I met that also stayed there very well. I will def return to this place when I come back.
Going to CR by myself; the staff at Gardens House were awesome. They treated me and those I met that also stayed there very well. I will def return to this place when I come back.
I was a little worried during the taxi ride to the hotel that I had made a terrible mistake in picking the hotel as some of the areas look a little rough (by American standards), however, once at the gated hotel I realized that I indeed had made a good choice when choosing the location as the property is incredibly calming and beautiful. Just know that since you are out of the city you will need to use Uber eat or a taxi to get food as there is no onsite restaurant.
I was a little worried during the taxi ride to the hotel that I had made a terrible mistake in picking the hotel as some of the areas look a little rough (by American standards), however, once at the gated hotel I realized that I indeed had made a good choice when choosing the location as the property is incredibly calming and beautiful. Just know that since you are out of the city you will need to use Uber eat or a taxi to get food as there is no onsite restaurant.
kim
Reviewed January 20, 2022Reviewed January 20, 2022
This is a brand new property, recently built. This hotel has a great location, steps from the Costa Rica Convention Center, there are shopping malls, clinics, restaurants, at walkable distance.
There is shuttle service to the SJO airport,
Breakfast was great too including costarican typical food.
Hope to be staying here again soon!
This is a brand new property, recently built. This hotel has a great location, steps from the Costa Rica Convention Center, there are shopping malls, clinics, restaurants, at walkable distance.
There is shuttle service to the SJO airport,
Breakfast was great too including costarican typical food.
Hope to be staying here again soon!
Luis
Reviewed October 27, 2025Reviewed October 27, 2025
Great customer service, even booked a shuttle for the next day (same price as if I did it myself). Airport pickup, reception, check-in, breakfast, local directions, and the room were all excellent. They even drove us to a nearby restaurant. The only drawback was that Room #1 was in the hallway, so be aware that noises in the hallway and bedroom transmit easily.
Great customer service, even booked a shuttle for the next day (same price as if I did it myself). Airport pickup, reception, check-in, breakfast, local directions, and the room were all excellent. They even drove us to a nearby restaurant. The only drawback was that Room #1 was in the hallway, so be aware that noises in the hallway and bedroom transmit easily.
Pedro, the owner, could not have been better. The only warning I have, is make sure you email the owner yourself! Hotels.com did not forward my reservation to the hotel, so we had tons of trouble getting to the lodge. You must drive over a long dirt road full of rocks, which was terrible in a rental car and which Pedro will avoid by picking you up at the nearest paved road, if he knows you are coming. My little front-wheel drive Hyundai rental handled beautifully but, like all low-riding...
Pedro, the owner, could not have been better. The only warning I have, is make sure you email the owner yourself! Hotels.com did not forward my reservation to the hotel, so we had tons of trouble getting to the lodge. You must drive over a long dirt road full of rocks, which was terrible in a rental car and which Pedro will avoid by picking you up at the nearest paved road, if he knows you are coming. My little front-wheel drive Hyundai rental handled beautifully but, like all low-riding...
The staff at the Bougainvillea welcome and get to know each and every one of their guests. You feel like you are a guest in their own home. The rooms are clean and spacious with great views of the mountain or the garden - I had a tree top view of a flowering Margarita tree - sensational! The dining is good and the prices comparable to most restaurants. Don't expect a bargain as there are none in Costa Rica. However, the breakfast is free, substantial and you can have as much as you want of...
The staff at the Bougainvillea welcome and get to know each and every one of their guests. You feel like you are a guest in their own home. The rooms are clean and spacious with great views of the mountain or the garden - I had a tree top view of a flowering Margarita tree - sensational! The dining is good and the prices comparable to most restaurants. Don't expect a bargain as there are none in Costa Rica. However, the breakfast is free, substantial and you can have as much as you want of...
My daughter and I had the great pleasure of visiting this beautiful coffee plantation. The staff, the food, the coffee, and the atmosphere exceeded our expectations. Ed and Pablo helped us with our reservations and we’re so welcoming when we arrived. Even the owner greeted us! The staff made us feel at home. Ulysses lead the tour of the plantation and the bird watching tour. I was so impressed with him! He not only found the most beautiful birds but was able catch a picture for me! The...
My daughter and I had the great pleasure of visiting this beautiful coffee plantation. The staff, the food, the coffee, and the atmosphere exceeded our expectations. Ed and Pablo helped us with our reservations and we’re so welcoming when we arrived. Even the owner greeted us! The staff made us feel at home. Ulysses lead the tour of the plantation and the bird watching tour. I was so impressed with him! He not only found the most beautiful birds but was able catch a picture for me! The...
Donna
Reviewed December 25, 2021Reviewed December 25, 2021
This hotel (not really kind of a retreat/B&B) is set away from the surrounding towns and is in the middle of a small working farm. You drive past cows and milking stalls on the way in....you feel that you're stepping even further away from your busy life to a simpler time. When you step inside it does take a while to realize you are really in someones home, and it's very welcoming. There are fires going in the stoves and fireplaces each evening, all the guests and staff are friendly, and feel...
This hotel (not really kind of a retreat/B&B) is set away from the surrounding towns and is in the middle of a small working farm. You drive past cows and milking stalls on the way in....you feel that you're stepping even further away from your busy life to a simpler time. When you step inside it does take a while to realize you are really in someones home, and it's very welcoming. There are fires going in the stoves and fireplaces each evening, all the guests and staff are friendly, and feel...
Anonymous traveler
Reviewed December 19, 2015Reviewed December 19, 2015
Beautiful hotel, clean, very friendly staff. Nice gym and gorgeous rooftop pool and bar. Breakfast was delicious. Shuttle to airport was seamless. We would stay here again!
Beautiful hotel, clean, very friendly staff. Nice gym and gorgeous rooftop pool and bar. Breakfast was delicious. Shuttle to airport was seamless. We would stay here again!
NICOLE
Reviewed September 29, 2023Reviewed September 29, 2023
This B & B is a must visit if you are in the area. It is paradise in a compound run by Betty and Eduardo.
The room was excellent with great views and very comfortable. There are many things to do in the area.The grounds are beautiful with orange, mango, lemon trees.. They grow and brew their own coffee
This B & B is a must visit if you are in the area. It is paradise in a compound run by Betty and Eduardo.
The room was excellent with great views and very comfortable. There are many things to do in the area.The grounds are beautiful with orange, mango, lemon trees.. They grow and brew their own coffee
Heredia Province is a friendly locale known for its bars and restaurants. Simply book an excursion to enjoy your stay a little more. You can easily spend a relaxing day visiting Barva Volcano and Braulio Carrillo National Park. You might find that sights like Palace of Sports and Costa Rica Convention Center are worth a visit.
What is there to see around Heredia Province?
Palace of Sports (0.4 mi/0.6 km from the city center)
Costa Rica Convention Center (2.8 mi/4.5 km from the city center)
Ojo de Agua Spa Park (5.5 mi/8.9 km from the city center)
Barva Volcano (9.4 mi/15.1 km from the city center)
Braulio Carrillo National Park (13.9 mi/22.4 km from the city center)
What is there to do around Heredia Province?
Plaza Real Cariari (3.2 mi/5.1 km from the city center)
Cafe Britt Coffee Farm (0.7 mi/1.2 km from the city center)
Oxígeno Human Playground (1.1 mi/1.8 km from the city center)
Toucan Rescue Ranch (5.9 mi/9.4 km from the city center)
Casa de la Cultura (0.1 mi/0.1 km from the city center)