Category: En

Description of the area:

Jacó Beach is one of the livliest coastal towns in Costa Rica and the Jacó Beach Best Western is a hotel of preference in Jacó. Our resort is the perfect hideaway for those who want to escape daily life, without leaving service and the comfort of home behind.

In addition to our comfortable rooms, we offer a restaurant with relaxing views of the Pacific Ocean, outdoor pools for adults and children, tennis and beach volleyball courts, exercise room, and much more.

In and around Jacó you can also find a large number of natural attractions such as Carara and Manuel Antonio National Parks, sports like surfing and fishing, and others such as shopping or dining in the area’s many restaurants.

Available activities:

Adventure, sports
Biking
Tours

How to get there:

• Nearest international airport: Juan Santamaría, San José.

• Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 56 miles

Making a difference:

The Jacó Beach Best Western Hotel is one of only two large hotels (over 100 rooms) with a “four leaf” or higher rating for its Certificate of Sustainable Tourism, indicating its high degree of commitment to the environment, nature, and the community.

The Jacó Beach Best Western Hotel has implemented water and energy saving plans, a recycling plan, and a responsible purchasing plan, among others.

The hotel also participates actively in community organizations such as the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Flag Committee, and the Tourist Care safety program.

Additionally, the hotel has organized and implemented programs such as the Campaign Against Prostitution, the event For A Better Jacó and a university scholarship program for the area’s students.

General Rates:

For more information about rates, write to bwjbreservas@grupomarta.com or visit the Best Western group Web page and follow the links to find the information for this hotel.

Date this information was provided: November, 2007.

Description of the area:

Casa Turire is located in the Turrialba valley, a geographic zone of Costa Rica that is bathed by the waters of the Reventazón River, famous for its rapids and rafting trips.

The region also offers educational activities such as visits to the Botanical Garden at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) and the serpentarium, as well opportunities to learn about the main agricultural activities of the region through visits to a sugar mill, a coffee mill, and macadamia nut plantations. Trips on horseback can be made to see wildlife and sugarcane and coffee plantations up close.

Available activities:

Adventure, sports
Biking
Bird watching
Canopy exploration
Eco/nature/wildlife
Educational, research, volunteering
Horseback riding
Mountain climbing
River rafting
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking
Wellness, health, spa

How to get there:

• Nearest international airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport.

• Nearest local / national airport: The airport in Atirro for small aircraft and the airport of Puerto Limón for larger aircraft.

• Distance to the nearest airport: 1.45 minutes; we are appox. 38 miles (65 km) from San Jose.

Making a difference:

The protected areas and beautiful gardens of our hotel are home to thousands of animals; we also raise some animals.

We have a recycling system.

We grow our own vegetables.

We offer employment to people from the nearby communities and we obtain the products we need locally.

Description of the area:

Step back from the downtown hustle and bustle to that quiet place between the mountains where country roads and villages, fresh breezes, and never ending spring seasons invigorate and renew. Set among 10 acres of lush gardens, the unique and comfortable Hotel Bouganvillea is a place where guests can truly experience the world famous beauty of Costa Rica, just ten minutes from San José. Add to this a free, hourly shuttle service into San José and you have a perfect combination.
Heliconias, air plants, birds of paradise, bromeliads and shrimp plants are among exotic species adorning the grounds of Hotel Bougainvillea where, in absence of any sense of urgency, you can enjoy an old fashioned gentle stroll. A secluded pool setting, sauna, tennis courts and jogging trail provide ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the area.
Our gourmet restaurant has an established reputation for international cuisine. Paintings and sculptures by leading local artists feature throughout the property.
Rooms are large with two full size beds, a sitting area and the full range of facilities. Each has a balcony offering marvelous views of the mountains on one side and the San José skyline on the other.

Available activities:

Bird watching
Eco/nature/wildlife
Walking/hiking

How to get there:

• Closest international airport: San José

• Closest local airport: San José

• Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 20 min

Making a difference:

The hotel supports the Debra Foundation, which is dedicated to help children with severe skin diseases, as well as the Red Cross.

Description of the area:

You can visit important Maya ruins in the region, such as Tikal and others, and you can hike in the jungle or tour its canopy, and make excursions to Petén Itzá lake.

Available activities:

Bird watching
Canopy exploration
Eco/nature/wildlife
Educational, research, volunteering
Fishing
Horseback riding
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking

How to get there:

We are 19 miles (30 km) from the Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena Petén, on the paved road to Tikal.

Making a difference:

We recycle whenever possible and we use energy saving lightbulbs and water heaters. We use wastewater from the kitchen to water the plants, and compost organic waste for fertilizer. Our employees are local people, we are being trained in tourism management and we conserve the environment. We also have maps, brochures and other information about activities in the area available for tourists.

Description of the area:

The property is located within the tropical montane rainforests of Jamaica’s only National Park. Holywell boasts spectacular views of wide open rainforest areas, the city of Kingston, and world famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations. There are 5 hiking trails, one of which runs through 2 parishes, another leads to a waterfall, and one leads to a stream. The area is a favorite of bird watchers, campers, and hikers. Visitors will come in contact with a wide variety of endemic plants and birds, and become familiar with conservation programmes. Children can enjoy the newly built Kids’ Discovery Zone, an interpretive play area where children learn about the plants and animals of the park. Nearby attractions include: New Castle Jamaica Defense Force Training depot which boasts a rich history, Twymam’s Coffee Farm, Gardens of Cold Spring, Catherine’s Peak, and park buffer zone communities.

Available activities:

Bird watching
Eco/nature/wildlife
Educational, research, volunteering
Mountain climbing
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking

How to get there:

• Closest international airport:

Norman Manley International Airport

• Closest local airport:

Norman Manley International Airport

• Distance, by land, to the nearest airport:

53 km or 33 miles

Holywell is accessible all year-round via two-wheel drive vehicle.

Making a difference:

Holywell is the premier recreational area inside the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This park is dedicated to the conservation of Jamaica’s natural resources and to providing nature-based recreational opportunities for Jamaicans and foreigners. Holywell is used as a focal point for developing appreciation for nature in the wider public, and hence support for conservation initiatives. Holywell employs a largely local workforce from nearby communities, and uses local products. The site houses a tree nursery where native forest trees are grown for use in reforestation projects and for sale to visitors. About 80% of the Holywell property is dedicated to habitat conservation, and therefore is under forest cover. The visitor center at the site provides educational materials about the natural environment, and the newly built Kids Discovery Zone entertains children with interpretive games.

Description of the area:

The Cotococha Lodge has a wide range of natural attractions and popular destinations. We are on the banks of the Napo River surrounded by exuberant vegetation.

Some of the main natural attractions are excursions to visit the primary and secondary forests, indigenous Quichua communities, a butterfly garden, the rescue center for endemic animals (under the care of foreign volunteers), waterfalls, and more.

Our installations and their decoration are in accord with the environment: wooden cabins with thatch roofs, stone trails, gardens with endemic vegetation. We also have private baths, hot water, a cleaning service, a restaurant and bar; our prices are all-inclusive (lodging, food, and excursions) and a wide variety of packages (3, 4, and 5 days).

Available activities:

Adventure, sports
Eco/nature/wildlife
River rafting
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking

How to get there:

• Nearest international airport: Mariscal Sucre Airport – Quito, Ecuador
• Nearest local airport: Airport in the city of Tena
• We are 35 minutes from the airport in the city of Tena, on a first class paved highway; four-wheel drive vehicles are not required.

Making a difference:

• Caring for the wellbeing of the local and global environment: we don’t dispose waste in the river or in the forests, and we have made changes to responsibly manage solid and liquid wastes; we don’t contaminate the air, we maintain the vegetation inside and outside the lodge, we don’t introduce domestic animals into the area or allow guests to bring them to the lodge, we inform staff and lodge guests on how to avoid negatively impacting flora and fauna in the area.
• Our business provides support to the local community: the majority of employees are from the local area; the two guides are indigenous quichuas; we contract water and land transportation services from local suppliers; we help economically by purchasing arts and crafts from native communities, and through the entrance fees for the butterfly garden and the animal rescue center.

We are committed to sustainable tourism and this is why we received certification from SmartVoyager.

Description of the area:

We offer marine and terrestrial transport services that are known for their friendliness, courtesy, and punctuality.

The most popular destinations out of Puerto Barrios that we visit are Río Dulce, Sarstun, Quirigua, 7 Altares, Cocolí, Playa Blanca and Punta Plama. There are other destinations, including Belize and Honduras.

Available activities: (in the destinations where the company travels to)

Adventure, sports
Bird watching
Canopy exploration
Eco/nature/wildlife
Educational, research, volunteering
Fishing
Scuba diving/snorkeling
Spiritual/religious
River rafting
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking
Wellness, health, spa

How to get there:

We are located on Avenida 1, calles 10 and 11, only at 2 miles (3 km) from the Puerto Barrios airport.

Making a difference:

We follow the guidelines of the cleaner production program.

We provide support to the community; 80% of the services required are hired locally.

Four-stroke outboard motors that do not contaminate the environment are used. These motors are certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Description of the area:

Great Adventure for the whole family. Three Star Costa Rican family operated hotel, reasonably priced. Award given for sustainable program policy. Twenty-five comfortable rooms with a/c and hot water. Other amenities include: restaurants, pool, Jacuzzi, parking, safe deposit boxes, ATM, banking service, Rentacar service. Located near restaurants, a rainforest reserve and the town of Quepos. Shuttle every 20 minutes to the parks, beaches and downtown. Fifteen daily tours including canopy, sport fishing, horseback riding, park tours, white water rafting, ATVs, diving lessons, sea kayaking, snorkeling trips, surf lessons, sunset sails, mangrove swamp tours, and jet ski. Ask about our special wedding package.

Available activities:

Adventure, sports
Biking
Bird watching
Canopy exploration
Eco/nature/wildlife
Educational, research, volunteering
Fishing
Horseback riding
River rafting
Scuba diving/snorkeling
Spiritual/religious
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking

How to get there:

• Closest international airport: SJO

• Closest local airport: Quepos

• Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 10 min

Making a difference:

We support the nearby national park and local policies and voluntary programs with donations. We are members of several local organizations that help clean up the beaches. In the hotel, we have a recycling program; use biodegradable soap, shampoo and products; we are involved in a program helping local schools; we use alternative energies, like solar panels for hot water, use only fluorescent lights and use timers to turn off lights not in use. We have a water conservation program.

Description of the area:

Manuel Antonio is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in Costa Rica. The perfect backdrop for the movie,”The Blue Lagoon,” Mother Nature sculpted the perfect set of beaches with rainforest terraces overlooking the tropical Pacific. Discreetly integrated amidst an ideal jungle hilltop, the award winning eco-designed Si Como No Resort & Spa provides comfort and barefoot luxury for all its guests. From Hotel Si Como No you can visit nearby beaches, the National Park, mangroves, the adjacent Wildlife Nature Exhibits, or enjoy a variety of water sports and local shopping, including the hotel’s Gift Shop & Art Gallery.

Getting to Si Como No is truly a scenic adventure! From the Costa Rican International Airport, take the Pan-American Highway to Atenas. Exit at the Atenas – Orotina sign and continue your drive over the scenic mountains past Orotina. Follow the Hotel signage past Jaco to Parrita, and finally Quepos. Once in Quepos, turn left just past the tiny park, and drive another 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) on the only road to Manuel Antonio National Park. You will see the hotel parking entrance next to the Net Café and Regalame Gift Shop & Art Gallery.

Available activities:

Adventure, sports
Biking
Bird watching
Canopy exploration
Eco/nature/wildlife
Fishing
Horseback riding
River rafting
Scuba diving/snorkeling
Tours
Visits to conservation projects
Walking/hiking
Wellness, health, spa

How to get there:

Nearest international airport: Juan Santa Maria Int. Airport
Nearest local / national airport: Quepos Local Airport
Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 15 min

Making a difference:

Si Como No is one of only 4 hotels in the country to receive “five leaves” – the highest rating available from the CST. The hotel has systems that separate the laundry gray waters from the normal sanitation and that use bio-digesters to treat solid waste. The organic waste from the kitchens is converted to organic compost through a Japanese method called “Bocashi.” The compost is used throughout the hotel’s botanical gardens. Glass, plastic and aluminum containers are all recycled and well water is used for irrigation. Window and ceiling insulation and energy-efficient air conditioning systems were installed to conserve electricity, and a significant portion of the hotel’s water is heated with solar energy. We believe Si Como No demonstrates that all the local flora and fauna, including us Homo sapiens, can share the land and help preserve the environment together by practicing sustainable goals we all have in common.

Description of the area:

We are on the main street of the beautiful municipality of Livingston. One of the prettiest attractions of this paradise is the Dulce River: its natural beauty, Amatique Bay, and the river mouth. Another attraction in this region is the Afro-Caribbean culture.

We have 34 years of experience in the culinary field.

How to get there:

• Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Mundo Maya, en Santa Elena, Flores, Petén

• Nearest local/national airport: the same

• Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 137 miles. Note: Livingston can be reached only by boat.

Making a difference:

We recycle wastes and avoid using canned products to reduce environmental contamination and destruction.

We help the community by providing services to the village and donating products to the schools for holiday celebrations.