Cordilleras Volcanoes
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve
Once owned by a former president of Costa Rica, the small boutique hotel is nestled among 75 acres of rolling hills within the 2,0000 acre Los Angeles Cloud Forest Private Biological Reserve, yet is only just over an hour’s drive from the international airport at San Jose.
The 35 well-appointed casitas are set among lush botanical gardens, and range from standard to honeymoon suites. All feature vaulted cane ceilings with fans, hand-crafted furniture, a living area with fireplace, en suite bathroom, WiFi, mini-bar,coffee maker and private garden porch. All the suites feature an in-room whirlpool tub.
Attached to the hotel is José Miguel Alfaro’s Research Station which was originally created to study the order Lepidoptera by the National Biodiversity Institute (INBIO). Today, its facilities keep collections and provide specialized equipment to visitors, students and researchers for a lasting experience and enjoyment of the cloud forest.
Facilities
El Sendero Restaurant, Aqui No Mas Lobby Bar and Voice of Nature Spa.
Local Wildlife
The Los Angeles Reserve is a haven for butterflies, hummingbirds, and exotic moths, including the world’s largest, the white witch moth, with wingspans up to 12”. The moisture-laden trees create a lush, misty habitat for amphibians, reptiles, insects, and 259 species of birds. The reserve is also home to a number of mountain cloud forest cats — pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, and margays, plus a diverse array of other mammals including howler and white-throated capuchin monkeys, tapirs, peccaries, coatis, tayras, and raccoons.
Optional Activities
Cloud forest day and night tours, birding, ziplining, river rafting, excursions to Arenal and Poas Volcanoes, hot springs, rural and cultural tours.
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Costa Rica tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
The Villa Blanca had courteous service, good varied food and cosy rooms full of character. Also a great setting for bird watching and insect hunts!