Heliconia Island Bed and Breakfast

There are a handful of private reserves and parks nearby, including the Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Rara Avis Biological Station, and the Poás Volcano National Park. Each of these areas offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to hike through forests, search for birds and mammals, and generally enjoy the outdoor world of Costa Rica. There is class I-IV white-water rafting along the Sarapiquí River, and a series of waterfalls at the La Paz Waterfalls Gardens that can be visited.

Heliconia Island is a 5-acre island spilling over with tropical plants and bordered on both sides by the Puerto Viejo River. Located some 5 miles (8 km) from Sarapiquí, the island is home to a bed and breakfast run by a Dutch couple. Guests are invited to choose from one of four cabins. The cabins have a private hot water bathroom and either an air conditioner or a ventilator. Stone floors reach from wall to wall, and bamboo furniture decorates the rooms. Outdoors is a covered patio spread with chairs – a great place to read, write, and chat.

It won’t come as any surprise that the island is covered with all kinds of plants, including over 70 species of heliconias that are found within the hotel’s botanical garden. The heliconias flower throughout the year and are in close proximity to orchids, fruit trees, and bamboo groves. These plants often attract a wide range of insects and animals, which guests will surely enjoy. In fact, over 230 species of birds have been spotted on the island.

Every morning breakfast is served in the open-air restaurant. Aside from having great food, this is a fine place to relax and enjoy jungly views. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, and a number of drinks – from coffee and tea to beer and wine – can be ordered from the bar.