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This pleasant hotel is in a quiet location just outside the capital San José, convenient for the airport and a good base for exploring the Central Valley.

The Bougainvillea is justifiably renowned for its extensive four-hectare gardens with a swimming pool and tennis court. The grounds are full of trees, exotic flowers and bushes that are particularly attractive to birds, while the conditions are ideal for bromeliads and the signature bougainvillea. Hummingbirds, blue-crowned motmot, palm tanager, tropical kingbird and boat-billed flycatcher are just a few of the birds often sighted here. One section showcases some of the crops that have brought prosperity to the country, such as coffee (which is cultivated in the surrounding farms), cacao, banana and pineapple, while the ponds provide a safe habitat for some of Costa Rica’s many frogs. 

Built in 1989, the hotel is located in Santo Tomás, a quiet suburb of Santo Domingo de Heredi, looking out on to the valley of San José. Accommodation comprises 77 rooms and four junior suites, equipped with cable TV, radio alarm clock, safe deposit box, tea and coffee-maker, fan, hair dryer and free WiFi. with garden views to the rear and the valley of San José out front. 

Hotel Bougainvillea lies 25 minutes from the airport, and around 10-15 minutes from the city centre (depending on traffic).

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Key info

Wildlife trips

This accommodation is featured in the following itineraries:

Natural Highlights

An exceptional trip to discover Costa Rica’s abundant birds and wildlife amid its forests, lagoons and beaches. Highlights include the canals of Tortuguero, Arenal’s volcanic landscapes and howler monkeys, spectacular birdwatching in Monteverde’s cloud forests and the idyllic beaches of Manuel Antonio. Find out more about Natural Highlights

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £4,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
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    • A
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Cloud Forests, Jungles & Volcanoes

Costa Rica boasts spectacular mountains and active volcanoes, pristine beaches, lowland rainforest, high cloud forest festooned with orchids and bromeliads, and tropical wetlands. The amazing diversity of its bird and plant life makes it one of the most fascinating tropical countries to visit. Find out more about Cloud Forests, Jungles & Volcanoes

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £6,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • F
    • M

Coast to Coast

Explore the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea and the cloud forest clad interior, tropical rainforests and smouldering volcanoes of the central valley, en route to the sunset beaches of the Pacific Ocean on this epic trip to Costa Rica. For staggering biodiversity and scenic beauty, look no further. Find out more about Coast to Coast

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £4,595
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

Explore the best of the west as you traverse Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, home to nesting turtles, humpback whales, scarlet macaws and a huge array of lush rainforest dwellers. In combination with the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, this stunning tailormade holiday can be customised to suit. Find out more about Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £5,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
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Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders

The verdant country of Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast - this small nation is bursting with fascinating flora and fauna. Our extensive 12-day group trip visits some of the finest wildlife locations within Costa Rica to encounter some of its more exotic species. Find out more about Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £5,595
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
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Festival of Wildlife Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, whilst small it punches well above its weight when it comes to wildlife and biodiversity. Nowhere is this experienced more keenly than the Osa Peninsula in the country’s south-west, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean and the setting for our Festival of Wildlife in 2027. Find out more about Festival of Wildlife Costa Rica

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £9,745
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • J

Costa Rica: Caribbean Rainforest Photography Workshop

Costa Rica has long been an established wildlife destination, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Join acclaimed photographers Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde on this unique itinerary that includes stays in prime locations to discover some of the country’s best preserved ecosystems. Find out more about Z) Costa Rica: Caribbean Rainforest Photography Workshop

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £9,895
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
This accommodation is located in:

San José

San José

Costa Rica’s vibrant capital stands in the centre of the country at an elevation of around 1,200 metres. Home to the main international airport, it has the country’s pristine natural attractions on its doorstep. The downtown area is fairly small and has several interesting museums and parks. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: San Jose Province
  • Excellent for: City stopover