Le Bergerac Hotel

This very popular, charming and intimate luxury hotel, with its wonderful tropical gardens, has 26 unique and attractive rooms many with their own private garden patios.
Located in Los Yoses, the old embassy district of San Jose, this beautiful hotel is only minutes from the attractions of downtown and is an excellent base for exploring the Central Valley on a Costa Rica tour.

Accommodations available at the hotel include smaller standard rooms, superior and large deluxe rooms with patios

A free tour and travel service, together with advice and recommendations, is provided to hotel guests by our English, French and Spanish speaking senior staff.

The hotel's reputation for outstanding and friendly service combined with the very relaxed and elegant ambience, is the reason why so many guests always return to this charming hotel in beautiful Costa Rica.

The Hotel
The elegant architecture enhances the tranquil and relaxed atmosphere that makes the Le Bergerac hotel exceptional.

Locally crafted furniture and elegant décor make each room pleasingly unique and enchanting.

The small tropical gardens, always full of delicate and colorful blooms, surround the rooms throughout the hotel and will add relaxation and interest to your visit.

Whether as a tourist or a business traveler this charming and intimate hotel has a special welcome for you to beautiful Costa Rica.

The private patios and balconies of many rooms give the opportunity to refresh both mind and spirit.

Breakfast, which is included in the room rate, is served on the open air patio or in the restaurant.

The senior Costa Rican staff speak English, French and Spanish and will always be delighted to help you with all travel or other services that you may require.

The famous Ile de France French restaurant is on site.

Rooms

Grande Rooms:
These extra large beautiful bedrooms are both spacious and comfortable with two king sized beds, large walk in closets and luxury bathrooms.

*Both rooms feature a view of the mountains across the roof tops of San Jose.

*Each has a private tropical patio garden which are comfortably furnished for your relaxation and enjoyment.

*The beautiful décor, custom built furniture and elegant warmth of the mellow wooden floors give the rooms a wonderful tranquil atmosphere.

*Each has a refrigerator, private bathroom, internet access, cable TV, telephone and hair dryer.

Deluxe Rooms:
These delightful rooms are all large and comfortable bedrooms with either two queen sized or one or two king sized beds and large walk in closets.

*All feature either a balcony or a private tropical patio garden, furnished for your relaxation and enjoyment.

*The beautiful décor, custom built furniture and elegant warmth of the mellow wooden floors give each room a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.

*Each has a refrigerator, private bathroom, internet access, cable TV, telephone and hair dryer.

Superior Rooms
These rooms have either two double beds or one Queen size beds.

*The beautiful décor and elegant warmth of the mellow wooden floors make them a really comfortable home away from home.

*The feature of a tropical patio garden with comfortable custom made furniture is provided for your relaxation and enjoyment.

*Internet access is provided in all rooms and all have Cable TV, telephone, hair dryers and private bathroom.

Standard Rooms
Custom furnished with one or two double beds, some of these rooms are smaller but mostly distinguished from superior grade by having no private garden.

*All have access to the central terrace and gardens and enjoy the full facilities and services of the hotel.

*The mellow wooden floors and delightful décor make these rooms of exceptional value.

*Internet access is provided in all rooms and all have Cable TV, telephone, hair dryers and a private bathroom.

Restaurant
The hotel features the “L'Ile de France”.

A truly famous San José restaurant created 26 years ago by the well known French chef, Jean Claude Fromont.

The garden view and décor create a beautiful and serene ambience for the pleasure of the hotel guests and for the many local devotees of Jean Claude's cuisine.

The very pleasant dining experience is enhanced by the wide selection of superb cuisine and fine wines offered.

Among the most popular dishes are the home made rabbit paté, French onion soup, and a delicious sea food chowder, together with main courses such as duckling Landais style, beef tenderloins with a peppercorn sauce or salmon stewed in a basil sauce. There is then a delightful choice of delicious home made desserts.

Open for dining from 6 pm, it is advisable to reserve your table as early as possible.

Tours
There are many relatively unknown opportunities to tour the stunning countryside and attractions in and around the plateau and mountains of the Central Valley .

A "Free" travel service "Exclusively for the guests of Hotel Le Bergerac" is provided by hotel staff experienced in the travel industry of Costa Rica .

Upon request, staff will advise guests on all aspects of personalized touring or will organize trips with reputable Costa Rican tour companies.

Aerial Trams and Canopy Rides:
The Turu bari tropical park is located a short two hours drive from the hotel and is reached after traveling through some very beautiful and spectacular countryside and two small country towns. The entrance to the site is located at the highest point and includes an aerial tram sky ride over a gorge in which you can see the river way below. Alternative ways down are by canopy ride or high speed wire descent, the choice is yours. You will have a guide for your trip to include, a butterfly farm and many areas devoted to tropical plants, as well as an area of farm animals. Short trails lead through the trees and woods of this beautiful park. A Costa Rican style lunch can be taken in very pleasant surroundings within the gardens. Horse riding is available as an extra.

Birds:
Two hours drive from the hotel. This is known as one of the best places in the country to observe the rare quetzal and the many species of hummingbirds, who live here year around. It is recommended that a delightful lunch be taken at Savegre Hotel, where perfect close ups of the hummingbirds feeding offer many photo opportunities. Guides are available.
The two hour drive from the hotel will include a spectacular descent into a beautiful remote valley through San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca mountains, in the midst of a precious ecosystem. Here you can also find trails through a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species.rails and hanging bridge.

La Paz Waterfall:
Situated at the base of the Poas Volcano approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from San Jose , the La Paz Waterfall Gardens offer visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Hummingbirds feeding, waterfalls and butterflies are among many attractions. The Hummingbird Gallery attracts 24 different species of these birds. Approximately 57 different hummingbirds have been reportedly seen in Costa Rica and it is possible to see over 40% of them there. As you wander the trails your senses will delight at the five waterfalls that line the trail. The place is a primarily a self-guided tour allowing the visitors to proceed directly to their areas of interest. If you would rather have a guide for your group, you can get one for an additional charge with an advance reservation.

Butterflies:
Located at La Guacima de Alajuela, approximately 30 minutes drive from San Jose City . The Butterfly Farm is one of the few places in the world that offer visitors a more in depth view and appreciation of butterflies. Widely recognized as one of the most popular destinations close to San Jose, all guests receive a two-hour guided tour. Inside an enclosed tropical garden, hundreds of Costa Rican butterflies flutter around flowers, as the trained guides explain about the life cycle and natural history of these fascinating creatures. Early morning tours are the most recommended when butterflies are more active.
The tour begins with a 25-minute film that gives an introduction as to what will be seen and discussed with the guide. In an enclosed tropical garden where perhaps over a thousand butterflies live their lives, feeding, mating and laying eggs. Guides may identify the most beautiful of Costa Rica 's butterflies, point out the females laying their eggs on host plants and feeding on flowers. The tour then proceeds to view the amazing metamorphosis of the caterpillar forming the pupae where their bodies change from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. The entire cycle of the metamorphosis is shown and the early morning tours may even see the butterflies emerging from their chrysalides and taking off for their maiden flight.

Central Valley Small Towns and Country Side:
Orosi Valley - About an hour drive southeast of San José , just beyond the town of Paraíso , lies this scenic valley. Taking the road towards Orosi will bring you to a lookout point on the valley rim that is well worth a stop for the panoramic view of the valley and lake below and Irazú Volcano to the north. The town of Orosi is known as the home of the country's oldest church that is still in use. The building dates back to the 1700's. Several natural thermal springs in the area have been made into bathing facilities.

Grecia and Sarchi - There are many things that attract people to Grecia. This pleasant little farming town in the central highlands of is now well known for its unique landmark in the town center, a dark red painted Gothic church made of prefabricated metal pieces, brought in from Belgium in the 1890s. Grecia has received the distinction of being the cleanest town in Latin America (indeed it is a very tidy town). The small country pueblo of Sarchi, located less than one hour from the capital city of San Jose, is the country's most famous Artisan, Crafts & Souvenir Town. Popular with both Costa Ricans and tourists alike, excursions to both Grecia and Sarchi often are included with tours to the neighboring Poas volcano. Upon entering Sarchi, just minutes drive from the neighboring town of Grecia, many souvenir and furniture stores emerge along both sides of the road offering handmade artifacts including traditional oxcarts, elaborately painted bowls and trays, natural wood products, serving utensils,tables, jewelry boxes and mask carvings.

Countryside: For those simply wishing to see the wonderful countryside of the central valley, there are many excursions that can be taken by rental car or with a private driver.

These include routes through rolling valleys, mountains, deep forests, and many small typically Costa Rican towns and villages. This is the most exciting way to see the real Costa Rica . Hotel staff will be happy to give more details.

San Jose City

National Theater:
The nation's architectural showpiece, the Teatro Nacional (Avenida 2, Calles 3/5) on the south side of Plaza de la Cultura , is justifiably a source of national pride. The theater was conceived in 1890, when a European opera company featuring the prima donna Adelina Patti toured Central America but was unable to perform in Costa Rica because there was no suitable theater. Jilted, the ruling cafetaleros (coffee barons) voted a tax on coffee exports to fund construction of a theater, and craftsmen from all over Europe were imported. It was inaugurated on 19 October 1897 , to a performance of Faust by the Paris Opera and its great Corps de Ballet.

National Museum:
The National Museum is located in San Jose . The National Museum was born in the Costa Rica where the liberal ideas and the principles of peace, material progress and education, characterized the society of the decade of 1880's. The museum counts on a great variety of collections, mainly of the thematic ones of anthropology, national and natural history. These collections give life to the permanent and temporary exhibitions of the National Museum . Thanks to the donations the collections of the museum are increased frequently, in agreement with the institutional policies of acquisition of collections.

Gold Museum:
Located at the underground level of Plaza de La Cultura , in down town San Jose . The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum has an extraordinary collection of gold objects that reflect the world-view, social structure and gold working techniques of the Pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica . The exhibition showcases the use and function of the pieces, the technology of their fabrication, as well as their relationship to the natural world and the daily lives of these societies. The collection consists of 1600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work that date from 500 to 1500 AD.

Others:
In addition to the most popular sites shown above, many other enjoyable locations can be explored, either by walking from the hotel or by short taxi rides.
These include:

A Jade Museum, with the largest collection of jade in the Americas.


A Children's Museum, an interesting conversion of the old prison, to a hands on experience for children of all ages

The beautiful downtown Cathedral
Many local markets, parks and city squares.

Clouds and Rainforests:
Aerial Tram Atlantic - This rainforest aerial tram is located only 50 minutes from San Jose and is a 1200 acres private reserve.

The guided gondola tram ride over and through the beautiful, colorful and complex rainforest canopy will take approximately one and a half hours.
The hour long walking trails will also take you into the dense rain forests and over a hanging bridge, accompanied by an experienced guide.

Aerial Tram Pacific - Located a two hour drive from San Jose, this private forest park of 220 acres has views across to the pacific coast and is near the small seaside town of Jaco.

In addition to a guided gondola ride over and through the complex rain forest canopy there are trails which take you past tumbling waterfalls and tropical gardens, on a beautiful guided walk. A snake exhibit is also available within this park .
Lunch is provided

Savegre:
This area is easily reached in a two hour drive from the hotel.

When leaving the main road at some 9000 ft elevation for the spectacular descent into the valley, be aware that this is frequently made through layers of cloud.

The beautiful valley floor, carved by the Savegre river, is in some places cleared for agriculture and is a great place for easy and very pleasant walking and bird watching.

However the sides of the valley rise steeply into rain and cloud forests and several trails exist for the pleasure of exploring these ancient forests. Guides are available if required.

Bosque de Paz:
This is a 1000-hectares (3000-acres) privately-owned Biological Reserve that, as a natural biological corridor, connects the Poás Volcano National Park with the Juan Castro Blanco National Park . It is a spectacularly rich ecosystem because of its privileged location. It is located on the Continental Divide with altitudes ranging from 1450 to 2450 meters above sea level. The Reserve is privately owned and it is exclusively open only to prearranged visits. They limit the number of visitors to a minimum so that environmental impact is kept at minimum levels, and the guests experience the personal attention in a very private and exclusive way.

River Trips:

Sunset Jungle Tour:
On the Caribbean Plain, board a comfortable covered boat and gently float down the beautiful Sarapiquí River on the lookout for iguanas, monkeys, crocodiles and colorful birds while intimately enjoying the biological diversity of the jungle along the banks of the river. Before sunset, arrive at the enchanting Selva Verde Jungle Lodge surrounded by lush rainforests, tropical gardens and the gentle waters of the Sarapiquí River . As the sun sets, join a naturalist guide with a flashlight for an enlightening 45 min. walk through a jungle trail, looking for colorful insects, owls, bats, dart frogs, luminescent fungus and other wonders of the tropical night. As evening falls, enjoy dinner in a lovely restaurant on the banks of the river as you experience the timeless and mysterious sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest at night. If you prefer not to join a night expedition, then stay back at the lodge and enjoy the jungle concert of night critters in the riverside rainforest balcony... or how about a drink or two at the Jungle Bar...?

Sarapiqui River:
Fortunately for guests, one of Costa Rica 's most beautiful rivers is also one of the most accessible. The scenery is spectacular: lush rainforest runs along the banks of the crystal-clear waters, both of which shine in the bright tropical sun. The Sarapiquí's gentle rapids originate high in the mountains, and by the time they reach our put-in they have gathered enough force to provide some moderately flowing rapids, and some long peaceful stretches. The Sarapiquí is perfect for white water novices and families alike. Nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the ride through rich vegetation that provides shelter to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers and dozens of other species endemic to Costa Rica , making for a classic tropical river experience. Duration: 7 hours

Pacuare River:
Considered one of the World's Five Best White-Water Runs, the Pacuare offers some of the best white-rater rafting in the hemisphere. Winding deep into a primary rainforest and towering gorges, the lush vegetation gives way to dozens of silver waterfalls. Wildlife often peeks out from beneath the thick undergrowth, including jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of other species of animals and birds. If you're ready to appreciate some of the most exciting scenery nature has to offer, this is your trip. Rafters should be physically fit for this wet and wild trip; however, no previous white-water rafting experience is necessary. Duration: 10 hours

Arenal Volcano and Tabacon:
Near the base of the active Arenal Volcano to the north of San Jose, world renowned Tabacón Resort and Spa provides you a relaxing and unparalleled experience with its natural hot springs and pools situated in its tropical, lush garden surroundings. The famous Iskandria Spa is also situated here.
This entertaining hot spring and spa can be visited as an independent one day trip or more briefly on the organized Arenal volcano tour. An excellent restaurant serves both lunch and dinner.

Volcanoes:

Arenal:
On a clear day a visit to be most remembered, is that to Volcán Arenal National Park , located 90 miles by road northwest of San José . When approaching Arenal across the farming area around La Fortuna, the first sight is a staggering experience. It is the most spectacularly active volcano in Costa Rica . Many people also visit this park at night to watch the lava flows and red hot boulders ejected from the volcano, glow in the darkness. Although eruptions are the main attraction, you should be aware that even in the dry season the clouds sometimes obscure the peaks. Weather predictions are available at the hotel but rapid changes in cloud cover are not unusual. However on a day visit to the unusual Tabacon Spa or the Arenal observatory, even if the weather does not cooperate, your enjoyment may still include the sound of many eruptions.
For an independent overnight trip we can recommend several hotels with a good view of the Volcano.

Poas Volcano:
The Volcan Poas National Park is one of the most visited protected areas in the country. The ride there is scenic and pleasant, and since it's only 47 kilometers away from San Jose , many local and foreign tourists visit the park, especially on the weekends. The park measures 5600 hectares, and this basaltic volcano stands at an altitude of 2708 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. Duration: 5 hours

Irazu Volcano:
Thirty-one kilometers from the city of Cartago stands the volcano of Irazu. Rising to 11,260 feet (3402 meters, though some sources say 3432) Irazu towers above the surrounding forests which are part of a National Park. The park is remarkable because of its surreal lunar landscape which contains two main craters. The primary crater is round shaped, measures 1050 meters wide by 300 meters deep, and has unusually colored water of a rich and glowing shade of olive green. The second crater is called Diego da la Haya (named in honor of the Spanish conquistador who recorded its eruption in the 18th century), is 600 meters in width, and 100 meters deep.
Duration: 5hours

Highlight Tour:
On your way to Poás Volcano National Park travel past country towns and highland forests, stopping for breakfast at the beautiful Siempre Verde coffee plantation surrounded by tropical gardens and breathtaking views. On the Poas Volcano at 2500 mts. (8200 ft.) walk through a lush, primeval cloud forest.
Continue on a lovely route past high mountains, through deep canyons, jungles and streams, stopping for photos at the beautiful La Paz Waterfall followed by a coffee break at a Hummingbird Gallery overlooking the impressive 250 ft. high San Fernando Waterfall. On the Caribbean Plain experience an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation, driving past colorful little towns, cacao and banana plantations, pineapple fields and brahma bull ranches, taking plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way. Stop for lunch at Selva Verde Lodge, one of the most beautiful rainforest lodges in Costa Rica where you'll be treated to a delicious "buffet in the jungle" in their restaurant on the banks of the Sarapiquí River . After lunch, join the naturalist guide for a short but enlightening walk through the rainforest trails or relax and spend some time on your own surrounded by exuberant vegetation and the timeless sounds of the tropical rainforest. Later, board a comfortable covered boat and gently float down the Sarapiquí River on the lookout for iguanas, monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and colorful birds while intimately experiencing the biological diversity of the rainforest. Return to San José through the Braulio Carrillo National Park , a protected area of more than 500 square kms. of towering mountains and virgin tropical rainforests, traveling along one of the most spectacular jungle roads of Costa Rica . Duration: 12 hours.

4 In 1:
The journey begins driving through the city of Alajuela , where is located the monument of our National Hero "Juan Santamaria". The trip continues north, observing the vast difference between the construction of city homes to the ones that encompass the green countryside. These homes are surrounded by strawberry farms, huge ferns, and flower plantations, which compliment the massive coffee fields. On the way up to the national park there is a stop for a cup of Costa Rican coffee accompanied by a delicious tropical breakfast. There is a notable change in temperature and the lush vegetation becomes apparent, preparing you for the pleasures of the cloud forest of the Poás Volcano. On a clear day the view of the main crater is admired by all visitors, its diameter is considered one of the widest in the world.
As you continue towards the Caribbean zone, you will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens , a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in Latin America . After lunch you will continue to Sarapiquí.
As the journey continues you'll have the pleasure of observing the unique and quaint towns and farmhouses that are encompassed by beautiful pineapple, yuca, coco, and heart of palm plantations. When we arrive at Puerto Viejo town, we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiquí River , just sit back and observe the wildlife that is around you (monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and the variety of birds). During the boat ride the guide will also explain about life style of the friendly people that live at the river margins. On returning to San Jose we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves for Costa Rica.

Combo Tour (Poas + Waterfalls):
This tour is a complete package that allows you to see the true essence of Costa Rica . The first stop is breakfast at a local café for breakfast. You will then tour a third-generation coffee plantation to learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground, and roasted. Once you've found out first hand, or cup, why Costa Rica is known for its coffee, it's off to the Poás Volcano. This crater volcano is one of the four active volcanoes in Costa Rica . The crystal blue sulfur pools will amaze you along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents. But, that's not all: our last stop is La Paz Waterfall Gardens . Your personal tour guide will take you through the butterfly observatory, the hummingbird garden and the waterfall trails. After your hike you will enjoy a Costa Rican buffet lunch. Duration: 10 hours

Perfect Combination:
Admire the beauty of shimmering morpho butterfly at the Butterfly farm and sample fine Arabica coffee. Travel from the subtropical climate of la Guacima to the cool slopes of the Barva Volcano. Learn the art and science of gourmet coffee and admire the flight of hundreds of butterflies. Combine nature in all its beauty with the magic of theater. After a visit to Café Britt's on site coffee and gift store, conclude the adventure with a satisfying gourmet lunch at the Don Prospero Restaurant, just steps away. Duration: 6 hours.

Aerial Tram + Coffee Tour:
Visit two of the most popular destinations in the same day. Enjoy Café Britt coffee tour, savor a gourmet lunch at the don Prospero restaurant and enjoy yourself in the lush tropical landscape, on the route to Braulio Carrillo National park and the rain forest aerial tram. Glide in silent tram cars witness the rainforests marvelous ecosystem. Duration: 9 hours.