The Lodge

The Celeste Mountain Lodge sits on a 3 hectares green area and 4 hectares of protected primary forest. Because neighboring properties also consist of protected areas, deep jungles surround the lodge on 3 sides.

Wildlife abound, often allowing, right from the property, spotting and observation of local fauna such as monkeys (howler and white-face), an extensive bird species list (toucans are seen each day at the lodge), butterflies and even mammals as tapir footprints are found on the property) One will also enjoy the rich diversity of the vegetation.
The views from the Lodge are impressive, with the Cerro Montezuma (third hump of the Tenorio volcano) facing arrogantly the property as a massive green wall, sometimes mysteriously fading in a passing mist.
On the west, the 5 imposing peaks of the Miravalles volcano theatrically curtain the horizon. In the valley below lays the small and peaceful village of Bijagua.
The mountain top offers a year-long spring-like weather with temperatures between 18 and 30 C, always caressed by a gentle breeze. The region is humid with average annual rainfall of 3800 mm, the summer (dry) months being February to May, August and October.

The Lodge's Style

Celeste Mountain Lodge boasts a very innovative, contemporary design, altering traditional parameters in hotel architecture, opening walls and spaces, blending the different areas and inviting the beauty of the surroundings right inside the building.
The lodge has been designed under bio-climatic standards in order to adapt to the local conditions and under our Responsible Tourism philosophy, offering a comfortable, yet functional accommodation and stay.

The materials used bring a rustic and modern look together, and the details, simplicity and refined creativity, all the way to your plate.

Location

Nestled in between two volcanoes, the lodge opens the doors to the astonishing Rio Celeste and the trails of the National Park Volcan Tenorio (only 4 kms, when the new access road Bijagua/National Park -7 kms, on which we are located at half point- will be completed this 2008).

The Celeste Mountain Lodge is located 3 kms east of Bijagua de Upala, 40 kms north of the InterAmerican Hwy town of Cañas: 3 hours from Alajuela and San Jose airport, 1 hr from Liberia, 1.5 hr from Volcan Arenal, 1.5 hr from Caño Negro, being very close to highly transited tourist routes or visited areas.

The Lodge is an ideal, conveniently located base for exploring this region still unknown; a region of great natural beauty, abounding wildlife and things to do, as well as friendly inhabitants.

Amenities and services

The Celeste Mountain Lodge offers:

18 rooms divided on 2 floors, all with awe-inspiring views, private bath, hot shower, design furnishing

1 Handicapped room and general access of the lodge

1 room for driver / guide

Restaurant with panoramic view or onto interior gardens serving innovative New Costa Rican cuisine
3 meals a day included in rate

Bar with panoramic terrace

Our unique “Tropical Hot Baths” set amidst exuberant covered gardens

Reading area with chimney, opening to the covered gardens

Tours and excursions in the region including the Rio Celeste (see activities)

Availability of the Joelette, a special porter seat for people with reduced mobility, for touring places these persons would never have dreamed of.

Activities

There are many things to do around the village of Bijagua and Celeste Mountain Lodge. The Lodge will be happy to help you organize your discovery, by suggesting places or taking you there!

Rio Celeste / National park Volcan Tenorio
Reached by car or minibus, or better on a horse, a mountain bike or walking, the park offers a trail that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Unless one chooses to stay and enjoy a bit more the imposing Rio Celeste waterfall.
The trail takes you to the “Teñideros” where the river takes its blue color from merging with a small creek. The legend is cute however the reasons seem to be most likely the mixing of waters and its components such as copper and sulfur. Other “bubbling” activities can be found near the Blue Lagoon and hot springs are found at the furthest point of the trail for a rejuvenating bath.

Horseback-riding, cycling and walking around Bijagua
Take one of the several rural dirt roads around Bijagua on a horseback, on a mountain bike or simply on foot, peacefully among pristine forest or farm land, along creeks or rivers and over hills.
Discover the Bijagua Waterfall on foot in family while the tough trekker may prefer hiring the services of a local guide to climb up the Tenorio Volcano!

A mountain-bike rental company is to open in Bijagua as well as a Horse Carriage tour, both in 2008.

Suspended bridges and trails at Albergue Heliconias
The rustic lodge located 2 kms up from Bijagua offers beautiful, soft and well-maintained forest trails passing over 3 beautiful hanging bridges available in a self walking tour to visitors.

Boating in San Jose de Upala
Ride a boat down the unfrequented Niño River enjoying the local fauna and flora of the area, until close of reaching the border with Nicaragua at the lake bearing the same name, which is in that region, a protected area.

Rafting and Floating
20 kilometers from Bijagua is the put-in place for a great rafting adventure on the Rio Tenorio which is worth the ride (Class III and IV, one part is V !) and a must for the emotion-seeker.

By the InterAmerican Hwy (40 kms) is the peaceful floating trip down the Corobici River, available for families, kids and grandmas alike.

Caño Negro (National Fauna Sanctuary)
Located 1 ½ hour drive away from the lodge. The well known conservation area is best seen by boat along the river and lagoons, offering great photo-ops of many species of birds and mammals.

Miravalles Volcano Geo-thermal plant / Hot springs
Located 1 ½ hr from Bijagua, this area is normally not included in current visitors’ plans, featuring the I.C.E (Electricity Co.) geothermic power plant.

“Termomania” and “Yoko Hot Springs” complexes of hot spring pools with amenities

“Las Hornillas” an interesting complex of hot muds and activities of volcanic nature.

Refuge “Las Pumas”
Located on the Interamerican Hwy, at 40 kms from Bijagua, this is a great way to observe the several species of felines from Costa Rica. This non-profit organization hosts them after being hurt or confiscated from poachers and taken care of.

Guatuso
Native “Maleku” Indian communities, handicrafts, culture, 45 minutes away (good gravel road for 20 kms).