We invite you to be our guest at El Sapo Dorado. Our 20 mountain suites nestled in a pastoral setting provide you with spacious, comfortable accommodations just minutes from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other natural attractions.

As a Costa Rican/North American family we offer you a taste of both cultures with a sensitivity to local customs. Costa Rican beauty and genuine hospitality blend with an internationally influenced service style and ingenious cuisine to create a unique atmosphere of comfort and simple elegance. Together we work to enhance your visit by encouraging respect and appreciation for the natural environment as well as the unique character of both cultures.

At El Sapo Dorado we offer you the privacy and seclusion of 20 mountain suites, each with its own entrance and balcony.

For a spectacular view of the Gulf of Nicoya choose our Sunset Terrace Suites, or to warm you on chilly evenings, we offer Classics Suites with fireplaces. For your comfort all suites are furnished with two queen sized beds, a table and chairs for writing or playing cards, controlled lighting and private bathrooms with hot-water showers. The Sunset Terrace Suites have refrigerators. All suites accommodate up to four people.

Spacious grounds and gardens provide a safe outdoor environment for childen's play.

For your relaxation, enjoy a massage by El Sapo Dorado's professional staff masseur.


El Sapo Dorado restaurant features original recipes in a blend of international and Costa Rican cuisine. Dishes are prepared with attention to nutritional value and are low in fat, sugar and salt. Whole grains are used whenever possible, vegetarian and vegan dishes are always available.

At our full bar you may choose from a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy your meal either indoors or on the open-air terrace, accompanied by a variety of Latin, Jazz and Classical music selections.

Our restaurant/bar is open to the public 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Lunch: 12 noon to 3 p.m. - Dinner: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Sack lunches are available for outings.

Within minutes of El Sapo Dorado are a variety of natural attractions such as the Monteverde Cloud forest Preserve, the Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve, the Bajo del Tigre Trail, the Canopy Tour, slide shows, the Butterfly Garden and the Serpentarium. In addition to these are horseback riding, mountain biking, the local Cheese Factory Tour, artist's studios and gift shops featuring items handmade by local artisans.

An excellent trail alternative is the private Sendero Tranquilo which borders the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and specializes in personalized guided tours. Binocular rental available.

In addition El Sapo Dorado offers you the luxury and convenience of five kilometers of self-guided trails adjacent to the hotel where you can explore both primary and secondary forests, open pastures and panoramic views of the Gulf of Nicoya. These trails are reserved for the exclusive use of our guests and offer a quiet alternative to the larger reserves.

We recommend advance reservations. A deposit of one night's lodging is required to confirm your reservation. Deposits are non refundable.

El Sapo Dorado is located in the Tilarán Mountains 114 miles northwest of San José. Several major airlines provide daily international service.

El Sapo Dorado offers private round-trip microbus service anywhere in Costa Rica. Transportation may be prearranged by calling hotel reception.

If renting a car, take the Inter-American Highway north from San José to the 149 kilometer road marker. Turn right just before crossing the Río Lagarto and continue up the gravel road for 35 kilometers. Allow about four hours for the journey from San José to Monteverde.

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