Many already heard some years back that part of Will Smith’s movie After Earth was filmed in Costa Rica; many mentioned the areas close to the Arenal Volcano as the main filming site in the country; however just a few have heard of Hacienda Sueño Azul in Sarapiquí, this location also served as inspiration for some of the scenes; if you haven’t been here before, make sure to include it in your to do list.

Hacienda Sueño Azul (Blue Dream) is located in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Heredia, just one hour and twenty minutes from San Jose, surrounded by the magnificent and dense forest of the Braulio Carillo National Park. The hotel has 65 rooms which are not luxurious but are comfortable and well maintained, there is a restaurant within the property which serves a variety of traditional Costa Rican food as well as some international dishes; spa and yoga and a pool and jacuzzi complete the amenities offered.

There are a number of different activities offered, guided walks through the rain forest, horseback riding, canopy and tubing. A very good choice for eco-travelers who love to enjoy the direct contact with nature and just relax.

One of the preferred tours takes you to the Melatoba Cascade, getting there involves close to one hour on a horse in the middle of the forest, in the area close to the waterfall there is an area with changing rooms and bathrooms.

The Melatoba Cascade is about 5 meters wide (16 feet) and has several natural pools to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing swim, a few steps from this place there’s another natural pool with a concrete slide, lots of fun here, on the way back there’s a butterfly farm worth visiting.

The hotel offers different entertainment activities, but overall this destination provides a whole new level of peace and relaxation.