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Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal.

Photo gallery for Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal.

View from our lanai - look how close we are to  the beach!
The beach side of the house with balcony above.
View from the water - house nestled just behind small tree canopy.
Entry to Casa Uno. View from the pool stairs - car in driveway, house on left.
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste Province
  • Ocotal Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Bahia Pez Vela Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Coco Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Master Bedroom entry level

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Master bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal.

Casa Uno has a fabulous beachfront location within the comfortable community of Los Almendros de Ocotal. The calm, perfect-for-swimming waters and the black sand beach of Playa Ocotal await you just steps out the back door through a small canopy of tropical shade trees. These waters offer enjoyable snorkeling right off the beach behind Casa Uno. Children and adults also love to stroll the nearby tide pools which teem with visible, fascinating marine life at low tide. Out Casa Uno’s front door, up a stairway to a stunning view of Ocotal Bay sits the largest of the three swimming pools in the development. Casa Uno also has its own private, jacuzzi-sized plunge pool in its landscaped backyard. The office, right next door, has a welcoming and knowledgeable staff for reception, visitor information and 24 hour security. The ever popular Father Rooster beach-side restaurant is a quick 2 minute walk from the house.

In the living space of Casa Uno, you can enjoy cooling A/C or open the windows and allow the warmth and sounds of the sea to relax and connect you to this sweet spot in Costa Rica. All of the bedrooms have air-conditioning, ceiling fans and ocean views. The main living area and the lanai each have 3 ceiling fans for a pleasant “sea breeze.” The kitchen/dining/living area and balcony plus the master bedroom and 2 baths (master and hall bath) comprise the entry floor of Casa Uno. The other two bedrooms and bath are on the lower, walk-out-to-the-beach level. This set-up nicely accommodates solo travelers and couples, or families and groups up to 8 people.

Casa Uno is fully equipped with kitchen appliances and utensils. For those wishing to do some cooking, excellent grocery stores in the nearby town of Playas del Coco will satisfy most menus. The house also has a washer, dryer, internet, and a Smart TV. All linens plus beach towels are provided. Maid service for your visit can be requested directly from the office for a modest additional charge.

Our 44 unit beach development has a combination of vacationers, long term renters and residents, so it feels relaxed, cared for and safe in Los Almendros. Weddings commonly take place on the beach behind Casa Uno which speaks also to the romantic and intimate qualities of our location. Casa Uno provides an easy going get-away to unwind and restore and/or a perfect jumping off spot to take on some of Costa Rica’s fun activities and adventures.

Activities abound in Costa Rica. Tours for Deep Sea Fishing, Sailboat/Catamaran trips, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling tours often leave from our bay. Rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and high quality snorkel gear are also accessible. Within about an hour of Casa Uno, adventure activities such as zip-lining, ATV’s, horseback riding, jet skis, surfing, and tubing are available; in addition, there are lower adrenaline choices like a mangrove tour, an animal sanctuary, hikes in the national park of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, mud bath/hot springs, and simply exploring other unique nearby beaches. The Guanacaste area has a couple of golf courses as well. An excellent variety of dining choices, shopping and entertainment can be found in the nearby towns of Playa Hermosa and Coco.

Ocotal is an easy 35 minute drive from Liberia Airport, and just 10 minutes past the more bustling town of Coco. It is a solid 3½ - 4 hour drive from SJO airport which just gives an excuse to see more cool stuff along the way in this amazing country. A car is recommended for the ease of getting around and exploring the wonders of the area, and Casa Uno has a parking space at the house and other nearby parking in the development. It is also possible to rent a golf cart or use local taxis/Uber, shuttles, private and outfitter’s transport to get where you need to go from Casa Uno. Hiring transport is one way to add a strong local flavor to your experience.

In whatever way you choose to get around, for sure take some moments to understand the warm, good-humored pura vida culture in Costa Rica.

We welcome you to find yourself at home on the beach at Casa Uno in Playa Ocotal!

Property manager

Liz Wilson and Sergio Araya
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Children welcome.
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Some exceptions possible. Contact owners.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non-smoking.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

El Ocotal

Located in Sardinal, this villa is near theme parks and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa. Traveling with kids? Consider Rocio's Kitchen and Ericka's Fruit Stand. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste Province

What's nearby

  • Ocotal Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Bahia Pez Vela Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Coco Beach - 6 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Playa Hermosa - 25 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Playa Calzón de Pobre - 31 min drive - 13.2 km

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coconutz Brewhouse - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Numu Taproom and Bistro by Chef Nicolas - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Zi Lounge - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪El Capricho Mexican Restaurant & Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Donde Claudio y Gloria - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal.?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Casa Uno, Beachfront in Lovely Playa Ocotal. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Sardinal villa is steps from Ocotal Beach and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Coco Beach. Bahia Pez Vela Beach and El Coco Casino are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 89 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 89 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 89 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 89 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 89 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Belisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay!

We had a magical time at Casa Uno! The property has everything our family needed - its beautiful and comfortable and the location couldnt be better. Liz and Sergio were the perfect hosts - we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casa Uno

Everyone was very helpful!!! Great location-right on the beach. You have your own private pool. Liz was always quick to respond to my questions and inform me about things to do. She recommended Marlin Rayado for a fishing guide. They didn't disappoint!!! We charted with them for 2 days with one of the days ending with an bbq on a beach-awesome organization and food was out of this world!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

This property was exactly as advertised, right on the beach - snorkeling was phenomenal. Easy access to town. Sergio showed us everything we needed to know about the house upon our arrival and made us feel welcome and at home! We went to Diamanté adventure tours which we highly recommend! Very easy to get to. This was our 2nd stay here and we wouldn’t hesitate to come back or refer our friends to stay here as well. Puravida!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casa Uno

Our stay at Casa Uno was great! The casa was spacious for our family of four and had everything we needed including our own dipping pool! The beds/sheets were so comfy and the bathrooms were fantastic. Sergio (the resort manager) greeted us with Costa Rican warmth and made us feel welcome. There is a wonderful restaurant within walking distance (Father Rooster's). and the casa is within steps to the beach and beautiful lava rock tidal pools. Also, Coco Beach is a short cab ride. Our host, Liz, was super responsive and even offered us to stay an additional night at Casa Uno when our outgoing flight was canceled. Highly recommend Casa Uno!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Onica N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Beachfront Home

We stayed at Casa Uno for 8 days. It is even nicer than the photos show. It feels larger than we expected and had everything we needed for a great stay. We hope to be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Norma C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Casa Uno

This was the most incredible places I've ever been. We loved Casa Uno, especially that my husband has mobility issues. This place is perfect. Liz and Sergio are awesome
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrée Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing beachside house

This house is absolutely amazing, it is steps away from the beach and you can watch the sunset from the pool or the lanai. The rooms are spacious, bathrooms were all updated,clean and spacious. The beds were comfortable. Instructions for the washer and grill were written out which was extremely helpful. Check-in was a breeze and the front desk was great. Sergio gave us a lovely tour of the house and overview along with a few suggestions for food and grocery store. There were toys, boogie boards, floats, snorkeling gear. We will return to this house again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Space in Ocotal.

Beautiful Cabana/Cottage. Clean and very welcoming home steps away from the beach. Only a 5-10 minute drive to Coco and all the activities there. It was really nice to be so close Coco then head back to quiet Ocotal in the evening. The Staff was always nice and super friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyra F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Practically Perfect in Every Way

Casa uno was the most beautiful rental we have ever stayed at! Right on the most gorgous, calm beach with aqua blue water when the sun shines. Steps away from 2 pools. Close enough for a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja which is absolutely stunning! The living room has a wall of windows with a beautiful view of mango trees, the ocean, and one day we saw a howler monkey in the trees! We traveled with 3 young children and they loved every second. The ocean was so calm that my one year old could toddle along the waterline without worry. On each side of the beach theres tide pools- we saw a puffer fish one day! Go out at night with a flash light and watch hundreds of hermit crabs crawl across the beach! There are some sand toys and snorkel gear to use which was fun! Everything about this place was just perfect and we had the best vacation!! Thank you so much Liz!! living room has
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jesse G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family of 4 in July

This place is amazing, and the owners are great. The beach is right outside the bedroom doors, and it's got a great secluded feel. The pool is as close as it could be, yet up outdoor stairs and wouldn't be able to hear if people are there. Security is next door, which I didn't think I'd care about, however was nice to know with the public beach at your doorstep. Plunge pool was a bonus, as was the outdoor shower for washing sand. The only negative is the mosquitos / bugs (sandfleas maybe?) in this area were probably the worst I've encountered throughout CR. No fault to the owners and the place is again top notch. They even had a few various bottles of insect repellent available. Father Rooster's is a pretty cool spot, and the kitchen in the home is clearly equipped with the intent to actually, ya know, cook. First VRBO I've rented that actually had a sharp kitchen knife, for which I am grateful when cooking for 4. Beach is beautiful and wish we would have made our stay here longer - fantastic proximity to the airport as well. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Riley T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for families

We had an amazing stay at Casa Uno - other than going to the Automercado we didn't feel we needed to leave. The beach that is right out front is fairly quiet, the water is crystal clear and the waves aren't too big for the younger kids. Our kids spent almost the entire time either picking shells and snorkeling in the bay or in the tidal pools searching for creatures. The deck at the house makes for a great place to relax if the rains come in or if you need a break from the sun. Liz and Sergio were awesome - so easy to communicate with, have tons of info and genuinely seem to want to make sure you have a great time. We had a great time.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach trip

Awesome home right on the beach
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private Oasis

This property was top notch. It literally had EVERYTHING you you could possibly need for a beach vacation. The beds were super comfortable and the bedding was the softest that I have ever felt. No detail was overlooked by the property owners! We liked the location so much that we didn't even venture out to other beaches. One half of the beach had tide pools, black sand, and fun waves while the other half had tan sand and perfect swimming conditions. We looked at other beaches nearby and decided to spend our time at the beach by the house. We also enjoyed the community pool. Father Rooster's next door is a must, delicious. You may also see monkeys, lizards, and a variety of birds. The only downside to this location was the ants and mosquitoes. We knew about these beforehand as they are common in this region. We had an awesome time here!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Natalie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

This was a great way to end our vacation! The host gave us a tour of the house and made sure we were taken care of! The house has so much character and is beautiful. Hearing the waves crashing at night was just perfect. The house has everything we needed from beach towels, snorkel gear, to family games. You take a couple steps and you are on the beach! The snorkeling was awesome too! We saw so many howler monkeys, iguanas, and even a skunk! There is a great restaurant right next door and Playa coco is a short drive!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Engagement party

We were in Ocatal for the engagement party of one of my nieces. We stayed at this location to be away from the party but still close enough to see everyone. Great spot - the beach being right there was amazing. The local animals were a joy to spot (monkeys, iguanas, birds, squirrels and lots of crabs). The unit was perfect for the 6 of us (2 couples and 2 young adults). The host was responsive and the folks in the office incredibly helpful. Would go back again for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregg H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stop! Look no further, stay here!

This Vrbo property is an absolute gem, with Sergio proving to be an exceptional host. Nestled in an ideal location, it sits right on the beach, boasting clear, calm waters that are perfect for swimming. The house itself is a masterpiece of design, with every detail meticulously attended to. It's fully equipped for a comfortable holiday, complete with an abundance of towels, dishes, and more. For water enthusiasts, there's a plethora of swimming, floating, and snorkeling gear available. Inside, the ambiance is enhanced by excellent lighting, while the beds and pillows offer supreme comfort. The bathrooms are not only clean but also boast fantastic water pressure. Outdoors, the serene spots, including a quaint plunge pool, are perfect for unwinding with a book. Sergio's warm hospitality enhances the experience, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. Security is top-notch, ensuring peace of mind. While the property offers tranquility and seclusion, its proximity to Coco Beach adds an extra layer of convenience to this idyllic retreat.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect beachside rental for 3 couples

Loved hearing the waves. The beach was quieter than the main beaches which suited us. It is a litle bit of a drive to get to some of the adventure tour areas if you are planning that into your trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carole C., Chico CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pura Vida at its finest!

From the moment I saw this listing I knew I had to stay here. The owner’s, Liz and Sergio are so easy to communicate with! Easy check-in easy check-out and next door is the office with security. The office staff are so friendly and helpful. We had a family of five adults and this house fit us perfect. A nice grill, great kitchen to cook in. Snorkel gear was available if we wanted it, boogie boards and a couple chairs. I waited almost a whole year to get to Costa Rica and stay at this house. We savored every moment. It is a dream stay in sweet little Playa Ocotal. It was hard to leave, but hope we will be back again someday! Pura Vida! And thank you again Liz and Sergio for sharing this remarkable Casa with us! ❤️
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful condo

Condo was well appointed and well stocked, lots of room to spread out. Owner was very helpful and accommodating to any needs we might have had. Enjoyed the direct access to the beach and outdoor shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darcie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house in the beach

Loved everything about the house and the beach was right off the back. Great restaurant within walking distance. Everyone was so nice.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P., Denver,CO

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Do yourself a favor and book this place

From the outset, we were thoroughly impressed. Sergio is lovely, and his adorable chocolate lab George made check in for our 3 year old extra special, as he is the sweetest dog! We loved everything about our stay. 1. It's RIGHT on the beach, but quite private 2. The large swimming pool is directly behind the unit, so quite accessible for our 3 year old( it has a great kid's area in the pool as well where he could splash around and enjoy himself) 3. The Father Rooster restaurant is about a 30 second walk away. While a bit pricy, the food is solid, the ambience is perfect, and there was live music to dance to on Friday. We absolutely adored Ocotal, and would highly recommend this place to anyone interested.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crista C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Retirement trip

Wonderful
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marissa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

Casa Uno was perfect for our family of 4. The location can’t be beat- one of the few with direct access to the black sand beach and only 30mins from the airport. The unit is super clean, well decorated and comfortable. The on site pools are warm and the grounds of the property are well kept and everything felt safe. The plunge pool is bigger than it looks which was a nice surprise. Everyone we met was very friendly. Perfect as the first stop on our trip and we wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeb M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Villa

Our stay started off with such a kind host allowing us to check in a bit late as we were running behind schedule. The guard at the gate had everything ready for us and we checked in without any issues. The villa is AMAZING! So clean, so inviting and comfortable! Seeing the beach and hearing the waves right from our bedroom patio was amazing. The kitchen was perfect and very clean. The beds were comfortable and the bathrooms were so clean and beautiful! It seemed like the bathrooms were newly remodeled. We ate breakfast on the patio in the mornings and spent time playing games around the living room table at night after our evening walks on the beach. Our host was so quick to respond to any question or need. I would highly encourage others to come and enjoy this tropical oasis!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammie L., alderson, usa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Double Honeymoon!

Property is right on the beach! Had amazing time Snorkeling saw multiple species of fish, starfish and eel. The house was clean and perfect for our needs. Sergio and Liz were great host, extremely easy to deal with. I will stay in this house everytime I come to the beach in Costa Rica.Oh I cant forget the monkeys and Iguanas!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Liz Wilson and Sergio Araya

Host profile image
Liz & Sergio discovered and fell in love with Casa Uno in 2014 when the Merrick’s (original owners) listed on VRBO and kindly rented to Liz, Sergio and a bunch of their kids. Finally Liz & Sergio had found a place they could fit, afford and please their blended families! Casa Uno became their go-to beach spot, with kids and without.

Liz and Sergio both already had soft spots for Playa Ocotal. Sergio, a Costa Rican, had fun childhood memories of his family camping on this very beach of Ocotal over 40 years ago (then completely undeveloped)! Liz discovered Ocotal with visiting family at Christmas in 2009, the year when she and her kids came from Baltimore, MD to live in Monteverde for a school year. In Ocotal, Liz so enjoyed the warm, calm surf and shade trees by the ocean -- this was beach nirvana to her.

Somewhere in those years, Liz and Sergio fell in love with each other and co-founded Parque EcoPaz in Monteverde. They have carried on with their work, married and continue in a robust, long distance relationship as the kids in the US finish their educations. Around their wedding in 2017, they noticed that Casa Uno was for sale. Though not really in their immediate plans, Sergio and Liz knew they would have a lifetime ahead of making connections across their cultures and countries through work, family, and friends, and they knew this house would give them a wonderful anchor space to do that. They hope Casa Uno will welcome many to the warmth and wonders of Costa Rica!

Why they chose this property

A lot of love and good energy course through this house. We like to share and grow this energy with any who find its attributes as satisfying as we do!

What makes this property unique

Every beach in Costa Rica has its own unique qualities. Casa Uno/Playa Ocotal is our “just right” place:

Safe, comfortable, and affordable beachfront with a warm local flavor;

Plenty of nature to see, hear and experience right in our own backyard;

Cocktails, smoothies, ceviche, and neighborhood feel of Father Rooster’s restaurant;

Relaxation balanced with access to as much action as Costa Rica offers in town, on tours, or in nearby nature/adventure attractions.

Colorful sunsets, sparkling night sky and shooting stars.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests