Leaves and Lizards

Hilltop cottages on a friendly working farm; sit on your balcony and watch Arenal Volcano in action

It’s quite something to wake up and see Arenal Volcano out of your window, spurting its plume of smoke against a clear blue sky. Each of the cabins has this tremendous view, inspiring you to sit down on the balcony and paint, or lie back in a hammock and marvel.

Beautifully situated on a hilltop, each comfortable cabin - with its hand-painted mural - has a large bedroom and everything you need, from a wildlife guidebook to drinks in the fridge! Then it’s a short walk up the steep lane to the main house, where owners Steve and Debbie will make you feel immediately at home. Explore their farm, ride horses into the rainforest, hike into Arenal Volcano National Park, or go birdwatching with their resident expert guide. This is a rare chance to explore real Costa Rican country life. There’s lots to keep you entertained for a few days here, and your hosts couldn’t do more to make you feel welcome. Bliss for families, or for independent travellers wanting to escape.

Highs

• A warm welcome from your North American hosts Debbie and Steve
• Comfortable family-sized cabins are great for longer stays
• A rare chance to be in the middle of the country, off the beaten track, with wonderful views all around, and yet all the creature comforts
• Fun for kids: ride well-behaved horses, visit the owners’ working farm, and another larger farm nearby
• Close to Arenal Volcano for zip wiring and sunset hikes to lava flows etc
• Delicious, locally-produced food, cooked by the Costa Rican staff
• Very good value - especially for families

Lows

• Not the kind of place where you’ll be waited on hand and foot, but the welcome is warm
• You could feel a bit isolated here without a car - this is really perfect for people who want to immerse themselves in the country for a while
• The 5-8 minute walk up from the cabins to the main house, for all meals and activities, is steep, and has proved too much for some very-out-of-shape guests
• There's no pool, or TVs in the cabins, but you won’t miss either