Casa Playa Lapa on the edge of Corcovado Nat'l. Park, Osa Peninsula
Location: Carate, Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America (2 miles from Corcovado National Park, La Leona park entrance)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
With wide sand beaches extending for miles in either direction, Casa Playa Lapa is a privately owned beach front residence in remote Carate, Costa Rica, only two miles from the crown jewel of the national park system, Corcovado National Park. Tucked deep in a grove of lowland palms facing the Pacific Ocean and insulated from the rest of the world by jungle on either side, Playa Lapa is arguably the most remote vacation rental in all of Costa Rica, yet fully equipped for your family's comfort and convenience.
Completed in the summer of 2007, the house is constructed of tropical hardwoods, including teak interior, purple heart (nazareno) beams and accents, and cara de tigre posts. A magnificent spiral staircase of purple heart is the central architectural feature; the furniture, which has been custom built by a local craftsman, is fabricated from zebra wood. An open-design living area, loft bedroom suite, fully screened windows on both levels, and extended roof encourage free flow of air throughout the structure, supplemented by a continuous offshore ocean breeze.
Playa Lapa is about one kilometer from the end of the road in Carate, the most distant point from San Jose on the national highway system. The beach stretches pristine and vast toward Salsipuedes Point in Corcovado National Park to the northwest, and Cabo Matapalo to the southeast.
The Pacific Ocean pounds relentlessly against a prime turtle nesting beach--giant olive Ridleys have been observed laying their eggs on the path from the beach to the house itself. The thundering surf creates a continuous and exciting background upon which the cacophony of parrots and shore birds is orchestrated. This is no casual swimming beach--the costal bathemetry of the Osa Peninsula creates a typically strong undertow and large, often overpowering waves. The magnificence of this wild surf on a vast and undeveloped beach is one of Playa Lapa's most alluring natural attractions.
A resident flock of Scarlet Macaws feeds in the almond trees at the edge of the dunes, hence the name "Playa Lapa," meaning "Scarlet Macaw Beach." There is a migratory path through the canopy above Playa Lapa frequented by large troops of squirrel monkeys, and white faced capuchins can be seen daily feeding in the palm trees surrounding the house. Flocks of Amazon parrots are usually observed from the master balcony in the early morning and again at dusk. A variety of herons and egrets are found regularly feeding in the slough on small fish and lizards, while the shy and peaceable coatimundis play at the edge of the forest, occasionally lumbering from one side of the clearing to the other just off the back deck.
Casa Playa Lapa is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of its owners. Designed by engineer daughter, it is very comfortable, convenient, eco-friendly, and is situated in a remote part of Costa Rica that is well "off the grid." Power is supplied by a hybrid solar / hydroelectric alternative energy system, providing conventional 110V 60-cycle American-ready electrical power. A unique solar hot water system in the roof ensures comfortable bathing. We also boast broadband satellite Internet and a wireless router to enable our guests to stay in touch with friends and family, as well as our office manager in town for emergencies. Full laundry facilities and high quality cookware, glassware, flatware and linens ensure that all your needs are accommodated. Typical Spanish architectural style security grills have been installed on all the windows and doors to enhance our guest's safety. In addition, bi-fold wooden shutters on the ten windows surrounding the living room permit the exclusion of ocean mist and rain as needed. A marine band radio connected to a circuit of local residents is available for emergency communication.
A remote getaway, Playa Lapa is truly a unique destination in and of itself. Its proximity to Corcovado National Park, while enhancing its attraction, also ensures its preservation from the tourist development occurring in the beach communities all along Costa Rica's shoreline. For a memorable experience of intimacy with nature, plus personal comfort and convenience, there is really nothing quite like Casa Playa Lapa.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: Sheets, pillows, cases and bed spreads; bath towels, hand and face cloths; kitchen towels; embroidered shower curtains; gauze curtains for bed and bath windows. SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM for comfortable showers.
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Queen Bed: A queen bed is located in the master bedroom suite. (Master suite has it's own private bathroom and a private deck).
- Double Bed: One double bed is located in the guest bedroom upstairs. There is a futon sofa that folds out to an additional double bed downstairs. A second full bathroom is located on the first floor.
- Convertible Bed: The recliners in the living room fold flat for 2 additional twin size beds; the chaise lounges on the upper deck also fold out for sleeping during the day.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: There is an internet satellite with a wireless router at Playa Lapa--guests need a laptop computer with wireless capacity for regular e-mail communication. A DVD/CD player in your laptop, as well as DVD's and music CD's are recommended.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: 6 burner gas stove with oven, chest style refrigerator, stainless steel sink, breakfast bar with bar stools, and trestle table with benches and chairs, seats 8.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: A variety of high quality pots, pans and bake ware are provided, as well as all cutlery, and food preparation utensils. Also includes full place settings of china, glass and flatware (12 sets), serving pieces and storage ware.
- Refrigerator: There is an energy efficient chest style DC refrigerator.
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: For outdoor dining and recreational activities, an open sun deck and covered shade deck surround the first floor; folding lawn chairs are provided.
- Balcony: There is a private balcony off the master bedroom with partial roof coverage.
- Lanai: There is a fully covered upper balcony extending into the mango trees, for a close encounter with wildlife in the canopy, and a breathtaking view of the ocean. This balcony is protected from sun and rain, with a continuous breeze that deters insects.
- View/Location
- Beachfront: Playa Lapa is built in the maritime zone, facing the beach, with a fresh water slough steps away from the back deck, which feeds into the beautiful Pejeperrito lagoon. There is a private foot-bridge with gate leading on to the expansive, sandy beach. The sunrise over the lagoon is a spectacular sight from this beach. The sunset over Corcovado park can be observed from the house each evening. It is a 1 hour hike via the beach to the La Leona entrance to Corcovado National Park.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Wireless internet is available at Playa Lapa; please bring a laptop with wireless capacity.
- Other Amenities
- Playa Lapa is located one hour's walk from the southern entrance to the Costa Rican National Park system's crown jewel, Corcovado National Park. Playa Lapa is also located adjacent to Pejeperrito Lagoon with excellent fishing,as well as near the gold bearing Carate River.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children: The spiral staircase, loft and upper decks may pose a danger of falling for children. This is not a casual swimming beach--there is a typically strong undertow making it unsuitable for children and poor swimmers.
- Smoking Not Allowed: Owners request NO SMOKING inside Casa Playa Lapa at any time due to allergic condition. Also, there is no fire department in case of fire.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Recreational gold mining Sea turtle nesting Waterfall hiking Beach combing Bird watching
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Rates .. $150/night
Rates based on double occupancy.
$25 each additional person; maximumof 6 persons.
Christmas--21 Dec through 04 Jan, and Easter week--Flat rate
of $2,000 per week.
No pets.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- Casa Playa Lapa on the edge of Corcovado Nat'l. Park, Osa Peninsula - Carate, Costa Rica Vacation Rental
- Bar, spiral staircase, and cathedral living room, in teak and purple heart - Carate, Costa Rica Vacation Rental
- Lagoona Pejeperrito --east on the beach--spectacular bird watching area! - Carate, Costa Rica Vacation Rental
- Scarlet Macaw having breakfast (fresh mango) with me on the front porch
- The very private beach and Pacific surf in front of Playa Lapa
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #129501
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Date last modified - November 18, 2009
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