Location: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America (N8 46 23.28 W83 38 05.10) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
Keywords: Private Home
LA CUESTA ROJA S.A.
If you have ever dreamed of being surrounded by flowering plants, smells that say fresh, oxygen filled air, hundreds of varieties of exotic birds, greenery, bright blue skies, gorgeous views in every direction all with the subtle sound of waves reaching the shores, this is the place for you. An extraordinary hide out where you and a loved one can immerse yourselves in the beauty of this paradise.
There are few places in the entire world that are as stunningly beautiful, private and safe as La Cuesta Roja, S.A., our home, available to you. If this, one of a kind, property was in California, it would be a 20 million dollar property and most likely, not available to rent. Ideally located near the renowned Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay where Sir Francis Drake hid from pirates, and the Terraba Sierpe National mangrove preserve. Tours of these and other local destinations available by pick up right in front of the house. No matter what your pleasure is; fishing, swimming, whale watching, swimming with the dolphins, zip lining, horse back riding, kayaking and more, it is all available right from the secluded beach in front of the house. This is truly a place you will think is only viewable in the movies and available to millionaires. Warning, you will want to pinch yourself when you look around and see where you are.
La Cuesta Roja is our private home perched on a hill overlooking the big blue and magnificent Pacific Ocean where you can watch whales pass by. Turn your head slightly and you are looking at a vast palm lined beach which is part of the island across the river. Turn again and you are looking up the incredibly beautiful and wild Sierpe River and the biggest mangrove reserve in Central America.
Looking up the river you can see two distinct mountain ranges in the distance. A slight turn again and you see where the river meets the magnificent and wild Rain forest. You can literally see thousands and thousands of acres but miraculously, you cannot see another house. Sound like a movie setting? Wait until you see it.
Our home for rent is still our home where we spend nearly half the year. It needs to be said that this is a rental property for the healthy and adventurous and not a good place for those who are not in good physical condition or not seeking adventure. While it has most of the comforts; my wife always asks if you like camping as a prerequisite to enjoying this special place. Location, location, location our home is not fancy, new or in of its self fabulous but the location is. While most of the time our beach is uninhabited, all beaches in Costa Rica belong to the Costa Rican people and they have every right to enjoy them. Occasionally, especially during holidays such as Christmas, New Years and Easter there will be Costa Rican families who come to the beach. We have never encountered a problem, they are generally families enjoying the beach.
When you arrive at our beach by boat (there is no other way to get here) there is a concrete walkway winding it's way up the slope to where the house is set. There are several places where you will want to stop on the assent just to absorb the beauty. With any luck you will be met by our happy and smiling caretaker who will, with the help of our boat driver, help carry your luggage, groceries, water, beer etc up to the house.
Provided we supply the transportation you will be orientated by one of us and shown the ropes. The beds will have clean fresh linens; the towels will be clean and ready. The refrigerator will be on and cold and you will be ready to settle in. It may take a few minutes to come to realize you are actually seeing the views you will be seeing.
The boat captain will depart and you will be on your own. For your safety and convenience, our caretaker will remain there the entire time of your stay in his home below.
The home has two bedrooms each with private bathroom, flushing toilets, sinks and hot showers. The master bedroom has a king size bed the guest room has two wide twins that can be pushed together to make a king. Please specify how you would like the beds made up and if you require additional cots.
There is a refrigerator, a gas stove with oven and complete kitchen set up with dishes and utensils. There is a large center island counter type table with bar stools all around. There is a living room with comfortable chairs and couch with coffee table and end tables.
You are "off the grid". The electricity is solar and is not guaranteed. It runs everything we throw at it but requires new levels of conservative restraint in order for you to not stretch the batteries beyond their capacity. There is both 12 volt and 110 volt service so you can recharge camera, IPod and cell phone batteries and have light in the evening.
There is cell phone service if you have a cell phone that works in Costa Rica. We will provide a cell phone for emergencies, supplies and tour arrangements only.
There is a washing machine for you to wash those few items you may need to do as well as a Costa Rican clothes dryer (clothes line out back). Each of these items and areas are covered in detail in the renter’s manual readily available on premises.
Please check with me about availability. Some of the reservations are family and friends who can be very flexible. We will work hard to accommodate your desired dates.
Ask about "Special Rates" from September 15 through November 15 which is the heart of the Rainy season. It is great there at that time but it can rain more than other times of the year.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- King Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Oceanfront
- Mountain View
- Other Amenities
- Cell Phone Provided for Emergencies Only, We now have two Kayaks and a canoe for your use while you stay at our home
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Other Activities
- The river, ocean and mangroves make the perfect place to use our kayaks to explore beaches, channels through the mangrove or just cross the river to the huge generally empty beach where you can pick limes, shells and sand dollars 5 inches in diameter. Want to hike in the Rain Forest? Trails come right to the house and while Rafa the caretaker doesn't speak English nor is he a certified guide, he can take you into the Rain Forest and show you wild life, flora, water falls and more. Rubber boots suggested available in Sierpe for $10/pair. Don't miss the hike to the "Cove of the Caves" a hike down a series of beaches to a cove full of caves. An adventure and a challenge but well worth the effort. Ask us to send the information on the "Cove of The Caves hike".
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May 01-Nov 30 PAYPAL ACCEPTED (Special rates 15 Sept - Nov 15/ rainy season)
$200/nt (3 nt min) .. $ 800/wk .. $115/nt extra nt .. $2400/mo .. $ 80/nt extra nt
Dec 01-Apr 30
$300/nt (3 nt min) .. $1600/wk .. $230/nt extra nt .. $4800/mo .. $160/nt extra nt
PAYPAL ACCEPTED
Longer stays available, negotiate with owner.
$350 damage deposit required.
PAYPAL ACCEPTED
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose Drake Bay
After 30 plus years of visiting Costa Rica while I was in the coffee business, I stumbled onto the Sierpe River. It is like no other place and the people here are the kindest, most friendly people anywhere. The virtually untouched beauty of the river combined with the rain forest, mangrove and ocean add up to the closest thing to paradise I have ever seen. I had to be part of it.
The Unique Benefits at this House
We can be on the beach in 2 minutes from the front door. At low tide you can walk down beach after beach, all uninhabited and beautiful. Want fresh fish for dinner? catch them off the rocks in front. Hike the trails out back through the rain forest, kayak in the incredible mangroves in our two kayaks or canoe across the river and pick a basket of fresh limes for your Corona. Swim in the gentle surf below the house in water that is room temperature and protected from the big waves of the open Pacific. Or just relax and read in the midst of splendor.
Owner's Map of Drake Bay
My wife and I enjoy the best of both worlds, living in Northern Wisconsin in the Summer and spending our winters in this magnificent place in Costa Rica in the winters. In my sixties, I like the peace and quiet of the remote location in which this home is set. We enjoy the beach, the sunsets and rises and having friends come to visit. We relish our health and are thankful we feel completely comfortable and safe in this home.
We operate a small real estate business in the town of Sierpe near this property and have owned property in this community for over 20 years.
Property Photos
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- View of the house from the beach - Drake Bay - Beach Front Vacation Home
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- Morning view from the house - Drake Bay - Beach Front Vacation Home
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- Kayak for miles through amazing mangrove channels - Drake Bay - Beach Front Vacation Home
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- View up the river 2 distinct mountain ranges in view
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- Imagine strolling on pristine beaches with no other humans or houses in sight
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- View of the house from the private beach below
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- Sunset reflected on the beach below the house - great sunsets
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- Kitchen
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- Hike along trails through the incredible rain forest full of birds and animals
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- Master Bedroom
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- Sip a glass of wine while looking at the beach you found 5 inch sand dollars on
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- Second Bedroom
Traveler Reviews (20)
A little paradise!!!
Guest: caroline g.
Date of Stay: 01/15/12
Review Submitted: 02/01/12
We spent one week at La cuesta roja and we must say that we ve neeeever seen anything like it...it s a dream come true!!!! Relaxing,sitting on the porch have all birds just right in front of us,a beach almost to ourselves and a view to all sides. We felt like 'king and queen' of the peninsula de osa! There was nothing that disturbed our piece....not even mosquitoes or bugs. It was just the best house we ever had! We ll be back!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.
Amazing
Guest: Ingrid S.
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12
Review Submitted: 01/16/12
We stayed at the Boca house at New Year and what a great way to start 2012. The views are gorgeous, the beaches wonderful, Jim, the owner and his housekeeper Rafa very pleasant and helpful to say the least. Kelly took us on amazing tours and delighted us with her vast knowledge. We were surrounded by amazing flowers and birds and we were sorry to leave. Jim even got the local supermarket opened up for us as it was Sunday New Years day. When we needed more supplies they arrived by boat the next day and Rafa kept us supplied with coconuts and fresh fish. There was just nothing that I would have changed or improved and even the bugs left us alone.
Recommended for:
Amazing
Guest: Ingrid S.
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12
Review Submitted: 01/12/12
We stayed at the Boca house at New Year and what a great way to start 2012. The views are gorgeous, the beach wonderful, Jim, the owner and his housekeeper Rafa very pleasant and helpful to say the least. Kelly took us on amazing tours and delighted us with her vast knowledge. We were surrounded by amazing flowers and birds and we were sorry to leave.
Owner response:We feel so very lucky to find so may great people to share our home with. We seem to weed out those looking for air conditioning and proximity to shopping and restaurants etc. A special time with nature, ocean, river, recreation and stunning surroundings is what to expect at our humble but livable home. We have made so many friends with the fine folks staying at our home.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers.
WE WILL BE BACK!
Guest: Max S.
Date of Stay: 11/20/11
Review Submitted: 12/06/11
My wife and I stayed here for two weeks in November, and we loved it. Let me put it in one sentence “WE WILL BE BACK.” There are so many activities to do around the house that does not cost extra money, just bring your owe gears. We did rock climbing freestyle on a 20-foot rock wall on the beach. Please do research on biting insects, no-see-ums bugs. Deep Woods Off (deet) does not seem to work for us, but tiger balm and baby oil work well for us against no-see-ums bugs.
Recommended for:
Great time at the Boca house!!
Guest: Daniel P.
Date of Stay: 08/13/11
Review Submitted: 08/31/11
We stayed at the Boca house for 5 nights in mid-August and had a blast. Preparing for the trip, Jim was extremely helpful in answering all our questions, giving us handy tips, and helping us prepare for our stay at the house. Additionally, we found Rayna very helpful and although we speak a little spanish, it was very nice to have someone who speaks English meet us in Sierpe, help us with groceries and supplies, and get us oriented to the house. Time flew while we were at the house. We spent a lot of time fishing in various places near the house and hiking on the gorgeous beaches. Rafa caught crabs for us to use as bait each day and took us out in the canoe to fish up the river further one day. The snapper we caught were delicious! We also enjoyed just being at the house and taking in all the incredible views, taking our time making meals, and having a drink out on the patio. One day Rayna arranged the "Cano Combo" tour for us and a boat picked us up at the beach below the house for a day of adventure. The boat ride out to Cano is one that I will never forget as we saw many dolphins, some jumpin WAY out of the water, and lots of humpback whales which we had never seen before. We spent the rest of the day snorkeling at the island and fishing. I highly recommend talking to Rayna about doing this trip. The best way I can describe the house would be to call it functional. The stove is new and the fridge did a great job and keeping our groceries cold. The solar system works great, we had no issues with it at all. We were careful to make sure lights and fans were off when not needed and had plenty of power to do a load of laundry during the day and use the lights for cooking after dark. In the evenings, we usually left one light on in the kitchen and lit a handful of candles and had all the light we needed without draining the batteries. The weather while we were there was great. It was nice all day with a stray shower in the afternoon and ususally rain after dark, which was nice as it cooled it down nicely for sleeping. Althogh cloudy at times, the sun here is very intense so we definately were glad we packed lots of sunscreen. Overall, this place is incredible. The location, beaches, views, and scenery are one of a kind. If you are looking for a new beach home with a whirlpool spa, A/C, and a butler, this place isn't for you. However, if you are looking for an amazing location and adventure, you won't find a better place.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Great time at the Boca House!
Guest: Daniel P.
Date of Stay: 08/13/11
Review Submitted: 08/30/11
We stayed at the Boca house for 5 nights in mid-August and had a blast. Preparing for the trip, Jim was extremely helpful in answering all our questions, giving us handy tips, and helping us prepare for our stay at the house. Additionally, we found Rayna very helpful and although we speak a little spanish, it was very nice to have someone who speaks English meet us in Sierpe, help us with groceries and supplies, and get us oriented to the house. Time flew while we were at the house. We spent a lot of time fishing in various places near the house and hiking on the gorgeous beaches. Rafa caught crabs for us to use as bait each day and took us out in the canoe to fish up the river further one day. The snapper we caught were delicious! We also enjoyed just being at the house and taking in all the incredible views, taking our time making meals, and having a drink out on the patio. One day Rayna arranged the "Cano Combo" tour for us and a boat picked us up at the beach below the house for a day of adventure. The boat ride out to Cano is one that I will never forget as we many dolphins, some jumpin WAY out of the water, and lots of humpback whales which we had never seen before. We spent the rest of the day snorkeling at the island and fishing. I highly recommend talking to Rayna about doing this trip. The best way I can describe the house would be to call it functional. The stove is new and the fridge did a great job and keeping our groceries cold. The solar system works great, we had no issues with it at all. We were careful to make sure lights and fans were off when not needed and had plenty of power to do a load of laundry during the day and use the lights for cooking after dark. In the evenings, we usually left one light on in the kitchen and lit a handful of candles and had all the light we needed without draining the batteries. The weather while we were there was great. It was nice all day with a stray shower in the afternoon and ususally rain after dark, which was nice as it cooled it down nicely for sleeping. Althogh cloudy at times, the sun here is very intense so we definately were glad we packed lots of sunscreen. Overall, this place is incredible. The location, beaches, views, and scenery are one of a kind. If you are looking for a new beach home with a whirlpool spa, A/C, and a butler, this place isn't for you. However, if you are looking for an amazing location and adventure, you won't find a better place.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Serenity by the Sea
Guest: Sara D.
Date of Stay: 08/01/11
Review Submitted: 08/09/11
My husband and I stayed at the Boca (as the house is affectionately known) for five days on our honeymoon and had a relaxing, reflective, and recuperative time. The location and house are spectacular...totally matching the description and photos (if not besting them). We often had to pinch ourselves at the beauty around us and our luck at being there. Rafa, the caretaker, and his whole family were warm and unobtrusively welcoming (and subtly watchful over our crazy kayaking antics). Rayna, Jim's Costa Rican coordinator made our journey to and from San Jose ridiculously easy and helped orient us to life at the Boca. Jim was a pleasure to work with coordinating our stay and providing helpful hints. As for activities, we mainly swam each day in the Pacific (or dipped in the Sierpe for variety), canoed across the river, walked along the beach, cooked up a storm, and had some wicked Scrabble games at night. Our favorite activity was probably sitting on the porch watching the waves. As for any words of wisdom to pass along...prepare yourself to live off the grid. As Jim says, this is kind of luxurious camping rather than the other way around. It was buggy (though my husband had nary a bite, I was chewed up) and steamy (we never once considered using the hot water in the shower--the cool water was our main cooling technique)...also guests might consider the cost to get to the house. I had naively not budgeted adequately for that part of the journey. Overall, a fabulous and memorable adventure...many thanks.
Owner response:Sara D was not the first to miss our note in the confirmation email on the fee for transportation from Sierpe to the house 15 miles down the winding river. We charge $65 each way for the 45 minute ride. When we are in the area and use my boat and I drive, we about break even. When we are not there and we have to hire a boat and also pay a person to spend the time to come and orientate you to the property it costs us $120 minimum of which we pick up $55 out of pocket. If you were in Sierpe and tried to hire a boat for the 45 minute ride each way and wait for you while you swam at the beach you would probably pay $150. Boat maintenance, motor costs and maintenance, very high gas prices (currently about $6/gal) all ad up and are expensive. We truly believe the $65 is necessary and fair for the ride. This guest was not complaining, we both agree that it needs to be pointed out ahead of time more clearly.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.
Absolutely Unique location!
Guest: Elena
(New York)
Date of Stay: 01/20/11
Review Submitted: 02/20/11
This is amazing location, amazing! The house is on the cliff, overlooking river on one side and ocean on the other - no breaks in magnificent view! No other houses in view too - blue skies, blues waters, green rain forest - just what you come here for, in Costa Rica! The beach is magnificent! We went to swim and watch sunset on the ocean, and saw schooner on the horizon. We felt like in a movie:)! Housekeeper brought us a bag of fresh coconuts every morning. The owners were very welcoming and helpful in every way. We bought our groceries in Sierpe, right near the dock, but I would suggest you ask your driver to bring you to the shop near airport in Palmar - all the fruits and produce there are much better quality. Mangoes are super sweet, and melt in your mouth, and tomatoes are heirloom. They have great homemade cheese that we grilled for breakfast - yamm! My husband went fishing right in front of the house. And I was on the porch relaxing, watching birds and seeing him in a boat down bellow! Amazing. He caught couple of red snappers and we grilled it on the porch for dinner. Enjoyed immensely. Costa Rica ROCKS!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
A Special Place
Guest: npeck
(New York/Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 01/24/11
Review Submitted: 02/06/11
We spent five beautiful days watching birds in the trees in front of the house, walking on the beach, traveling to Corcovado National Park. Owners Jim and Susan welcomed us and brought us down river to the house where caretaker Raffa is nearby to take care of your needs -- a hike, a fresh fish, a coconut, kayaks. We rose with the sun and lingered on the porch after sunset. We loved every minute of our stay.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
180 degrees of stunning views!
Guest: Ele
(London, England)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11
Review Submitted: 02/01/11
The five of us were met by Jim in Sierpe, purchased our provisions, had lunch in Las Vegas restaurant (not even remotely like the one in Nevada where we had just come from), we jumped in the boat and sped down Sierpe river arriving at Jim and Susan's simple but beautiful house in the most amazing place. Since I have returned I have tried to put into words to tell people what their house is like, but it is impossible .. All I can say is when you climb the steep path up to the house and see the views from it, your jaw drops and you become speechless. It sits at the mouth of the river where it meets the ocean and it is truly one of the most incredible situated houses I have ever been to. The house is simple wooden building, clean and million times more comfortable than you were in your cabin at summer camp- with comfortable large beds, ensuite showers, flushing toilets and a kitchen where I happily cooked every day with a glass in hand and just gazed at the view. Its run by solar power- and we did managed to drain the cell the first night playing music on our Ipod but most of us just ended up reading by candlelight which was very relaxing. Luckily our housemanager came and charged the cells the next morning with the generator. The beach below the house is pretty much all yours and white sand and gorgeous. I recommend you make down there to watch the sunset. Jim arranged 2 great trips for us - 1 to Corcorvado on a hike and the other to Cano island to dive and snorkel- I can recommend the diving at Cano- it is nice gentle diving but with lots of big fish- sharks and Mantas. The housemanager took us on a short walk into the jungle to visit the "Cascades"- luckily I recognosed that word with zero knowledge of Spanish and knew that there was a beautiful freshwater waterfall at the end of the walk. We never managed to get in a kayak- it was too nice just hanging at the beach , on the terrace or the garden of the house. We didnt do everything we could do have done in the 4 nights we were there- but all that means is that we can go back- hopefully very soon! Thank you Jim and Susan for sharing your house with us! Ele & Ged
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #231576
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