The house at night with ocean view and sunset.
Location: Santiago de Puriscal, San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America (29 miles/47 kilometres from San José International Airport) View Map
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Detached Unit, 1 Bath (Sleeps 1-2)
Keywords: House,Bungalo,Casita,Apartment,Room,
Stellar Heights, Cima Estelar, is strategically perched 3500 feet above sea level in the mountain town of Grifo Alto, Costa Rica. Views of the Gulf of Nicoya (Pacific Ocean) are as common as commanding views of the entire Central Valley of Costa Rica from your mountain perch. Median temperature is 75 Fahrenheit or 24 Celsius year round. Night views are just as spectacular as the stunning sunsets which enable one to see the sun sink into the Pacific as it performs its kaleidoscopic magic in the sky.
Set in the mountains of Costa Rica enjoy watching toucans from your balcony and watching the clouds roll up the mountain. This house has some of the best views in all of Costa Rica because of the altitude and views of the Ocean and Central Valley from one spot.
From the house: Manuel Antonio National Park 90 miles/145 kilometers
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Video Library
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Other Activities
- For additional fun and excitement visit Turu Ba Ri where you can encapsulate the various adventures offered in Costa Rica in one location – a short 40 minutes toward the Ocean town of Puntarenas. One of the world’s largest iguana farms is but one attraction of Turu Ba Ri where you can safely zipline above the trees and rivers, prove your bravery with a ride on The Sensational Cable, one of only two in the entire world. For the even more adventurous a dare devil leap in the Tarzan swing will safely bring you to the gates of extinction (or so they say). An aerial tram provides an unbelievable venue of the entire park. English speaking guides provide educational and interesting nature walks which further attest to Costa Rica’s total involvement with ecotourism and oneness with nature.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$65/night .. $420/week .. $1200/month
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
-
-
Map & Owner's Profile
Solitude with Ocean and Central Valley Views
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Santiago de Puriscal
It's an hour drive from San José International airport.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Nicoya on your balcony set 3,500 feet above sea level.
International flights to and from anywhere in the world. Just 29 miles (46 kilometers) from the house.
One of three grocery stores just 5 miles away. http://supermora.com/
Another grocery store in Puriscal, PALI. PALI grocery stores are known for having the best prices. Owned by Wal-Mart. Just 5 miles away. http://www.pali.co.cr/
Excellent restaurant with great food, incredible views of the central valley and less than 5 minutes drive from the house. La Galera also has a Karaoke bar on the side of the restaurant! http://www.puriscal.biz/lagalera/
This is a great place to eat breakfast, & Lunch. Less than 5 minutes drive from the house. Authentic Costa Rican food. Opens at 7 am.
Enjoy some Costa Rican Pizza, delivery to the rental property available! Located in Puriscal, 15 minute drive from the house. http://puriscal.biz/pizzaexpress/
Good for you ingredients don't have to be pricey. The 129 different delicious dishes enables you to have a nutritious meal in no time. Delivery also available. Located in Puriscal, 5 miles away from the house. Telephone - 2416-78-72
Restaurant & Bar with incredible views and excellent food, 15 minute drive from the house. Located in Puriscal. http://puriscal.biz/raul/
Fresh fish and shrimp delivered daily, right from the blue Pacific. Be sure and try the stuffed sea bass and don't forget the world's best ceviche. Just 25 minutes away.
Tu Ru Ba Ri Nature and Adventure Park is the perfect destination for a family vacation in Costa Rica. The tour and activities the park offers will be remembered surely as the highlight of your holiday. We have adventure options suitable for the whole family from the quietest option like the Nature walk with a guide,horseback riding, zip line, Superman cable, and Tarzan swing for those looking for serious adventure. http://www.turubari.com/htmleng/ *40 minute drive from the house
In the mountains of Costa Rica, hand-rolled cigars are created using tobacco grown from pre-Castro Cuban tobacco seeds. Tabacos de la Cordillera prides itself on growing its tobacco from this seed bank, unique in the world, and making its cigars only from tobacco grown on its farm in the verdant Puriscal hills. http://www.welovecostarica.com/public/1608.cfm
Enjoy a day of mild rapids, solitude, and refreshing waters. Swim with the fish and enjoy the natural beauty of the San Pedro River. Just 30 minutes away.
One of the attractive features about Poas is that you can get all the way to the edge of the crater. http://www.infocostarica.com/places/poas.html *2.5 hours drive from the house.
The destination of as many as 150,000 visitors annually and well-known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. *3 hour drive from the house http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Antonio_National_Park
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica featuring the best hiking near San Jose, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, rescued wildlife preserve with over 100 species of animals and an environmental education program http://www.waterfallgardens.com/index.php *2.5 hour drive from the house
Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, is a fascinating natural wonder and must visit destination for many travelers to Costa Rica. On almost a daily basis, red-hot rocks crash down its steep slopes and volcanic grumbles produce huge ash columns above the crater.Just 3 hours away from the house.There are a wide variety of adventure activities to choose from in the Arenal area: rafting, hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, waterfall rappelling, hot springs, hanging bridges, canopy tours, zip lines, wildlife viewing, and even cave tours. http://www.arenal.net/
Go fishing, surfing, or just enjoy the atmosphere at Herradura Beach.
Medical Travel describes a rapidly growing practice of traveling to another country to obtain medical services. Since the exponential growth of travel for healthcare, our hospitals have found the need to aid international patients by being directly involved with the patient’s personal needs before, during and after they receive care in the CIMA and VITA hospitals. Just 25 miles away. http://www.cimamedicalvaluetravel.com/home
Plenty of shopping can be done here at the Multiplaza Escazu. This mall is 3 stories with over 350 different stores. Just 25 miles away.
Enjoy our IMAX theatre! Just 26 miles away. http://www.novacinemas.cr/index.php
Owner's Map of Santiago de Puriscal
Alan Coleman: Texas is the place of my birth but Virginia is where I was raised and completed my formal education in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and was more than pleased when my father asked me to share his dream, his quest in the mountains of Costa Rica. We opted for the mountains where we enjoy a mean temperature of 75F. I manage the property and staff of Cima Estelar and insure the comfort of our guests at all times. With the completion of three houses, Cima Estelar is now a permanent dimple in the understated beauty of Costa Rica while the rest of us are only visitors.
John “Skeeter” Coleman: The quest for tranquility is one we all strive for. Having devoted 25 years running my own business and yet another 10 working for a Fortune 500 company, I opted for early retirement to continue my search. My previous life afforded me the opportunity to travel the world; China, Russia, the Baltic, Europe, Africa, South Africa, Australia, Greece and Portugal to name a few. Each time I visited a foreign country I tried to picture myself retiring in its midst with its specific climate, traditions and way of life. Portugal was on the verge of getting the nod until I discovered healthcare and taxes on foreigners were not conducive to my parameters I had established for myself. My first visit to Costa Rica was perpetrated by a business associate who indicated his parents had retired here several years prior. He arranged for my visit to see them and the rest is history. It is here that I find the tranquility that I’ve never lost nor ever will. It is here that I found a mountaintop that can now be shared for others to enjoy the views of the Pacific, and the Central Valley. It is here at Cima Estelar (Stellar Heights) that one can find a glimpse into the secrecy of nature; Toucans, parrots, sloths, iguana, giant woodpeckers and flora comparable to the Garden of Eden.
Property Photos
-
- The house at night with ocean view and sunset. - San Jose Vacation Home with Ocean & Valley Views; Zip-Lining, Rock Climbinb & Nature Walks nearby
-
- The house entrance ramp and mountain view during the daytime - San Jose Vacation Home with Ocean & Valley Views; Zip-Lining, Rock Climbinb & Nature Walks nearby
-
- Full Kitchen with Granite - San Jose Vacation Home with Ocean & Valley Views; Zip-Lining, Rock Climbinb & Nature Walks nearby
-
- Your glass shower
-
- View of the central valley from your balcony
-
- Sunsets from your balcony
Traveler Reviews (32)
The best view in all of Costa Rica
Guest: Karen
(Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/15/12
Review Submitted: 02/03/12
We arrived 12 hours late and on a different airline and yet Alan was there to pick us up at 1:00 am. This place has to have the best view in all of Costa Rica. We constantly commented how beautiful the scenery was. The home was spotless, exactly as pictured and it was everything we hoped it would be. Alan and Skeeter were the best hosts. There is wifi in the home and whenever we needed anything I would email Alan and within minutes he would respond. I strongly suggest that other visitors have Alan drive you where ever you want to go. He was more than just a good driver. He was our tour guide, interpreter and someone we could trust. Skeeter was away the first part of the week, but when he returned we became instant friends. Yes the place is incredible, the view to die for, but in all honesty it was Alan and Skeeter that made our week so special. We will never forget them. This rental property is a must for anyone looking for memorable vacation in Costa Rica. We will be back!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
"The Bunker" Santiago de Puriscal, San Jose, Costa Rica
Guest: traveler
(Holland, MI)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11
Review Submitted: 02/02/12
Beautiful view, and well built structure. We used it as a home base while visiting friends near-by. Quiet, clean, and a good value
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.
Cima Estelar is worth a six star review!
Guest: Scott & Julie
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11
Review Submitted: 01/16/12
My girlfriend and I called Cima Estelar our home for nearly two weeks over Christmas and NYE. The house was absolutely perfect with solitude, breathtaking views, and of course our favorite, Thor & Cyclops (The two most loving dogs that live on the property). Alan and Skeeter provided us with a plethora of advice for excursions we should do during our first time in Costa Rica. From Volcan Poas to Balde Hot Springs and tours of Vegas de Santiago Cigar Factory, every day was more amazing than the last. It is a must to dine at La Galera & El Diamante, supplying the best chicharrones & fried chicken, respectively. I could go on for hours in this review without a single bad thing to say about Cima Estelar. I highly, highly recommend this getaway to anyone considering vacationing in Costa Rica.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
A customer from another property
Guest: Portlanddon
(Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 12/15/11
Review Submitted: 01/01/12
Although my wife and I did not stay in the beautiful vacation bungalow listed here, we did have the pleasure of staying at a nearby property that Skeeter arranged for us to lease. I wish Skeeter would let me give my name and email address in this testimonial because it might serve as a small repayment for all he has done to make our stay as convenient and comfortable as possible. Besides answering tons of questions about what to expect before we arrived, he and his son Alan have been there for us at every turn since our arrival helping to make the transition work out smoothly. More than that, they have become valued friends. Doing business in a foreign country with people you meet online can be very unnerving. We feel very fortunate with our experience with Skeeter and Alan and know you will be just as satisfied.
Recommended for:People with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Blew Us Away
Guest: Dana's Husband
(Wilmington NC)
Date of Stay: 10/25/11
Review Submitted: 11/12/11
My wife Dana and I wanted to take a vacation but had no real direction. Bike trips in Ireland, Greek Isles, Maccu Pichu.... our internet browser was on overdrive (but our budget was not!!). We live in a tourist town, right on the beach in NC so we wanted something different. We didn't know the language, were reluctant to rent a car and wanted to stay off the beaten path. Dana found Cima Estelar on VRBO and from the reviews we knew this was the right place. But we had no idea just how perfectly Cima Estelar would fit our expectations. The drive up the mountains from the airport was a fast 45 minutes as we soaked up every sight and town along the way. As we made our way through the gate and climbed the manicured grounds past Skeeter (John) and Alan's homes the steep grade only increased our anticipation as their very friendly Doberman (Thor) raced ahead. Near the very top of their private mountain we were introduced to Cima Estelar. It is avery modern and clean "cabin" with 270 degree views of three valleys, the Gulf of Nicoya and, in the distance, the Pacific Ocean. Directly below us were fields with distant cattle and horses grazing. To the north pretty much the entire Central Valley was arrayed, including the airport we had recently departed. Toucans flew across the valley beneath our front porch and perched beside the house. Our breath was collectively taken away.'' The interior was modern with all appliances and wrapped in windows. No shades were necessary because there are no neighbors! The shower pics do not do it justice. You will get wrinkled. We hired Alan to be our guide/translator and our trips to the valley towns, Arenal volcano, beach cookout with monkeys!, local trips into Santiaga de Puriscal, local breakfasts (Gallo Typical) and meeting some of their great neighbors ... the days just melted away. Make sure you keep a few days to do nothing as you really are on top of the world with complete privacy. The selfish side of me wanted to skip this review and keep Cima Estelar a relative secret! But John and Alan deserve a booked schedule because this place truly is special. They are perfect hosts with the proper balance of attention and just plain old leaving us alone! We are really looking forward to a return trip and cannot reccommend this place any higher! Do it!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
My absolute favorite place we stayed in Costa Rica!
Guest: laurenb
(Pittsburgh PA)
Date of Stay: 08/03/11
Review Submitted: 09/04/11
However many nights you are thinking of staying, double it! We spent three weeks in Costa Rica for our honeymoon and this was our second stop. We spent three nights here and my biggest regret is not staying longer! All of the other places we stayed paled in comparison in so many ways. The pictures here do not do the house or the views justice! The house was clean and very well maintained. The property is absolutely beautiful and this house is at the top, so it is very private. Booking with Alan was really straightforward and simple. Once we got there we found Alan and Skeeter to be gracious, helpful, knowledgeable, accommodating, and just plain fun to be around (they are also willing to let you be completely on your own if that is what you want). Even the dogs on the property (Thor and Cyclopes) were awesome! They also have a larger house on the property if this all sounds great but you need more space. In planning my trip to Costa Rica I thought that if I were to stay in places in various regions it would be easier to get to things that were geographically closer. I was mostly wrong. We stayed in La Fortuna, Samara, and near Parrita. We were interested in exploring Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Monteverde, Puntarenas and doing/seeing zipling, beaches, horseback riding, national parks, volcanoes. If we had stayed here longer we would have been within a 2-3 hour drive (which is how long it took us anyway, even if it looked closer on a map) from most of what we wanted to do/see, with the exception of Guanacaste (It would have probably been difficult to get to the Caribbean coast or the southern Pacific region from here as well). Anyway, I would highly recommend this house/property for a large portion of your trip. It was our favorite place we stayed and Alan and Skeeter were our best hosts! Hands down!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Honeymooners
Guest: Beth
(Colorado)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11
Review Submitted: 06/23/11
My husband and I spent four days and nights in beautiful Puriscal with Alan during the last days of our honeymoon. I couldn't have been more relaxing. The views of the mountains during the day were to die for and at the the views of San Jose's lights were mesmerizing. Alan was a top notch host. He was always available to run us places (we didn't have a car) and made us feel very much at home. Overall, an amazing trip that I would recommend to anyone!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers.
Rock solid construction shrugged-off recent tremblor effortlessly
Guest: Diane
(Augusta, Georgia, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11
Review Submitted: 05/23/11
A superb choice for a first stop on anyone's Costa Rican itinerary. Breath-taking beauty in all directions. Alan is knowledgeable and helpful. He provides two extremely well-trained, friendly dogs for your companionship if you like, and, at no surcharge, furnished a serious earthquake for entertainment. We returned to spend our last night on his mountain-top also, and will definitely be back again. Truly a special place.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Wonderful week at the GLASS HOUSE!!!
Guest: Michael & Barbara
(Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/20/11
Review Submitted: 04/29/11
The location, property appearance, amenities, and cleanliness were excellent! After being there and seeing it in person, pictures don't capture the beauty of this property and the area. I highly encourage anyone going, to engage Alan to be their driver/guide. He is knowledgeable, speaks fluent Spanish, does a great job of driving and negotiating traffic, and gives excellent suggestions for the first time visitor. Manuel Antonio Beach Area, LaPaz Waterfall Gardens and Volcan Poas National Park are must sees for the first time visitors. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND thisVRBO and look forward to returning soon!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
The McConnells
Guest: The McConnells
(Clarkesville,Georgia)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11
Review Submitted: 04/18/11
WOW! This was our vacation of a lifetime.The views were better than I could imagine!Alan was so helpful.We decided to use him as a guide and I can"t say enough good things about his knowledge of the country,his friendliness,and his expert driveing! Alan was willing to take us anywhere we wanted to go,and introduced us to many things we would have missed on our own.The house was very clean and had the most fantastic views that pictures cannot do it justice.The grounds are very beautifully landscaped and I would definitely recommend this rental,but you may want to plan for more than one week!There is so much you can do or just sit outside looking at the mountains,toucans, and hummingbirds you won't want to leave.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
First (10) of (32). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #264008
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Monday, January 23, 2012
