Vacation Rentals by Owner

Sky Bungalow with Commanding Views of Arenal Lake and Volcano! [#352618] | View Property

La Fortuna
Bungalow, 1 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
From $85/nt"
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Traveler Reviews (26)

• Excellent Excellent Excellent

  Excellent Excellent Excellent

  • Guest Moe L.
  • Date of stay 12/29/12
  • Review Submitted 02/10/13
  What a great vacation we had with Charlie and his family. Hospitality here is nothing short of awesome. Great conversation, food, and relaxation. The kids had an amazing time. Charlie through us a great new year's party. There was so much to do on the farm, all for a very nominal fee, that was just great. Consider doing this with kids as this is perfect for them. Make sure you rent an SUV to get up the road. You will have a very nice time and we would love to go back.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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• A woderfull time at a wonderfull place with a wonderfull family.

  A woderfull time at a wonderfull place with a wonderfull family.

  • Guest Jean
  • Date of stay 10/03/12
  • Review Submitted 10/11/12
  I just got home after a week at sky bungalow and feel already that I miss that wonderfull part of Costa Rica.The owners are a very warm and welcoming family, the hospitality is great, the food delicious and healthy( all grown on their farm) . I had the oppertunity to see how farming is done in CR and experienced the taste of fruits and vegetables I never tatsed before. Charllie ( the owner ) is a great guide and has a lot of stories to tell, there was not a moment that I got bored overthere. The surrounding area is lush and green , with a lot of wildlife too see, the local people are nice and friendly, and there is plenty things to do.In short: an amazing place that I can recommend to everyone. I forgot to tell about the bungalow, well it is a nice room to stay at, with wonderfull views and enough pravicy, clean and organized. Well , Charllie,Jaenette and the kids, thanks a lot that I could spend some time on your lovely property, I hope I can come back soon. Jean.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Joanne Cardinal

  Joanne Cardinal

  • Guest jojocard
  • Date of stay 08/18/12
  • Review Submitted 11/06/12
  I am a friend and former neighbor of Charlie. I owned the property next to Charlie´s very beautiful farm. I think that Charlie is very likable as is his family. I learned the Spanish word for smile (sonrisa) because of the many smiles on the faces of his children. Janet, his wife, has an open heart. I love spending time with all of them. From his property you can thrill at some of the most beautiful views in the country, with a FULL view of Arenal Volcano and awesome beauty of Lake Arenal. I love seeing the lake as it meanders off into the horizon. The Sky Bungalow has multiple windows for seeing the views from inside. His bungalow has a style of rustic simplicity, with everything needed for your stay. Janet and Charlie will cook as many meals as you would like with most of the food organic and from his farm. The area is filled with activities for tourists. Charlie can book for you or connect with somone who can, the nearby zipline, butterfly garden, Hanging Bridges, hot springs, hikes, boating on Lake Arenal, horseback riding and others. Charlie can take you on a walk to a waterfall or on a horseback ride to a rainforest with a large waterfall that edges his property. I hiked to the smaller waterfall many years ago, and remember it as a special experience because of being alone in nature and its beauty. I once had a family rent my house for a week. A highlight for them was milking Charlie´s baby cow, They loved that experience as well as playing with Charlie´s children. You will have an enjoyable and memorable experience if you choose to stay in the Sky Bungalow.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

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• Not what expected

  Not what expected

  • Guest Seasoned Traveller
  • Date of stay 07/23/12
  • Review Submitted 07/29/12
  If you are planning to stay at Sky Bungalow you should be aware of a few things before booking your stay there. Before reading our comments, you should know that my wife and I are very seasoned world travelers, have lived for many years in a third world country, and are no strangers to many different levels of accommodations. We spent the extra money and rented a 4 wheel drive specifically because it was recommended for the Sky Bungalow. Don’t even attempt to drive there if you don’t have a 4 wheel drive. The drive from Quepos was a grueling 6 hours, but the last hour to Sky Bungalow was a slow bumpy crawl over very bad rocky roads. There were no signs at all helping us to find Sky Bungalow. This was very frustrating. No roads are marked in any way. The GPS coordinates got us most of the way there, but not all the way. Luckily I speak enough Spanish to ask directions and to understand the responses. If you don’t speak Spanish and don’t have a GPS, good luck in finding your way there. When we finally arrived around 12:30 PM, we woke Charlie up. He was totally asleep. And…..to top it off, he didn’t remember that we had a reservation! Obviously we were not happy. Since he had misplaced our reservation, the place was not ready for us. Our first impression was not good. The beds were not made, the place was dirty, the toilet was not clean and there was a dead cockroach on the floor to greet us. The Sky Bungalow is built on top of an open garage full of cars and junk that you have to pass by on your way to your room. The walkway to the room is not very aesthetic. The room was spacious, but hot water only “sort of” existed in the shower, but not elsewhere. There is no air conditioning and the kitchen and bathroom are both very basic. We did spend one night, but left early the next morning. We asked for, but did not receive a refund on the next two nights that we had booked and pre-paid for. It seemed like some effort or compensation should have been made to make up for the lack of a proper welcome and for not knowing that we were coming. The road is so difficult that I would guess that once you get there, you won’t want to go down that road again until you leave. It’s “that” bad. Getting to other Arenal attractions is very difficult to say the least. I’m sorry Charlie. You have a beautiful piece of property, but we found it inaccessible, almost impossible to find, and not at all what we had expected or pre-paid for.

  Owner response: I'm sorry they felt this way, we try so hard and i admit we dropped the ball when they arrived. Learned my lesson . The other things mentioned are somewhat over stated or exagerrated . i'm not sure what expectations they had but we are what we are. It's not perfect but it is worthy of a visit. Just hope you'll take into account other comments as well . Lot's of people love it just the way it is. We keep it very clean and comfortable and excellant personal service. Many activities to keep busy or great place to relax. Please don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns at all. charlie and family

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• California USA

  Guest comment entered by owner

  California USA

  • Guest AnnMarie
  • Date of stay 07/02/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  We can't thank you enough for treating us like famiy this week. A wonderful place to experience the 'true' Costa Rica. Your hospitality, fabulous food,playtime with the kids, and even babysitting were so appreciated!! we wish you all the best and we hope to visit again someday.

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• Awsome climate, view and accomdation!

  Awsome climate, view and accomdation!

  • Guest Ken
  • Date of stay 07/01/12
  • Review Submitted 07/19/12
  I was greeted by Charlie the owner and his wonderful wife. This place has the most incredible view of both volcno and Lake Arenal! Their hospitality was fantastic while I stayed in the Sky Bungalow. Very unique and beautiful open room architecture along with separate bedroom. Very warm feeling with spectacular lake view.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Aspen Co.

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Aspen Co.

  • Guest Brad
  • Date of stay 06/16/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  Awesome place,people, food, friends. Thanks for showing us such a good time. Hope to be back soon,possibly as a neighbor.

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• Colorado,USA

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Colorado,USA

  • Guest Kat and Adam
  • Date of stay 06/12/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  The farm was a piece of heaven for us and the kids. I told my husband after a few nights that I feel like a piece of my soul is awaking and being fed.A piece that is usually sleeping. I felt welcomed and we all had a memorable time we will cherish forever.

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• Experience of a life time!

  Experience of a life time!

  • Guest Abe
  • Date of stay 06/04/12
  • Review Submitted 06/15/12
  This property is an excellent place to experience Costa Rica at its best incredible views of the Lake/Volcano loved the property the wrap around balcony is awesome the owner Charlie and is wife Jeanette are excellent hosts great food and service comfortable beds hot water a great place to get away and relax you wont be disappointed with this location and property.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Philadelphia

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Philadelphia

  • Guest Dan and family
  • Date of stay 05/27/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  dear Charlie and family, We are so grateful for your gracias hospitality. the authentic food,great chats,and spectacular views were a special treat on our honeymoon. The horseback ride and waterfall were also so much fun. we wish you both many blessings on your wedding in 10 days! Keep up all the good work. Hopefully we can visit you again.

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• Aspen Co

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Aspen Co

  • Guest Sam
  • Date of stay 05/16/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  Thanks Charlie y family for a great three days learning about the real Costa Rica. I didn't know what to expect but got much more than my imagination dared to consider. Loved the experience and look forward to doing it again.

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• Portland,Oregon USA

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Portland,Oregon USA

  • Guest Andrea and John
  • Date of stay 04/01/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  We had a wonderful visit to the farm. The Sky Bungalow is very comfortable and the views are amazing. We enjoyed waking up to the sounds of the birds and the rooster. Our kids especially enjoyed playing with your children. They are 3 lovely kids-very kind. Actually woke up sad today that we have to say goodbye. Our kids could be pen pals and practice english/spanish. We enjoyed the horse ride and hike to the waterfall very much and Arenal Observatory Lodge with the birds and hot springs. You have a very special place.

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• Texas

  Guest comment entered by owner

  Texas

  • Guest Alex and Karen
  • Date of stay 03/30/12
  • Review Submitted 09/07/12
  This is exactly what a vacation should be : away from the hustle and bustle ,a wonderful view,excellant food,good people and excellant adventures. oh, and parrots and puppies. Thank you for welcoming us to your home.

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• Nice views but a few not so great things

  Nice views but a few not so great things

  • Guest Icehouse616
  • Date of stay 03/04/12
  • Review Submitted 03/15/12
  Upon arrival we were in awe of the views of the volcano and lake. The volcano is right there, truly amazing. The accommodations were just okay. We had bats in our ceiling that kept us up every night. We found out upon leaving the owner was aware and neglected to say anything. The private bedroom had a musty odor that was attempted to be covered up with an air freshener. The sink didn't drain, it simply ran out of an unconnected pipe below and would run onto the kitchen floor. Dinner which is $10 a person was good but nothing I would ever pay $10 each for. We did receive a discount because the kids didn't eat all that much. A few cock roaches here and there. It was nice to be able to do laundry. Don't expect too much sleep between the bats and the wood shop that starts working at 6:00 am or earlier. It would have been nice to know this is how everything functioned. We will find a different place to stay in La Fortuna on our next trip.

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• Simply breath taking

  Simply breath taking

  • Guest J & H
  • Date of stay 03/01/12
  • Review Submitted 03/24/12
  I spent 2 day here and have to say it was by far and above my most awesome experience in all of my 5 week travels through out Costa Rica. I arrived late and woke to the most amazing view I've ever witnessed, opened my front door and was greeted by my host with a cup of coffee and and even more spectacular view, had breakfast with a wild parrot, strolled through the rain forest to a private waterfall, and went swimming in the rapids. Oh and you can drink the water here, it's totally spring fed. This place is totally off the beaten path and offers an amazing unique experience that enriched my trip. Our host family were simply amazing and our host Charlie, was a fountain of knowledge and information, on the history of the area, If you're looking for a 5 star hotel and paved side walks and streets, this place isn't for you. If you're looking to experience the most spectacular views, and a real hands on Costa Rica experience, I can't recommend this place enough. . I'm definitely looking for a way to visit this place again!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• The Best of Costa Rica

  The Best of Costa Rica

  • Guest Val
  • Date of stay 02/08/12
  • Review Submitted 02/14/12
  We just returned from a 4 night stay at the Bungalow and am ready to return. The trip to get there was an adventurous 4wheel drive ( highly suggest ) but worth all the potholes and ruts! In fact that only makes this dream of a place more enjoyable as it is off the beaten path. I felt refreshed and energized the whole time I was there probably due to the fresh mountain breezes, the beautiful vista (better than what is seen at The Springs Resort and Spa ) and the best food you will get in Costa Rica. The farm has a warm and loving spirit as evidenced by Charley and his family, Janet, Edwardo, Mario, and Leno and extended family ( some with fur ) that you may meet. Charley can arrange or assist with about any excursion and honestly what he can offer from his farm is excellent- so much to do just on and around his estate ( hikes, waterfalls, horseback riding, and more ). The bungalow is simple, clean and refreshing-with everything you need for the REAL Costa Rican experience and can lodge 4 people comfortably. Yes the bedding seems average but I had some of the best sleep ever...maybe it was the open windows allowing mountain breezes- or the sound of whiperwills at night- or that I was really relaxing because I was away from the cares of world- what I would call a total body-mind and soul vacation. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible and absolute real was my stay at the Bungalow but will state that you should not stay here if you are looking for a high tech posh fluff "american style" vacation. No wifi,TV or man made air conditioning here ( internet is available per Charley's broadband). The location may be off the beaten path but you are in driving distance to all the excursions and attractions offered in the La Fortuna area and I do highly recommended renting a manual 4x4 ( I got the cheapest one and it did great ). Just driving was an adventure in itself ! The only somewhat complaint is that the pictures offered here do not give this place justice...you will honestly be overwhelmed by the gorgeous and incredible beauty that surrounds this place and how wonderful Charley and is family is. Also when booking you are communicating with the rental broker, William, who forwards information and request to Charley.Everything I inquired about whether about the bungalow,cost concerns, meals, excursions or surroundings was answered well and followed through. To put it as the Ticos say - this place is really the " Pura Vida " experience.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Pura Vida!

  Pura Vida!

  • Guest Pete
  • Date of stay 12/31/11
  • Review Submitted 01/11/12
  We had the pleasure of staying at Charlie's Sky Bungalow for 4 days starting on New Year's Eve. We were very well taken care of by Charlie and his family. It was a great taste of life on a farm in Costa Rica. We were given all the privacy we desired but also had the opportunity to enjoy the company of a wonderful Costa Rican family. The view from the bungalow was magnificent even when it rained one entire day we were there. The meals cooked for us were very tasty and relatively inexpensive. The bed and bedding were a little on the uncomfortable side but that would be the only negative in an otherwise fantastic stay.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Had a great time at Charlie's place with family

  Had a great time at Charlie's place with family

  • Guest Rao
  • Date of stay 12/22/11
  • Review Submitted 04/11/12
  We had a great time at Charlie's Sky Bunglow. I meant to write the review but forgot about this after our awesome trip to Costa Rica. Remembered about this last night when by younger daughter told me that she wants to move to Costa Rica like Charlie when she grows up. This is truly off the beaten path - literally - you will need a 4 wheel drive to go up the hill to this beautiful "Sky" bunglow. Read in one of the reviews about the fruit bat but this place is surrounded by wildlife and expect some encounters. It is a working farm so be prepared to go to bed early and get up early. If you are looking for a an experience where you want to take a break from your hectic connected life, this is the place. Charlie and his family really took care of all our needs, including providing vegetarian meals (has a great Christmas day lunch), trips down to the waterfall in his property, kayaking, horseback riding, etc. El Castillio is a very small village and Charlie is known to everyone. Major activities are closeby, including the popular zip lines. La Fortuna town is about 30min ride and we went there a couple of times - once for the hotsprings and once for shopping. Arenal is mostly covered in clouds but we have seen two double rainbows! Was very exiciting. Thanks Charlie and William. Appreciate all you have done to make our visit with the kids a memorable one.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

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• Beautiful View and Exciting Adventures

  Beautiful View and Exciting Adventures

  • Guest Travis
  • Date of stay 07/04/11
  • Review Submitted 07/25/11
  My wife and I stayed at Charlie's Bungalow for one week. It was amazing! We explored the entire area throughout the week and didn't find a better view than the bungalow. We woke up to the sounds of howler monkeys. Enjoyed a horseback ride and relaxing in a hammock in front of Charlie's waterfall. We didn't have a car but with the help of Charlie and Alonso (he lives at the bottom of the mountain and is an awesome contact for transportation and tours) we were able to do everything we wanted to. Charlie's family is exceptional and be sure to spend time getting to know them. We loved our adventure and thanks to Charlie for making it special! We recommend the bungalow to anyone who wants to experience the real Costa Rica. p.s. The food made by Charlie's wife is the best.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Visit Sky Bungalow!

  Visit Sky Bungalow!

  • Guest MB
  • Date of stay 06/28/11
  • Review Submitted 07/11/11
  We had a wonderful stay at the Sky Bungalow. Charlie and his whole family are exceptional, open people who made us feel very welcome. Their farm is located in a beautiful spot with incredible vistas of the volano, the lake, and the jungle. We had a lot of fun playing soccer with the three children (they are very good, beware!) and going on an adventure with them to see the nearby river and waterfall. Our two daughters enjoyed playing with their children, all the farm animals and horseback rides. The small town of El Castillo is a short walk or drive away and it's worth a visit. The Butterfly Garden has a tremendous amount of butterflies and lots of incredible plants. We did our cooking in the well-equipped kitchen and ate at the picture window watching toucans fly from tree to tree. Our time there is a treasured experience. We highly recommend visiting there during your time in Costa Rica.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

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• BEST PLACE TO STAY NEAR ARENAL VOLCANO

  BEST PLACE TO STAY NEAR ARENAL VOLCANO

  • Guest Louise - Serdar - Zeynep - Alex
  • Date of stay 06/22/11
  • Review Submitted 09/19/11
  Our 4 night stay at the Sky Bungalow was excellent. The whole family immediately made us feel very comfortable and at home. The help with the organizing of trips was outstanding and we never had a dull moment - exploring the area - walks down to the waterfall - visiting the numerous animals - butterflies in the garden - nonstop..... The home cooked meals were delicious along with all the fresh fruit. We could not have asked for a better first stay in Costa Rica - A great big thanks to you all.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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• FANTASTIC!

  FANTASTIC!

  • Guest Linda
  • Date of stay 06/01/11
  • Review Submitted 06/07/11
  My husband and I enjoyed our stay at the Sky Bungalow. If you are looking for a chance to see life on a Cosa Rican farm, this is for you. You will feel like a part of the family from the moment that you arrive. The hosts and their children are wonderful people who will make you feel at home. The meals that are provided are delicious--I would advise you to eat with them as much as you possibily can! Ride their horses and hike into the jungle to their waterfall---you will not want to miss it! You should know that the property is at the end of a rocky trail so you will want to rent a substantial vehicle, but it is worth it. The views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake and the rain forest are the BEST that you will see anywhere! I planted seeds on the terraces behind the house---ask how Linda's garden is doing! I highly recommend a stay in the Sky Bungalow!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Not even an afternoon shower that went from "pelo de gato" (light drizzle) to "aqua cerro" (downpour) could stop them from having a good time. We had to improvise a palm thatch shelter down by Walden Falls ,as I call it, and saved the BBQ lunch! New Mexico Red chile fajitas,by the way, so if spicy food is what you want...

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• Best Place to Stay while visiting Arenal Volcano

  Best Place to Stay while visiting Arenal Volcano

  • Guest Catherine & Dave
  • Date of stay 04/22/11
  • Review Submitted 05/09/11
  We stayed here for two nights, and wish we could have stayed longer! We had the perfect view of Arenal Lake from our room, and another perfect view of the volcano from the porch. Our room was clean. There are insects around - but that is to be expected when you're staying in Costa Rica! We had a fridge, sink, table, bathroom with shower, bedroom, and living room area with two additional single beds. Perfect little studio apartment to stay in for a couple or family. The property is HUGE and full of trails to explore! Highly recommended place to stay for someone who enjoys hiking. There is a trail to a river with a private waterfall on the property too. You can spend several days just wandering around the trails by the farm and along the river, lake and volcano. Of course there are other things to do nearby - the Arenal Volcano National Park, a few hot springs, La Fortuna.. Our favorite experience about staying at the sky bungalow was spending time with the host family. The owner is an American, so we had no problem communicating during our stay. He pointed us in the right direction for places to check out along the property. He was a fun and interesting person to talk to. His wife is very sweet and polite, and the children are very well-behaved. We stayed three days and we never heard them argue over a thing!! Make sure you enjoy a few meals from the family during your stay, for both breakfast and dinner. Don't forget you're staying on a farm - all of the fruits, veggies, eggs, etc are FRESH :) The owner's wife cooks delicious meals - we had jalepano banana salad, tortillas (freshly cooked!) with bean sauce, rice, plantain and fish for dinner one evening. Pancakes and freshly laid turkey eggs for breakfast another day. The ride up to the farm is a bit rough, you will be driving along a dirt road for part of the journey so make sure you rent a vehicle that can handle it. A sedan will make it up there, but it's a rough ride. We took a Toyota Yaris and we did make it up and down the road without a major problem, but we had to take it very slow. Two of our tires started getting low on air, and the farm owner was kind enough to take the car to a mechanic during the Easter holiday weekend just to get air for our tires... now that's a good host! If you're looking to experience Costa Rica, not just a typical hotel stay, then stay here! Highly recommended to everyone - I plan on staying here again with my father next time we visit Costa Rica!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Guess our meals are making the grade. Actually , as Catherine herself will say, she is a picky eater, so it was somewhat of a challenge to find her taste buds. Also helped us to develope more recipes for vegitarians. Full service hospitality, whatever it takes, I can help even down to low tires. we have a rough road right now, but fixed a few bad spots, so go slow and you'll be fine. 4x4 recommended but not required. Good fishing right now due to low water level, light pressure. (6-12-11) best white water in July -OCT. Adios, Charlie and fam

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• Our best Costa Rica Experience!

  Our best Costa Rica Experience!

  • Guest Hector and Olina
  • Date of stay 04/19/11
  • Review Submitted 05/09/11
  I recommend renting this home to any couple, individual, friends, or family travelling to Costa Rica. My wife and I went on vacation this April in search of the "real" Costa Rica experience and we found exactly what we were looking for here. No expensive/fancy resorts with plastic trees and man made waterfalls. This is the real thing and for a very affordable cost. Our stay at this bungalow was our first and our favorite part of our two week trip. We stayed a total of 4 nights. Though it is a farm, the family is very kind, very generous, and very considerate of the guests. The farm is quiet all day long and the views of the the lake, the views of the jungle ladscape and the Arenal Volcano through any of the windows in the bungalow are pricesless and picture perfect. You will not want to buy postcards. The views seriously cannot get any better than this. I'm not an early bird, but I couldn't stay in bed too long as I was anxious to peak through the windows. It was actually very fun watching the family work on the farm, feeding the goats, horses, etc in the morning while sipping delicious Costa Rican coffee. If we had kids, we would probably help out as a family. Looked like so much fun. It wasn't necessary, but we had the priviledge of sitting with the family and enjoying several meals with them for a very affordable price. The food is probably as good, or better than the typical Costa Rican food you will find at the restaurants in the city of La Fortuna. It at least makes for a great option if you want to stay home or get tired of eating out. The bungalow has a oven and refigerator, so if you want to buy groceries and cook, this is also a convenient option. The bungalow is clean, never hot or muggy. The windows have screens on them to prevent mosquitos from coming in and if you leave the windows open you can enjoy the fresh mountain breeze all day and night. It is never cold and never hot. At least not in April. Ths is not a place for you if you need a radio, cable tv, or an air conditioned room. Rent this place only if you like the quiet outdoors and wouldn't mind a short hike to a local waterfall. Ask the owner about the free hot springs. Do not waste your money on hot springs at an expensive resort. Save your money and use it wisely to pay for a canopy trip at Los Canones ($35-$45) or going white water rafting ($65-$99) at Sarapiqui or Pacuare River. You may have to drive a little bit down a dirt road, but worth it!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: This was our first guest and they were on their honeymoon. Super couple and we had a good time. I'll not soon forget this Hector, mounting up Relampago (flash) and roping our spooked horses. that boy can ride... Farm is not always as quiet as it was for that Easter week. We make custom, hardwood furniture here so around 7am we jump start the days. To get some xtra sleep in time think about coming on Tuesday or Saturday , we usually dont work in the wood shop those two days a week. This couple couldn't get enough of my wife's gallo pinto. We cooked yucca about 7 different ways for the taste test. i enjoy hosting and Janet and the kids too! You'll never know what might happen up here. For instance, yesterday, Toucan on the front steps, baby birds falling from nest in roof (returned safely) . We are in an unusual micro climate. Border of rain forest transistion to cloud forest. 40 kilometers from the continental divide at Santa Elena, Monteverde. Great nature hiking and bird watching. can't tell you how many frogs,hundreds) but the night symphony is incredible and then they sleep, I guess, because all of a sudden it's over... We like to go for Night Walk tour on the full moons, so book that lunar date and join us. You can see so much , and it's exciting to be down at our private waterfall/ river at night. Or just sit back in the gardens or the mirador and let the tropical breeze fill you with abundance. the nature here is most impressive. There is a 500 yr old dead tree, ceiba, hollowed and full of vampire bats. Home to a million parrots. check it out at sunset . hope you decide to head our way, we'll be waiting with the light on. charlie

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• Couple aged 65 and 63

  Couple aged 65 and 63

  • Guest Raini
  • Date of stay 01/11/11
  • Review Submitted 02/15/12
  My husband and I spent a week at Sky Bungalow last month and loved it immensely. The accomodations are very nice and the views beautiful. We were able to cook our own meals but also enjoyed eating with our hosts. Most of all, we loved the family and enjoyed getting to know them. The area offers lot's to do and see. The only drawback is the road but I certainly wouldn't let that deter you from staying here. As soon as we left we started missing it!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Best view!

  Best view!

  • Guest lori
  • Date of stay 06/20/10
  • Review Submitted 07/05/11
  We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with Charlie and his family. I believe his property has the best view in the area. I only wished we had had more time there so we could have done some horse back riding, etc on the property. I would recommend doing stuff on his farm before any of the touristy tours. Don’t get me wrong the touristy tours were great but I think Charlie’s would have been even better. This trip was an all girls trip so we were a little nervous about staying with “strangers” but Charlie and his wife made us feel more than welcome. We had breakfast there both mornings and dinner one night. It was the best food we had the entire trip. Everything was fresh-right off the farm! We didn’t rent a vehicle but with Charlie’s help and Alonzo (the tours guy)’s help we got along fine… but I would recommend renting a 4x4 if possible because the road is VERY rocky. Do remember, you are in Costa Rica so if you come in contact with lizards, snakes, or bugs, you will everywhere you go. But at least here your hosts will happily take care of them for you. Charlie, later in the week we went zip lining in Monteverde and we thought that would be a great way to get down your road! ? Thanks for your hospitality we enjoyed it.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: I can just see it now, a zip line running down the road. That would have to be a first in Costa Rica! Call it Roadkill canopy tour,ha Wish these four gals would of stayed longer than 2 nights. There is so much to see and do here. We just opened the old hunter trail that goes way back into the rain forest. Real world adventure hike- pass several waterfalls, one over 100ft tall. Spotted herd of wild pigs and giant/enormous ant hill earlier this week. Lot's of wild turkeys and fresh water crabs in the river. Ready to do some fishing out on the lake so invite you to come join us. Hasta luego, Charlie and fam

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3