Five Star Vacation

Guest: Chad & Erika (Minneapolis, MN US)
Date of Stay: 01/02/12 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

My wife and I just spent the whole month of January at Casa Mambo and we don't believe we could have picked a better place. Pamela and Carter are the perfect hosts. If there was ever an issue with something, they promptly took care of it and always there if we needed help with anything. Their property is just simply breath taking. Between the howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and the variety of small to very large insects, there was never a dull moment (if you are someone that is terrified of bugs, this may not be for you. Or you can look at it as therapy, which I did). The location is perfect. It's a five minute walk down the driveway to the beach. Where there is a sports bar, The Point. Great burgers, wings, etc. (where I was able to get my NFL playoff fix). Say ''hi" to Toby (the owner) for us. Then it's a beautiful 15 minute walk down the beach to town. Make sure to eat at Bread & Chocolate and say "hi" to Tom (the owner) for us also. The rest of the town has a lot of little boutique shops for the women to get their shopping fix and a lot of bars for the guys to drink while waiting. We bought bikes while we were there and as long as you don't mind spending a few hours a day on the bike, you'll have an abundance of day trips. It's a small town feel and we made many friends, from other tourist to locals. From top to bottom an unforgettable experience. Everything is exactly as advertised. Thank you so much Pamela and Carter for everything.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Casa Mambo in December 2011

Guest: BYET (Sammamish, Wa. USA)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11 Review Submitted: 12/31/11

We arrived into San Jose after 12 hours of travel, got into our 'hostel' for the night and almost cried! It was nothing like their website and all we wanted to do was close our eyes and pretend it was already morning. Fast forward 12 hours and we found ourselves being dropped off at the gate to Finca Loco Natural, and being met by Giovanny who works for Pamela and Carter. What a cute guy, all smiles and full of cheer. He showed us down the path to Casa Mambo and when the garden opened up to reveal the house, my jaw dropped open and my friend and I looked at each other, threw our hands up and just sighed! It was truly amazing, and to top it off.....exactly as advertised! You cannot and will not be disappointed when booking a stay with Pamela y Carter. The house is a wilderness marvel, from the woodwork that went into the floors, windows, staircase, deck and rails. What a masterpiece. The garden on the other hand....brilliant! When people write they saw more wildlife from the porch...they are not lying! At first light, a wave of birds swing into the garden to wake you up. The Toucan's show up around 5:30-6:00 am to sing their songs. Hummingbirds, Kiskadee's, Oropendola, Palm Tanager's, Passerinis's Tanager, Clay colored Robin's and the Great Tinamou (just to name a few) all call the garden home. Butterflies are everywhere, and you may spot a few Blue Morpho's as they flit on by. There is a family of Guatusa, and you will see them every morning sitting under the star fruit tree eating the fallen fruit. Go down to the creek and you will find Strawberry poison dart frogs everywhere, along with the Black and Green dart frogs and bats who call the old log across the creek home. Pamela y Carter are the most gracious hosts, supplying fresh banana's, educational tidbit's about what you see on the Finca, as well as helping to set up any activities you may want to participate in. I highly recommend a guided tour with Tico Riki!...local born and raised this man is a wealth of knowledge and they will put you in contact with him. Giovanny who can be found in the workshop daily is wonderful as well. I was constantly stopping by to check in with him to ask a question about something I had spotted. Put the three of them together and you feel as though you are part of the Finca and not just a tourist staying on their property! 2 weeks of lying in their hammocks listening to nature did this woman well and I know I will be back at some point for another stay

Owner response:Thanks for the props Erin. We are glad that you and Jan had such a good time. Buena suerte y PURA VIDA!!! Pamela y Carter

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great location and awesome hosts!

Guest: Jon & Laura (Washington, US)
Date of Stay: 01/21/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

We stayed at Casa Mambo at the end of January into February and it was awesome. Besides the good weather (we only had one significant morning of rain) we were happy to stay with Pamela and Carter, as they really made us feel at home. Their hospitality was welcoming after the long day of traveling from the northwestern United States. Case Mambo was a beautiful place to stay with Carter's woodwork complimented by the deck, unique stairs, and especially the hammocks for lounging. We really enjoyed the kitchen which was easy to stock after a few trips to the local store. Their property has a really good balance between proximity to the beach/town and solitude in the jungle with a full kitchen for those days/meals when you don't want to go into town. Coffee (don't worry they have a coffee pot!) on the porch listening to the jungle come alive in the morning (and as things quiet down in the evening) was one of our favorite times. I'd recommend picking up some local chocolate to go with the local coffee (Café 1820 is pretty good, but our favorite was from "Carabeans" local coffee shop on the beach). We found it to be a great place to take children (our girls were 1.5yrs and 3yrs old) we just kept an eye on them near the stairs as there is no handrail. The girls loved the freedom to play in the house, read books in the hammocks or explore in the yard with all of the beautiful flowers and interesting animals. Really nice to not worry about traffic or other people as we had plenty of space to roam and be free. We highly recommend staying at one of their houses - you won't regret it. One last word of advice...don't forget your headlamp/flashlight if you plan to walk back from town at night (or more so even if you don't plan on it)....it's very dark in the jungle!

Owner response:Thank you Jon and family. Not only for the kind words, but it was a pleasure to get to know you. We send you good luck and happiness from finca Loco Natural. Pura Vida, Carter and Pamela

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Doesn't Get Much Better

Guest: Kevin (Highland, IN)
Date of Stay: 02/25/11 Review Submitted: 03/01/11

Carter and Pamela were incredible hosts, concerned as much for our well-being as for the land on which they developed the house. They even were up in an instant and willing to help when a false alarm key loss had us locked out of the upstairs bedroom at 1 a.m. The fully-stocked kitchen had us making everything from our own tortillas to baked birthday cookies while the others sipped their coffee and watched toucans jump from tree to tree. This place is a gem. Don't forget your flashlight!

Owner response:Thanks Kevin, we are so glad that you and your friends enjoy your time at the Finca, we hope to meet again, keep the good work, Pamela y carter

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

Amazing Vacation

Guest: Maggie (Minneapolis, MN US)
Date of Stay: 02/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/17/11

A group of us stayed at Casa Mambo, and loved every minute of it. (The shower is pretty great.) The house is close to a beautiful, quiet beach, and yet tucked nicely into the trees and far enough from the road to be in the middle of nature. We loved sitting on the deck, listening to the birds and other creatures as we drank our coffee each morning. We saw a sloth while sitting on the deck, and were able to see another one even closer on one of the trails by the house. It's a close walk to town to get groceries, stop at the farmers' market, or visit one of the area's restaurants. Pamela and Carter are amazingly nice and very ready to help make suggestions of what to do or see and where to go, if you feel you must leave the peaceful little oasis they've created.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Privacy, Location, Accomadating Host and Comfort all in one

Guest: Ben9 (bend, oregon)
Date of Stay: 02/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/11/11

If I were to live in Costa Rica this would be it, after traveling around the country this was our favorite spot. It was close to a great beach and a cute town with great restaurants and nite life. BUT it was quiet and secluded. We could have coffee on the deck and breakfast watching the birds. Never needed our "OFF". The outdoor shower was the best. If I wanted to get back to reality the Wifi was consistant and available. Thanks so much for Pam and Carters help with our lost luggage. If it had not been for her we would still be wearing the clothes we had on our backs. We were also so relaxed that we left our cell phone and car keys at the house. They were kind enough to get them back to San Jose before we had to leave. Hope to see you again!!!.

Owner response:Thanks for the reveiw Cindy. We were happy to be able to help you out. Good luck and glad you enjoyed our place. Pura Vida, Carter and Pamela

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

Best 2 months of my life.

Guest: Dillon (Saskatoon Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

I stayed at the Casa Mambo for 2 months with my friend from September to November and we absolutely loved it! Every morning you get to wake up to the beautiful jungle scenery and the sounds of birds and wildlife all around you. Its a 3 minute walk down to the beach and probably the best swimming in Puerto Viejo, no reef or anything so no need to worry about cutting your feet. Wasting a day in the hammock on a rainy day is another great thing to do. Carter and Pamela are the best hosts you could ask for, always willing to help with anything you need, and Carter also plays in an amazing band in Puerto Viejo so be sure not to miss that. Anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to get away from city life this is the place for you! Pura Vida.

Owner response:Pura Vida Dillon. It was a pleasure getting to know you and Dave. Good luck back up there in the north country.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Jungle Paradise!

Guest: Debbie & Bruce (Everson, Washington)
Date of Stay: 07/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

We were fortunate enough to rent both Casa Mambo and the Birdhouse this summer for the month of July. With a large family it's not always easy to find a great place at a good price but we lucked out this time! A wonderful jungle experience -- from the morning calls of the howler monkeys and the daily sightings of toucans, sloths and agoutis, to the tico-style housing, we were all enchanted. Pamela and Carter are charming hosts -- always present when needed while also respecting your privacy. Some of us rented bikes and others walked or used taxis to get around -- all are good choices. With the beach being only a 5 minute walk away, we all enjoyed daily swims in the warm Caribbean water. The town of Puerto Viejo is quite enjoyable -- with it's varied restaurants, outdoor movie theatre, live music and local venders selling colorful wares. A few of our favorite places to eat: Cafe Rico (great tropical setting where you can enjoy watching the resident sloth, iguana, and parrot while eating a delicious breakfast or lunch), Bread & Chocolate, Tex-Mex, Loco Natural (the restaurant) and Jungle Love. Of course, there are the typical activities: surfing, horse riding, ziplining, hiking -- absolutely don't miss out on a trip to the Jaguar Rescue Center where you can play with baby howler monkeys, as well as sloths and other rescue animals) -- but leave time to enjoy the peaceful ambiance that surrounds you at Loco Natural. It doesn't get much better!!

Owner response:Thank you Debbie, we are glad we could share our peaceful place with you and all your family and hope you will return someday. It was a real pleasure to have met you. Pura vida y pura suerte, Pamela y Carter

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great time at Casa Mambo

Guest: David (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/19/10

Four of us stayed at Casa Mambo in April, and we couldn't have had a better time. The beautiful house, nestled in the jungle, provided a comfortable and serene place to stay in Puerto Viejo. We especially loved lazing around in the hammocks, sitting out on the upstairs deck, and hiking to the waterfall on the back side of the property. We also enjoyed cooking delicious dinners in the Casa's kitchen. This stay is ideal for those who are not too squeamish. Nearly the entire house is open air, which makes for great airflow and a round-the-clock tropical feel. But on the other hand, people creeped out by insects might want to find something different. Pamela and Carter are excellent hosts. They helped us find the best restaurants and most interesting activities in the area. We strongly recommend Casa Mambo!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Trip of a lifetime!

Guest: Suann (Grand Rapids, MI USA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

Loco Natural is the PERFECT place to stay in CR!! Our house was beautiful, spacious, clean, and talk about location!! It was all that we expected and more! Carter y Pamela are more than gracious, very helpful, and warm. Words really fall short of describing how staying here made our trip!! Puerto Viejo is a colorful & vibrant community with plenty to do. Carter y Pamela directed us to activities and attractions, as well as restaurants and local businesses, so we felt comfortable moving about freely. It really was the trip of a lifetime; I will definitely return and have already referred a good friend!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.