Casa Sú at Proyecto Turruraba: Hardwood Rainforest Retreat, 40 Acres

Casa Sú is the first of a small collection of private cabanas at Papagayo Hills, part of Proyecto Turruraba — our 40-acre reforestation plantation of teak and cacao in the mountains of Turrubares, named for Turruraba, a historic indigenous chief of this Pacific-slope region. The cabana's own name, Casa Sú, comes from the Boruca word for hawk. It was built as an owner's personal retreat, not as a rental, and it shows.

THE BUILD
Almost everything you see and touch is solid hardwood: Guanacaste, teak and mahogany. Ceilings rise above 3.5 metres, and large windows and screened doors open the rooms to the forest. Only the bathrooms are tiled, and an adobe wall frames the living area.

THE SPACE
Downstairs: an open kitchen and dining area, a living room with a large TV and a sofa that converts to a king bed, a bathroom with shower, and a furnished patio facing the plantation.
Upstairs, reached by an outside staircase: one very large bedroom with a work desk, a walk-in closet, and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Sleeps up to 4.

SELF-SUFFICIENT BY DESIGN
Water comes from our own 62-metre rainforest well, pumped by solar power into a storage tank. It is clean and tastes wonderful. Hot water is solar-heated. Starlink internet makes remote work easy.

THE LAND
Scarlet macaws and toucans fly over daily, white-faced monkeys visit the neighbouring trees, and hummingbirds, butterflies and iguanas are everywhere. Walk the plantation trails, follow the creek, or sit by the fire pit at night. The estate is gated, with on-site security around the clock and a permanent night watch, and all windows and sliding glass doors are burglar-proof.

GETTING HERE
Papagayo Hills is reached by an unpaved mountain road, which is part of what keeps it quiet. A 4x4 is required; please arrive before 1 pm, when the roads are driest, and message us 30 minutes ahead so security can open the gate. Playa Hermosa is about 30 minutes away, Jaco 45 minutes, and San José airport about 2 hours.

GOOD TO KNOW
There is no air conditioning: the high ceilings and cross-ventilation keep the cabana comfortable, and all windows and doors are screened. Dogs are welcome (up to 2, no pet fee). Parking for 3 vehicles, plus ATVs and RVs. All bookings are by request; please tell us a little about your trip.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS / TOURS / ACTIVITIES
Zip-lining: For the ultimate canopy experience on the Central Pacific coast, Vista Los Suenos Canopy is in a league of its own. The guides bring the perfect blend of energy and professionalism, keeping safety front and center while making every zip an absolute thrill.
Sport Fishing: This stretch of coastline is world-class fishing territory. Whether you're treating yourself to the full luxury experience at Los Suenos Resort & Marina or hopping aboard a local panga boat for a relaxed, budget-friendly day on the water, the fishing here delivers.
Bird Watching: Costa Rica is legendary for its birdlife, and the house puts you right in the middle of it. Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, Herons, and Falcons make regular appearances — often without even leaving the property.
ATV Tours: Several operators run tours in the area, but for the best value, we love the combo Zip-line & ATV package through Vista Los Suenos Canopy. Prefer something more private? Jaguar Riders offers a fantastic dedicated ATV experience.
White Water Rafting: H2O Adventures sets the bar in this region, and for good reason. The water is warm, the guides are exceptional, and the canyon scenery is something you simply won't forget. They also offer river tubing and kayaking — but the rafting is where the magic is.
Surfing: Lessons available for all ages, abilities, and experience levels — whether you've never touched a board or you're just looking to sharpen your skills.
Sea Kayaking: Herradura Bay is the perfect starting point, especially for beginners or anyone who prefers calmer waters. It's stunning, and a handful of great waterfront restaurants make for a natural before-or-after stop.
Hiking: Step outside and the trails are yours. From the house, you can lose yourself for hours in the surrounding nature.