Entire home

A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest.

Photo gallery for A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest.

Outdoor pool
Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Outdoor pool

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 221394 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest.

Princesa de la Luna 'Eco Lodge' experience is everything one imagines a stay in Costa Rican paradise to be. The house ,complex perches on the edge of the valley providing incredible views of the the jungle spread out below and the volcano looming over the far side of the valley.

These views were one of many reasons that NBC chose to shoot part of their reality show, 'Love In The Wild,' here. 'Highly, highly recommend it for groups and families...'

The Ecolodge provides a unique lifestyle experience by social integration with the local community.

The kitchen/dining room area accommodates up to 30 people. There you will often find bunches of bananas and coconuts hanging from hooks and ready to be used. Large, locally made wooden tables provide functional preparation and dining area and there are propane and wood fired stoves as well as a microwave, toaster and coffee maker. There is also a brick grill/oven with a motorized spit large enough for a full pig or a half dozen chickens if you decide to have a party. The kitchen has everything that you need to prepare your own meals.

There are a variety of ways for you to enjoy your time here including MILES of maintained paths created over the course of nine years. The paths are lined with carefully selected plants and the forests have been very carefully maintained to achieve a blend of cultivated fruit and sustainable gardening, park land and virgin forest.

By using proper plants and sustainable permaculture techniques, we've achieved a unique experience here. Maintained grounds gradually give way to more rustic views, which gradually blend into permanent, untouched, virgin jungle. One of the trails ends at a stream that cuts its way down through heavy plant growth and a unique, 'weeping wall' of black earth that is covered in a variety of orchids.

Along the way you'll discover not one but two swimming pools. One is slightly more conventional with maintained plants and gardens around it and is fed by pure spring water. The other is hidden at the end of a hike to the bottom of the valley next to the stream. It is fed directly from the little stream, there are NO CHEMICALS used in either. Just a continual supply of fresh, clean water flowing into the pools and then back out into the stream.Right now the main swimming pool is functional and swimable but needs tiles to be replaced and general maintenance so it is not as well presented as in the fotos!! Sometimes we have difficulty changing the water as from the Natura Spring it can take time to fill up...but most of the time it is usable..
Two German guests recently described their hike to the waterfall and enjoyment of the river pool as the best thing that they've done so far in Costa Rica, saying that the river pool looked as if it had been built by elves and had a 'feel of magic to it.' The River Pool is only sometimes available, as it is prone to flooding after heavy rains. However both are excellent spots for secluded picnics and relaxed enjoyment... either alone or with special friends.

Back at the house you'll find that the line between indoor and outdoor living has been blurred. Huge bedrooms open out onto balconies and a variety of sitting areas, all of which are appointed with interesting curios, wall art and a profusion of plants. Several of the rooms are connected via open hallways lined with tropical gardens instead of actual walls, providing the perfect balance between security and the impression of living right in nature itself.

The natural flow from the balconies into the dining/kitchen area take you past a small, bamboo paneled bar that is right next to a sitting area with a stereo and which easily converts into a dance floor.

The hanging bunches of bananas attract toucans and other birds. While writing this I was watching a Keel Billed Toucan munching away on a plantain with great enthusiasm. Other animals in the area include kinkachoos, a dizzying variety of lizards and lots of other animals.

A guest recently described his experience here by saying, 'It takes a minute to sink in that this is not a zoo and not an animal reserve. It's an actual house, right in the middle of paradise and all of these birds, animals and everything else are real, here and natural!' I think that his comments sum up the experience here quite nicely.

We are only 5 kilometers away from down town La Fortuna, meaning that you are minutes away from all of the typical activities and tours that you might enjoy including:

* Hanging Bridges
* Zip Lines
* Hot Springs
* ATV and other rentals
* Butterfly Conservatory
* Eco-Snake Zoo
* Horseback Riding
* Volcano Hikes
* Rafting
* Canyoning and Rappelling
* Bird Watching
* Swimming
* Much more

We're happy to book activities on your behalf and can save you 5 - 10% if booked in advance.

You'll find this house ideal for group getaways like family reunions, corporate retreats, group vacations, sports teams, civic groups etc.

This place has been a labour of love for a decade and it is truly, one of a kind. I'm certain that you'll love your stay here and I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Property manager

Jonathan Davies

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Shared/communal pool
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices
  • Blender
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 7 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping
  • Chef
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 15000 sq ft (1394 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the neighborhood

Map
La Fortuna, Alajuela Province

What's nearby

  • Arenal Adventure World - 6 min drive
  • Costa Rica Chocolate Tour - 9 min drive
  • Baldi Hot Springs - 13 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 14 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 29 min drive

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Vid Steakhouse & Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Rain Forest Café - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Hormiga - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Arábigos Coffee House - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Soda y Restaurante Víquez - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest. located?

Situated in Peñas Blancas, this vacation home is 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Arenal Adventure World and 2.5 mi (4 km) from El Salto Fortuna River. Costa Rica Chocolate Tour and Puentes Colgantes del Arenal are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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A unique tropical jungle experience amongst magical gardens and rainforest. Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 104 out of 132 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 132 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 132 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 132 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 132 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The property is beautiful and the team there could not have been more helpful. We had a large family group and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. A great experience for our family, especially our grandkids.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Adventure
The Princesa de Luna Ecolodge exceeded our expectations in every way. Firstly, with numerous ‘cabins’ the 16 of us were a very comfortable fit for the accommodations. It is quite rustic — no elevators, no air conditioning, lots of stairs — but the staff of the lodge were extremely friendly and helpful. Food was local fare and excellent. Probably not for one with infirmities, as it is situated on the side of a hill, and even walking down to the stream and pool required intact arms and legs. Perfect for our crew.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

MJ G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
The team was fantastic!! Beautiful property. They were a super understanding and accommodating team! William was extremely welcoming and hand great recommendations, Jorlan found the coolest wildlife on the hike, and Anderson was extremely attentive. This place was a sanctuary and for those who are just looking to relax and experience the rainforest for all it’s glory. Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
We enjoyed our stay! The property was amazing! Communication was great and William was the best!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Camille R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay here!! William made our stay fantastic!
We arrived close to midnight and William made sure we found the pineapple house and settled in. He made our stay memorable and easy! We would stay here again when we come back to the Arenal area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

paul r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was fantastic, right in the midst of the rain forest. We took a great nature hike .
Our overall experience was great. Our host was very accommodating and arranged all of our tours. The home was close to everything but far enough away to be quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jaron F., Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome jungle experience
Loved our stay at the Eco Lodge. Staff was awesome and location couldn't have been any better. Thank you William and Jonathan
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heather R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible
We had such a great time here. The view from the patio was to die for. William took incredible care of us Would recommend to anyone who want to immerse themself in the rainforest but still be close to town
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Private Oasis
The property is absolutely beautiful, and the staff was very helpful. The food was good. Highly recommend the waterfall tour on site. The only unexpected part was it is a bit of a trek to both pools, but they are absolutely beautiful and secluded in nature. A great bar/restaurant just opened during our stay across the street, would recommend making a walking path directly to the restaurant in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
The listing was accurate but the experience was even better. William and his team make everything comfortable, fun and easy. Thank you again for such a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Heather B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Trip
The location is amazing and William + staff are top notch. The accommodations are more "summer camp" than "resort-like" though, which was a bit disappointing as the pictures create an impression of luxury. BUT if you want something that is very in touch with nature and the surroundings, you will not be disappointed here. If you want high-end rooms and luxury accommodations, look elsewhere.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family of 15 from Central Pennsylvanis
Tremendous! Jungle surroundings with modern amenities. William & his staff treated us like “Kings & Queens.” Woke up to toucans in the morning. Service, food & recommendations were all “spot on”. Thanks for taking care of our 3-generation family of 15.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany D.

Beautiful surroundings, friendly staff, amazing Costa Rican experience
Was this the Marriott? No. But it was absolutely the perfect Costa Rican experience. The location is unmatched. It is beautiful, in the middle of nature with all its sounds and smells. The lodges are quaint and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and made us feel at home. Would absolutely stay again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heike S.

Very beautiful place. Great food. Worth the rough road to get there.
Basic rooms. Beautiful decks that invite to linger. View of Arenal if the clouds allow, even if not the view of the rainforest is serene and peaceful. Large grounds with hiking. Natural spring pools but you have to walk there first. Very helpful staff. Very good food.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Joni B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unforgettable family vacation!!!
What an amazing experience. William, Steven, and all the help were so accommodating and friendly. My family of 15 couldn’t have had a better time. The atmosphere of having the jungle right outside your door was unbelievable. Getting to hike the property and see the the area was great and the food was superb. Thanks, Jonathan for building such a wonderful place.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family of ten
There are not enough superlative adjectives to describe our stay at Princess de la Luna. The grounds were fantastic. The sleeping quarters, fantastic. The food, fantastic. And the staff? Well we could not have asked for a better crew. Thanks to all. And yes, we would all visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing lodge near Arenal volcano and La Fortuna
Just as advertised. It's a sprawling, eclectic lodge near Arenal volcano and situated within a huge swath of tropical forest. The kids and adults both loved the exciting tour to the waterfall. And William the manager was great with pre-trip information, arranging all the tours we wanted to do once we arrived, and cooking delicious meals for us. We had 6 adults and 6 kids, so the various-sized bedrooms worked out well for our group. Highly recommended and a great value as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kim N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Vacation Ever!!
We had a group of 17 and there is no better place we could have been for our vacation! The place was a paradise, the food was delish and William and his team were dynamic at making us comfortable! We planned our activities through William and they were perfect. Our groups ranged from 83-5 years of age and we ALL were soooo impressed! We will be coming back! Get a message too!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unbelievable stay!
We had a family of 7 and grandparents on our trip. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Jonathan was so helpful. His staff William and Luis assisted us daily in helping plan out excursions and meals. Even went so far as to help us plan for our next leg of vacation on the beach. I can’t say more about how wonderful our time was there. Most gracious and caring people. Will come back!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

monilee k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Jungle Experience
Want to wake up to the sounds of the jungle (birds, monkeys, wildlife)? Want to see the natural wildlife in it's natural habitat? want to eat from the land? This place is MAGIC. I loved it so much. The host, william was AMAZING - the food was so good! and he was so nice and helpful with EVERYTHING. Perfection.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Caroline

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
William deserves 5 stars! He is an absolutely amazing host, very knowledgeable and super nice. Everything he recommended was an absolute blast. The wildlife around the property is amazing and we saw toucans every morning. The adventure tour is amazing. The amenities are very run down though. Lots of repairs and maintenance are needed. The rooms are very basic and bathrooms definitely need an upgrade.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Jennifer C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Toucans in the jungle
We drive from Liberia airport to princesa de la Luna. It was quite a long windy drive. Once we arrived William was quick to greet us and had a lovely dinner ready. He was very helpful and kind. The property and rooms were what we expected. It could use some remodeling in the bathrooms and such. It was nice having a bar across the street. Once at the property everything was an easy drive to see: arenal hike, mistico, sky adventure, ect
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joshua B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Eco-fabulous!
A year delayed due to covid but....This place is the essence of an ecolodge. Simply fabulous! William and staff made our 5 nights feel like our own home. Loved every single second! Hasta pronto y oura vida!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2020

8/10 Good

Melissa A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Great Tico family style house
Pineapple house was separate house from the hotel. Tico style house and authentic experience, not shown in any photos on the listing (the hotel is shown). When we arrived the house was not what we expected. We were welcomed warmly by property manager who was very nice and friendly. We had all our children and it was family friendly. So we enjoyed our stay overall especially the amazing waterfall hike on property!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Chris D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
20 Seniors
This place was such an adventure and way out of our comfort zone! We all had a spectacular stay. Chef William and his staff could not have been any more accommodating! Food was excellent! He was absolutely the best, and Anderson was darling. This is not a place for people looking for a plush place. This is very rustic and outdoorsy. The adventure tour they offer is not for sissies! Great fun and very challenging. The cabins were very much like the pictures and everyone felt comfortable and loved how they were all very unique. New pillows would have been nice. I think all 20 of us would definitely recommend your place for anyone who wants an adventure!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024