Selva Paraíso Souvenir & Coffee Shop - 17 min drive
Toucan Lane Restaurant - 18 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place.
Our property is not just a house; it is a place... a place with activities, wildlife, flora, fauna, fruits, trails, small waterfalls and much more. Over 66 acres. NEW: We now have fiber optic internet access. Wi-Fi throughout. Great upload and download speeds to stay connected or just disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of an extraordinary property. Also, the road to the property is now partially paved. Much improved.
CRParaiso is home to endangered species, virgin forest, gardens and orchards galore with bananas, several varieties of oranges, lemons, limes, macadamia, sugar cane, chocolate (cacao), pineapple, bountiful species and varieties of flora, fauna and wildlife with over 3 miles of hiking trails.
In addition, we have on-property activities to save driving time and avoid crowds and long lines. Even if you do not wish to participate in our on-property activities, all guests have full roam of the property and the many hiking trails, gardens, views and wildlife. Check out our current on-property activities: crparaiso.com
Even if you are staying in the area at another location, please consider visiting us to experience a slice of adventure and the beauty Nuevo Arenal has to offer.
There are many adventure opportunities in and around Nuevo Arenal. It is a very small community with plenty of shopping and great restaurants. This area is centrally located to take advantage of many adventure activities, abundant flora and fauna and tremendous biodiversity that Costa Rica is known for. Within an hour, you can enjoy the La Fortuna area with the Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs. Take in the beauty of Rio Celeste at Tenorio Volcano and be within 2 hours of Liberia Airport.
The house is perfect for family groups and families travelling together. The house has several private verandas and inside has several lounging areas to afford some privacy while everyone is in the house. The back bedroom has a private sitting area perfect for those teens who enjoy their own private space. Adults can enjoy the main living area without being crowded and even have that quiet coffee time on their private veranda with fantastic lake and mountain views. The main level veranda is designed for dining alfresco with room for more than ten. Overall, the house affords lots of space and outdoors has lots of room to roam.
In addition, you will be helping us to keep our large property in conservation so future generations can enjoy it as well. Our proceeds are used to maintain our property in its natural beauty and protected.
Our property is host to endangered species with many varieties of orchids. Our mission is to conserve this natural beauty for the enjoyment of future generations.
Gated and lots of room to roam. Meticulously maintained 66 acre retreat with flowers and wildlife too numerous to mention. Over 3 miles of private hiking trails, many leading to fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountains, volcano and lake.
The main house is a compact 2,500 square foot open floor plan design with 5 bedrooms (1 queen, 1 full and 6 twin) and 2 bathrooms and sleeps 10. Each bedroom has great views. Full kitchen inside with local hand made cabinetry and a local hand made eat-in dining table that seats up to 10. The veranda on the back of the house is huge with great views of the lake; a great place to relax and enjoy nature. All linens, towels and kitchen utensils onsite. Be sure to check out our Video of the house and furnishings.
Our gardeners keep the property meticulously maintained. Upon arrival, please feel free to ask what fresh fruit is available so our gardeners can deliver some to your door or pick it for yourself.
We have several great tour opportunities on the property to avoid having to drive anywhere or be crowded amongst other tourists. We have an 9 cable/9 platform Zipline adventure, Horseback Riding, Bird Watching/Wildlife Tour, Nature Tour and Night Tour all on property.
SPECIAL NOTE: All on-property tours are totally removed from the house so not to interfere with the privacy and solitude of guests staying on-property. We specifically arranged our tour areas for your peace and quiet while in the house.
We are able to assist with planning and reserving many exotic off-property adventures such as boating, biking, white-water rafting, hot springs, cave exploring, kayaking, canoeing and more... Cost for each tour is different and information is made available after confirmation of booking.
We are only 2.5km (1.5 miles) outside the Town of Nuevo Arenal. Close to shopping, tours and dining. Our location makes a perfect base for those wanting to explore all Costa Rica has to offer or just relax and enjoy activities on our property and the many species of flora, fauna and wildlife.
We do have a small cottage on the property for those looking for smaller accommodations for up to four persons, please check out our Blue Butterfly Cottage -- a perfect cottage for one/two persons -- cozy, clean and comfortable VRBO Listing #508655
The vacation home features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 5 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a fireplace, and a coffee maker. Housekeeping is available on request.
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
Handrails in stairways
Stair-free path to entrance
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping (on request)
Meal delivery service
Location highlights
In a rural location
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rafting nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
No smoke detector (host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property)
Deadbolt lock
General
Electric car charging station
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Unit size: 2,800 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Please do not touch setting on Fridge. Any change in setting can damage fridge and will be the responsibility of the guest.
Do not leave upstairs patio doors open during rain or while out of the house or damage will occur and repairs will be the responsibility of the guest.
Prior approval must be obtained if there will be any more than 10 people in the house at any time and may result in an extra charge. Maximum 10.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Note from host: Great for children, lots of room.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pre-Approval required w/supplemental cost.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Pre-Approval required w/supplemental cost.
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include 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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25.
Note from host: Pre-Approval required w/supplemental cost.
Onsite safety features include a deadbolt lock.
Property is also known as
CRParaiso - Tranquil, Private and Expansive 66 acres Arenal
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see around this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Arenal, close to Lake Arenal, Tronadora Arena, and FlyZone Wakeboard School.
Is parking available on site at CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. ?
Yes, there is an electric car charging station and wheelchair-accessible van parking available.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home; however, the accommodation features a private pool.
What do couples enjoy most about CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. ?
There are many amenities for couples at this vacation home, including a private pool and a fireplace in each house with some featuring a private pool.
Does CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Does CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. have connecting rooms available?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is about 17.7 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. ?
Yes, every house at CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. comes with a balcony and some offer mountain and water views.
CRParaiso - Gated, Tranquil and Private. Not just a house; it is a place. Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 79 reviews
10 - Excellent
59
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 79 reviews
8 - Good
18
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 79 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 79 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Julie G.
May 1, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Julie G.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
10/10 Excellent
Joseph C.
Apr 5, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Truly a gem! The name “paradise” is not far from the mark- immaculately maintained gardens in a natural hilltop setting. Trails, a lovely swimming spot and on site activities make this place on of a kind.
Joseph C.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
8/10 Good
Janet E.
Mar 28, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a unique property with plenty of room and an amazing setting. It is a bit run down, so don't expect luxury. There is a lovely bonus room that is a perfect place to retreat. As stated, the pool is a cold water pond. Two of our teens enjoyed it for a short time. We most appreciated the birding. I did pick up a tick, so beware. It's about an hour from LaFortuna on a windy road, something we missed when we booked. The adventure park doesn't seem particularly operational so don't worry about disturbance from that. The owner was very accommodating. There are lots of novels and DVDs if you're into that. I think this would be best for people who want to just chill for a few days in a lush tropical seeing.
Janet E.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
10/10 Excellent
Lisa P.
Dec 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This was a fantastic rainforest retreat! We stayed for a week over Christmas. My teens loved that they had their own rooms. Amazing tours right on the property. We did horseback riding, zip lining, and a night tour. Our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. There were plenty of trails that we hiked on our own.We’ve ventured out to Arenal to do the hanging bridges and a coffee and cocoa tour. One day we went to the Pura Vida Hot Springs. We found some amazing places to eat along the route. Brett was responsive and helpful and all the questions we had for him. I will especially miss the view on the patio with our morning coffee and evening family chats. We will all miss the resident kitty that was so sweet. I definitely recommend this place if you like being right in the middle of the rainforest. All around great experience!
Lisa P.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kathleen J.
May 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Family Jungle Retreat
Great place to stay for our family, we loved the pond and adventures on the property. Very beautiful and very comfortable. Thanks!
Kathleen J.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Denis G., Sutton, Canada
Mar 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Denis G.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Denis G., Sutton, Canada
Feb 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
THE PERFECT COMBO
Very few properties if any offers you what CRParaiso does. A very well kept house and so many acres of land that you can roam around. A true paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers like us. Do not miss it.
Denis G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kenneth B.
Jan 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
What a surreal property
Bret has an amazing property. If you enjoy nature and enjoy exploring on your own, you will love this place. We had the 66acres to ourselves and explored the grounds at our own leisure.
Kenneth B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alison V.
Jan 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to explore
We stayed at CR Pariso for six nights. Such a great location for exploring the hanging bridges, kayaking etc. the people who work on the property were lovely and informed. We had so much fun! Definitely recommend!
Alison V.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca B.
Dec 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing home in the jungle
We felt like we had a home in our own rainforest with trails and tropical fruit orchards and wildlife everywhere! The driveway up from Nuevo arenal is adventurous and not for timid drivers and the drive into La Fortuna takes over an hour but is beautiful and adventurous too. The property workers were wonderful and let us have bananas grown on property that tasted the best I’d ever had!
Rebecca B.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cecilia P.
Jul 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
This was our 3rd stay with Brett and we always have an amazing time! So much to do and see on property!! Close enough to La Fortuna for other tourist aimed stuff too!
Cecilia P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Denis G., Sutton, Canada
Feb 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Birds, birds and more birds!!
CRParaiso is a gem for nature lovers. The property contains several trails, ponds, groves, while offering a mature forest and open areas. It is full of birds and lends itself to their observation by the most passionate enthusiasts.
The main house offers all the comfort and respite desired. Bret is easily reachable and always willing to answer questions and provide sound advice.
Not to be missed if you go to the very beautiful region of Nuevo Arenal.
Denis G.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
8/10 Good
Chaz M., Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot
Feb 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing grounds
A very comfortable villa situated in a beautiful rain forest. Bret the owner is very reachable and helpful. We recently stayed there for one week and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Being a rainforest it tends to have its fair share of rain but the payback is everywhere is green and fresh with lots of flowers and colour
The only downside was the road in, it really is in need of a grader. We didn't have a 4 wheel drive and it really is a must if the road isn't improved. Otherwise an amazing stay
Chaz M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Eugene T., Nanaimo
Jan 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Oasis
Great property, beautifully keep grounds . With many tours avaible to start right close to house. We really enjoyed out stay our only complaint was it la fortuna road is a tiring to drive which we did 5 times. The house cat is ao friendly
Eugene T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
8/10 Good
Pam W., Sterling CO
Jan 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Jungle stay
My family with grown children stayed on this very private property for three nights as part of our longer Costa Rican vacation. Unfortunately it was cloudy and rainy most of our stay so we chose to go offsite for activities. There was plenty of room for all of us and we did go on a few walks but the 3 miles of hiking trails were not clearly marked and we could not find them on the map. There were few towels for 3 days and the beds were not comfortable. We would suggest an out door light for safety. We returned to the house every evening in pitch dark. It was concerning to all of us that two dogs were tied up during our stay and barked frequently over night.
Pam W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Schuyler C., Newnan
Nov 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacay
The property was beautiful like stated. Brett and his crew Marvin, Jason and Brandon made it so much fun. We did the zip lining with them and it was awesome. The only downside is the public road to the property is rough and definitely recommend a 4x4 vehicle. Overall it was a great experience with relaxing beautiful views.
Schuyler C.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Scott R.
Aug 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Absolutely wonderful. The private estate was full of jungle and wildlife, although humid the July temperatures were low 80’s during the day and mid 60’s at night, and our host Bret was awesome.
Scott R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sarah H., Stillwater
Mar 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Pura Vida!
This was the highlight of our trip! Amazing host and absolutely incredible propriety. Plenty of space for everyone. We all thoroughly enjoyed the property with all its spectacular views, birds, flowers, and animals. We walked everyday, plus we took advantage of many of the guided activities: zip lining, night hike, horseback riding, bird watching. The house was completely private, with a large back porch for relaxing and enjoying meals together.
We would have loved to have stayed much longer!
Sarah H.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Marilyn G., Dallas, Texas
Jan 5, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay!
We stayed at CRParaiso over Christmas. It is perfectly remote! We wandered the grounds, splashed in the pond, and zip lined. It is a quick trip into town where the food was wonderful. Waking up in the clouds every morning was a joy!
Marilyn G.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2022
6/10 Okay
Claire K.
Jul 4, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property
We enjoyed our stay! We loved waking up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoyed tea on the covered back porch. It was nice to be in nature and yet shielded from the rain. We thoroughly enjoyed walking the property. We did have a power outage one evening that last 2 hours and flashlight would have been helpful. It is a little more rustic than expected.
Better quality towels and more towels would be nice. It is 45 minutes to La Fortuna and we didn't anticipate how much time we would spend there. But we enjoyed our stay! And would recommend it! We saw toucans, parakeets and lots of hummingbirds in the well cultivated gardens.
Claire K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
David H., Jacksonville FL US
Jun 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Unique stay off the beaten path.
We had three nights here and really enjoyed each day. There are plenty of things to see from the back porch one in our group saw a monkey. Toucans, bull frogs,, lots of hummingbirds, lizards, etc. We all said this is where we would go back to stay for a relaxing time.
David H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
julie c.
Apr 10, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great property close to town, yet nestled in it's own world
Such a fun place to stay! While sitting on porch, horses would wander by, monkeys in the trees, parrots chase eachother, friendly dogs come to visit. Wander the property and find fresh fruit, paths and ponds. The nighttime sky is fantastic. No air-conditioning, but the jungle cools down well at night. Would be perfect if there were screens on the upstairs veranda doors to keep the breeze in at night. The seperate area for kids to hang out was a lot of fun too! Thank you for sharing your property with us!
julie c.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tina S.
Mar 10, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Wide Open Spaces
Coming from a very small apartment in New York City we wanted indoor and outdoor space, great views, birds, room to roam. We got all that. Great experience for us.
We didn’t rent a car but we recommend it highly. It is fairly isolated.
Everything you need for cooking but pick up essentials like seasonings, oil, basic spices if you plan to cook. Hard to keep those things useful in a very tropical setting.
Tina S.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth P.
Feb 16, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Out of this world
Not only a beautiful, fully equipped house with a view of the lake but wonderful gardens and grounds, plus acres of forest to explore. The perfect holiday for a family as we were or anyone who wants to experience an unforgettable part of Costa Rica.
Elizabeth P.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2022
10/10 Excellent
Diana D., Denver, Colorado, USA
Jan 30, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Nature Immersion
The preserve is amazing. Imagine rolling out of bed and strolling through a beautiful botanical garden, but be aware of the variety of wildlife as some are poisonous. Fortunately, we never encountered any dangerous critters, but saw a variety of birds, frogs/toads, lizards and bugs. So many fewer of the latter than expected! We did the zip lines, night tour and bird watching tour. Brett and his staff were amazing! The house is as pictured, very comfortable although not fancy or luxurious. The food in town is wonderful! We ate breakfast at Las Delicias almost everyday and dinner at Moya's and Tinajas Arenal. We stayed a week and had a wonderful time!