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On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023

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View from property
Outdoor pool
Exterior
2 bedrooms, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
La Union, Canton of Tilaran, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica
  • Popular LocationLake Arenal2 min drive
  • Popular LocationMistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park28 min drive
  • Popular LocationTabacon Hot Springs31 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.

On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023

New in 2023 - Portable AC Unit, Higher-speed and reliable internet, all new bedding, (pillows, sheets, towels). New screens and new cleaning service with eco-friendly pest control.

Looking for the perfect Costa Rican escape? Come be our guest in this beautiful and tranquil home on 1 acre with breathtaking views of the famous Lake Arenal. The home is built with natural hard woods and stone from Costa Rica and was completed in October 2016. You will not see a more stunning sunset in the world than that offered from our patio. Wildlife abounds with regular visits from toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, hawks, and many other bird species. The home is a bird watching paradise. We also get visits from sloths and monkeys - incredible wildlife.

The home boasts incredible views with a modern kitchen, two bedrooms, one bath, and two amazing outdoor living spaces overlooking the lake with a relaxing hammock. A pull out couch provides a 3rd queen size bed. A wall of windows and double sliding glass door allow for complete panoramic views inside and out. Equipped free wifi, washer and dryer and the most amazing shower.

Within the small community of La Union and less than 100 meters are 3 wonderful restaurants (One Belgian, One Canadian and one Local Cuisine). Just tell the owners Peggy (La Mansion Inn Arenal) and Joanne (Toucan Lane) that you are staying at our house and receive access to each pool and hotub for a small daily fee.

The house is 20 km from the spectacular Arenal Volcano and 10 more km to La Fortuna, the center for Costa Rica mountain adventures including zip lining, white water rafting, fishing and boating, horse back riding, ATV tours, and the best hot springs in the world. The acclaimed Tabbacon hot springs resort is 15 km from the house and can be accessed for a daily fee. All of these adventures can be booked through our friends at La Mansion Inn or in La Fortuna. While staying at the house, reserve a night for dinner at the Ginger Bread House, the best restaurant in all of Costa Rica a mere 6 km from the house. Tell Eyal we sent you.

The house is a 1.5 hour drive on all paved roads from the Liberia Airport, and 1.5 hours to the nearest Pacific beach town of Play del Coco. Transportation is available from either local tourism centers, or we can arrange for our caretaker to pick you up for a fee. The primary tourism bus runs from Liberia to La Fortuna and makes twice daily stops at La Union, 100 meters from the house.

Everything you need is here for an amazing adventure in the Costa Rica jungle, including bird watching, jungle living, and the occasional monkey, sloth and toucans hanging out in the trees above and below the property. This house is the true meaning of Pura Vida!

Property manager

William and Andrea VanHercke

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower only
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing 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)

General

  • 1 unit
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,100 square feet

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Exterior
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Kitchen
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Dryer
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (45)
Beautiful and Private home in the Heart of the Village with great Volcano views!

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

On Lake Arenal Near La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Free Wifi
On Lake Arenal Near La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Free Wifi

About the neighborhood

Arenal

Located in Arenal, this vacation home is on a lake. While the natural beauty of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Tabacon Hot Springs. FlyZone Wakeboard School and Wellness Park Costa Rica are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Visit our Arenal travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Vacation Homes in ArenalOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Arenal - 2 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 24 min drive
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 28 min drive
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 31 min drive
  • Arenal Volcano - 34 min drive

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • Dond' Liz - 41 min drive
  • Moya's Place - 7 min drive
  • Le Bistro - 6 min drive
  • Selva Paraíso Souvenir & Coffee Shop - 6 min drive
  • Restaurante Brisas del Lago - 36 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023 have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023 pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is On Lake Arenal - Near La Fortuna Bird Watching Paradise - New Updates in 2023 located?

Situated on a lake, this vacation home is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Lake Arenal and 10.3 mi (16.6 km) from Cavernas de Venado. Arenal Volcano National Park and Tenorio Volcano National Park are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 113 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 113 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 113 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 113 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 113 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brittany S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place, amazing view!
This place was the perfect past leg of our stay! A little more secluded and peaceful than Fortuna. I higly recommend. With just a couple notes. The portable AC unit isn’t really suffient to cool the house during the day. That being said, if you’re venturing out for day adventures this is perfect! Also, with the area being more secluded, food options are limited especially after dark. The pizza place up the road is great though! So is Gingerbread.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Recharging in Paradise
This house is remote yet close to everything you need. Enjoy your coffee every morning on the patio overlooking the lake, listening to and watching the birds. At night you see a thouusand fireflies lighting the darkness. Although the house does not have a pool, 2 neighbours will let you use theirs. You are away from the masses of people yet within a short driving distance of lots of activities. There are 2 restaurants, i soda and a small convenience within walking distance.
Stayed 23 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay
House was perfect- incredible views toward lake, lots of birds, nice local spot for dinner a short walk away.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marlee W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Birds and Beauty
The views were stunning and we saw so many beautiful birds. Loved this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viktoria Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house
WE Enjoyed our stay , specially the view and tranquility. Loved the the architecture and style of the house. The best thing is, that one can walk in 5 minutes to tbe lake ,where is a lake access and I could swim every day in tbe clean beautiful water . Better than any pool. Also 5 min walk from tbe house is a little restaurant called Oropendula , which is an up close and personal bird watching paradise ! We saw the most birds here ever ! Don’t miss it!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie W., Toronto

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot!
While a bit of the beaten path, this place has the added bonus of lake views (no volcano views) and the sounds of nature all around. The drive in and out of La Fortuna was easy and we encountered even more wildlife along the way each day.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ray F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Home
We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful home. William was easy to work with, the views were spectacular and the home was quiet and clean. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Jungle retreat
Beautiful small property. We enjoyed the birds and jungle from the deck everyday and watching storms roll through the trees. A little tight for 6 but we made it work. Great base for exploring Tenorio, Arenal, and even did a trip to the Pacquare River.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lesley M., Cameron, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Beauty in the jungle!
We LOVED this house! It was PERFECT for us and our stay! The views were truly unbelievable! The sounds of the jungle at night while watching our own personal light show of the fireflies was like a dream! The host was great to deal with and so accommodating! I will definitely go back! The location was so convenient to get to town as well as a short jont to La Fortuna! We absolutely loved it and were so comfortable! Thank you so much! Lesley and Scott
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
Pros... most things. Cons were hard mattresses, which some would be fine with! Intermittent hot water showers. Otherwise the stay was spectacular!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jesse A. W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Arenal Property
This property was a piece of heaven on Lake Arenal. I am so glad that I picked it for a 3 day getaway from the heat on the coast. The view is one of the best, sunsets were amazing, the house and property were in immaculate condition. Everything was as described in the listing. I stayed in green season (late July) and the daily rains were refreshing as they swept over the hills and lake. I had zero problems with bugs/insects (even though it IS a Costa Rican jungle). All of the updates the owners made to screens made it easy to open all of the windows for a steady breeze to blow through. We didn’t need the portable AC unit, though it was provided. A friend of mine joined for a couple days as the house is big enough to both be comfortable. Full kitchen and on-site laundry were bonuses. The bathroom and huge shower were very nicely done. I was especially drawn to the amazing woodwork on the ceiling. Attention to details is evident! You’ll likely want to spend a lot of time on one of the two balcony porches which both have comfy furniture to take in the beautiful view and sunsets. The owners sent a welcome packet which included very clear directions to the property which was great. Lastly, if you’re into birds, this is your place! Toucans are nesting in the tree on property and we saw so many other birds, including the hummingbirds that stopped by throughout the day. I highly recommend staying here and will stay again, myself.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Costa Rica Paradise
This property was perfect for my family. We needed a home base to relax between our multiple planned adventures, and it was perfect for that. It was about 35 minutes to La Fortuna, with a slightly shorter drive to Mistico hanging bridges. La Fortuna was a bigger bustling city that felt much more touristy than the quaint village of La Union. The lake was impressive and the views every morning were peaceful and serene. La Union is a small town, but has everything needed. The pizza place down the road is superb. There were a couple of places for breakfast that we walked to every morning. A bonus for this 2/1 home was the toilet room was outside the shower bathroom, so we never had to worry about showers and all 4 of us getting ready at the same time. Anyone with a teenager knows what I mean. We also used the pull-out couch for the boy, which was more comfortable than most pull out couches. Everything was completely sealed for patio screens (recently replaced) and we used the portable A/C unit in the master room every night with the double wide sliding doors open for the living room to cool. There was never an insect problem or issues with attracting insects, even with messy teenage eaters! The washer/dryer was perfect for cleaning the clothes (which we did almost daily after our adventures) – including whitewater rafting, ziplining, canyoning, pool jumping, horseback riding, hot springs, etc. Everything was within 45 mins.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christa, Grande Prairie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely lovely views…
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
We enjoyed our stay at the property. House was nice. View was outstanding. Quiet, peaceful surroundings. We also enjoyed heading over to the bistro in the evenings to eat and play pool.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

2/10 Terrible

michael k.

Beautiful house, poor maintenance
Had to leave this property after a few hours and check into hotel. This is a gorgeous house with beautiful views. We were really looking forward to our stay. Arrived, unpacked. Opened the windows for air(no air conditioning ) noticed spiderwebs on all the fan pull chains. Overlooked. Screens were ripped on the two big sliders. Settled in to watch TV. The bugs started showing up on the screen. No problem. Started killing them with a paper towel. No problem. Had to do this several times with roughly twenty bugs each time. This is after we had to close the sliders due to the torn screens. Starting to be a problem. Wife closed a window in the kitchen and large juicy ants started pouring in the house. I was killing with paper towel, my wife spraying them at the same time, and that’s when the cockroach came out. That was the final straw.,we new we wouldn’t be comfortable staying here. Immediately packed up. Now it’s 9:00 pm and we have to find a new place. Luckily got a hold of a hotel down the street called Toucan Place (Great place and people, see review) that was able to take us in. I contacted William, the owner. He didn’t reply. Contacted William again and explained the situation. He said he would refund one out of two days and that’s just because he’s a nice guy. I explained to him the condition of the house and told him the caretaker may not be doing the good job he thinks they are. He said, “You’re in the jungle. What do you expect?” This was not just a few bugs and little ants. These wer huge ants and roaches and sliders with large torn screens. What do you expect, William? Nor was it our first stay in Costa Rica. We had just come from the Caribbean side and stayed in two beautiful homes in the jungle. These homes had a few bugs which one would expect, but nothing close to us wanting to pack up and leave. We also found out from locals that we are not the first to complain about the torn screens. So the owner seemingly knows and just doesn’t care. Avoid this place. No sour grapes. Just the facts.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tammie B., Raleigh

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Everything was awesome Location View Cleanliness
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather R., Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness
August 2022
This home was wonderful. The views are beautiful, a very short walk to a couple restaurants and such. Directions were very accurate and easy to follow. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Astria S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, peaceful retreat
We loved this property. It was a great option for us, as we had another family who chose to stay at La Mansion Inn just a few blocks away. The check in process was super easy, and the directions were very helpful since Costa Rica doesn't have addresses (or really even street signs.) The kitchen was sufficient for cooking, and everything was in working order. We didn't have need for a pool, but La Mansion was definitely an option if we wanted it. About 45 min into LA Fortuna, so get your supplies before heading in! We chose not to open the doors because of the bugs (even with the screen on some of the windows) so it got a little stuffy/smelly at times without a/c. The sunsets were epic. We luckily brought flashlights because the power went out a coue times (rain/storms). In all, we absolutely loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Meli F.

Amazing views
The views were spectacular! Only about 20-30 minute drive to la fortuna. Plenty of nearby markets nearby for you to go grocery shopping. I would advise to change out the towels as they all were ripped and looked as if they’d been over 20 years old. Also new screens as they’re wet plenty of holes and slits letting Jurassic sized bugs and spiders in. The place needed a good dusting for sure but other then that great place! Deff get a 4 wheel drive you absolutely need it! I would come here again if all the minor issues were fixed!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

David D., Norcross, Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness
Great home in a nice little community
We had a great stay here. Everything you need is included. The views are great and a great peaceful experience while you stay here. I especially enjoyed getting up early and having a cup of coffee on the porch overlooking the lake. The WIFI was a bit spotty but the whole town seemed to be having wifi issues a while we were there. The welcome packet the owner sent us prior to arriving was one of the best welcome packets I’ve ever seen. It included everything you need to know about the home as well as suggestions for things to do in the area. A super helpful welcome packet. I’m looking forward to staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charity S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous views and very tranquil
We enjoyed our stay very much! Talk about tranquility. We loved that it had easy access to the La Fortuna area, but wasn't in the middle of it all. There are some great eateries within a short walk. The hosts were very responsive. The facilities were more than adequate for our family of 5.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lacey H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful home and experience
We had the absolute best time staying here! From the breathtaking views from the house to all of the recommendations William and Andrea give you! We went to quite a few restaurants around Nuevo Arenal and they were far better than the ones in La Fortuna, and the staff make you feel like family (especially once they know you are staying at William and Andreas house). The house is well kept and very clean, with many amenities. The hosts are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend staying here!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amie U.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best view ever!!
This is without a doubt the best view I have ever had while staying in a vacation rental. Honestly, sitting on the back deck of this place was one of my favorite things we did while in Costa Rica. We brought binoculars and marveled at the Toucans, parrots, and a wide assortment of other birds. The location ws fabulous too. We did have some issues finding it at first but mostly due to my lack of re-reading the welcome packet. It was easily identified after the first arrival and close to restaurants, shops, & cafes. Plus the hotel with pool & hot tub next door at La Mansion was a great place to chat up other travelers and have some local craft beer. The only teeny tiny negative thing I would mention is the pillows were old and flat. Easy fix! If you are looking for a place near Arenal Lake, this is the one!! Thank you William & Andrea, we had a spectacular vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Morgan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house with an ever better view.
We loved this house! The views from the deck overlooking the lake are so beautiful! We enjoyed sitting on the deck for breakfast and watching all of the birds. There is much to do in the area and the house is perfect for relaxation. This was one of our favorite places we stayed at in CR!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing spot to relax and recharge
We really enjoyed our time here. The view is incredible and you could spend hours just watching the birds and listening to nature. Great restaurants close by and easy communication with the owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022