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Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access

Photo gallery for Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access

Villa at Night
Parking area
Villa at daylight
Villa End View
View of the Main House from the private drive below

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Uvita
  • Catarata uvita
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Uvita Beach
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Palmar (PMZ-Palmar Sur)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Main Villa

4 Single Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom in main Villa

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access

Morpho Eco Retreat is an eco-friendly, designed villa perched above the jungle valley. The villa is a unique rental in the southern area of Costa Rica due to its unusual design, great privacy, and fantastic views.
This special property, just 10 minutes up the mountain from the town of Uvita, is ideal for those who seek modern comfort, an outdoor lifestyle and proximity to amenities.
Highlights of the property include an Infinity Plunge Pool and Rancho with unobstructed, views of the Whale's Tail National Park below", as well as river access with a waterfall and swimming hole within walking distance while remaining on the property. The main deck, housing the outdoor dining area, offers daily opportunities for bird-watching and the westward view offers a wonderful vantage point of Cano Island, one of the best destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica.
The utilization of natural, locally-sourced materials were adhered to throughout the construction process. Many types of wood, native to Costa Rica, were used on the custom interior furnishings.

*** You will need to rent a 4x4 vehicle with low gears to access the property due it's location, situated up one of the many mountain roads found in the area. We strongly reccommend arriving during daylight hours so that our management team can escort you to the property to familiarize yourselves with the roads. We hope you enjoy the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica***

The name, Morpho Eco Retreat, was derived from the Blue Morpho, one of the most beautiful butterflies in Costa Rica.
The primary residence includes a master bedroom, with a king bed, set against a dramatic teak headboard. There is a private en-suite bathroom that includes a double shower as well as his & her sinks.
The guest bedroom, with its design oriented bunk-wall, offers ample sleeping room for four adults or children. Each sleeping compartment offers its own window, reading light and outlet for charging. The room has its own en-suite bathroom as well, with a bathtub and shower.
All rooms, with their high ceilings, ample windows and sliding doors with deck access, and upper wall-screens… provide ventilation via afternoon breezes, keeping the rooms airy throughout the day.

Functioning as an anchor for the two en-suites, is a lovely, open-concept great room. With its custom designed, modern kitchen that includes an eat-at-island, cooking and entertaining has never been easier! The kitchen area looks directly onto the living area, promoting conversation and participation from guests. All of the furnishings were custom built on site. The kitchen is well stocked with everything guests will need for the next gathering.
If you enjoy cooking outdoors, there is a gas barbecue located downstairs, next to the infinity pool, you will find a covered patio area with prepping counter as well as an outdoor bar fridge for cool drinks. There is also lovely, covered Rancho for dining- the perfect outdoor living spot

Malachite Casita (May be added when guests exceed villa capacity of 6 people)
Step down the covered, steel staircase, and you are immersed in lush jungle, a forest of fern palms greats you as you arrive at the guest 'Casita'.
This 500 sqft. residence is self-contained and boasts one bedroom with a queen bed and a full-size pullout futon in the open concept living area.
There is also a fully stocked kitchen, complete with refrigerator, stove & oven, coffee maker. There is an indoor table that seats four as well as a covered, 285sqft, dining area located outside that overlooks the ocean as well as the jungle valley below. The intimate setting, offers privacy as well as a very unique, outdoor, rain shower experience.
Perfect, jungle hideaway for couples or additional guests with young children… the casita can sleep four people, 2 adults and 2 small children, comfortably. The sounds of the river will lull you to sleep!

The town of Uvita offers access to two supermarkets, two banks, many restaurants and all kinds of tour operators that offer a wide variety of of off-site activities during the day. Surfing & SUP lessons, kayaking trips to the mangroves, horseback riding on the beach, waterfall & bird-watching hikes, diving & snorkeling, beautiful- deserted beaches, as well as zip-lining tours, just to name a few!

A stay at Morpho Eco retreat beckons with the sights and sounds of nature from the moment you arrive.
Book your next Costa Rican vacation to Morpho Eco Retreat today and you can start planning a vacation filled with adventure and relaxation!
Pura Vida....

Property manager

Dawn Enders

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Parental supervision due to location & home style
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
On-site 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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ballena

Located in Ballena, this villa is in the mountains. Marino Ballena National Park and Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Uvita

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Secret Lau Pool - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 9 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Uvita Beach - 14 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Playa Hermosa - 18 min drive - 5.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Scala - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Fantastic Whale's Tail View, Private, Modern Villa with Pool & River Access located?

Situated in the mountains, this villa is within 1 mile (2 km) of Catarata uvita and Secret Lau Pool. Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Must book house for nature lovers

We had such a lovely experience while staying here. I went back and forth between this house or a hotel and I'm so happy we choose this house. It made me feel like we got a real Costa Rican experience.Dont let the reviews of the drive-up scare you.It was a little scary the first time but we were totally fine after that initial drive, even in the dark. We saw a lot of cool animals and reptiles every drive up/down. We did experience both a power outage in the evening and a lack of water one morning, but there was excellent communication between the owner and Jairo. Speaking of which, knowing Jairo was near by if needed was a huge relief for our family since we were traveling with four young kids. We brought a package of 5 headlamps from amazon and that was plenty of light to light up the house at night the evening the mountain lost electricity.The property is gorgeous. Like....beyond gorgeous. It felt like heaven sitting on the balcony enjoying the plants, wildlife, and ocean views. There is a lot to explore on the grounds. We went to the stream/swimming hole several times. My boys just loved it. And the pool is so refreshing after a hot day exploring. The kitchen offers everything you need to cook a meal but I'll be honest, we mostly ate out at all the amazing restaurants near by. Dawn has great recommendations. My 4-year-old twins cried the first night back home because they wanted "to be back at the butterfly house." We will definitely be back next time we visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property with great views of Whales Tail!

Beautiful property! The view from the deck is unbelievable. Everything is very well maintained and modern. The drive up the mountain is an adventure but not scary at all as long as you have four wheel drive! Location is central to Uvita once you get off the mountain and convenient to dining and shopping and the beach!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marie-Noëlle P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour très agréable

Nous avons eu un très beau séjour! Nous avons particulièrement apprécié la possibilité d'avoir la casita, en étant 2 familles. L'emplacement est serein et calme. La piscine est rafraichissante. La villa est en montagne, un 4X4 est réellement nécessaire pour s'y rendre. La route était le plaisir journalier de mon mari :D
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adult family vacation

We stayed at this lovely property for six nights. Our family of five (all adults) were very comfortable and each had enough space to stretch out and fully enjoy the peace and quiet this property offers. We loved starting each day viewing hummingbirds from the yoga platform and toucans from the deck. We enjoyed cooling off in the pool and star gazing each evening. The drive up to the property was a daily adventure, one my husband thoroughly enjoyed! The property is close enough to all amenities and yet secluded, and very privately set into the mountainside. The caretakers are on the property and available,if needed, but we never saw them unless we reached out to them. The owner was very accessible by both email (prior to arrival) and WhatsApp during the stay. I highly recommend this property for anyone looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

The place was perfect for us and Dawn and Jairo were wonderful to communicate with, very helpful!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Audrée C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour décembre 2022

Bel endroit, plus difficile d'accès avec un petit 4x4. Gardien très gentil et disponible!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning view

We loved our stay here. The view was incredible! Our kids enjoyed the bunk beds, pool, and plethora of birds and butterflies to watch. Shower water was hot and the air was kept cool by natural drafts and fans. My only critique is that the sign for the property driveway could be more visible. It’s difficult to see coming up the hill because it’s around a corner behind some shrubbery. Also we could have used some written driving instructions. It was very helpful to have Jairo lead us there the first time but with two kids in the car asking one million questions the directions slipped out of our brain and then we got lost later. For anyone staying there, follow the signs to golden pineapple resort then look for the blue morpho sign indicating their property. All is good though! Jaíro and Dawn were very helpful and good communicators. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R., Oregon, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing remote jungle oasis

We absolutely loved our stay here. If you're looking for a peaceful home-base that's not far from Uvita, but still adds to the adventure and your likelihood of seeing incredible wildlife, this is your place! We spotted an incredible diversity of birds each morning from the property (including Toucans almost daily, lots of tanagers and hummingbirds as well), heard howler monkeys in the distance, and enjoyed ourselves even when we were rained out of other plans. Do not underestimate the need for a good functioning 4x4 vehicle, and expect to be home before dark each night.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P., SALT LAKE CITY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great private stay in the jungle!

We loved our time at this property. The house is very modern, has all the amenities, and is very private. The view in the evening is great! The kids loved cooling off in the pool. Dawn is excellent in communication and facilitating any needs you have. I would highly recommend this property to anyone interested in staying in this general area. We used it a great launching point for visiting Corcovado Parl. The beath at Uvita was one of our favorites in the whole country.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monica C., Toronto

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible property!

We had such an incredible time at Morpho Eco Retreat. The property is jaw dropping every which way you look. We loved the pool and the waterfall down the trail. The house is really lovely with everything you need. Saw many toucans and other birds, monkeys, and even saw a Blue morpho on our first day! The steep drive up to the house is wild (definitely need a 4x4) but it’s. really fun. So many things to do nearby, Uvita waterfall is a fantastic spot that our boys wanted to go back to again and again. Loved this place!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marie-pier P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream stay!

Exceptional stay! We lived a dream, the photos do not capture the beauty of the place. Everything is in place for an incredible stay. Special mention to the view, the shower of the casita and the calm of the place. We did not lack electricity and water. The owners are available to answer questions. The cancellation conditions are also adequate considering the current situation. As already mentioned, you shouldn't be afraid to drive in steep places, maybe they don't emphasize enough in the description.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded all expectations

The location, views, and grounds are unmatched. Beautifully designed and appointed. Both the kids and adults loved it. Dawn took great care of us and working with Jairo was a breeze. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Next Level Experience

Overall, we loved our time at the property because of the vantage, the design, amenities, the management and the ethos of it all. It's a very rare and wonderful space to be in. Dawn and Jairo couldn't have been more communicative. The pool, the decks and open space make it a wonderful respite after the adventures that the beaches and trails afford around Uvita. We had a wonderful time here with our two boys over four days and nights. The kitchen leaves nothing to be desired. We cooked some fantastic meals and played many games in and around the kitchen and deck dining area. It's worth noting two things as you consider this property. The road leading up is seriously steep. We live in Colorado and are originally from Montana and Alaska and have driven up many a steep mountain road. This drive up absolutely requires a 4x4 vehicle with low gears. Don't overestimate it and don't be intimidated if you have the right vehicle. Good, bad or indifferent there's not much opportunity to sleep in at EMR. There are no shades on the windows and all natural light and sounds pour through the house. It makes it impossible to sleep in, but is also why late morning through evening can be breathtaking here. This is a house like no other. Thank you, Dawn!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Joel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice

Cool!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So awesome!!!

The house was so beautiful and we loved waking up to the sound of the jungle! Dawn was so easy to work with! She sent an awesome welcome email that was packed full of great information! We have been to Costa Rica before and knew what to expect, but if you haven’t- make sure to read through everything carefully! The on-site property manager, Jairo and his wife, were so lovely and very helpful as well! Overall we had an amazing experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An absolutely perfect stay

We could not have enjoyed our stay any more than we did. The house and the casita (when we needed the extra space) worked out beautifully. The view is magnificent and the setting is charming. The pool was just right. The privacy is great. The drive up is a bit challenging, but just added to the fun.
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular

This was truly a tremendous place for family group and having Ellen cook the most wonderful meals allowed for a good family time in the evening. I cannot think of anything that would make this more perfect of a spot for family in Costa Rica.
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Estefania M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whale's Tail best view!

The property was beautiful! It was located in a mountain and the views were absolutely amazing. The pool was amazing. The house is very comfortable and lovely. Would definitely go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jared H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful View

This property is fantastic! Our biggest concern post booking was no air conditioning (we are Canadians and used to snow/ice) but believe it or not the location, the way the home was designed and fans were more than enough. I was actually a bit chilly some nights. The decor is gorgeous and it’s very nicely decorated. The driveway is intensely steep so make sure to get a 4x4. Pool was great. Beds were comfortable. I’d recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Anna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serene Costa Rican Mountain Getaway

This property was absolutely beautiful, modern and everything we needed for our stay in Uvita. Surrounded by the beautiful jungle we watched the wildlife around come out as the sun set. The pool area overlooks the whale's tale beach and ocean below along with lush tropical jungle and has a nice seating area for an afternoon snack or drinks. The mountain breeze and fans kept us cool day and night. The morpho eco retreat provided a welcome and calming escape from the envision festival in Uvita we came into town for. The property owner and manager were easily accessible over whatsapp and helped with any of our needs and provided ample suggestions and made our stay very enjoyable and easy. The only note of this property is it is in the mountains in the jungle and you need a 4x4 vehicle and some experience driving mountain roads to get up and down from the house. That was not a problem for our group, but should be noted if you are not experienced with 4 wheel driving. We had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back to this beautiful property in the future, we even got to see some of the beautiful blue butterflies around the property. Highly recommend for the adventurous guest coming to the beautiful uvita area!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

Perfect Launch Pad for Uvita

Just spent a week here and had the best time. It was a fabulous location for our whole family (2 adults and 4 kids). Our kids loved the bunk beds. We loved the views and the sounds of the howler monkeys in the morning. We also loved the private waterfall/swimming hole. The whole house was very well maintained. The pool was perfect for our kids. One of 'highs' of the whole trip was watching the monkeys outside our windows in the morning. It truly was the Costa Rica experience we were looking for.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie L.

Amazing!

Completely off the beaten path which just makes it marvelous!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jessica O., Seattle

Amazing escape in the jungle!!

Our family loved staying at Morpho Eco - it was so private and so beautiful! The pool was fantastic and wonderfully refreshing after being out in the heat & humidity, and the house was modern and very clean. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook, and the grill was immaculate! We happened to be there during the hottest/driest/stillest time they had experienced for a long time in Uvita, and the host kindly arranged for extra fans to help us stay cooler at night! There is no AC, but it usually wouldn't be needed given the wonderful breeze that comes through - we just were unlucky with timing! However, once we had the extra fans it was perfect. WiFi didn't work well since this is truly in the jungle, but this was a bonus for us - it really helped us disconnect and feel relaxed. We loved the added bonus of the private waterfall - it was very refreshing in the heat! The onsite caretakers were wonderful, and provided us with anything we needed. We loved waking up hearing the toucans and howler monkeys, and we saw so many amazing birds and butterflies. It truly was a wonderful escape and we definitely plan to stay here again in the future! The only suggestion I'd make - it would be nice to have onsite laundry that we could use ourselves. When travelling with kids in hot/humid conditions we end up having a fairly major need for laundry. The host did offer laundry service though the caretakers which is a great option, but our schedules didn't quite match up to make this happen. We ended up doing laundry at another house nearby where some friends were staying. However - we still had a top-notch experience and are so thankful to have stayed at this amazing house! We will definitely be back! Oh - and make sure you have a big 4WD vehicle to get to the house - you won't make it otherwise!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tana K.

Wonderful "base" for our adventures in Costa Rica!

The Morpho Eco Retreat was a wonderful base for our trip to Costa Rica. Waking to amazing views, swimming in the pool, and exploring the private waterfall were favorites at/near the house. We were able to enjoy zip lining, horseback riding, surfing, walking the whale's tail (Marino Ballena National Park), and a visit to Manuel Antonio, all within an hour or less drive from the Morpho Eco. Dawn was very accommodating and helpful with our plans leading up to our stay and the property managers and house caretakers were prompt and courteous. We would return to the Morpho Eco in a heartbeat! Thanks to Dawn and her crew for helping to make our stay in Costa Rica unforgettable!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mike D., Tampa, FL

Thank you for a wonderful time

Morpho lodge was the perfect base for our Costa Rican adventure this summer. It is hard to describe the feeling of floating above the jungle canopy while being immersed in it at the same time. We’ll be talking and thinking about our stay at Morpho for a long time, thank you again for sharing a place like this with us!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018

About the host

Hosted by Dawn Enders

Host profile image
The Owners Story:
Our family journey to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica began in 2007 on vacation. After purchasing the property in 2010, the design process started. With a few more trips extended over two years, construction of our dream getaway was complete. We are excited to share the Morpho Eco Retreat with other nature enthusiasts. For our family that includes two sons, ages 15 and 20, our home and casita have been a perfect place to unplug from todays' busy lifestyle in Los Angeles. Each trip we experience the bountiful nature that Costa Rica has to offer. We welcome all future guests to the Morpho Eco Retreat and we wish you a wonderful time in discovering the beauty of this country and it's people! Pura Vida

Why they chose this property

The estate's proximity to the laid back, friendly town of Uvita, with its' central location near many restaurants and activities all while offering privacy and tranquility.

What makes this property unique

An amazing view of the ocean and Whale's Tail National Park. The tranquility one feels once they arrive, being surrounded by the sounds of nature on your doorstep from the moment you wake up through the end of a long, fun filled day. On-site access ( 3 minute walk with the jungle hanging overhead ) to a year round river with waterfall and swimming hole surrounded by the jungle. A gorgeous Infinty Pool and covered Rancho for dining. Stunning views of the jungle valley and and mountains. Many opportunities to view animals of the region in their natural habitat. These may include many species of birds, strange and amazing insects, howler monkeys, and wild peccaries to name a few.

Languages:

English, Italian, Spanish