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Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle.

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TV, DVD player, books, video library - Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. (La Fortuna/El Castillo)
Outdoor dining - Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. (La Fortuna/El Castillo)
Exterior detail - Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. (La Fortuna/El Castillo)
Outdoor pool - Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. (La Fortuna/El Castillo)
Property grounds - Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. (La Fortuna/El Castillo)
Perched 700m above sea-level, Castle in The Clouds offers a serene retreat with its covered gazebo and sunroom. Enjoy the sights of Volcano Arenal, rainforest, pastures and Lake Arenal while sipping locally-grown coffee or cooling off in the splash pool.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire chalet

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 5144 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Add dates for prices

About this property

Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle.

  • Our 'Castle in The Clouds' is just seven km from Volcano Arenal, perched 700m above sea-level overlooking the volcano, rainforest, pastures and Lake Arenal and close to many of the most popular amenities the region has to offer . Wake to the sound of howler monkeys, toucans and parrots and enjoy your first cup of locally-grown coffee in our covered gazebo or in the 25 sq. metre sunroom. Our home features a splash pool to cool off after a busy day of eco-adventuring. You can walk to many attractions in the village, including several quaint local restaurants. The home features casual dining indoor or out, hot water throughout, and stunning views from every room. It is completely equipped with a full-sized fridge with ice-maker, gas stove, microwave and blender and includes twice-weekly cleaning service (more often optional on request). An optional personal laundry service is also available. Active or passive, this is the perfect home base for your Arenal vacation!


    Although our small stretch of the road is usually in good shape it is steep and the road coming into El Castillo is very rough. We highly recommend a 4x4 vehicle for all your excursions in Costa Rica. We now feature a paved driveway, a separate covered Gazebo (perfect for al fresco dining) and the yard has been completely enclosed with a custom-made 5' stone and wrought-iron fence. You'll enjoy our garden paradise yard featuring a variety of local and tropical plants designed to maximize your Costa Rica experience.

    Now-Book Local Tours and Attractions: Hannah and Tomas, our on-site hosts can help you book many local tours and attractions for you on your arrival, saving you the hassle of running around. From zipline tours, hot springs spas and volcano hikes to a horseback ride to a real eco-farm, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like, but you'll never run out of things to do in the area. Just ask when you arrive and we can make recommendations and reservations for you.

    July 2011: If you catch the new reality show 'Love in the Wild' airing on CTV in Canada or NBC in the US, you'll experience life in El Castillo. They were filming the series when we visited in March and almost all of the scenes were shot in and around our little neighbourhood.
    Read about 'Love in the Wild' here http://www.ticotimes.net/Current-Edition/News-Briefs/Love-in-the-Wild-host-Darren-McMullen-tells-all_Wednesday-August-03-2011.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Yard

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • On a lake
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming 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)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,550 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Our cleaners will take care of laundry and cleaning. Please leave the house in a tidy condition.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

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
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 transport to and from this property

About the area

Located in El Millon, a neighbourhood in Peñas Blancas, this chalet is in a rural area and on a river. Los Lagos Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. Butterfly Conservatory and Wellness Park Costa Rica are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and horse riding nearby. Visit our Peñas Blancas travel guide
View more Chalets in Peñas Blancas
Map
La Fortuna/El Castillo

What's nearby

  • Lake Arenal
    Lake Arenal
    7 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Tabacon Natural Hot Springs Bridge in La Fortuna, Costa Rica I
    Tabacon Hot Springs
    47 min drive - 17.0 km
  • Butterfly Conservatory
    16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Los Lagos Hot Springs
    56 min drive - 25.4 km
  • Baldi Hot Springs
    58 min drive - 26.4 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    54 min drive

Restaurants

  • Shangri-La Gardens
    21 min drive
  • Ave Restaurant
    21 min drive
  • Caña Brava
    22 min drive
  • La Mesa de Mamá
    20 min walk
  • Cafeteria Selva Verde
    106 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle.?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. located?

Located in El Millon, this chalet is within 1 mi (2 km) of Butterfly Conservatory and Lake Arenal. Arenal Volcano and Costa Rica Sky Adventures are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Lake Arenal-Stunning views of the lake, volcano and jungle. Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 113 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Saeed J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location, gorgeous views, comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is fantastic! Easy to get around to all the sites around lake and volcano. The views of Arenal are stunning. This is truly a castle in the clouds.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corey S.

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

Amazing stay

Property was fantastic, beautiful view and garden and pool. Place was well looked after and clean, hosts were great. Town was friendly with decent places to eat. Butterfly sanctuary is a must. Really enjoyed waking up everymorning to the sounds of birds and view of the volcano
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Derek B.

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

Amazing place

We loved our stay in El Castillo. The people are incredible as well as the food. The hosts were very helpful and accommodating. I would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah W.

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

Beautiful location with awesome view of volcano

Located away from hustle and bustle of Fortuna, but close to many activities. Anna was a great help to us in suggesting activities and even helping us access some cash so that we could take the amazing horseback ride with Lilander to his secret waterfall. Highly recommend this stay and the warm people of El Castillo.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scot B.

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

Amazing!

There aren’t enough superlatives for our stay! We loved the house, especially the view. We watched the sun come up over Arenal every morning. And when the volcano showed herself in all her glory that first morning it was magical. We loved La Mesa de Mama at the end of the road, too. Great local food with wonderful people. Can’t wait to come back for a longer stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

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

Wonderful stay. Great access to La Fortuna but just far enough to avoid the crowds

Beautiful gardens and bountiful birdlife. The house was great and we did not have any problems. Definitely listen to the owners advice to arrive during daylight as the entrance is a little tricky the first time. Once you know where it is, it's easy
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nikki M.

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

The Beautiful Castle in the Clouds

My husband and our 7-year old had about a month long stay at this property. It was lovely. The property was clean, laid out well and spacious. The views were incredible and the neighborhood was so quaint and friendly. There were lots of great food options right near the house as well as things to do. The busier town of Fortuna was close enough but I really enjoyed the countryside quietness of our location. It was such a beautiful, relaxing, rejuvenating stay. The hosts were also extremely helpful to us during our stay. I highly recommend this property. What a dream.
Stayed 19 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim P.

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

Amazing!

We loved staying here as a part of our CR trip it was definitely a highlight. Anna was nearby and so responsive and all her suggestions were wonderful. Our highlight was definitely lilander horse trail and waterfall. Lee is so kind and it was an unforgettable day. We loved the views from this villa all the birds so many tocans etc, heard the howler monkey's. It was very cool at night we were always comfortable. I would highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Surreal location.

We loved our stay in El Castillo. High above the lake, adjacent to the slopes of Arenal, we enjoyed breakfast lunch and dinner with spectacular views. The property has wonderful gardens laden with many varieties of plants and flowers attracting hummingbirds and an array of Costa Rican birds creating a relaxing day or evening to enjoy the property. A four wheel drive is a must. The local village people are friendly and welcoming. A One mile walk up to the El Castillo camp affords magnificent views of the lake and the volcano. 35 minutes from La Fortuna this vacation stay presents a remote location among the locals and away from the tourists! pura Vida!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Antonia B.

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

Beautiful place with outstanding views

This house was perfect for our family of 5 as a base to explore the La Fortuna/Arenal region. Everything was great, especially the incredible panoramic views and the lush garden with all types of tropical flowers and the kids loved the plunge pool. We didn't bother cooking at night so it was nice that there were a few close by restaurants on the street. Highly recommend La Ventanita for good prices, nice ambiance and delicious milkshakes. Only way the house could be improved would be a few more standing electric fans to supplement the ceiling fans as we were there in a hot spell and it took awhile for the rooms to cool down in the evening as we followed instructions to leave all windows closed when we went out in case of sudden weather changes.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexis M.

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

Everything we could have asked for!

We had the most incredible time staying here! From waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys to enjoying a nice afternoon visit with the neighbor’s horse to dinner with a volcano view in the gazebo we had everything we could have asked for and more. Anna and team were so responsive and helpful they even recommended local activities and restaurants we should try. When our luggage was left behind by the airline, she even offered to be available for the delivery so we wouldn’t have to give up time from any of our adventures - truly above and beyond! The house has everything you could need from the wonderful pool for recovery from adventure, a fully stocked kitchen to fuel your stay, and a great location for easy access to things like La Fortuna waterfall, the hanging bridges, and of course the water sports on the lake. We look forward to staying again on our next trip to Costa Rica!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey A.

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

Stunning property!

The house was everything you needed; cozy, quaint, stunning views, gorgeous landscaping and privacy. It accommodated everything we needed, which was surprising because we failed to realize there was no central air, and we have a ln 11 month old, but the area we were in stayed relatively cool, and even better at night (nice & cool) and they provided multiple fans to circulate the air. We were never uncomfortable. It was truly a treat for my son and husband who had so much fun checking out the frogs, snakes and stunning birds around the property, especially at night. The road leading to the house wasn’t bad at all, once you get up there the first time you’re not too worried about it but definitely do suggest 4WD. The drive to the house was beautiful and there are dozens of restaurants to stop and enjoy and take on the scenery. We absolutely prefer the jungle area over the beach towns! This house was a win!!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Tracia K.

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

Amazing views! House is rustic

So the views are amazing of the lake and the volcano. They have amazing gardens outside. The house itself is pretty rustic. There’s no heating or air-conditioning so you have to leave the windows open at night which is fine except for the jungle noises lol. Also, the sofa in the living room is a polyurethane fold out sofa and there is a support bar about every 6 inches. So we really couldn’t even sit there and watch TV and drink our coffee in the morning. It’s pretty remote. It’s close enough within 20 to 30 minutes of zip lining and thermal springs and waterfalls. The road was rough but we were used to that as we’d already been in Costa Rica for seven days. There is a pool, but it was too cold to get in during our stay. It’s a fine place. It’s a place to sleep, the beds are comfortable. The views are amazing and the garden is beautiful. It is not luxurious, sleeping on the couch is not an option.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meredith R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was perfect for 4 adults, clean and terrific view. Host helped make it an amazing 30th birthday for my daughter. They recommended Jorge as our guide for Arenal observatory and Mistico Hanging bridges. Location was great for everything we wanted to do.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell C.

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

What a Jewel! Great home, if you want views this is it!

Home is nicely furnished super comfortable the beds are great views are fabulous check in super easy! This is a jewel in a very small village if you like privacy.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

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

El Castillo

The home was perfectly located with views and enjoying nature. We enjoyed the village and people who were so friendly and the proximity to everything. Will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela H.

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

Amazing place to stay!

We absolutely enjoyed the amazing home and incredible views. It is exactly as pictured/described, with a ton to do easily accessible from the home via car. The entire process was seamless, and we would highly recommend this as a place to stay, off the beaten path. I would note that it is difficult to walk anywhere besides one or two restaurants (be prepared to walk straight uphill on the way home), something to be cognizant of when booking!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy L.

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

Breathtaking View

El Castillo village is an experience in true authentic culture. Our stay was wonderful. The property is a little challenging to get to because of the steep gravel road but the view and sunrises are breathtaking. Property managers were very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KRISTINA C.

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

Beautiful private home

Amazing views, gardens, perfect space for 2 couples. A little hard to get to at first but once you know where your going it’s all good. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara M.

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

Fantastic Adventure

This property was the perfect spot for the first portion of our Costa Rica vacation. We did a lot of hiking, zip-lining, and waterfall repelling all very close to this property. We loved relaxing in the plunge pool each day and enjoying the gorgeous gardens and views. Loved the cool evening air with the windows open. We would gladly return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole W.

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

Paradise

This home is exactly as pictured and featured beautiful lake and volcano views, a beautiful garden and well appointed furnishings. We arrived and it was sunny and beautiful and we just enjoyed the views. We also ate locally at the restaurants in El Castillo and they were great. We appreciated being out of busy, tourist trap La Fortuna. The local hosts arranged a horseback ride with he stable right down the street and my kids, aged 10 and 14, said it was the best horseback tour they've ever had. Everyone was friendly. My kids even asked if we could move while we had dinner at nearby El Patio. This is a great spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Tom S.

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

Came in the rainy season

We came at end of June. The house is very nice and cute. Beautiful gardens, clean pool , and comfortable beds. The host lives close by and brought us Tums instead of having to leave. Lots of birds watching. The ticos near by the nicest people. Great restaurants close and the views are spectacular. We are from FL and knew the house had no AC. We wouldn’t stay in a place again with out AC. We were hot. The water is very good and mountain well. The shower didn’t stay hot long but long enough. The main town La Fortuna is far about 35 min drive. We had a 4x4 and recommended it. We went to the butterfly conservatory and happy we did. It rained every day about 2 pm and mostly into night so we had to get events in by then and didn’t get to do everything we wanted. We love Costa Rica and the ticos are so nice and kind to Americans. We also stayed on beach Jaco before driving to the volcano side and prices are better on volcano side.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

SELSABEEL A.

Remote location that feels like home

This beautiful home is located in el Castillo, which is about a 30 min drive from the nearest town, la fortuna. It had a beautiful view, modern house, fully furnished, lots of space, kitchen is fully stocked even with spices and coffee. The pool is really pretty. There is a little outdoor sheltered area that is amazing for breakfast as well as an beautifully thought out panoramic viewing room on the second floor. We were very comfortable for our 3 nights and didn't have problems with any Mosquitos or other bug bites! Be warned though that the location is very remote. We arrived in the evening and had to drive on a very bumpy road at nighttime for about 20 minutes. You really can't go much faster than 20 miles/hour on it. There are a few restaurants in the area but I'd recommend this place if you want some time alone and feel like preparing a few meals of your own. Would be great for 2 couples or a family. We loved arenal, be sure to do the cerro chato hike!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Guy W.

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

Absolutely wouldn’t stay anywhere else in the Arenal volcano area.

My girlfriend and I totally lucked out with this rental. El Castillo is the best village to stay in around the lake and volcano. This is not a highly touristy area but it is the closest to all of the activities you would want to do. Everything is close!!! If you like privacy, horses, cows, wildlife and are looking for the most amazing view you could imagine, this property is the place to stay. When you are home you will spend a lot of your time in the enclosed balcony on the second level. The pool was a little cool for our liking but we were there during the rainy season so it was expected. That said, we were busy all day so we wouldn’t have swam much anyways. Places we visited: Mistico - amazing. 30 minutes Arenal Lodge - amazing 20 minutes Arenal 1968 - amazing 20 minutes Fortune waterfall - beautiful 45 minutes Ecothermals - WOW - 40 minutes Arenal Lake - very peaceful - 10 minutes Hiking from house - gorgeous - 0 minutes Cocoa tour - worth it - 2 minutes Places to eat Essence Arenal - our favorite - 2 minutes Burritos - forget name - delicious 3 minutes Johns Pizza - delicious - 10/15 minutes Fusion - don’t go Assorted sodas - all are good If there is a bad review for this place, ignore it. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019