Casa Colibri & Casa Mariposa

The Caribbean Coast

Casa Colibri and Casa Mariposa are in the tiny village of Cocles on the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The nearest town that you will find in most guidebooks is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca which is about 2 miles north.

What Lonely Planet has to say about the area - This is one of those remarkable places you wonder if a glowing recommendation in a guidebook won't ruin. A decidedly Caribbean concoction of perfect beaches, spectacular surfing and laid-back attitude spiced up with the best music, nightlife and restaurant scene on the coast.

Within 10 miles of the houses there are more than 6 incredible beaches, two national parks with hiking trails, world class surfing, snorkeling along a very active coral reef about 25 feet from the water line on Punta Uva beach and in Manzanillo. Sign up for zipline canopy tours, indigenous reserve walks, visit botanical and butterfly gardens, take yoga classes and go kayaking - most of which you can do on your own or with a guide or group. Terra Venturas is a great option for booking the activities above as well as diving, rafting and dolphin excursions. Check out their website - Terraventuras or stop by the office in Puerto Viejo to arrange an adventure.

Also in Puerto Veijo you will find a well stocked grocery store and a few boutiques to browse around. There is an ATM machine, phone and Internet access.

Great Eats

The region offers really fantastic food. Some of our local favorites are Chili Rojo, El Loco Natural, Miss Helena's, Salsa Brava, Bread & Chocolate Cafe, Stanford's and Jungle Love Garden Cafe.

The finest dining in the area can be found in Cocles, a short 5 minute walk from the house at La Pecora Nera and is highly recommended.

Don’t miss the organic farmers market on Saturday in Puerto Viejo!

Wildlife

Costa Rica has some of the most diverse wildlife in the world. It is truly amazing to wake in the houses to the sounds of the jungle coming alive. Almost every morning monkeys can be seen playing in trees nearby or you might spot a sloth. Keep an eye out for toucans, parrots and the many species of hummingbirds found in the neighborhood. Don’t be surprised if a tree frog lands on the terrace or an electric blue butterfly visits the garden during your stay. 

Upon arriving at Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast, visitors come to the delicious realization – they’ve somehow got into two countries for the price of one. This is a different world, where the jungle meets the sea in a smooth arc of sandy beaches interrupted only by mangroves and river deltas where a wealth of wildlife is rarely disturbed. Lonely Planet   

 

Indigenous People

The earliest peoples of Talamanca that we are aware of were the Bribri and Cabecar Indians. These indigenous people were part of the Amazon Basin culture that lived for the most part in the interior, along watercourses. Later, Afro-Caribbean people settled along the coast. They brought with them knowledge about farming, fishing and culinary arts that can be traced back to their African origins. For generations everyone has coexisted in harmony, trading with each other, successfully living off the land. Many are trying to maintain their traditional customs and beliefs as much as possible given the development of tourism in the area over the last few years. It is important to remember that it was only in 1979 that a road was built to connect the Caribbean Coast villages to the port city of Limon, and in 1986 that electricity brought lights and refrigeration to the region. Prior to this the indigenous poeple lived in virtual isolation, except for the few brave surfers that made what was then a 4 day trek from San Jose to the area for the big waves.

The local people are among the most warm and kind folks you will ever meet. In the past our guests have asked how they might be of assistance, here are a couple of ideas and links. The Escuela Rio Cocles (K-6, little blue building by the soccer field) is always in need of school supplies. Their wish list includes; pencils, pens, colored pencils, notebooks, metric rulers, chalk, books (English and Spanish), art supplies and soccer equipment. If you wish to do so it is also possible to make donations of other goods or money or arrange to volunteer by contacting The Bridge, a nonprofit in the area. Here’s their link; El Puente - The Bridge Anything you are able to do to lend a helping hand would be greatly appreciated!

About the Houses

 

Casa Colibri and Casa Mariposa are rustic Caribbean style houses surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, yet only 200 yards from beautiful Cocles Beach. It is the best of both worlds, in the heart of the jungle and so close to the sea. The houses offer guests a simple and natural vacation experience with a few of the comforts of home. Your very own tropical paradise at an affordable price!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casa Colibri

• sleeps 5, 2 bedrooms
• main level bedroom, 1 double bed and a twin top bunk bed
• lower level bedroom, 1 double bed with an exterior entrance
• an open living, dining area and terrace
• fully equipped kitchen
• 1 bathroom with a shower
• locally crafted furniture and art
• towels and bed linens are provided
• radio/cd player, books and games
• ceiling fans
• mosquito nets
• complete door & window screening
• washer/dryer      
• security box      
• a property manager is in place to assist you if needed      

    

 

   

 

 

Casa Mariposa

• sleeps 4, 1 bedroom 
• 2 double beds
• an open living, dining area and terrace
• fully equiped kitchen
• 1 bathroom with shower
• outdoor beach shower
• locally crafted furniture and art
• towels and bed linens are provided
• radio/cd player, books and games
• ceiling fans
• mosquito nets
• complete door & window screening
• security box
• a property manager is in place to assist you if needed

                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casa Colibri and Casa Mariposa are next door to each another and in one of the safest places along the coast. While there are other houses in the area, rest assured that guests have plenty of privacy and peace.

 

For more pictures of Casa Colibri and Casa Mariposa, the area beaches and our favorite things to do please click on the photo albums!

Rental Rates

Casa Mariposa

$55 a night, $350 per week and $1050 a month

Casa Colibri

$65 a night, $400 per week and $1200 a month

 

There is a 3 night minimum.

 

Rates are quoted in US dollars and include all applicable taxes. In order to confirm a reservation we require a 50% deposit, and the balance to be paid 30 days prior to check in. Payment may be made with Cash or Mastercard and Visa through PayPal.Com

 

Cancellations received in writing over 30 days in advance are fully refundable. Cancellations received in writing within less than 30 days are not refundable. Unless I am able to place guests in the house during the time you had reserved. Then I would be more than happy to refund your money in full, minus any Paypal fees involved.      

 

At the time of check in we require a $200 security deposit for stays of a week or more.

 

Non-smokers only please.

Availability Calendars

Just click here for Casa Colibri;

Casa Colibri - Vacation Rental Availability Calendar

And click here for Casa Mariposa;

Casa Mariposa - Vacation Rental Availability Calendar

Guest Comments

8/22/08 Vanessa and family - Costa Rica

We just returned home from Casa Colibri, it was the best vacation ever. The house is wonderful, the neighborhood amazing...we are ready to book a return visit for December - it's a magical place!

Vanessa

4/23/08 Taryn and Susan - British Columbia

We had an amazing time at Casa Mariposa! It was just hands-down the best vacation we've ever had. The house was perfect. Clean, lots of privacy, just a gorgeuos setting. We saw toucans and even a little tapis! The flowers! The beach was so close we could hear the waves crashing at night. Green Management was wonderful, they got us everything we needed. We met so many great people and just were so happy!

Taryn & Susan

2/12/08 Ceva and Paul - Oregon

Wanted to let you know that we had a marvelous time! What a wonderful setting and just the right touches. The garden was stunning, we loved the deck, the beds were great and the location terrific. Thanks for providing such a nice getaway for an affordable price.

Ceva & Paul

1/26/08 Amanda and Jeff - British Columbia

A big thank you for letting us enjoy your wonderful place. Casa Colibri is well appointed, comfortable and a great spot to unwind and relax, exactly what we needed. We have been recommending you to others who would like to visit Costa Rica, you really are in a little hidden nook which we loved!

Amanda & Jeff

12/14/07 Jeff and Michele - Colorado

Thanks for letting us stay at Casa Marposa, we had an amazing time. One morning we woke up

and a sloth was hanging from one of the trees just staring at us as we relaxed in the hammock. What

a location, we wish we could have stayed longer.

Jeff & Michele

11/3/07 Andy and Vanessa - Illinois

One of the best vacations we have ever been on together!

Thank you!

Andy & Vanessa

3/9/07 Jennifer – Oregon

Just home from Casa Colibri – loved the house, especially the colors and it’s very appropriately named, so many hummingbirds in the neighborhood…I’ll be back soon.

Thanks,

Jennifer

2/24/07 LK and Shannon - Maine

Staying at Casa Colibri was a tonic. Warm winds, floating butterflies, lush jungle right to the ocean's edge. The little house was clean, comfortably appointed, and welcoming. We hope to come back!

LK & Shannon

2/3/07 Brie and Michael – New Hampshire

Thanks for providing an amazing place for such happiness to flourish. It was truly a life changing vacation – we got engaged and will return to be married on the beach in a year or two!

Best,

Brie & Michael

1/27/07 Sheri & Burt – Connecticut

Thank you for sharing your home with us, we had such a good time! It was so beautiful - the country, the house, the beach…great food, perfect weather and terrific people! We’d do it all again in a heartbeat!

All the best,

Sherri & Burt

Getting Around

You’ll want to fly into San Jose, Costa Rica.

Once there you may; rent a car or SUV at the airport, prices vary - 4 hr scenic drive through the mountains, fruit plantations and down the coast.

                                travel by tourist van - Travel in Costa Rica - Gray Line Tours Costa Rica or Interbus Online Costa Rica - Regular Shuttle with Interbus @ $30 one way

                                hop on a public bus - CR Bus Schedule @ $8 one way

                                puddle-jumper plane service has recently begun again from San Jose to Limon Sansa Airlines @ $120 round trip

If you don't opt for a car you can rent bicycles to get around by the day or the week right down the road from the house. Motor scooters are available for rent in Puerto Viejo.

Contact Us

If we have forgotten anything that you would like to know, please ask. For questions or to make a reservation just email us @ smileyandco@aol.com

Pura Vida!

Sharon, David, Erin, Jeff, Alex and Ethan

AKA The Smiley Family