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 - 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 several well stocked grocery stores and funky boutiques to browse around. There is an ATM machine, a bank and a few interent cafes/wi fi hotspots.

Great Eats

 

The region offers really fantastic food. Some of our local favorites are El Refugio Grill, Stasha con Fusion, Chili Rojo, Miss Helena's, Bread & Chocolate Cafe, Stanford's, Pita Bonita, Malbec Bontanica Organic Cafe and Jungle Love Garden Cafe.

 

 

The finest dining in the area can be found in Cocles, a short 5 minute walk from Casa Colibri and Casa Mariposa at La Pecora Nera. Also highly recommended for cocktails is Le Cameleon (pictured below). There are a couple grocery stores nearby and several wonderful cafes.

 

 

Don't miss the 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!

 

We have united with Caribe Town Resort, the hotel just down the road. To our guests, this means you will have access to the hotel. They offer a salt water pool with waterfall and jets, a bar, tour/transit services, WiFi and assistance with all your requests.

 

 

 
 

  

  

Casa Colibri

• 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/ipod dock, books and games
• wifi cards available 
• ceiling fans
• mosquito nets
• complete door & window screening
• washer/dryer      
• security box      
• our property manager, Jessica @ Caribe Town, is available 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/ipod dock, books and games
• wifi cards available 
• ceiling fans
• mosquito nets
• complete door & window screening
• security box
• our property manager, Jessica @ Caribe Town, available 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

$85 a night

Casa Colibri

$95 a night

 

 

 

 

  

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 25% 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 minus our cancellation fee of $50. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival are not refundable. If however we are able to place guests in the house during the time you had reserved, then we would be more than happy to refund your deposit amount minus our $50 cancellation fee.      

 

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

2/10/11 Frommers lists the Caribe Sur among their top 12 travel destinations for 2011!

 

10/8/10 Arran - England

My stay at Casa Mariposa was sublime. It is the perfect jungly bungalow, with all the necessary amenities and tucked away in a quiet corner.  My favorite pastime was to relax in the hammock in the early evening, watching the light come down and listening to the night sounds come up.  It was my first experience of true tropical rainforest, and everything from those madcap howler monkeys to torrential evening rain to banana-leaf silhouettes under a full moon was so cool and immersive.  Animal sightings around the casita included the resident toucans, agoutis, morpho butterflies, bats, sloth and various monkey families.The staff were kind and capable.  Thanks for making my excellent holiday possible. 

Arran

 

4/4/10 New York Times features our neighborhood very favorably in the travel section!

3/14/10 Andrew, Christine, Peggy and Joaquin - Massachusetts 

 Casa Colibri is a perfect getaway in the most beautiful part of Costa Rica. The house is tucked away so that you feel you're living in the jungle, but within a few minutes walk is one of the best coastlines in the world. We saw a lot of wildlife just from the terrace, sloths, butterflies, hummingbirds, dart frogs and even an ocelot - a rarely seen wild cat. We've been recommending Casa Colibri and Cocles to all of our friends and look forward to visiting again.

Thanks - Andrew

1/31/10 Alain and Rebecca - Minnesota 

We wanted to extend our thanks, what a wonderful place you have - it was so hard to leave. Green Property Management was beyond polite and helpful. We had such a relaxed time, you would have thought we were the only ones in the whole area, it was so quiet. We would certainly return for another stay at Casa Mariposa.

Alian

3/19/09 Peter and Dani - Colorado

What an incredible trip! Peter and I had an unforgettable time, and can hardly wait to go back. Casa Colibri was lovely - everything we hoped it would be and then some. We saw more wildlife from the terrace than in the three national parks we visited, including the resident sloth. We did the botanical gardens, went on hikes and soaked in the laid back atmosphere. Thanks again for everything, we will certainly be back. 

Dani

3/10/09 Anne and Noah - Canada

Wanted thank you for having such a lovely house for us to rent. It was exactly as you showed in the photos and our stay there was perfet. We felt especially blessed to have such beauty in the plants and animals around us as well as wonderful weather.

Anne

2/22/09 Andy and Carrie - Washington

It truly was amazing! Casa Mariposa was beautiful and had everything we needed. The scenery nothing short of spectacular. We saw nemerous animals around the yard - monkeys, agouti, toucans, dart frogs, lizards and of course Pepe the three legged dog came around for visits. The sounds of the jungle at night, the magnificant ocean and the beaty of the the natonal parks were among our favotie things.

Carrie

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 alittle 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

 

 

9/20/07 Conde Nast Travel features Cocles in an article of Surprising and Affordable Caribbean Escapes.

 

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

 

 

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 @ $40 one way

                                hop on a public bus - CR Bus Schedule @ $10 one way

                                puddle-jumper plane service has recently begun again from San Jose to Limon Sansa Airlines @ $140 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 @ sharonksmiley@gmail.com

Pura Vida!

Sharon