Guest Comments

Here’s what some other past guests had to say about Loco Natural:

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  1. My husband and I stayed in Casa Rumba for 1 week for our honeymoon and it made for a truly authentic, relaxing getaway experience. The home is the perfect size for a couple. The bed is comfortable and has a bug net to protect you from getting eaten at night :). Note, this is in the jungle so there are bugs, as is expected. The kitchen was fully equipped and we enjoyed making breakfast each day and eating it on the gorgeous, spacious patio watching the birds and other wildlife. There is also a cute hammock to lay in as well. The shower was great and there is even an outdoor shower to use too for quick rinsing off after the beach/pool. We loved Puerto Viejo and it is a short walk from Loco Natural (~ 1 mile). There are so many fun adventures to explore in the area, such as kayaking on the ocean, hiking in the rainforest, ziplining, rappelling and even white water rafting. There is also a really cute coffee and chocolate shop Caribeans that you can tour which I highly recommend. The beach (playa negra), in addition, is an even shorter walk and it is stunning.

    Overall, Carter and Pamela made our stay simply wonderful. They were so attentive, kind and helpful. They answered all our questions promptly both before and during our trip. They provided umbrellas and beach towels for us to borrow. They gave us amazing restaurant recommendations and even showed us around town when we arrived. I cannot say enough about what excellent hosts they are. They truly care about you having a great experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Loco Natural !!!

  2. I would just like to share what an incredible time I had while staying 2 weeks at Loco Natural with my friend Emily and her daughter. Pamela and Carter are certainly two of the most kind hearted and genuine people you will meet. I especially enjoyed when their sweet dogs and cat would come by to say hello. I felt much at home during our stay. Pamela teaches yoga at a beautiful space not too far of a walk along the beach. I highly recommend taking her classes! They’re truly uplifting and magical!
    Much love and thanks for a wonderful experience Pamela and Carter!
    Until next time, Ciao!

  3. Casa Rumba es maravillosa. Stephanie and I stayed in Casa Rumba over the Christmas and New Years holidays this year and we immediately felt at home. The cabina has everything you need really and nothing you don’t. There are pots, pans dishes and utensils for cooking, a nice size refrigerator, bottled water and couple of other small appliances. The shower is awesome. Sitting on the veranda under the ceiling fan was a delight. Everything is setup so nicely from the privacy, colors and the amazing surroundings. We could not believe how beautiful Costa Rica is and in particular Loco Natural. And of course the wildlife. We were graced by monkeys, sloths, toucans and other wonderful creatures.

    One last thing. At first there was a slight concern about a lack of air conditioning but we knew right away our fear was unfounded. Between the breezes & ceiling fans there was no need for air conditioning.

    Oh, and I can’t begin to explain the graciousness of Pamela and Carter. From patiently answering all our questions leading up to the trip (and trust me, there were many) to their tips and suggestions and just their friendly smiles. It was all so perfect.

    If you’re looking for a comfortable, amazing retreat in the jungle, yet close enough to civilization to feel connected, we highly recommend Casa Rumba & Loco Natural.

    Thank you for an amazing life’s experience Pamela & Carter!! Pura Vida.

  4. I love Casa Rumba. This was my 3rd year staying at Loco Natural. Pamela and Carter have made something really beautiful. Casa Rumba is their newest Casa. Perfect for one or two people. It’s secluded. Extremely well made. Great kitchen and shower. Comfy bed. Screens on some of the windows. Big spacious porch. The trail from the gate meanders through a tropical garden on the way back to Casa Rumba. Very secure. And a very sweet pool. Carter and Pamela are special.

    My stay was most beautiful……. jerry

  5. We have just come back from spending a month at the Bird House.It was amazing! We were two couples sharing the house with our respective daughters for part of the time.The house had everything we needed to cook and sleep comfortably. If you love nature you will be ecstatic here. Howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, parrots, frogs , iguanas, etc are your neighbours .In total ,we saw 70 species of birds on the property alone!.They will wake you up in the morning for sure because the jungle does not stop but you will be fascinated by their beauty! Biking or walking to town was great. Pamela and Carter have a love for their place and it shows.They have created a veritable botanical garden and a little paradise .We also loved getting to know their 3 dogs who came to visit daily. . It was also wonderful to cool down in their salt water pool at the end of the day after exploring the area or simply being at the beach.They are also amazing at helping you with valuable information as a visitor to Puerto Viejo.We really feel that we have made new friends in Pamela and Carter. Thank you .We are looking forward to returning next year. Pura Vida

  6. Thank you Pamela and Carter for this wonderful place! Our family stayed for the month of Dec. The 4 of us were joined by 2 grandparents and another family of 3 during Christmas and New Year’s. The Bird House was the perfect place for our family and friends. There was room for everyone. Places to have a chill time alone or hang out together. We cooked a lot of meals at home, and the kitchen had everything we needed. The best part is that it’s outside, right in middle of the gathering space, and the jungle of course! The property is beautiful and full of life! Our first morning there we were welcomed by the noisy howler monkeys (you get used to it!). The boys were constantly finding new and interesting creatures. Not to worry though, the mosquito nets keep all the critters away from your bed. The location was perfect for us as well. An easy 7min bike ride to town, or 2 mins to the closest store. I highly recommend renting bikes, it’s the best way to get around. It was nice to be close to town, but also great to have somewhere quiet and relaxing to return to. The ocean was pretty wild most of the month. We had a lot of fun on the beach, but we were very grateful for the beautiful pool. The boys (6 and 9, and our friends daughter, also 9), had so much fun! We have no swimming pools where we live, so for kids who are used to having to put a thick wetsuit on and jump in the cold north Pacific, this was heaven. The Bird House felt like home from the moment Pamela welcomed us there. She was very attentive to all of our needs, and a truly lovely person. You know you’ve had an amazing time somewhere when you tear up when it’s time to leave. Thank you for everything Pamela and Carter. Absolutely Puri Vida!

  7. This (Bird House) review is well overdue. My family of 5 stayed here July of 2015. This house is beautiful and serene. The location cannot be beat. Everything you need to maintain self-sufficiency is here. We truly enjoyed the natural setting. My children enjoyed watching the sloths go up and down the trees from sun up to sun down. Daily, we observed monkeys, hummingbirds, various bugs, lizards, and other fauna and flora. My kids also enjoyed picking fruit from the various trees on the property. The daily visit from the property dogs were fun although one of the dogs didn’t like us at all. Maybe my kids were too wild? The owners checked in regularly- but allowed us our privacy. We really enjoyed this property and would never hesitate to recommend it to anyone or any family in need of easy access to Puerto Viejo yet the security to return to calm. For my family, this is a beautiful and excellent located, well-secured property. The owners are a nice and honest couple. We would stay here again and again upon our return to Puerto Viejo. MF

  8. Spent one week at Casa Mambo – Fantastic ! Open and airy. Surrounded by beautiful yards and jungle. Very private Casa Mambo has all the amenities you need for a great stay. Lots of animals in the yard as well bird life in the trees.The salt water pool surrounded by jungle is very special too. Pamela and Carter are very gracious hosts and helpful in every way. Highly recommend staying at Loco Natural (wish we had stayed two weeks there ! ).

  9. Choosing Puerto Viejo and LocoNatural was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made and it’s hard to put words to how much our time there meant to us…
    We arrived later than expected, (Carter was very gracious about it–thanks!) so opening our eyes to the surrounding yard & jungle the next morning was stunning…we were fortunate to do that every morning for the month of January from the deck of Casa Mambo. Pamela’s friend hooked us up with bike rental (Green Monkey Buckets!) for the duration and was always a quick phone call away if we needed anything, the weekly housekeeper was awesome and the neighbors were super friendly. We were visited occasionally by the resident pups, mostly to sniff at us and maybe get a couple pets before moving on on their “grounds duty”–such sweet dogs, made us miss ours!
    Our daily routine consisted of biking just down the lane and across the road to the Playa Negra beach for a dip, then maybe into town for smoothies at Rockin’ J’s, some lunch and grab some groceries, followed by a hangout session & more beach time back at The Point, which was located just at the corner by our lane. When the ocean was a bit rough and/or we were feeling lazy, it was invaluable to have Loco Natural’s saltwater pool in which to lounge and soak in the extraordinary variety of flora and fauna on the property. We didn’t make many forays into town at night due to our days starting with the monkeys and birds at 5am, but when we did, we took a cab and had a great time–lots of clubs & restaurants to choose from!
    Any time we had a question or concern, Carter and Pamela were quick to respond, offer recommendations and in general, made us feel completely at home. The love they have for this spectacular property is evident in the care and detail with which they have manicured, cultivated and re-purposed all it has to offer. We highly recommend staying here, and can’t wait to return!!! Thanks for the a-mazing time–Pura Vida!

  10. We stayed in the Bird House in January 2017. My husband, myself, and our 5 and 8 year old were blessed with 3 weeks in Puerto Viejo. While there we were joined by my mom and my aunt who stayed in the Bird House with us for one of the weeks. How awesome is that! The house was great. Every bit the secluded, lush, oasis we had hoped for.We had sloths, tucans, howler monkeys, lizards, frogs, fireflies, ect. right in our front yard!!! The pool was dreamy and we were in it every day! I loved that we could walk to a really great beach, a bar/grill, and a little market. Town is not too far either. Puerto Viejo is a real cool chill town for exploring. We went to lots of near by beaches like Punta Uva and Manzanilla that were postcard beautiful. Carter and Pamela were superior hosts and I felt like family. I would not hesitate, in fact I yearn, to go again one day! Thank you Pamela and Carter. Thank you Costa Rica!

  11. On June 23, 2017 myself and 5 others arrived at loco natural. This was my third time to stay here, but the first for the other 5. Pamela and Carter not only run the loco natural, but they are dear friends that I only get to see every so many years.

    The swimming pool was new to me and such a life saver. Coming in the evenings and having somewhere to relax and cool down was a super plus!

    The Bird House was perfect for our stay and every time we needed anything, they were there to assist. You must go hear Carter and his band when in this area. They are amazing and a great time of fun music.

    There are not enough words to explain how our trip was complete by staying at loco natural. You will love it as we did!

  12. I went with my boyfriend the first week of april and it was the perfect trip. The house is spectacular, the rooms are big, lot of natural light, hammocks and we could hear al the birds and monkeys. The kitchen was full equipped, we had internet (though in that paradise wasn’t necessary). The weather was great, sun all day, and at night a little rain just to take down the temperatures. Our hosts were super nice with us and always there if we needed something. I recomend it a 100%!

  13. We stayed at Casa Chilamate in December, we absolutely loved it!! The most beautiful, quiet and relaxing place, and really not so far from town. Carter and Pamela were the best host, and we will surely be back soon!!

  14. What an awesome place! We stayed in the BirdHouse for 3.5 weeks in Feb 2015 and loved it!
    5 of us in total, one couple downstairs and my family of 3 upstairs. We had plenty of space so we weren’t in each others way and when we wanted to get together to eat or play cards we all sat together in the kitchen.

    Pamela and Carter are wonderful hosts, very caring and attentive to details. We also watched Carters band play a few times in town, not to be missed! Their 4 dogs were very loveable, and kept an eye on things around the property.

    On the property we saw and heard tons of sloths, agoutis,geckos, lizards, huge butterflies, fire flies, frogs, bats, cool looking bugs, saw one snake, cool spiders in webs and only one spider in the house (not bad considering I am terrified of spiders) and my husband counted over 100 different birds! Toucans, collared aracaris , parrots, kiskadees , oropendolas, manakins & slaty-tailed trogons to name a few! The plants on the property are beautiful and feels like you are walking through a tropical park!

    We did not rent a car, we would walk into town every day and took a taxi back ( 2000 colons or $4 one way for a taxi from town). Puerto Viejo was very laid back, had the reggae vibe to it, never once did we feel unsafe…we all took turns going to town on our own to get groceries or just wander around…no worries!

    We also rented bikes one day and rode to Manzanillo and saw TONS of wildlife along the way.

    It was the most relaxing, laid back vacation I have been on. Everyone we met was so calm, Pura Vida really described what we felt and experienced!

    I highly recommend Puerto Viejo and Finca Loco Natural to everyone 🙂

  15. I am so late in posting a comment on the website!…But it was something I had to do and I simply cannot forget my stay at the Finca Loco Natural. It was Amazing!. I am so late posting because I immediately came back to my very busy life with running a business and 15 employees with a family of my own and geographically where I live in Canada. It takes us so long to even go to the grocery store in your car with the snow and everything… and things are very far apart and on a grid like sheep in a herd almost. To tell you the truth…I miss the sound of the birds and the breath of simple fresh air that existed in Costa Rica. We had a terrific stay and the town was friendly with a flare of such simplicity and very chill attitude. It was exactly what we needed.
    We arrived and we thought we were in the middle of nowhere for a second and Carter immediately came to the entrance and helped us into the home and showed us around and giving us all the advice and information we needed. He was extremely friendly and the feeling of being home and safe was not an issue in the least. We stayed for almost a week. And till this day my mind and heart will not forget the peaceful sleep and rest I received at this home. I loved it!
    I cant say that I wasn’t afraid of the Jungle and or the unexpected ants, and Geco’s (even though we named them after a few days :))…..I needed happy hour to start the hour I got there. A bottle of wine and cheese fits perfectly in the basket of your bike!….But I quickly settled and grew very fond of what it had to offer. The bed was comfortable and I still cannot compare to the well rested sleep I had at this home. I loved cooking breakfast in the morning and having my coffee by the front of house and watching the birds.
    Pamela was precious. Her energy is so pleasant and she is graceful in everything she does. I enjoyed her Yoga class and even rode my bike to get there and was sure not to get lost from her directions which I hadn’t even written down. I found it and her Yoga class was great!.
    We also listened to Carter play one night in the town. His band is very talented and a true pleasure to watch. A must to do!
    I would love to return and I wish you both all the best, Pamela and Carter. It was such a pleasure staying there and meeting both of you. Pura Vida!
    Pure Love, Pure Life….

    Ps. Loved the outdoor shower!

    Thank you
    Our warmest regards,

    Larissa & Gary
    Halifax, Canada

  16. Our family of 6 stayed at the Bird House in January of 2015. We felt at home right away. Everything was clean and comfortable and so safe and fun for the children. It is amazing to be so immersed in nature and we say so many beautiful animals, birds, insects and plants everyday. The beach- only a few minutes walk away – was such fun for our whole family- and it was a beautiful stretch of soft, black sand. Pamela and Carter made us feel like we were family- bringing by bananas they grew themselves and popping by for a chat to make sure we were happy and comfortable. What a beautiful house, and amazing location.

  17. A Beautiful Place to Stay!

    We spent a week in Casa Mambo, and found the time much too short! The house offers an intimate connection to nature, being completely open and offering beautiful vistas of the surrounding tropical jungle. The owners, Carter and Pamela were exceptional hosts, giving lots of insight about the area and providing everything we needed for our stay. They also helped with some last minute arrangements we had to make for our return trip home.

    The house is very private and very comfortable even though it’s completely open. A truly tropical paradise! We spent many of our evenings just listening to wildlife while kicking back and having a few drinks, but the town is close enough for easy travel on nights out. Getting taxi’s for the ride home is easy and very economical.

    Definitely a place I will return too. I would and have recommended this place to many. I just hope that doesn’t make it too busy for future vacations…

  18. We recently returned from a 6 night stay at the Bird House. The Bird House is a very beautiful house set in the jungle. It is clean and comfortable and offered everything we needed for a very enjoyable vacation. The owners, Pamela and Carter are very friendly and offered great suggestions on fun and interesting things to do in the area, along with helping us arrange transportation and giving advice about Puerto Viejo.

    We were a group of 5; my sons who are in their mid 20’s, one son’s girlfriend, my husband and me. We rented bikes, enjoyed excursions, the beautiful beaches, and just hanging around Puerto Viejo. The Bird House is well equipped and we usually ate 2 meals a day there. Almost every meal included some fresh vegetation we picked on the grounds (with the permission and advice of Carter). The house is roomy enough for us to have good family time together and also for each to have quiet time at night reading, journaling or computer time

    All in all our stay was fabulous! We hope to return to the area and most definitely to the Bird House!

  19. I stayed at the Finca Loco Natural for two months (mid-June to mid-August 2014). The Finca is located down a short road, surrounded by rain forest. This is a very large property, giving you the advantages of home grown treats, a wide diversity of plant and animal life, and some insight into what it takes to live in and manage life in the rain forest.

    Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Pamela, who brought me bananas and limes. I was the recipient of this largess throughout my stay. She led me to the house, pointing out the landmarks around the property. She made sure I was oriented and could find my way around.

    The house was quiet, private and safe. It was surrounded by a lovely landscaped garden, full of interesting and beautiful flora and fauna. I was able to spot and identify numerous birds and wildlife from the house’s deck.

    The interior of the house was handcrafted by Carter, the host. The tile work and light fixtures were the artistic touches provided by Pamela. Every detail was attended to, and nothing overlooked. The kitchen was fully equipped (the knives were sharp!), the beds comfy and the bathroom large and clean. All the rooms had overhead fans, and the beds had mosquito netting.

    The internet was knocked out by a big thunderstorm, but within an hour or so of my having mentioned it, the repair people were there and it was fixed. It was totally reliable during my stay.

    Carter is also a musician, and I went several times to his gigs. Pamela is a yoga instructor, and I attended her classes. She was knowledgeable, patient and supportive.

    The highlight of my stay was Pamela’s daily early morning dog walk. She would come by the house (with my encouragement) with the three wonderful finca dogs. We would indulge with doggie treats and chat. Having this daily interaction not only provided information and insight into the area’s offerings, but created a wonderful friendship.

    This is a well-equipped and comfortable residence for your stay, and the hospitality and generosity of Carter and Pamela will make this a truly memorable vacation. I recommend Finca Loco Natural without reservation.

  20. My wife, brother and fiancee decided to take a to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica from July 31st-August 8th. We had only seen the Pacific side of the country and wanted to try something new. Thankfully, we found Pamela and Carter’s Birdhouse through Tripadvisor.com and could not have been happier. I can say, without a doubt after this trip, that I much prefer the funky Caribbean coast to the commercial resort-driven Pacific side of Costa Rica.

    The Birdhouse is located in a dense rainforest that is a five minute walk from the beach. We felt very comfortable and secluded on the property, but were also comforted by the fact Pamela and Carter both live just a three minute walk away. The property is gated, so we had no worries about any of our luggage being stolen (plus there is a safe and a lock on every door). The house itself is gorgeous and fully furnished. Everything was clean and in working order. Pamela also had our linens changed halfway through our stay.

    Puerto Viejo is a fifteen minute walk or a five minute bike ride away. I cannot recommend renting a bike enough. Pamela and Carter will direct you to a nice rental place in town. The town is a wonderful hodgepodge of Caribbean and international cultures. Many great restaurants and bars (the fish is to die for). Ask Carter where he is playing music in town and check it out. Plus, with a fully functional kitchen in the Birdhouse, we were able to shop for groceries for breakfast and any other snacks/meals we did not want to go out for.

    Pamela and Carter were both incredibly accommodating and always had time to answer any of our (many) questions. Everything from booking a private shuttle from the airport to reserving zipline tours was quickly taken care of. I simply can’t recommend Loco Natural enough. The Birdhouse is an incredible deal. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be staying here again in the future. It truly was an amazing trip.

  21. I wanted something different for my boys (13 and 10)… Not Disneyland, not a beach resort, I wanted an experience that would change their lives. My wife had spent a lot of time tossing around ideas so when I proposed Costa Rica, I wasn’t sure how to take her silence. Over the following weeks she was pretty quiet on the topic but then a few questions started to come back. I would answer her questions and she’d send me back for more information. Soon enough it was decided, we were going to Costa Rica. I had only two things left to do, find a place to stay and get my parents permission to be absent for Christmas. I called my Mom to tell her we wanted to go to Costa Rica for Christmas and without taking a breath, she replied “You aren’t going without me… I might even try to drag your Dad along.” And so it began, a family trip that we will never forget.

    On a few occasions I’ve thought back on the internet search that ultimately found us staying at Jungle House. It has become such a cherished memory that to suddenly imagine having stayed somewhere else feels a lot like a near miss with a speeding bus. There are so many places to pick from on the internet and it’s really hard to judge what a place might actually be like, I could have easily chosen somewhere else.

    Puerto Viejo is rich with culture and we did our best to soak up everything we could… We loved Chili Rojo’s and there is a dish at Stachus’ Confusion (sp?) that I can’t get out of my mind to this day. The list is endless and we really can’t report any bad experiences. We went on the zip line tour, it was something my wife has always wanted to do. I was so impressed with my youngest, he seemed to grow in confidence with every line and my mother was entertainment for everyone on the tour. We toured a cocoa plantation, visited the animal rescue center, snorkeled around reefs, boogie boarded on beaches… there was an adventure every day.

    Each afternoon we came home to the Jungle house and enjoyed an evening without computer games or TV. We had internet of course but it felt so good to disconnect that the most we ever did was check in with family on Facebook for a few moments. I taught the boys how to play cribbage and I would warn you if you ever considered playing them for money.

    The house is beautiful, I work on buildings and I found myself enjoying Carter and Pamela’s creativity each day. The rooms are secure and there are nets so as you slumber there are no potential intrusions from critters. The house is open to the front yard but we never saw more that the occasional lizard (tiny) running around in the house. I can tell you that lizards aren’t that smart, the boys would return home each night and recapture them, I forget their names now. I can tell you that they were the same two little fellas because in short enough order their tails were about half as long. There are fruit trees all over the property and we even saw a couple of bright red tree frogs in the water captured around the base of a bush. You could go on a jungle eco tour but their front yard has everything. The day we were leaving, a sloth had come down from a tree and was crossing the driveway. We stood a ways back visiting with Pamela and Carter as we watched him make his way up a tree, it was a pleasant 20 minutes… We didn’t see the monkeys while we were there but we often heard them at night.

    I forgot to mention, my Dad was only a few month away from a knee replacement so not comfortable getting around as often. This may seem somewhat tragic but in reality he loves to read and really prefers to stay at home so we were lucky to have him on the trip. He loved the hammocks so much that he ordered one in the first days, it was waiting for him in the mailbox when he returned home. He would read most days, we would return to collect him for dinner and then return. We ate out a lot because there were so many restaurants and we wanted to try them all. We failed but I’m content to return and finish the list some day.

    We set out for Costa Rica with curiosity and open minds, we found a little place in the jungle that we fell in love with and we brought it home with us…

  22. My husband, children and I just returned from staying at Loco Natural for 6 weeks. We stayed in Casa Chilamate for 3 weeks and Casa Mambo for 3 weeks. Both houses are fantastic and couldn’t be in a better location. The gardens are exquisite and location in regards to the beach and Puerto Viejo were perfect. Five minute walk to a lovely beach and 15 mins to Puerto Viejo and the walk is along the beach. The nature that surrounds the houses is amazing, we saw all sorts of birds, insects, mammals and amphibians, we felt like we were on National Geographic. The houses themselves are beautiful with gorgeous furniture. The hosts Carter and Pamela were very friendly and even had us over for a wonderful potluck. I would absolutely return and recommend to anyone to stay at Loco Natural. The pictures of the houses just do not do them justice, they are lovely. Thank you Pamela and Carter, Lady and Giovanni.

  23. We start our three weeks long trip in Costa Rica in Loco Natural and Casa Mambo with our three boys, 9, 11 and 13 years old. Reviewing this trip, Casa Mambo was the most memorable! A fantastic house in a fantastic environment. We did long walks in the jungle, we were swimming in the waterfalls and surfing in the waves. Puerto Viejo is a genuine and nice Caribbean small town.
    The owners and their “helper” gave us all the best service possible.
    Thank you so much and hope to see you again.

    /Family Jorius

  24. My husband, six year old daughter, 11 year old son, and I stayed at Casa Chilamate from June 2013-December 2013. Words cannot express what a wonderful experience our family of four had. The setting of the house was right in the jungle where we would wake to birds every morning. The house sits back from the beach surrounded in jungle with gates in place that make you feel safe and secure. I cannot say enough about the owners Carter & Pamela. They brought us bananas and other fruits often. They helped us countless times communicating with locals since we knew very little Spanish. They also let us ride with them to the Saturday market before we purchased a car. The beach is 5 minutes away and was never crowded. This is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. We will definitely be back and stay in one of Carter and Pamela’s houses. 5 Stars!!!!

  25. We have sadly come back from one of the most beautiful places on planet earth.
    Arriving at the Loco Natural Jungle Bird House in Puerto Viejo, Costco Rica we had zero expectations of what our honeymoon was going to be like. From the moment we arrived it was like being in a story book in the jungle. The Bird House was exceptional, clean and equipped with everything we needed to spend our 2 glorious weeks in the jungle. The whole house was outside except for the bedroom/bath, so we literally lived outside the whole time we were there. The Bird House is so charming and comfy with amazing energy we are still missing it today. The pictures don’t paint the beauty of this surreal home and gardens with monkeys, sloths, iguanas, beautiful birds, flowers and exquisite fruit that makes you feel you are in heaven on earth. Carter and Pamela who own the property make you feel like you are part of the family as soon as you step onto their property. They are so knowledgeable, gracious, outgoing and can’t do enough to make your stay the most pleasurable it can be. Carter has his own band and plays in the local bars that lifts your spirits up, while Pamela teaches yoga to keep you grounded and flexible and young. Pamela had a beautiful bouquet of fresh exotic flowers from her garden waiting for us on our arrival. Each day she picked us fresh banana’s and all sorts of new and exciting fresh fruits for us to try.
    The beach is a skip away with its beautiful black and white sand and the ocean is magnificent with its purification healing powers. We went zip lining, snorkeling and hikes thru the National parks. The best fun either one of us has had in years.
    Puerto Viejo is a 20 minute walk with the charming smiles of everyone you pass and all are happy to say Hola to you. Great restaurants, boutiques and bars make this a fun and colorful place to walk around and enjoy the energy of the town.
    If you are looking for an amazing vacation, something totally out of the ordinary then this paradise in the jungle is for you. You wont be disappointed and you will totally fall in love with your host and hostess. We are counting the days until we can return for the best fun ever!!!

    Arlene & Michael Stevenson
    Toronto, Canada

  26. We stayed 5 weeks at Casa Mambo this spring with our family of 5, including 3 very young kids, and a visit from Grandma. The house is fantastic, pictures do not do it justice. We were truly living in the jungle, with regular visits by hummingbirds, fireflies and the occasional brightly colored frog. We especially appreciated the feeling of privacy and space, and the generous hospitality and local knowledge of Carter and Pamela. As hosts, they went out of their way for us, including tracking down lost luggage and getting it promptly delivered right to the house. We would definitely return to Casa Mambo.

  27. I just returned from a 15-day stay at Loco Natural Jungle Houses that can only be described as awe-inspiring. The ambiance in this secure and convenient tropical paradise was simply amazing. I traveled with my two teenage children and the two-story Bird House, constructed of local hardwoods, was one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. There was ample room in the house for all of us, as well as a full kitchen and hammocks on the second story from which we could relax in the evenings. The house was cleaned weekly and laundry service available onsite.

    I woke early every morning to the sounds of chattering birds and watched the cute little agouti (they resemble a cat-sized guinea pig) frolic around the gardens carrying fruits and nuts. The vast variety of tropical plants and trees were simply gorgeous and we were not only taken on several walking tours by the cordial owners, but also invited to freely walk the grounds to take photos and video as we pleased. The day after our arrival, we spotted a baby sloth that had just climbed down out of its tree. I was close enough to reach out and touch his fur as he extended a three-toed arm my way. He was the most adorable creature, moving slowly up a wooden post, head bobbing side-to-side. In addition to this little one, we encountered a variety of other animals on the grounds: a full-grown sloth who was crossing the gravel pathway, a stunning tree frog, a prehistoric toad, brilliant green chameleons, butterflies and dozens of hummingbirds that would fly through the kitchen to greet us. The hummingbirds flew so close we could hear the whirr of the wings!

    I highly recommend Loco Natural to anyone from honeymooners to families, for a relaxing tropical getaway. The house is only a five minute walk to the incredible Playa Negra, a serene black sand beach, and a 15 minute walk (or 5 minute bike ride) into the small town of Puerto Viejo.

  28. Thank you for the wonderful stay at Casa Chilimate. It was a perfect home away from home for our family with two kids (ages 9 and 11). It is a beautiful clean new wood home, open to the surrounding jungle. We loved waking to the sounds of the forest. The home is quiet, private, beautiful, and restful. The kids loved meeting your three friendly dogs and rocking in the hammocks. We loved making dinner, playing cards, and recounting our days adventure in Costa Rica. We recommend this place and thank Pamela for her warm hospitality during our stay.

  29. Pamela and Carter are amazing hosts. My family and i stayed in the Bird House, and we all had a summer we would never forget. Puerto Viejo is beautiful, and never stopped amazing us. We went to the beach every day (sometimes twice a day), and rented bikes. It is only a short bike ride away to Puerto Viejo, and sometimes we would ride all the way out to Playa Chiquita, or Punta Uva. We got up close and personal with three-toed sloths, monkeys, and spiders! Believe it or not, the best pizza and gelato I have ever tasted was right in Puerto Viejo. Pamela and Carter make you feel as if you are family, and there is no way you couldn’t like them. They are both so helpful and kind, and just plain fun to be around. We have so many good memories from Costa Rica, and I am so excited to go back again sometime soon. I may be only twelve years old, but even I know that being in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica was one of my favorite parts of my whole life. Pura Vida, Zoe

  30. I stayed at Finca Loco Natural for 3 months this summer. Except for a few weeks I had friends and family from the U.S. visit, I was on my own. Pamela and Carter, who are loved in the community, were amazing. They went above and beyond what was necessary and really made me feel like I had a family in Puerto Viejo. It’s really a beautiful place to be. There is so much I loved about it. I loved the sounds of night monkeys, crickets, and toads at night and tucan songs during the day. I loved the humming birds that flew through my casa and the giant dragonflies and blue butterflies in the yard. I loved seeing an armadillo and anteater from the deck of my house. I enjoyed my daily visits from Blu, one of Pamela and Carter’s dogs. I loved being so close to the ocean and going to one of the many beautiful beaches anytime I wanted. I loved that crabs cross the road in their sideways way. I loved taking dance classes on Saturdays and Sundays with the community. I loved how friendly locals are in town and that there are so many people from all over the world who made Puerto Viejo their home. I loved that fresh food is abundant and easy to find. I loved taking Spanish classes from Matias Llaituqueo. I loved that nobody cares what you do for a living and that life was so much simpler. I had an amazing time and hope to be back soon. It’s a hard place to leave.

  31. We stayed in Casa Mambo for three months . . . the most amazing adventure of our lives. Puerto Viejo, is, of course, an amazing destination – we believe it is the most international small town on the planet. Fantastic people, astounding and powerful experiences with the jungle and the ocean, a wonderful vibe and a great home-away-from-home for our family (we are two moms and one 7-year-old boy).
    Pamela and Carter are warm and loving people, and were helpful with every aspect of our experience, from the basic challenges of jungle laundry, to sourcing great organic groceries, to finding the perfect activities in town, to pointing us towards adventures in other areas of Costa Rica. If you are curious about anything, just ask and they will help you figure it out!
    This property is absolutely beautiful. The blend of carefully tended gardens and fruit trees with the gorgeous surrounding jungle is elegant and inspiring, and the wildlife really WILL visit you . . . from the howler monkeys who wake you before dawn to the fireflies and bats who fill the evening with brightness and beauty. This is the place to stay if you want to be immersed in the rhythms and beauty of the jungle. Be sure to bring your Costa Rica field guide, and you can check off dozens of species just sitting on the deck!
    The house has a great kitchen with excellent counter space and everything you need to throw together fresh meals for a big group.
    Thanks to Pamela & Carter for a great experience.

  32. My wife and I had an unforgettable trip, thanks to Loco Natural and its owners, Pamela y Carter. Carter hand-crafted the houses from beautiful wood, and they added artful touches throughout. The homes just set the tone for a relaxing journey to a beautiful way of living. The landscape is lush, filled with flowers and hummingbirds. The nature trail gave us our first close view of a sloth.

    The walk into Puerto Viejo is brief and provided time to talk and reflect. Walking past the school seems to ground you into the community, too. Morning on the beach is a beautiful experience, just a short stroll from the house.

    We felt safe at Loco Natural, too. The owners live on the grounds, and there is a locking gate. Pamela y Carter took care of us too, answering our 10,000 newbie traveler questions and booking our whitewater rafting, ziplining and jungle trek adventures.

    Muchisimo gracias! Pamela y Carter. We only wished we could have stayed longer.

  33. We decided to rent the Casa Mambo house at Loco Natural a bit last minute and on a total whim, but it was the best decision we could have made for our trip. Firstly, Pamela and Carter were very kind and informative, answering about a million emails from this Costa Rican newbie. The house was fantastic, beautiful with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Loco Natural is one of those special places that offers you the perfect in-between. Very close to the beach and a short walk into town (about 20 minutes along the beach) but also very private and quiet, so you could choose each day whether you wanted solitute or entertainment. I can’t wait to come back for a longer visit with friends and family. Thank you Pamela and Carter. Pura Vida.

  34. We stayed at Casa Mambo for a month this past summer. It was a truly amazing time. Pamela and Carter are perfect hosts – attentive and available when needed but also very respectful of your privacy. They are also just beautiful people who I am glad to have met. The house is beautiful, simple and perfect. I loved the outdoor shower as well as the overall openness to the outside world. We cooked some wonderful meals using various items from the farm as well as local markets. The fresh ginger and the zapote tree were my favorites. Gelato from the place near the bus stop in town was also a favorite. We rented bikes after the first week and that made getting around much easier – quick 5 minute bike ride to town, maybe a minute to the beach. Walking would be fine (its a nice walk along the beach), except we have a three-year old so it would take forever when we tried to walk. Once we had the bikes it was much easier to do more things (we rented the bikes from Pamela and Carter (very reasonable) and then found a kid’s seat to rent from one of the bike shops in town). Though most days we would just hang around the house, figure out what we would eat for dinner, and head to the beach for a few hours while one person rode to town for a few things. The last thing that was great about the house is the laundry service they offer (for a charge). It was very helpful to have clean clothes waiting for you and without having to hassle with going into town. Also, the weekly cleaning service was a nice treat. I could keep going about all the wonderful things, but perhaps I have said enough! Definitely the best vacation we have had and hope we make it back there soon!

  35. We arrived into San Jose after 12 hours of travel, got into our ‘hostel’ for the night and almost cried! It was nothing like their website and all we wanted to do was close our eyes and pretend it was already morning.

    Fast forward 12 hours and we found ourselves being dropped off at the gate to Finca Loco Natural, and being met by Giovanny who works for Pamela y Carter. What a cute guy, all smiles and full of cheer. He showed us down the path to Casa Mambo and when the garden opened up to reveal the house, my jaw dropped and my friend and I looked at each other, threw our hands up and just sighed! It was truly amazing, and to top it off…..exactly as advertised! You cannot and will not be disappointed when booking a stay with Pamela y Carter.

    The house is a woodworking marvel, from the artistry that went into the floors, windows, staircase, deck and rails. What a masterpiece. The garden on the other hand….brilliant! When people write they saw more wildlife from the porch…they are not lying! At first light, waves of birds swing into the garden to wake you up. The Toucan’s show up around 5:30-6:00 am to sing their songs. Hummingbirds, Kiskadee’s, Oropendola, Palm Tanager’s, Passerinis’s Tanager, Clay colored Robin’s and the Great Tinamou (just to name a few) all call the garden home. Butterflies are everywhere, and you may spot a few Blue Morpho’s as they flit on by. There is a family of Guatusa, and you will see them every morning sitting under the star fruit tree eating the fallen fruit. Go down to the creek and you will find Strawberry poison dart frogs everywhere, along with the Black and Green dart frogs and bats who call the old log across the creek home.

    Pamela y Carter are the most gracious hosts, supplying fresh banana’s, educational tidbit’s about what you see on the Finca, as well as helping to set up any activities you may want to participate in. I highly recommend a guided tour with Tico Riki!…local born and raised this man is a wealth of knowledge and they will put you in contact with him. Giovanny who can be found in the workshop daily is wonderful as well. I was constantly stopping by to check in with him to ask a question about something I had spotted. Put the three of them together and you feel as though you are part of the Finca and not just a tourist staying on their property!

    2 weeks of lying in their hammocks listening to nature did this woman well and I know I will be back at some point for another stay.

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