Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm–

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Property grounds
2 bedrooms, internet, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Dining
Shower, towels, toilet paper
Property grounds
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Monteverde, Puntarenas
  • Popular LocationReserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde37 min drive
  • Popular LocationCuri-Cancha Reserve38 min drive
  • Popular LocationMonteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve42 min drive
  • AirportPuntarenas (JAP-Chacarita)72 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Guacimal

On river.Within 16 miles (25 km) of this farm stay, you'll find El Cafetal and Vista al Golfo. Mundo de los Insectos and Monteverde Orchid Garden are within 16 miles (25 km).

What's nearby

  • Monteverde Orchid Garden - 33 min drive
  • Wildlife Refuge Monteverde - 37 min drive
  • Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde - 37 min drive
  • Curi-Cancha Reserve - 38 min drive
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • Rancho Ania - 24 min drive
  • Restaurante Nacazcolo - 24 min drive
  • Restaurante El Sol - 11 min drive
  • El Rancho de Lelo - 32 min drive
  • Rancho Nacascolo - 24 min drive

About this property

Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm–

Rancho el Rio helps the community by managing a free-whey community project and is an example of integrated farming and humane animal husbandry. Set amongst a peaceful rural farming community and in the heart of tranquility, Rancho El Rio offers a lot of privacy while at the same time providing you with a home base with easy access to Monteverde for day trips, which is just 17km away. Experience our whole 112 acre farm and surrounding forest: over one mile of river front with natural pools, forested walking trails, mountains with beautiful river and tropical forest views, cattle pastures, and orchards.

Rancho el Rio is a peaceful sustainable farm and wildlife paradise by the Río Guacimal, and is perfect for families or larger groups. Rancho el Rio is a spacious, rustic cabin overlooking a tropical river and surrounded by a lush forest. The furniture is mostly handmade– even the flooring on the large porch overlooking the river was hand-milled. Overlooking the river, your days here are filled with the natural sound of rushing water which provides a peaceful setting for your vacation. We provide you with free organic coffee from our sister farm in Monteverde for the first morning of your stay for you to settle in and enjoy the beauty of our farm.

The large covered porch overlooks the river, and our guests love relaxing in the hammocks, porch swing, and outdoor sofa bed. There is also a wood stove for cooking outdoors and a large wood grill (we provide you with free firewood). Our large kitchen looks out onto the porch and river, and is a great place to cook your own meals, or enjoy traditional Costa Rican meals cooked by our neighbors from the local community and delivered to you.

Rancho El Rio has been remodeled to suit the needs of families and large groups. With a spacious master bedroom, cozy bunkroom, and option to convert the large futon couch, the cabin easily sleeps 7 people. There are two full bathrooms to accommodate larger groups, one with gorgeous slate floor and the other with hand detailed walls. Both showers have hot water. The living room is also a comfortable place to relax– feel free to enjoy our library collection of children and adult books, Costa Rican guidebooks, and books on local flora and fauna.

We have a variety of animals on our sustainable farm, including rescue dogs and cats, donkeys, horses, cows, water buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, geese, and chickens. We grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, and encourage our guests to try the fresh mangoes and starfruit just outside the cabin. Our farm animals are very friendly, especially our dogs and cats, and they may follow you around when you adventure through the farm or go for a swim in the river!

This is a working sustainable farm in rural Costa Rica, meaning that your stay with us will be close to nature and certainly a unique adventure-- please consider this before you book a farmstay with us, as this experience is not for all travelers. If you are looking for luxury accommodations or a place without bugs and critters, this is not the place to stay. If you are looking for a chance to reconnect with nature and experience authentic Costa Rican beauty, this will be the highlight of your trip! Our farm animals are very friendly, especially our dogs and cats, and they may follow you around when you adventure through the farm or go for a swim in the river.

We provide guests with the option of ordering homemade meals that are delivered straight to your doorstep! Please arrange with us ahead of time if you would like meals (breakfasts, lunches, and/or dinners) prepared throughout your stay.

Property manager

Veronica Sheehan

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Internet access
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Food and drink

  • Breakfast available for a fee

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Books
  • Communal pool
  • Games

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Outdoor space

  • Patio

Food and drink

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Meal delivery service
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Living room
  • Phone
  • Washing machine

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property accepts cash. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– to the airport?

This farm stay is 85.1 mi (219-min drive) away from the La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this farm stay.

How close is Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– to the beach?

This farm stay is 18.1 mi (62-min drive) from Playa Blanca.

Does Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– offer free breakfast?

This farm stay does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– ?

No, there is no casino at this farm stay.

What time is check-in at Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– ?

Free parking is not available at this farm stay.

Does Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– have a pool?

This farm stay does not have a pool.

Does Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this farm stay.

How close is Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– to downtown Guacimal?

This farm stay is 2 mi away from Guacimal.

Rancho el Rio: Riverfront Integrated Farm– Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chela L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Back to the future
Our stay was a return to traditional Costa Rican farm life as it has been for generations. As a Costa Rican/ US family we really enjoyed our stay. We had a wonderful host in Don Carlos. He was kind and helpful. The children loved the horses, cows, ox cart, goats, dogs, pigs, chickens .... well you get the picture. It was quite hot in April so we really enjoyed spending time in the river, finding pools and looking for fossils along the rocking banks. This we did once or twice a day. We ate most of our meals on the patio over looking the river, trees and nature.The house is simple, the hospitality is wonderful, all Costa Rican style. Thank you Don Carlos and all the farm animals who made our stay one to remember.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great experience
Our time at the farm was very memorable! It gave us a real view of Costa Rica, something hotels cant do. We LOVED waking up in the morning to the friendly pig and dogs, while sitting on the gorgeous patio overlooking the river while enjoying the breakfast we had ordered. It away from the busyness of Monteverde, but not too far and the drive to and from here is breathtaking! Definitely worth considering!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jillian B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful country living along Rio Guacimal
Our family had a fantastic time here. Alexander (for Stuart) was a wonderful host. He coordinated having dinner delivered to us the evening we arrived and it was delicious! We spent a lot of time outside either in the hammocks or swing and eating at the table there so we could enjoy the view of Rio Guacimal. We were escorted to the river by two of the farm dogs who spent a lot of time hanging out with us. The pigs visited a couple times as well which my husband loved. Alexander took us on a tour of the farm which was very enjoyable. Our daughter got to ride one of the horses while we walked the farm. We did drive up to Monteverde/Santa Elena one day but we preferred the quiet stay at the farm to the tourist laden area. We look forward to recommending a stay at the farm to friend and family. Our family is very comfortable with insects, bats and not having hot water or air conditioning. If any of those things are must not have or haves this is not the place for you. However, if those things don’t bother you, you are sure to have a fantastic experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Authentic Tico Rancho on Rio Guacimal
Enjoyed natural living in the country.
Stayed 29 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

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Liked: Cleanliness
A true farm stay
The house is way off the beaten path and the pictures on the site are very accurate. Screened in kitchen and gorgeous view of river, lots of animals to see along with lots of fruit trees and bees (in a log making honey). The pig had piglets while we were there! The owner will give you a tour of the property and tell you about making sugar and rum. There’s a great restaurant up the road called El Sol and it’s terrific!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Anie-Claude B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
The stay at the ranch was a great experience. It allowed us to experience what regular life might be like in Costa Rica. The people living at the ranch were extremely kind and went out of their ways to provide a meaningful experience to our family. The kids enjoyed all the farm animals and swimming in the river. The only downside was that the ranch is located a long way away from Monteverde, which we didn't realized until we got there. To get to the ranch from Monteverde, you have to drive over 45 minutes on mountain roads, and I would not advise doing the drive when it's dark. It's also a very different environment than Monteverde (dryer and a lot warmer). I think that it's just an important piece of information to know before booking, so that you can plan accordingly.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical farm stay right on the river
If you love animals and nature, don’t mind a rustic location, and value a truly special, authentic experience, this place is for you! My family (six adults) LOVED our stay on this rustic property. Four sweet farm dogs will escort you anywhere you go and hang out with you on the patio for your entire stay. Prepare to be visited by chickens, pigs (and newborn piglets!), cats, monkeys, bats, and more! without even leaving the house. The farm also has horses and goats you can visit. Suffice it to say that the wildlife interactions were amazing. The groundskeeper, Alejandro, lives on the property and is incredibly accommodating- he treated us to multiple tours of different parts of the farm throughout our time there. There is plenty of parking right on the property for your vehicle, and the house has all the linens and towels you need as well as the basics for cooking in the spacious kitchen. The only thing to keep in mind is that this place is a bit rustic and it doesn’t have a/c, so be prepared to spend some time outside exploring or taking a tour of the farm, cooling off in the shade on the covered patio overlooking the river, or IN the river- and don’t worry about seeing some wildlife (including insects) outdoors! Don’t forget to take advantage of some of the extras that the owners can arrange for you, we arranged to purchase a kilo of the local coffee which was a cool experience. There are some small restaurants and shops in the small, authentic district of Guacimal where the farm stay is located, including a restaurant right down the road. You can also arrange for meals to be brought to you right in the farm. We opted to arrange for breakfast to be delivered daily, the food was super authentic- highly recommend! You’re also close enough (about 30 min south) to the Monteverde/Santa Elena area to visit famous attractions like the Cloud Forest with ease. That being said, life in the farm is so nature packed and peaceful, you might not want to leave at all!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Li L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Friendly people and animals
The local people in the farm are very friendly. My kids really enjoyed the dogs and other farm animals. We appreciated the tour from the owner as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Samantha R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Authentic and memorable Costa Rica experience
We loved our stay at Rancho El Rio. Alexander was a very caring host, and Carlos showed our children all the farm animals, which they loved. We also had a lovely local woman cook and bring us all our meals since we didn't have our own car. She and Alexander joined us on the deck over the river for one meal, and we shared another of our meals with them in the farm area. We got to (had to!) practice our Spanish, which we enjoyed. We cooled off in the river every day. It was all so peaceful and special. We had to leave early for a medical reason and Alexander was so caring and helpful, and arranged a taxi to take us to San Jose. I can't recommend Rancho El Rio enough if you're looking for a memorable, authentic stay in Costa Rica. Not fancy, but clean and perfectly lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenna E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
Rancho el Rio is a very special place. The house was super cool with all the natural wood and indoor/outdoor living. The amount of wildlife and animals we saw during our stay were countless. So many lizards of all sizes, several toucans and monkeys almost everyday. That on top of all of the farm animals that live on the Ranch. We were there during the off season (rainy season) but still enjoyed the river (carefully). Our host Alex went over and above to ensure we had a great stay. We ventured across the river to get ice cream, my girls got to ride horses, play with baby pigs, observed the process of a hen taking care of her eggs and then having them hatch, taking care of the hen and chicks and so much more. Santa Elana and Monteverde are only a short drive away and offer countless opportunities for day trips but staying at the Ranch offers a unique opportunity experience authentic Costa Rican culture without the tourists. We are already planning our next stay here! It was AWESOME!!
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2022