Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat | House in Monteverde

10.0 (163 Reviews) |   2 Bedrooms  1 Bathroom  8 Guests
Monteverde House | Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat

2 Bedroom House in Monteverde

Our house is located on 40 acres of private property that abuts the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and is one of the last private homes before the Reserve. More than half our land is in primary cloud forest, but we also have a large clearing below our house that is perfect for viewing wildlife. In fact, because our place is contiguous to more than 110,000 acres of protected forest, you’re likely to see many more animals here than in most other places in the Monteverde zone. White-faced monkeys, coatis, and agoutis are all commonly seen on our land, and several cloud forest specialists, including resplendent quetzals and black guans are also often seen near the house. Even brocket deer, which are very uncommon, are occasionally seen here.
Fred Morrison built the house in the mid-1980s. He first visited Monteverde in 1981 and during his stay, he and two other biologists had a picnic on the property, taking in the spectacular view of the forest and the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance. A week later, his friends called to tell him that the parcel was for sale and asked if he would like to become a part owner. The three of them purchased the property later that year from one of the original Quaker farmers. Since then, each shareholder has built a house or cabin on the land. None of the dwellings are in sight of the others, which gives you a very private experience.
The house itself is located on a hillside at the end of a 500-foot driveway. It was designed with lots of large, picture windows to bring in plenty of natural light and is oriented toward the southwest with dramatic views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the forest canopy below.
The downstairs includes a living room with a wood burning stove, a dining room, kitchen, two box seats, a large bathroom and a small utility room with a washer and dryer. There’s also a long front porch on the first floor and upstairs, a roofed balcony, where you can sit looking out at the Gulf of Nicoya and watch up to nine species of hummingbirds visit the feeders. The second floor has two good-sized bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed and the other with two full beds.
At our place, you will be well away from the bustle of Santa Elena and the main road. You will be able to go to sleep to the sounds of katydids, cicadas, frogs and wake up to chorusing black-bellied wood quail and dueting gray-breasted wood wrens.
A public bus passes by at the bottom of the driveway several times each day and taxis are available at any time. Several good restaurants, a small grocery store and a few gift/coffee shops are located within 2 miles and many more are available in nearby Santa Elena.
The entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is just a ten minute walk from our house. But, of course, the walk could take much longer if you're looking at wildlife or plants!
If you’d like a home-cooked Costa Rican meal, we can arrange to have a talented local cook come before you arrive (or during your stay) and prepare one. She can also deliver groceries upon request.
If you're interested in hiring a private naturalist guide or taking a tour, please be in touch with us and we can make arrangements.

This 2 Bedrooms House provides accommodation with Breakfast, Child Friendly, Kitchen, for your convenience. This House features many amenities for guests who want to stay for a few days, a weekend or probably a longer vacation with family, friends or group. The rental House has 2 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom to make you feel right at home.

Check to see if this House has the amenities you need and a location that makes this a great choice to stay in Monteverde. Enjoy your stay in Monteverde at this House.

Show more
OneKey Logos

This Property is OneKey Eligible

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.

JOIN TODAY

Unique Amenities

  • Parking
  • Balcony/Terrace
  • Security/Safety
  • Sports/Activities
  • Bedding/Linens
  • Wellness Facilities
  • Fireplace/Heating
  • Guest Services
  • Entertainment
  • Breakfast
  • Child Friendly
  • Internet
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
 
Read More Read Less

Policies

Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 pm minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out Check-out before 11:00 am
Child Policy Children are welcome.
Pet Policy Pets not allowed
Other Policy 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 host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
 
Monteverde, Costa Rica

What Our Guests say 500 + Reviews

Apr 21, 2025 11:05:36 PM
Summary: Great cozy cabin right on edge of cloud forest. Very comfortable. Could see outside from almost everywhere in house. Wildlife just walks and flies right by. Saw almost as much wildlife from the windows and balcony as from guided tour in cloud forest. The hummingbird feeders totally worth it. Raul was incredibly friendly and helpful and his son provided an amazing guided tour in the cloud forest. Awesome stay!
Nadja P. Nadja P.
Mar 23, 2025 09:45:33 PM
Summary: This house nestled as close as possible to the Monteverde Cloud Forest is nothing short of a wildlife paradise. In the morning, you can hear the calls of toucans, motmots, and howler monkeys. At least six species of hummingbirds visited our feeders every day, and coatis and agoutis were a common sight. The scenic view of the trees and ocean from the second floor deck was amazing. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this property to anyone who wants an authentic Costa Rican experience.
Dhruvish S. Dhruvish S.
Feb 15, 2025 08:09:06 PM
Summary: This is a simple and beautiful place where we enjoyed spending a lot of our time at the property. The nature trail, the hummingbirds, the views, the other wildlife and the peace made each day a wonder.In the yard we saw 9 different species of hummingbirds, coatis, white-faced monkeys and other birds and butterflies. We especially liked having Lillian's food waiting for us each day so we didn't have to figure out where to eat! She prepared olla de carne, veggies, tortillas, guac, the best pico ever, rice and more. Raul was wonderful and welcoming. We had a night tour already planned, but I would have preferred to do one at the property with Raul Jr. because there is so much we didn't see on our own! A few things to note are how remote this place actually is and how daunting the drive is (but all the roads in MV are not good) and also the house has zero curtains or shades, so the views are wonderful, but it's impossible to keep the light out. It was also chilly in January-- we used the wood burning stove and could've used slippers (the floors are gorgeous, but cold and slippery). This place won't be for everyone, but it was perfect for us! After 3 weeks touring Costa Rica, this was our favorite place where we felt the most authentic experience of our trip.
Michelle Y. Michelle Y.
Jan 18, 2025 12:49:28 AM
Summary: The house was bigger and nicer than I expected. The view is incredible! So fun spotting coatimundis and hummingbirds even from inside the house through the big windows all around. Raul was the most helpful and friendly host - he even pulled our car out of a ditch! Lillian's dinner was from heaven - perfect meal for our family after arriving from a long day of travel. Thank you for such a nice time in Monteverde!
Maria M. Maria M.
Jan 4, 2025 01:03:29 AM
Summary: We had an incredible stay at this cozy and well-equipped cabin! The surroundings are absolutely stunning, and Raul was an amazing host. He went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable—he was very flexible with our changing arrival time and even waited for us late at night as we encountered some challenges with the rental car. He also helped set up a fantastic night hike with his son and showed us the unique plants around the property. His attention to detail and kindness truly stood out.A special thank you to Lillian for the delicious dinner that awaited us after a long day of travel—it was so comforting and even lasted for two nights. We absolutely loved being away from the crowds, enjoying the peace and quiet of this stunning location. Sitting on the porch, watching hummingbirds dance through the rain, was pure magic. This place is a true gem, and we’d recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and peaceful retreat. Thank you, Raul, for everything!
Anita K. Anita K.
Dec 30, 2024 02:39:14 AM
Summary: The house sits on a beautiful land - lush green, peaceful, with lots of animals. The hummingbird feeder provided by the owners is a high hit. Within minutes of hanging the feeder up, we saw more than twenty kind of hummingbirds! The house is only 10 min walk from the monteverde cloud forest biological preserve, which makes it convenient to visit the preserve.We also went on a night tour with a tour guide the owner recommended. The tour was very informative, and it was fun looking for animals together with our guide. Laurie, the owner, is extremely responsive and helpful. Thank you, Laurie, for sharing your beautiful home with us!
Theresa Z. Theresa Z.
Dec 15, 2024 05:01:32 AM
Summary: The cabin is so cozy with everything you need to enjoy the amazing surroundings. Raul met us and helped us with everything, including a plat tire. I was definitely worth the challenging three hour drive from Liberia. Thanks again Raul!
Charlie B. Charlie B.
Dec 7, 2024 08:47:16 AM
Summary: Highly recommend this property in Monteverde. It is located at the top of the mountain in the cloud forest. The host was excellent and arranged a tour for us. The views are stunning and the privacy is unmatched. Would stay again in a heart beat
Hunter P. Hunter P.
Jul 15, 2024 07:21:51 AM
Summary: The house is old but kept clean and cozy. It is at a high position on the mountain with a good view of the forest and the ocean. We waked up morning with birds' song and the hummingbirds are not afraid of human at all. The meal prepared by Lilliana is very tasty. Our family enjoyed our stay of 2 nights.
Xin L. Xin L.
Jul 12, 2024 02:44:18 AM
Summary: Was very relaxing
Gordon D. Gordon D.

FAQ's

Is this Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat pet-friendly for guests?

No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.

Does the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat have a swimming pool?

No, this Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.

How much does it cost per night to stay in Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat?

Best-rates for the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat starts from $179 per night with includes Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, Wellness Facilities, Fireplace/Heating, Entertainment, Breakfast, Child Friendly, Kitchen, Parking, Security/Safety, Bedding/Linens, Guest Services, Internet, Laundry StayAndPlay offers fully equipped golf villas, golf hotels, golf resorts, luxury golf cabins, and exclusive golf retreats, making it easier than ever to find your perfect golf escape — ideal for families, peaceful getaways, or pet-friendly retreats with the whole crew.

Is Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat a family-friendly place to stay?

Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.

Is the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?

Based on the information received from our partner, the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.

What is the minimum night stay policy for the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.

What cancellation policy is in place for Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, details for the cancellation policy for the Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat are as follows: Cancellation policy Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

People Also Ask

Check House Availability
Nightly rates from:
US $179
You will be redirected to  
Hot Deal - It has been viewed 170 times today
Not the right fit? Check out our other properties in Monteverde
Golf Course
New
Bed & Breakfast
  • Balcony/Terrace
  • Security/Safety
  • Sports/Activities
|
10.0 (9 Reviews)
Bed & Breakfast
  • Parking
  • Pet Friendly
  • View
|
10.0 (2 Reviews)
Apartment
  • Pet Friendly
  • Security/Safety
  • Sports/Activities
10.0 (14 Reviews)
House
  • Air Conditioner
  • Parking
  • Balcony/Terrace