Guest Reviews

Do not miss this opportunity! This was, by far, one of the most special places we have ever stayed while traveling. The house is incredible with all the amenities that you could possibly want while creating a connection with the abundant nature outside every window. From the moment we arrived in Costa Rica and had our transportation arranged by Rayna and Simone, to the drive to Seirpe from San Jose with Frank, to the boat ride from Seirpe to the house with Ruben, to the unbelievable greeting at the top of the hill by Dolly, this is an experience not to be missed. Take every opportunity to spend time with Ruben---go on his horseback tour, night tour (an absolute favorite amongst our group). Also, make sure to book Dolly for as many meals as you possibly can---she is a true treasure! Her food is out of this world and her smile and laugh will warm your heart for days to come. I wish we could take her home with us! Mark was so communicative and provided all the information needed to ensure an A+ vacation for us. As we were leaving, we were already planning our next trip. This was an unforgettable experience in such a beautiful and peaceful location. As a previous vacation rental owner, I have a real appreciation to the effort of attending to details. Mark and Lisley didn't skip a beat in making this home something truly special and a forever memory for us. From the time we arrived until we had to depart, we were treated with incredible attention and care. This is really an travel opportunity not to be missed---you will not find another experience close to this one, so book now (or we may beat you to it!!!) Thanks Mark and Lisley. Please extend our warmest appreciation to Dolly and Ruben as well. They are just amazing people! 6/26/2021 at 10:18 PM

Week adventure Staying at the Sierpe house was a great decision. It was a luxury jungle experience. It is an extremely well organized trip that Mark offers. His crew including Ruben who does the tours, Ruben’s wife who cleans everyday and Dolly who we had cook gourmet dinners every night are extremely warm and genuinely want you to have a great time. The house is immaculate. Fans every where. Beautiful back deck and waterfall shower were my favorites. The tours were excellent. We loved the remote sandy beaches. The kayak tour was nice. Mix of river and mangrove. The fruit farm was like out of a novel. Lots of wildlife on the upriver tour. Highly recommend this house even for families with young kids. 3/20/2021 at 11:12 PM

Wonderful home in the Rainforest for both adventure and relaxation We had a lovely time at Casa Sierpe. Ruben and his wife took excellent care of us, from taking us fishing (caught 4 delicious snappers) to taking us to the beach and mangroves, kayaking, housekeeping, and doing our laundry. In this trip we saw all 4 species of monkeys living in Costa Rica - we saw the white faced capuchins and the spider monkeys right from the front and back terraces of the house. We saw a howler on a walk, and saw a troop of squirrel monkeys on our way out in the parking lot of the Sierpe Spheres museum (also worth the visit). We highly recommend this home for people who love nature, and want a mix of adventure and relaxation. 1/4/2021 at 2:06 PM

This is a must for a Costa Rica jungle stay. Mark the owner was quick to respond and extremely helpful with our upcoming stay. Rayna, the property manager was fantastic and available with anything we needed. Including when our 10-year-old developed and ear infection, Rayna help get a couple of prescriptions filled and met us late in the afternoon to deliver them. She met us in Sierpe, took us to the house and spent time showing us around. A fantastic extra touch we’ve never seen with a vrbo house. As others have mentioned, Dolly is amazing! Having her skills in the kitchen are a must. We thought it might be strange to have someone in our house cooking while we were on vacation. We were Very wrong. We scheduled Dolly for only two of our six nights, Mistake. If we return, we will hire her for as many nights as we are there. She was warm and friendly, and we ate our best meals during our month in CR from her. The kids loved the horseback riding, but I didn't. The concept was great; swimming hole and Dolly's for lunch. But apparently, I am not a horse guy. We booked a Corcovado excursion with Rayna. A very cool experience and Rayna took great care of us. At least for our day, we got extremely wet. It rained for the first half of the excursion then the sun came out around lunch. Lunch was prepared by another local woman and was fantastic. Mark’s house was a perfect blend of luxury and outdoor nature. There are almost no glass windows only screens, which kept us a cool enough night but allowed us to be immersed in nature. The price for that amazing environment was noise at night, ear plugs might be a good idea. We had rain every night and the sound of the rain hitting the metal roof could get loud at night. But we would not have changed a thing. Costa Rica is incredible in part because of it’s biodiversity and wildlife. Mark’s house allowed us to be safe and dry yet feel like we were truly in the jungle. 12/10/2020 at 5:30 PM You responded on 12/10/2020 at 5:54 PM Hi Tommy Thank you for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. The rainy season in the Osa Peninsula is a very special time that few get to experience. The sounds of the jungle; the insects, birds, animals and even the rain are amplified making for an amazing, unforgettable experience!!! We are extremely particular on whom we bring on board the team at Casa Rio Sierpe and we have been very blessed to have such a wonderful staff. Thank you for choosing to visit us, it was an absolute pleasure to host you and your family. Warmest Regards Mark

Beautiful Vacation Casa Rio Sierpe was a great location for luxurious adventuring. It had a plethora of activities to keep a group busy for a week's stay, and is a great place to start exploring a rainforest, if you are new or old to its wonders. The staff were all very helpful and friendly, though it pays to know Spanish! Dolly, the local chef, was amazing with great dinners and presentation. My group loved it, and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to escape the crowds and fully relax in nature. 4/4/2020 at 7:34 PM

Public review We really enjoyed our 4 days at Casa Rio Sierpe! We were a group of 5, my mother (73), my wife and I and our 2 boys (8,5). Everyone enjoyed it. The staff were amazing! We opted for Dollys dinner service and highly recommend it. She is an amazing cook. Reuben was a great guide. We did a day at the beach, sloth tour, fruit farm, river fishing, night walk and upper river animal tour. Would do all of them again and nice to come back to the beautiful house afterwards. The upper deck was the best setting ever for yoga, had to pause one morning to watch the howler monkeys swinging by in the trees. Rayna was great for communicating before and during our stay. She also helped line up a Corcovado tour for us after we left. All in all highly recommend Casa Rio Sierpe for a unique jungle/mangrove experience. Private note Thanks, we had a great time, all the staff are amazing. Our only suggestion would be another portable stand up fan. Nice if some people are sitting outside and others inside. We all loved your place! Owners Response; Great idea on the portable fans! We will purchase a few of these with extension cords! Thank you!

Fantastic home and hospitality in an incredible place We absolutely loved our visit to Casa Rio Sierpe! Although we were excited, the house and the overall experience definitely exceeded our expectations. We visited in March with spouse and parents. The house is lovely - set high on a hill in the jungle with a beautiful deck set with a view. Off the grid but still with all the comforts including a fully-equipped kitchen with an excellent blender (excellent for fresh fruit juices and smoothies!). We took full advantage of the hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding (definitely opt for that) and relaxing on the deck! The planning was super convenient thanks to Mark’s assistance and the help of Rayna to arrange the travel within Costa Rica. Rayna was excellent and helped arrange lodging in San Jose the first night and an excellent driver to Sierpe (with stops along the way). She was also available for questions throughout our stay. Rayna and Ruben met us in Sierpe with a warm welcome and brought us to the home. The house is just perfect - comfortable and an incredible natural setting. Ruben is really incredible - so kind, helpful, patient; we just loved getting to know him and his family during our visit, and it is so amazing to have a truly full time, personal guide. He simply could not have been more helpful, and we miss him already. We also had Dolly prepare 5 of our dinners. Again - truly excellent! Exceptional food and presentation, and we really enjoyed getting to know her. Through Ruben and Dolly we got to enjoy the area around the home and a bit about the people and the culture. The wildlife is incredible - we saw loads of mammals, birds, reptiles - many we had not seen on prior trips to Costa Rica (even in nearby Uvita!). Much of the wildlife we saw right around the house, including toucans and scarlet macaws (and many other birds), capuchins, howler monkeys, bats, birds, and kinkajuus (and a few other small mammals, reptiles and amphibians). We also greatly enjoyed a trip to a small farm in Sabalo where we squeezed and then sampled fresh sugar cane juice and locally made chocolate. We truly loved this trip and this place, and can’t wait until we can visit again! 3/23/2020 at 1:31 AM

Amazing!!! Our stay was nothing short of amazing!! My husband and I had been looking at this listing for years. We have been to Costa Rica a number of times, but never on a river. We were not disappointed. The house and its surroundings are beautiful-exactly as pictured! Mark was very informative and helpful as we planned our vacation. Rayna made everything seamless upon our arrival. Adriana kept the house absolutely spotless! No small feat In the middle of the rainforest. Dolly cooked for us a couple of nights. She is amazing, and so fun! And we can’t say enough about Ruben! He took us on various tours: The fruit farm - a real learning experience! The wildlife river tour - we couldn’t believe what he is able to spot! Various monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, parrots, crocodiles, owls, numerous other birds, coatis, etc. And our personal favorite pastime - fishing. Ruben took us out almost every day for a few hours on the river. While we didn’t have a lot of luck, we had a lot of fun! The mangroves are so beautiful. Ruben was an excellent captain, and so nice to spend time with. He is really a gem! If you are looking for a stunning place to truly unwind, we highly recommend Casa Rio Sierpe with all it has to offer! 2/4/2020 at 8:30 PM

Public review Caso Rio Sierpe is just amazing. We stayed there for 6 days of our 12 day holiday in Costa Rica and it was certainly the highlight of our trip. Mark communicated brilliantly in the run up so we had loads of information but nothing can prepare you for the views from the huge terrace and the closeness of the forest all around you. We woke up to the sounds of howler monkeys and toucans and Capuchin monkeys hanging out in the trees in front of the house and went to bed with the extraordinary nighttime forest chorus. Rayna, Reuban and Adriana were brilliant - Rayna met us at Sierpe Dock, arranged our trips to Cano Island and Corcovado and was always on call for any questions. Reuban took us off in the boat to the beach at the mouth of the river, to the fruit farm (where he chopped open coconuts, stripped sugar cane and cracked open a cocoa pod for us to taste), through the mangrove swamps to spot Sloths and a creepy crawly night trek! Adriana brilliantly washed and dried our wet stuff each day. We opted for Dolly to provide our evening meals which were utterly delicious- certainly the best food we had and her ceviches and plantain chips is to die for! We also did the Horse riding trip, which I was a little nervous about as not done much riding for a while but the horses were calm and it was brilliant to trek through the forest spotting birds, stopping off at a beautiful river for a refreshing swim and then a delicious lunch at Dolly's house. One of our best days! From the house we had prearranged with Rayna and Sierpe Outfitters to go snorkling at Cano Island on Christmas Day - what a great trip! Caesar, our guide knew the best spots and we saw 4 turtles, dolphins, rays and loads of extraordinary fish. He even took the gopro down to get some incredible footage which we will treasure. Caesar also guided us on our trip to Corcovado, another amazing day seeing all four indigenous monkey groups, beautiful birds and more...but the illusive tapirs sadly not about. All in all, we had a fabulous time - active in the mornings and early afternoons then relaxing, reading and enjoying the house for the rest of the days. Cannot recommend this house enough! Private note Dear Mark Thank you for sharing your amazing home with us - it was the best 6 days of our Costa Rican trip. We loved every minute of it. Joanna

Public review View reply Booked this as the last few days of our trip in Costa Rica and it managed to exceed our expectations despite the already glowing reviews & we definitely didn’t want to leave!! Where to start, amazing hospitality - we felt truly looked after & in safe hands. We had two external trips booked for us which were an incredible experience and ran so smoothly. The on-site tours were brilliant - a night tour and mangroves kayak tour. What is so great is that you can choose how you want to play it so can be tailored to any type of group - really making the most of the experience to suit you. The transport was also perfect, the boat to and from the house is an adventure in itself and very special. The house is just beautiful and very comfortable, had some of our best nights sleep during our whole trip. The kitchen is very well equipped and had everything we could have wanted as well as an outdoor barbecue. We didn’t have any problems with bugs/ mosquitos/ noseeums which I had worried about as I am very susceptible to bites! So you can experience the beauty of remoteness without any side effects some other places might have - the netting/ fitting etc do a great job. We received a lot of information/ tips when booking which was perfect as it truly does make a difference if you follow it to make the most out of the trip (of course you’re not near anything so can’t just pop out to pick anything up!) Can’t stress it enough, this is an amazing a special place to stay.

Public review A lot of fun and a place that is full of adventure and activity. This is great for adventure seekers and jungle lovers. Private note Thanks Mark. We had a great stay.

Public review We have had a wonderful experience in Rio Sierpe. Great place, incredible house wonderful staff. Boat and general service with Ruben is top. Dolly’s dinners are very worthed. Rayna is very helpfull. Ariana keeps the house immaculate clean. All very kind and nice people. We have seen many fauna sitting on the deck. Specially incredible are congo monkeys when is the first time you hear them. Fruit farm and horse back excursions are a must, together of course, with river and mangrove visits. We would not mind to come back some day. We definetively recommend it. Private note Thank you Mark. We have had a wonderful experience in your house in Rio Sierpe. Great place, incredible house wonderful staff Rayna, Ruben, Ariana and Dolly. We would not mind to come back some day. We will definetively recommend it. Boat service is top. Only thing to improve, if there is any, is ramp to get to the house.

Public review Forget the expensive eco-lodge. Mark has set up a fantastic way to experience the Costa Rican rain forest. His house is beautifully set within the forest and we saw wild monkey troops move through the trees around the house! Wow! You will receive personalized service from several people who will make your stay easy and enjoyable. Reyna handles all of the local logistics, so you can focus on your family and your trip. Ruben is a personal guide and recommends the perfect experiences for the weather on any given day. Dolly?! Can’t say enough good things! She will cook you authentic food from fresh local ingredients, some from her own farm! You’d be an absolute fool to not choose this service! Adriana will keep the house clean every day! Never worry about a dirty dish! Mark, we are so grateful for experiencing Costa Rica through your AirBnB! Private note Thanks so much Mark! Our stay was magnificent! Dolly and her food were top notch. Reyna was very responsive and helpful. Ruben was very flexible and accommodating to our last minute choices! Their suggestions were all winners! Your house is fantastic! We really appreciated the cold drink and towels upon arrival! The Mamones from Ruben at the dock really set up our experience! Ruben and Reyna worked seamlessly, better than that... they worked flawlessly! Reyna handled all our details. She made this so easy on us! She’s a star! Value was great, but areas that would make it better: 1). No switch at top of stairs to turn lights on in upper bedroom. Uncomfortable to walk across room in the dark. 2) several reels on fishing poles are broken. 3). Blisters because boots, Suggest a size up and wear two pairs of socks. We have our own AirBnB. We loved your place! Please take these as feedback, not complaints. Owners Response; Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review and thank you for your suggestions! We are going to install a light switch at the top of the stairs going into the bedroom, great idea! We have also ordered new rods and reels, they should be there in a few weeks. Thank you for visiting us and it was a pleasure to host you! Casa Rio Sierpe

Public review Absolutely fantastic place in the middle of the rainforest. Great views, lots of wildlife, extremely friendly and helpful staff and a very comfy place to stay. Very remote - no sign of other civilization except at night a couple of lights on the horizon. Definitely book the dinners with Dolly - the best and most varied food we had in Costa Rica. The horseback trip and the boat ride through the mangroves (sloths included) to the fruit plantation and the plantation itself were our highlights. We hope to come back! Private note Dolly, Ruben and Rodolfo are wonderful!

5/5 Stayed May 2019 Hailey M. Before we even arrived Mark was an accomadating and informative host. He moved our reservation due to some trouble with booking flights and added another guest a month before our arrival. He advertises exactly what he offers and that is an amazing and unique adventure in a remote and beautiful location with wonderful staff to help you have the best experience. Rayna, Rueben, Adriana and Dolly are all very kind and helpful people and we left with new friends and amazing memories. Mark has truly put together a remarkable team. Rayna is an extremely helpful person with a lot of knowledge about the area and all our tours and transfers planned ahead of time with her made our trip run very smoothly. We appreciated everything she assisted us with and made our vacation that much more enjoyable. Rueben the tour guide has eagle eyes and a heart of gold. We all loved our tours with him and my father in his 70s said his day on the river seeing crocodiles was one of the best days he has had in years. My 7 year old daughter adored him. We don't speak Spanish but we did not find communication to be a problem. Adriana does a flawless job with the housekeeping and we always felt everything was very clean and comfortable. We hired Dolly to cook dinner every night for our ten days and she did not disappoint! The best word to describe Dolly is jolly! We enjoyed her company and her cooking. Lunch by the river with her after horseback riding was a highlight! The house is beautiful and gives the feel of being submerged in the jungle like camping but in a beautiful home with modern amenities. We saw hummingbirds, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, lizards, many birds and insects all from the deck of the house! What an amazing experience, truly one of a kind! The location is untainted by big hotels and infrastructure and we loved it! The beach near the house you have all to yourself and you hear nothing but the sounds of the jungle. We travelled with a group of 5 aged 7-73 and everyone enjoyed themselves. We will never forget this experience or Costa Rica thank you Mark for creating a magical one of a kind full service experience. In all my travels I have never done anything like it and encourage anyone to book without hesitating! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime Published May 16, 2019 Owner's Response: Hailey Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a heart felt review!!! It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your family!!! Guest like your self is my we host, as we truly love sharing the magic that made us fall in love with Casa Rio Sierpe. THANK YOU for choosing to visit us!

5/5 Stayed Mar 2019 Darren S.Toronto, Canada I don't even know where to start! This was an incredible experience that we will never forget. Right from the day we booked we received incredibly detailed information about our vacation, what to bring, what to expect, what to plan for etc. the info was extremely valuable. Ruban and his family who looked after us while at casa Rio Sierpe, were amazing and were an absolute pleasure and took great care of us. The horseback ride to the falls, the night hike (wow!), the kayaking, the fishing, everyday was a new experience, and was better than the day before. Our first night, the howler monkey's were in the trees right beside the house, now that is something to hear in the dark! Wildlife was everywhere, but had the comforts of this beautiful home. It is a must to have the amazing Dolly come and prepare dinner(s) for you, what a great chef and a beautiful lady. We used the google translate app to communicate and we even had Dolly sit with us for a few dinners to tell us all about her time living there. The hikes to the waterfall behind the house and the other planned hikes we did give you some great opportunities to see nature in it's purest form. Relaxing on the deck with that incredible view is about the most relaxing place on earth. My only recommendation would be is to come prepared for a bit of a workout, as the hill to the house is a good walk uphill, as well as the rain forest hikes. I would suggest a set of hiking spikes for your shoes to do the up and down of the main hill. It was dry when we were there so traction was a bit tough and the spikes would make the climbs easier. (Mark, a pool would be the icing on the cake :)) Oh and be sure to use Rayna, the guest services manager. AMAZING! She helped plan our hotel stays and information about using what's ap and the waze app for travelling and has incredible knowledge about Costa Rica on where to go. Rayna was a huge help and I strongly recommend using her for all your planning for Costa Rica. Mark and Lisley, you have an amazing place, and we are so grateful that you shared it with us and would recommend this as a Trip of a Lifetime! All the best from Darren, Nellie, Peter and Yvonne Published Apr 9, 2019 Owner's Response: Hey Guys!!! Lisley and I are so happy to hear that you loved your stay with us!! It was an absolute pleasure hosting you!! We agree that a pool would be the Icing on the cake and it is planned for sometime in the future! Thank you again for visiting us and we would love to have the opportunity to host you again!

5/5 Stayed Mar 2019 Karen C. Previous reviews on the quality of the experience say it all. We missed the sounds of the jungle as soon as we left, even the howlers! During our stay we saw three types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, crabs, kinkajous, leaf cutter ants, large orb weaver spiders, lizards, frogs, bats, and many interesting insects. All seen just from the house or on tours with Ruben. Also many birds of course, including toucans and macaws. If you are a birder I highly recommend the Rio Sierpe tour, which netted black hawk, northern jacana, purple gallinule, boat billed heron and a beautiful pygmy kingfisher, as well as many herons, egrets, and a troop of squirrel monkeys. The fruit farm tour is also very interesting - here in addition to wonderful fruits and flowers we saw many hummingbirds, slaty-tailed trogon and masked tityra. Not to mention Jose Angel who seems to exist out of time and space. Ruben is as keen-eyed as all the reviews indicate, and also remarkably kind and humble. He made sure my husband's fishing addiction was satisfied - even after two excursions of not catching anything, they hit the jackpot on the last try. Ruben was a total star with my kids. Dolly's cooking is wonderful - order the whole fish on the menu, it's incredible. The horseback ride to the waterfall was a nice easy ride past small fincas and up the mountain and the jungle swimming hole beautiful and cool. We asked for lunch at Dolly's house during the horseback ride, which is a great sideline to the overall tour. She gave us some mano santo bananas from her tree, which were delicious. The reports about the climb up the hill to the house are also accurate but after several Dolly meals, we needed the exercise! Rayna was ready to help when needed, though we didn't need to use her translation services as two of us speak Spanish. Don't forget money to tip the staff. We didn't bring quite enough money for tips and Rayna helped us to correct that later, but it would have been much preferred for us to be able to tip the staff ourselves. They deserve it. We stayed for a week, which was just enough time to enjoy all Ruben's tours and still have time to relax at the house. We had decided not to do any extra tours to save money, but the one additional tour I think we would have enjoyed and had time for would have been the Cano Island snorkeling tour. However if you are staying a short time, you can have a wonderful experience just with the local tours. Published Apr 1, 2019

5/5 Stayed Mar 2019 Shalini S. Mark's home brings luxury in the remote rugged rainforest jungle. Supported with solar energy / beautiful design to capture views and wildlife and best coffee to refresh the mornings. Along with it, most of all, Mark's team of amazing people Rayna -guest manager and a wealth of knowledge, Ruben- house caretaker and boat captain, Dolly - the chef who prepared meals with love ....made the vacation unforgettable. We were able to enjoy many excursions by boat/night bug tour/ horseback riding /hike/kayaking /fishing /going to the beach/visit to fruit farm/ and visit to Corcovado. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the jungle sitting right on the back porch of the home while sipping coffee in the mornings. Pura Vida! Published Apr 3, 2019

5/5 Stayed Feb 2019 Matt S. Our recent stay (with 4 adults) was one of those true "one in a lifetime" adventures. The house accommodations are super comfortable/relaxing with everything you can possibly need there other than your food/provisions. We chose to have Dolly prepare our dinners and we were thrilled with the variety, quality and FUN that Dolly brought to our dinners! She is a real gem, and her dinners are a treat. You really should plan to have her be a part of your adventure! The other staff that help make the adventure so fun are Ruben, Adriana, and Simone. Simone was our "concierge" extraordinaire. She met us for the initial boat ride to the house and helped along the way (in the background) to help make sure all of our tour requests were understood and taken care of. She did a great job of being there, but not being visible or intruding at all. Ruben was our resident tour guide and boat "captain". The short story is Ruben is amazing! He is super knowledgeable about the surrounding jungle, animals and especially the river. He took us on amazing tours of the upper river (birds and monkeys were everywhere!), the mangroves (wow!), small botanical/fruit garden (really nice), boat ride to the beach (totally to yourselves) and a night tour (don't miss this!!). Ruben's ability to point out animals and points of interest (that you would have no chance of seeing by yourself) are amazing. He helped make the whole experience really great! Oops, almost forgot...we also did the horseback tour to a water fall with lunch at Dolly's house and river fishing with Ruben. Both were super fun and should not be missed as well! Really a special place with an amazing staff to make the whole experience memories for a lifetime! Published Mar 10, 2019

5/5 Stayed Feb 2019 Judy G. 5 star rating: We visited Casa Rio Sierpe for a week beginning Saturday, February, 2019. We brought along 3 grandchildren ages 7 to 11 for a “grandparent’s camp” week. It was a big adventure and the first time to Costa Rica for all of us. We sought a situation that provided a back-to-nature experience while still being manageable with three young travelers. Casa Rio Sierpe turned out to be perfect! 1. Casa Rio Sierpe provides a great opportunity to experience the Osa peninsula. The house is not in a tourist bubble, rather it is part of the local landscape in the rain forest. The house stands above the Rio Sierpe, which is nearly unspoiled by structures or docks along the 15 mile or so stretch from Sierpe to the Pacific. White-faced monkeys played in the trees just off the deck of the house, we saw macaws and toucans, and we were surrounded by (very emphatic!) howler monkeys a couple of mornings. All of the major Osa penninsula attractions are accessible by boat from the property, including: Cano Island, the beaches, and Corcovado. The night walk along the nearby unpaved road provided a great adventure with a wide range of spiders, tree-cutter ants, and other critters on display. A nearby stream and small waterfall provides a nice hike and adventure for the children. horseback riding, touring a locally famous fruit farm, and Coronado were some of the week's other highlights. 2. The house itself is beautiful, well equipped, and immaculately clean. Everything is as nice as the photos suggest. Spectacular tropical hardwoods are in use and on display everywhere. The screening provides an open air feel. We spent many hours on the veranda. The luxurious master suite shower was especially welcome after long activity filled days. 3. The management team is awesome. As nice as the house is, the most pleasant surprise for us was the quality and sincere hospitality of the team who support Casa Rio Sierpe’s guests. First, we had several email exchanges with Mark (the owner) who advised us on many aspects of our trip. Mark was great to work with, throughout. Mark’s local agent, Rayna arranged for our transportation from San Jose, met us in Palmar Norte, assisted with grocery shopping and accompanied us to the house to introduce us to the local members of the team, Ruben, Dolly and Adrianna. We cannot praise them enough. Dolly's Meals are not to be missed! Thank you Mark and Lisley for sharing your home !

5/5 Stayed Jan 2019 This was our 2nd visit, and it was even better than the last time we were there!! We were able to do different things like go to Corcovado National Park, horseback ride to the 40' falls and hike different trails than we did last time. There is so much to see and do, and Mark is right when he says you won't be able to do it all! It's a great adventure and we are happy to have experienced it twice! ?? Published Feb 20, 2019

5/5 Stayed Jan 2019 Saquib L. I have stayed at many rental properties, both for personal and business travel. Many of these have been 5 star, but Casa Rio Sierpe truly stands out as a step above! We visited for a week in January, with a multigenerational family ranging from 9 to 83 years. The house itself and the location are fantastic. You are in the middle of the jungle, away from everything. We saw monkeys, toucans, parrots, butterflies, etc from the porch. Beds are comfortable and the upstairs shower is a real treat. What truly sets CRS apart, though, is the people. This begins with Mark, the owner, who is highly responsive and has a wealth of information about the area. I was busy before leaving and probably didn't tap him as much as I should have, but anytime I had a question he replied quickly. Next is Rayna, who manages CRS through her company Mucha Costa Rica. She was fantastic, helping us to set up our itinerary while at CRS, but also after we left and traveled around. Use her services! Last, but probably most directly impactful on our trip, were Ruben, Adrianna and Dolly. Ruben was with us for a few hours every day, humoring us as we tried to cram in everything during our week. Our favorite activities included fishing, swimming (and enjoying coconuts) at the gorgeous, isolated beach, the day trip to Corcovado (arranged by Rayna), and the night walk. He also took care to make things as easy as possible for my elderly parents. Adrianna managed the cleaning and laundry, which was no small task given the size of our group. Dolly was only there for two of our days, but put together some terrific home-cooked meals. I can't really express how much these people contributed to the amazing time that we had on the Osa peninsula. If getting away into the quiet of the rainforest is your idea of a good time, don't hesitate to stay at CRS. You will not be disappointed. Published Jan 15, 2019

5/5 Stayed Jan 2019 Karma G. Super fun to have activities, boat, and the furniture outside was very relaxing to sit on Published Jan 17, 2019

5/5 Stayed Dec 2018 Jenni H. This was our best family trip we have ever taken. I was nervous about the remoteness of the property but that is what made it so enjoyable. We traveled with 3 kids (8, 10, 12) and stayed 4 nights. We used Rayna (contact through Mark) to book our excursions and our transport from San Jose and everything was perfect. She was very helpful with grocery shopping and orienting us to the house. The house is very well maintained and Rueben and his wife do a great job and keeping things spotless and safe. The wildlife was unbelievable- I felt like we were living in a zoo. The howler monkeys woke us up at night (which was SO cool), toucans, scarlet macaws, and monkeys in the trees around the house, we even had an anteater walk across the road by the house. Reuben took us on a night walk where we saw a kinkajou, some great spiders and frogs and bats as well. I didn’t think the walk up the hill was a negative but it was definitely a steep climb and I know my parents couldn’t have done it if they were there and young kids would have been rough. We all made it up and down fine but were certainly ready for a cool drink when we reached the top. And we had one- we used Dolly every evening for dinner and she was lovely. Great, homecooked meals and she was fun and pleasant. We did the Corcovado Sirena excursion, snorkeled and Cano island (sharks, turtles, rays, dolphins, humpback whales all spotted), and horseback riding in the jungle. We also used the watering hole that was about a 15 minute hike from the house to swim and it was fun. Reuben would take us to a deserted beach (10 minute boat ride) in the afternoon and provided beach chairs and a boogie board for the kids. Eating on the porch in the evenings was so beautiful and not having AC was a non-issue as the breezes were great. And the STARS- wow. If you want a remote, comfortable but adventurous experience book this house. And definitely use Rayna, Reuben, and Dolly. They made this trip one we will not forget. Mark was fantastic and prompt with all communication. Thank you so much, Mark, for sharing your slice of paradise with us! Published Jan 13, 2019

5/5 Stayed Oct 2018 Scott S. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The abundance of wildlife right in the yard as well as everywhere we went was truly amazing. The staff are very knowledgeable and Ruben can spot animals like a champ! Highly recommend and can’t wait to return in a few years

5/5 Stayed Apr 2018 Karen D. We just returned from an incredible week at Casa Rio Sierpe with 6 kids ages 3-16. Mark provided an abundance of material to help us prepare for our trip. I was very appreciative of the level of detail of the info he provided. He responded to all of my questions immediately and thoughtfully. He gives a very clear description of what the house is like, and all tours offered. We chose this house specifically because of all of the tours which were included. I will start with the staff. Rayna is basically your trip concierge that comes free of charge. She is an expert on Costa Rica and will help you book any activities and hotels for any other parts of your trip. Utilize her! She’s easy to reach and was very helpful! Adrianna and Ruben were a large part of the reason the trip was so great. Ruben was our private guide morning, noon and night! Fishing trips, deserted beaches, night hikes, river tours - he did it all and was a pleasure to be around, although he doesn’t speak a word of English. If you don’t know Spanish, get the google translate app to assist in communicating with him. Or you just text Rayna and she will do it for you. Dolly the cook - BOOK HER FOR EVERY NIGHT! Best decision we made. She makes the most amazing food and was like part of our family by the time we left. I admit...I cried when she left the last night! We LOVED her and her meals added a special touch to the trip....plus I loved not having to cook and clean the kitchen! My husband and older kids did the trip to Corcovado and thought it was awesome although it was very expensive. It was a rough 2 hr boat ride there and back and they reported it is a trip for “die hard nature lovers who really want to experience animals in their natural habitat.” By far, everyone agreed that horseback riding was the best part of the trip. My kids had never ridden and even my 3 yr old was on a horse alone. The older kids instantly thought they were cowboys and were galloping through fields as if they had been riding their entire lives. The beaches were gorgeous without a soul around. There is something to be said for having a vast beach to yourself for the day! The night hike was awesome and entertaining watching the boys catch massive frogs and other creatures and then chase their 9 yr old sister with them. This is perfect vacation place if you really want to get away from everything and spend time together as a family in the middle of the rain forest. It’s a unique adventure! Published May 4, 2018

5/5 Stayed Mar 2018 Amy R.Lewes, Delaware Our family of 6 stayed at Casa Rio Sierpe for six nights in March. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The home itself is beautiful and luxurious. The weather is warm but the ceiling fans kept you cool inside and on the back porch. We had howler monkeys and white faced monkeys in the trees visible from the front and back deck virtually every day. We enjoyed sunset on the beach and swimming in the warm Pacific ocean. We fished and caught our dinner of snapper and bass on the river with Ruben. We visited the fruit farm and loaded up on fresh fruit. We went horseback riding and swam in a beautiful green/blue river. We also had Cesar as our guide in Corcovado National Park and this was an absolute highlight for our family. Between our hikes with Ruben and our hike in Corcovado, we saw every animal on our list: including sloths, an anteater, tapirs, all 4 types of monkeys, scarlet macaws, a rare falcon, and toucans. There is so much to do at Casa Rio Sierpe but if you just want an afternoon of peace and quiet, drinking the best coffee ever (it's provided) while watching a rain forest downpour, you are able to enjoy the serenity of the jungle too. Mark does a wonderful job coordinating your trip with Rayna (who was so awesome at arranging transportation and other activities for us) and Dolly. Dolly is a top notch cook who we hired to prepare 3 meals. Getting to know her was phenomenal and all my kids gave her a big hug goodbye. Knowing Spanish would certainly enhance your stay here as you would be able to learn so much more from Ruben during the boat rides and hikes but don't let a lack of Spanish keep you from booking Casa Rio Sierpe. We are glad we didn't. According to my kids, it was the best vacation ever. If you are thinking of booking this home for your vacation and want to get away from the tourists and experience authentic Costa Rica, look no further. Published Apr 11, 2018 Owner's Response: Hi Amy, It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your family!!!! We are so happy to hear that you all had an amazing time visiting us AND that you enjoyed the provided coffee. Speaking abut the coffee, we LOVE coffee (we're coffee snobs:-) and we spent a lot of time trying different coffees throughout Costa Rica until we finally found the one we loved the most. Thank you again for choosing to visit us and we hope to see you and your family again in the future!!!

5/5 Stayed Feb 2018 Gary K.Larkspur, California My wife and I stayed a week on this perfect vacation, completely removed from the normal Costa Rica tourist experience. The owners Marc and Lisley have put together a complete resort package with a stunning rainforest house on a river, numerous amazing included tours, optional transportation booking to and from San Jose. Included boat ride to and from the house on the Rio Sierpe river. Delicious meals cooked by a wonderful local chef, who owned her own Sierpe restaurant for years, and was a lodge chef for several years in the Corcovado NP area. She cooked amazing meals, chosen from an extensive written menu and reasonably priced, including healthy nightly fresh tropical salads and delicious fish. This is a tropical resort experience, not just a luxury house, including your own recreation and housekeeping staff, with no other guests around. River and forest views. We had cell service with our provider. Includes Daily housekeeping, 20' boat with captain Ruben to drive your boat for unlimited scenic bird and animal viewing river trips and fishing. Includes Gifted concierge/travel agent Rayna Levin of Mucha Costa Rica who, at our request, stayed in close telephone contact with us to monitor our week long trip. She met our every need and every request. She booked an amazing boat trip to Corcovado NP where we saw tapirs, anteaters, coatis, monkeys, snakes. She booked a driver from San Jose to Sierpe and plane from Sierpe to San Jose for our flight home. She took us shopping and walked us through the house. She booked a jungle horseback tour including swimming in a jungle pool. Ruben guided us on several daily jungle hiking trips starting from the house, where we saw monkeys and snakes in the trees. He took us by boat on free included tours to the lower and upper mangrove forests to see monkeys and birds, local beaches, kayaking, fishing, and to a fruit farm. His wife and daughter are charming and fun. Highest marks. Published May 9, 2018

5/5 Stayed Feb 2018 Denise L.Pittsburgh PA I relied on these reviews a lot for our trip, so here are some additional details to help you! Generally amazing! Just some things to note.... The hill to the house is no joke. It's steep, long and full of small stones that make footing questionable. We were up and down that hill 3-4 times most days - you'll get your exercise! If you're not in shape, though, you will want to not plan a lot of excursions away from the house - which is OK because the house is amazing! We generally liked the tours that were offered by Ruben better than the ones that we paid a lot of money for. Zip lining was great - we did that before we went to the house! We did a private tour to Sirena Station - while we were there, it was great! But it is a 2 hour - not very comfortable - boat ride each way (and they said the conditions were good...). Given the high cost of that trip, I wish we had done another tour with Ruben that day instead. We also went to Cano Island to snorkel. We were going to dive, as it used to be ranked one of the best dive sites in the world, but apparently there has been a steep decline over the past few years and visibility is now questionable. Given that, we chose to do a group tour to snorkel. The boat ride was significantly better that the one to Sirena - maybe because it was a bigger, faster boat. But the visibility was not good. Again, given the cost of that, I wish we had done something else with Ruben. The trips with Ruben (and company) were wonderful! My only word of caution would be - unless you are reasonably fluent in Spanish, the language barrier means that there was not a lot of instruction. Not an issue for us because we both knew how to ride horses and kayak. But if they are not things that you are used to, they may not be good options for you. My horse must not have liked the others, because nothing that I would do would get him to catch up. That didn't phase me much - I've never been on a horseback trip by myself! But if I wasn't comfortable on a horse, then being left behind would not have been OK. The lagoon trip was a favorite for both of us! The hikes were all wonderful! We did a sunset cruise every other night - also wonderful! On the last night, we scheduled a late dinner so we could go through the mangroves and look for sloths - then see the stars on the way back - highly recommend. And as for dinners - Dolly was AMAZING! Worth every penny and a lot more! What a great trip! Thanks guys! Published Feb 22, 2018

5/5 Stayed Feb 2018 Jennifer H. We spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica, staying here the last place out of 4 VRBO rentals. This place was the icing on the cake and most memorable of all. The house is beautiful. The first night was a bit tough to sleep due to howler monkeys, but the other nights slept peacefully once used to the sounds of the jungle...authentic! The tours and property are amazing but what really made this place was the FANTASTIC STAFF. Reuban and Macho were fantastic tour guides, sharing their love of their homeland with us. They were kind, thorough, fun and funny, gracious. And we highly recommend having Dolly cook all your dinners - she is a gem of a human. Her laugh is contagious and her food is amazing. We did 3 hikes (including the night hike), went to the beach twice (the most amazing beach I've ever been on), went to the fruit farm (not to be missed), horseback tour through the jungle to two different swimming holes (again not to be missed), fishing in the lagoon, kayaked in the mangroves, boating tours of mangroves....we spent 6 nights and could have easily stayed longer with all the activities to do. There is a short hike to a swimming hole right behind the house. You do need to be in shape...the walk up to the house is steep and pebbly...walking sticks work great. We went as a family of 6 people, including grandparents 70 years old and kids (age 6 and 8), and ourselves (in our early 40's)...it was a PERFECT FAMILY house and experience. We hope to return to this rental someday in the future. Published Feb 19, 2018

5/5 Stayed Jan 2018 Karen M. My husband and I have travelled extensively and have pretty high standards when it comes to accommodations. We, along with our son and a friend of his, spent a week at Mark's home. It is nothing short of outstanding. From our first inquiry to Mark to our departure the experience was top notch. Mark's Costa Rica team is truly incredible. Rayna who helped us grocery shop was friendly and so very efficient. Rubin is one of the most pleasant and laid back people we have ever met. His knowledge and pride of the area showed constantly along with his desire to have us see everything we wanted. And boy is there a lot to see: monkeys galore, crocodile lazying on river banks, toucans and mawcaws are common place. Fishing in the Sierpe River was a once in a life time experience. So peaceful and yet so filled with the wonders of nature. Can't forget the sloth that kindly showed up just off the deck on a last night and put on a show for us. After some thought we decided to having Dolly cater all of our dinners. What a great decision that was. She is an outstanding chef and a fabulous person. All local ingredients were used and each meal was not only delicious but a work of art. It is impossible to describe the house except to say it is even better than the pictures. It is truly a luxury home in the middle of of one of the most amazing places on earth. The sounds of the jungle/rainforest are constant and so easily viewed from the deck. We would not hesitate to highly recommend Mark's house to anyone who loves the outdoors and wants a unique vacation with a team of people who truly want your stay to be the best ever. Published Feb 4, 2018

5/5 Stayed Jan 2018 Wendy Y. We can't thank Mark and Lisley enough for being such wonderful hosts! It was exactly the experience that we were looking for, and BETTER! To be able to be in the middle of the jungle but also able to stay in a beautiful and wonderfully appointed home was perfect! Everyone is fantastic! Rayna was incredible with her reliable communication, organization of events, and helpful hints on so many things. Ruben and his family were super heroes, Cesar was awesome (and was super fun to talk animals with), and Dolly was so cheerful and accommodating with her delicious and beautifully presented meals! She did a wonderful job accommodating our vegan's request and always came up with a special meal just for her. I usually don't do laundry on vacation, but I'm so glad that is provided as an option given that nothing stays dry in the jungle. We had everything that we needed to be very comfortable (electricity, running and hot water, kitchen utensils, cooler for day trips, etc.). And then of course Mark's personal attention to detail was not only so very helpful, it was also comforting having so much information before we made our trip all the way there. I honestly can't say enough about how much we enjoyed our stay in the beautiful Casa Rio Sierpe and we will be recommending it to everyone we know for sure. If you are even slightly considering going to Casa Rio Sierpe, DO IT!! Published Jan 16, 2018

5/5 Stayed Dec 2017 mark l. We enjoyed five days in this most beautiful corner of the world. Each day was a new adventure as we were awakened by the sounds of monkeys, and birds, with peaceful and lovely views as the backdrop. The house itself is incredibly well cared for with creature comforts that are hard to believe are possible in the middle of the rainforest. Mark (the owner) was quickly responsive to every question we had. He understands hospitality at a world class level. Adrianna and Ruben are indeed lovely people who care for the house, property, and guests like they are their own. Rayna handled the rest of the travel and grocery shopping logistics and left us with not a thing to worry about. From the list of activities available we chose a visit to the fruit farm (an absolute must do), the beach, and some river fishing on the first day. Day hikes, a night hike, kayaking, and the day of horseback riding exposed us to so many gorgeous sights, sounds, and smells. The lunch available near the end of the horseback adventure was nothing less than incredible and delicious. We also took advantage of the private tour option for a trip to Corcovado National Park. That enabled us to see sloths, anteaters, tapirs, four kinds of monkeys, birds, and so many other animals not able to be seen elsewhere. This was well worth the extra effort to get to and a highlight of the trip. If you need a dose of peaceful, quiet, lush tropical beauty this is the place to go. Published Jan 6, 2018 Owner's Response: Mark, It was an absolute pleasure to host you and your family! We are so thankful that you choose to visit Casa Rio Sierpe for your holiday vacation. We would love to have you back at some Point in the future, your always welcome! All the Best Mark and Lisley Casa Río Sierpe

5/5 Stayed Oct 2017 Rhonda W. We had an absolutely fantastic time during our 9-day stay at Casa Rio Sierpe. Mark and Lisley have assembled a great team of folks who made sure that we had a truly amazing experience. Rayna of MuchCostaRica and her assistant, Simone, did a terrific job of coordinating tours (both in Sierpe and during the rest of our stay in Costa Rica), helping us shop for groceries, and making sure that everything went smoothly during our stay. Ruben and Adriana are real treasures. Adriana cooked four wonderful meals for us – a real treat after long days exploring the rain forest! Mark checked in with us early on during our stay to make sure everything was going well. The house is even more beautiful than the pictures suggest, the views are breathtaking and waking up to the sounds of the rain forest coming alive is a real treat. The two decks were our favorite hangouts, with everything from rocking chairs, to lounge chairs to a double hammock to relax in. My wife loved the rocking chairs so much that we located and purchased a set of them to ship home from Costa Rica. We saw howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, geckos, sloths, beautiful butterflies and more from or very near the house. We enjoyed many of the included tours led by our intrepid boat captain and tour guide, Ruben, including several trips to beautiful beaches, river fishing, the must-do Jose Angel Botanical Gardens and Fruit Farm tour, kayaking through the mangroves and hikes through the rain forest. Ruben even humored my wife by taking on us on a hike targeting frogs! We also took advantage of other available tours including a snorkeling and diving trip to Cano Island, a tour of Corcovado National Park and Sirena Station, a visit to Violin Island and a horseback tour through the rain forest. This was a trip we'll never forget. We are looking forward to a return trip to Casa Rio Sierpe, next time with the whole family! We will be sure to fit in a night tour of the rain forest and an ocean fishing trip on our next visit. Jim and Rhonda, Stanwood, Washington Published Nov 26, 2017

5/5 Stayed Oct 2017 Patrick F. We chose Casa Rio Sierpe for our honeymoon to get away from the usual resort style vacation, and did we ever get away! The house is beautiful inside and out and has multiple views that will take your breath away. Not to mention the property around you is full of many different species of tress and flowers that attract all sorts of life from butterflies to monkeys! Mark and all the staff went above and beyond to help us with every detail of our adventure from the taxis to the horseback tours (a must do in our book) to the homecooked meals. It gave us the feel of an all inclusive with the simpleness of a home tucked away in the rain forest. We will never forget this place and all of the memories we were able to make here. Thanks Mark, Lisley, Simone, Rayna, Ruben, and Adriana for making our honeymoon so magical! Published Nov 2, 2017 Owner's Response: Thank you so much for choosing to visit us during your very special trip. The family of Casa Rio Sierpe wish the both of you many years of prosperity and happiness!!!

5/5 Stayed Sep 2017 mary b. Casa Rio Sierpe exceeded our expectations in every way. We coudn’t tear ourselves away from the view - it literally took my breath away when we entered the front door. The house is beautifully done, and it feels like you’re living in the treetops. We loved hearing the sounds of nature and watching monkeys from the porch, which we were able to enjoy even during torrential downpours. Service was top notch, from both the owners and on-site staff. I highly recommend this place for all nature lovers - a very special place! Published Oct 14, 2017

5/5 Stayed Aug 2017 Brian C. We planned our honeymoon in Costa Rica and included most of our stay at Mark and Lisleys Casa Rio Sierpe. This home is amazing!!! You are truly immersed into the rain forest while having all the luxuries of a stunning home. We had a serious wrench thrown into our plans on route to Sierpe, 4 days into our honeymoon. While stopping for lunch in Jaco, someone broke into. The trunk of our rental car and stole our luggage! We were carrying our camera, passports and money thank goodness!!! Unfortunately other than a couple of small carry on's we had nothing else. Just the clothes on our backs. We contacted Rayna and Simone and we will always be indebted to them for all their help. It was not easy, and we were under a lot of stress but were determined to go on with our trip. Simone was meeting us to take us to Casa Rio Sierpe and she started working the night before making calls to find some critical medications we lost. She also assisted us in finding places to buy some clothes to wear during our stay. We could not have done it without her!!! Thank you When we met Ruben at the dock our stress started to fade away. The boat ride was like a new beginning! We had made it. Sue and I wanted to see the rainforest and its wildlife. We were Not disappointed! We saw 3 types of monkeys that passed through the trees around the house. We saw toucans,butterflies,geckos and even a poison dart frog. Elsewhere on guided boat and hiking trips with Ruben we saw sloths, leaf cutter ants,frogs, a ray, lizards that run on water, and alligators. Even a dolphin swam by us when we were fishing! Ruben even caught a puffer fish that day! The part of the experience we will never forget will be the sounds of the rainforest coming into the home. It took some getting used to but then it was just amazing to just sit and listen. The frogs,bird,rain,thunder,and and some what the heck was that?! Sue and I were probably not ideal candidates to stay at this home. The hill to get to it is steep! We won't forget it either but we have no regrets and only thank you'd for Mark, Lisley, Simone,Rayna and Ruben. You made our honeymoon a success despite all odds we came home with one heck of a memorable story and about 1000 photos!! Thank you Brian and Sue Calhoun Published Aug 28, 2017 Owner's Response: Brian, We cannot thank you and Sue enough for choosing to visit us for your very special occasion. We were so sad to hear what happened to you In Jaco, that's very rare but unfortunately if it was going to happen then it would probably happen there. Costa Rica is as close to paradise as you can get but its not perfect although in regards to crime its much safer then the USA. We were very happy to help in anyway that we could and Rayna and Simone did an amazing job helping you recover and especially finding that rare medicine. BUT the credit really goes to you and Sue for not allowing adversity to stand in your way. I highly respected the fantastic fortitude that the two of you showed in not allowing one bad incident to ruin your Honeymoon. I would like to disagree with you on one account, We thought that you and Sue were a perfect fit for Casa Rio Sierpe, you walked away with an amazing appreciation for the beauty of the natural environment and tranquility that it brought to you making you memories of a lifetime. Thank you again for visiting, Lisley, myself and the team at Casa Rio Sierpe wish you many, many years of Happiness and prosperity.

5/5 Stayed Jul 2017 Jennifer W. My best friend and I, along with our teenage sons, decided it was time for a mother/son trip. We travel frequently together and decided this was an adventure we couldn't pass up. I have been to Costa Rica on two previous occasions, but never to the Osa. And neither compared to this one. We spent our first night in San Jose and traveled by sea plane to the house the next day. Upon arrival, we were awe struck, giddy, and completely blown away. Rayna picked us up, helped with the grocery shopping (huge plus!) and drove to the dock to meet Reuben. The drive down the Sierpe River to the house was simply majestic. When the boys saw the alligators along the banks, they knew they were in for an adventure! The house was stunning, the view was stunning, and then there were the sounds.... nothing but the sounds of the jungle. We stayed extremely busy during our week, and still did not experience everything we wanted to do. We scheduled 3 outside tours: deep sea fishing, Sirena Station in Corcovado, and horseback riding. We caught 6 yellow fin tuna during the deep sea fishing and Diede, our guide, cleaned them for us to cook that night. (He was determined for us to catch fish that day and made it happen!) Corcovado... We saw every animal imaginable other than a puma. Then there was the horseback ride. I think everyone agreed this was their favorite. The monkeys were so interested in the horses they were hanging on limbs literally right next to us and just stared! The lunch by the fresh water stream was unreal delicious and so refreshing. On our days "off", we spent time at the beach... the boys body surfed the waves and the moms enjoyed the beauty. The beach was one, if not the most beautiful I have ever seen. Adriana cooked 3 outstanding dinners for us which was much needed after our days of adventures! She and Reuben are the sweetest people you'll ever meet. They anticipated our every need and were always there to help. Even though we didn't speak spanish, we didn't have any issues, as charades worked just as well. Adriana even went into town one day and brought back a birthday cake on my son's 15th birthday which was a great surprise for him. Mark, I cannot thank you enough. there really isn't enough room or I could write so much more. Thank you Reuben, Adriana, and Rayna for one of, if not THE coolest trips I've ever taken. Only regrets are: wanted more time on the back porch and that my husband didn't get to experience this. I guess we will have to go back! :) Published Jul 8, 2017 Owner's Response: Thank you so much for visiting us!! It was a true pleasure to host you and your family. We sincerely hope to see you again sometime in the future!!!

5/5 Stayed Jun 2017 Julie O. My 22 year old son and I stayed at Casa Rio Sierpe for 1 week in June. The entire experience was top notch. Mark, the owner, was responsive and attentive. The home is stunning, the location remote, the views breathtaking. Ruben and Adriana were the icing that made this an unforgettable trip. They do not speak English, but we got by. They both accommodated our every need and request. Ruben even took my son on a night hike in the pouring rain. Adriana made us dinner one night and it was fabulous and she also prepared some of the food that we bought that I really didn't know how to prepare. I didn't ask; she just did it. We did 3 things I would recommend you DO NOT MISS! Go to Jose Angel's Fruit Farm. It is beautiful and you will be humbled by Jose; he is inspiring. My son initially thought our limited time should be spent hiking and exploring, but our visit with Jose ended up being one his favorites. Next, go horseback riding! Rodolfo was friendly and sweet and the ride through the forest and then the village was my personal favorite. Lastly, Rayna from Sierpe Outfitters, set up our trip to Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado. Our guide, Cesar, and boat captain, Stephen, were remarkable. The trip to Corcovado is expensive, but worth it; if you want to see wildlife in Costa Rica, this is a must do. If you go, get the mini cosada lunch; yum! If you are adventurous and love rugged outdoor beauty, you will love this vacation. If you think rain is just another beautiful part of nature, you will love this. If sitting in a chaise lounge with a cocktail at the end of a physically active day, watching a troop of howler monkeys or white throated capuchin monkeys pass in the trees in front of you sounds dreamy, you will love this. If unplugging and reconnecting with nature, family and friends is important, you will love this. Tips: Use the rubber boots they provide. My hiking shoes ended wet, muddy, and smelly. Bring knee socks for the boots. If you have physical limitations, consider the terrain. Unless you plan on staying at the house, mobility, hikes, and other activities will be just about impossible. Let Rayna take you grocery shopping. I could not have done it w/o her. Some animals we saw: Howler, capuchin, spider, and squirrel monkeys, sloth, anteater, toucans, scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs, and many, many others. Thanks to Mark, Linsley, Rayna, Ruben, Adriana who made this an unforgettable experience Published Jul 2, 2017 Owner's Response: Hello Julie It was our absolute pleasure to host you and your son, thank you for choosing to visit us and thank you for taking the time to write such an amazing review! We hope to see you again in the future. Mark and Lisley Casa Río Sierpe

5/5 Stayed Jun 2017 aide h. Our vacation was wonderful and everything we expected on this trip became reality. The pictures you see of the home don't do it justice, you need to see and be there in person. We want to thank everyone that made our stay so wonderful and personal, Mark the owner and Rayna were very helpful. It was great that I could contact Mark anytime with a concern or question and he would reply asap....but most of all, thank you so so so so much Rubin, Arianna and Julianna! They made our trip come to life and were so helpful, readily available and sweet! If you haven't seen Costa Rica, you need to book this place! It's awesome??? Published Jun 22, 2017

5/5 Stayed May 2017 Sally G. From the moment you dip your toes into wondering whether to stay at Casa Rio Sierpe, Mark (the owner) wants to make sure you know this is going to be a good decision! Responses are quick and reassuring and lots of advice is offered. Even after booking, you are given additional information to plan your stay & also put in touch with a local travel agent who can help you with getting there and going on tours in the Corcovado National Park. And as the time draws closer, there will be a couple of gentle reminders that everyone is looking forward to your stay and want to make sure you will be getting the most out of your visit. From the moment we were met in Sierpe by Rayna (local travel agent), and taken to the boat that was going to take us for the 30 minute trip down to the Casa, we were in good hands. Reuben was our captain and it turned out, exceptional and extremely observant guide for any tours we did. We were met at the house by Adriana, Reuben's wife, with a very refreshing cool towelette (necessary after walking up the short but steep driveway in the heat!). The house is just stunning... It is done in a variety of woods... comfortable furniture, lots of decks (which you will spend a lot of time on, looking for and observing wildlife...), incredible view. Cooking facilities and fridge etc were all fabulous and the upstairs bathroom... wow!!!! Any down time was spent on the deck where we saw a variety of bird life - toucans, mealy parrots, scarlet macaws... A small troup of howler monkeys regularly passed by overhead in the canopy. We were there for 4 nights and 3 full days which is probably the barest of bare minimums you want to be there. Quite honestly, we wish we'd stayed at least one more night and probably several more. It was easy to set up a variety of local activities with Reuben including night walks, local hikes, fishing, kayaking, going to one of 2 nearby beaches - all included! I cannot begin to tell you how impressed we were with Reuben's ability to see animals!!! He is AMAZING!!! From the tinniest critter to the most camouflaged, he saw them all and pointed them out to us. In addition, Mark suggested we go on a horseback trip which we did and thoroughly enjoyed. Our stay at Casa Rio Sierpe was definitely the highlight of our trip to Costa Rica and we wish we'd spent more time there. We'll probably be back some time because it was just so incredible there... You won't regret any decision to stay here! Published May 26, 2017 Owner's Response: Hello Sally We are so happy to hear that you had an amazing vacation with us. Thank you so much for visiting as well as taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. Warmest regards Mark and Lisley Casa Río Sierpe

5/5 Stayed May 2017 Seth H. Just got back yesterday and we're still adjusting to being back from the best vacation experience we've ever had. I dont have much to say other than read the details in the description and its everything as described and so much more. The owners and the staff are such great people. Cant wait to go back! Published May 15, 2017

5/5 Stayed Mar 2017 Paul D. We recently stayed at the house for a week. It was a trip we wanted to do for our 40th anniversary. The house was everything it is advertised to be. We wanted a remote vacation without the crowded beaches and tourist. Even more impressive than the house was the way the whole experience is set up for you. From the time our car picked us up in San Jose until they dropped us off a week later was exceptionally on point. We packed a lot in to the week. We did an inshore fishing trip and I was able to land a large Rooster fish, which is what I had been hoping to do. We went to the beautiful secluded beach a couple times and relaxed in the warm water with no other people around. We went on the horseback trip guided by Rudolpho and cooled off in the stream. Went on a combo tour of Cano Island and San Pedrillio. We went on more adventures with Ruben to Jose Angel's fruit farm, river fishing, mangrove tour and a night walk through the jungle. We saw three kinds of monkeys, snakes, spiders, Mcaws, coatimundis, an ant eater and even a large Boa Constrictor eating an iguana. Again I can not emphasize enough how well the trip was organized for us by Mark and Rayna who set the tours and car service up for us. Ruben and Adriana are wonderful people and even though they speak very limited English and we speak zero Spanish, they made us feel and treated us very special. We definitely want to go back to Costa Rica soon and do this again. If you are looking for something different that is exciting , personal and extremely well put together you need to book this house. Thanks again Mark for a great time and some memories we will cherish for a long time. Paul, Ginger, Cheryl and Drew Published Mar 31, 2017 Owner's Response: Paul it was our pleasure to host you, thank you so much for choosing to visit us!!! THANK YOU!!!

5/5 Stayed Mar 2017 Kristina B. We loved your home - it's beautiful. I have to say water wise I was more focused on the beach prior to our trip, but that river is spectacular! The mangroves, the birds, the light, the peacefulness - just beyond my expectations. I could tool around in those mangroves for hours. The house: Absolutely lovely, the back deck is heaven with monkeys visiting us almost every day. We saw toucans, macaws and 3 dif types of monkeys just around the house. The howlers woke us up a few times, but hey, we really didn't mind. When the howlers came thru some evenings, we told them to move along and sleep somewhere else and they dutifully complied ;). The view waking up with the light in the am was spectacular. I felt like I was camping in a treehouse! Lovely bathrooms and terrific shower. The bed was very comfortable. We were provisioned well thanks to Rayna's help and really enjoyed Adriana's meals. We got used to the climb and didn't mind it - especially the boots helped with climbing up. The caretakers: We really enjoyed and appreciated the help from Ruben, Adriana and Yuliana. I practiced my college spanish and we communicated very well!! They are a wonderful asset for you. We enjoyed the walks with Ruben. On one night we (w/ Ruben) walked up the mountain and were very close to a big cat (it was my dream to actually see one). We heard a rumble/growl (a little warning to move along) that I suspect was a jaguar or maybe puma. It was maybe 10 feet from us, but we didn't see it. The tours: Jose Angel farm - What a treasure! We want to alert 60 minutes to do a story about this guy. So interesting! 90 years old, living solo on this island for years and growing this Garden of Eden! *Loved it.* Cano Island- was good, we saw shark, rays, turtles, pretty fish. Corcovado - Loved the park, the guide Cesar was very good. We saw lots of wildlife. Had a fantastic lunch by the Sirena River.(Would just love to see those bull sharks and crocs at high tide!!!) The ranger station is pretty cool. Would be interesting to stay there a couple nights and do some night walks. Horseback - Lovely and beautiful! Rodolfo was super sweet and a great guide. Loved the freshwater pool. Loved the vistas along the way, just gorgeous. Adored Sabalo and all the funky cute houses and colorful flowers! Kayak, 2 beach trips, mangroves and hikes with Ruben - All perfectly wonderful. Kayaking the mangroves was one of our favorite things!! We loved this magical spot and thank you for sharing your home! Published Mar 29, 2017

5/5 Stayed Mar 2017 Linda W. This was our second trip to Costa Rica and our first to the Oso Peninsula. We hit the jackpot booking Casa Sierpe. First the house and views of the river are unbelievably beautiful. We couldn't believe the absence of bugs even at night. The kitchen was well equipped and easy for cooking. We are big fishermen and cooked lots of fish on their gas grill. The caretakers Ruben and Adriana were unbelievably. They treated us like family. Ruben would take us on guided trips and fishing on the river. We even did a night hike. Adriana cleaned the house and cooked us dinner several times. The food was delicious and after a busy day of activities it was really appreciated. There is so much to do here. Rayna at Muchacostarica organized all our transportation and excursions. She was amazing. Everything was organized perfectly and we didn't have to worry about anything. She meet us at the grocery store and helped us shop. I would recommend that. We did so many things including horseback riding, zip lining, Cano island, and white water rafting. Probably our favorite activity was fishing. We booked 2 ocean trips with Deidy. I can't say enough good things about him. Definitely the best ocean fishing we ever experienced. Every aspect of our vacation was perfect. We already booked for next year. We love Costa Rica and Casa Sierpe is the greatest place to stay. Published Apr 9, 2017

5/5 Stayed Feb 2017 Timothy S. The pictures don't do this amazing home and retreat justice. Everything you need is there and then some. More relaxed here than at any other point in our two week trip. If you don't mind being off the grid, like to snorkel, cook, read, kayak, swim, you can do it all here. Reuben (caretaker) wife Adriana and daughter Juliana were incredibly helpful when we needed it. Adriana is a superb cook. Definitely try her chicken, beans and rice. Only suggestions are to ask for an inventory of what's already in the kitchen so you don't over buy at the grocery store before you hop on Reuben's boat. There are now 3 bottles of BBQ sauce sitting in the quite full pantry. And bring books and leave them there to help build a library! Published Mar 7, 2017

5/5 Stayed Feb 2017 DeEtte L. I have been blessed to have traveled the world extensively. Mostly Europe, Mexico, Caribbean. And I must say that this vacation, this trip to Costa Rica (our first), and our stay at the Casa Rio Sierpe and being so well cared for by Reuben, Adrianna and their precious daughter, will FOREVER live in our hearts. Yes, there is a hill to climb to get to the Casa because it is located literally in the tree tops. But the minute you lay eyes on this beautiful house and the views that come with it, you will experience a feeling of awe and amazement that you have never experienced before. TAKES YOUR BREATH COMPLETELY AWAY!! I believe that the words "I feel like a Queen" were spoken by me at least 6 times during our stay, so my boyfriend tells me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your amazing home with us. Our trip was a relaxing, fun-filled adventure in every way possible. I beg anyone who is reading this and considering a stay at CASA RIO SIERPE to stop reading now, select your dates and book this Casa. I promise that you will have the same lifetime memories of this place that will FOREVER live in your hearts. Published Feb 22, 2017

5/5 Stayed Feb 2017 dan f. This house and location is absolutely amazing! Not only is the house stunning but the care takers Rueben and Adrianna were the kindest, most loving care takers imaginable. Leading up to the trip Mark was great at communicating and giving us all the details needed for an outstanding vacation. Adrianna will cook for you, Rueben will show you sloths, Monkey's, birds etc. We took many trips to the beach, river, fished, relaxed and had a once in a lifetime experience. Honestly, there is to much to list in a review! One of the most incredible experiences in 20+ years to Costa Rica. I would highly recommend this house for those wanting to get away from it all and experience what nature and Costa Rica living is all about. We even sent our 10 year old daughter to school with Rueben and Adrianna's daughter for a morning. Great people, great spirit and fantastic house with all the amenities you will ever need. Thanks Mark! Published Feb 19, 2017 Owner's Response: Hello Dan, Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. We ALWAYS... sincerely appreciate all the reviews that our former guest have taken the time to give to us but it's the "icing" on the cake so to speak when our unique location and the family of Casa Rio Sierpe can provide an amazing experience to a veteran Costa Rican traveler such as yourself. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your group. We hope that you will visit us again in the future. Warmest regards Mark and Lisley Casa Río Sierpe

5/5 Stayed Jan 2017 Michelle B. This house is off the chart fabulous! Beautiful home with every amenity you could want in the jungle. Relax in a high end chair on the deck and let nature come to you. Monkeys and parrots stare back at you, probably laughing at how out of shape you are after climbing the hill up to the house. One of the best parts is his guides/caretakers Rueben and Adrianna. They are wonderful! So adorable! I would highly recommend Mark and Lisley's house they have great taste and you would be hard pressed to find a better communicator then Mark. Use Rayna to plan/book the rest of your trip she's so helpful. It would be crazy not to have her! Thank you for sharing your fantastic home Published Feb 2, 2017

5/5 Stayed Jan 2017 Melanie K. We had a fabulous time. We took the shuttle from the airport. When we left 6 days later, Rayna prearranged to have a rental car for us at the dock in Sierpe. This way we didn't have to worry about driving there after a long flight or storing a rental car in Sierpe for the days we were at the house. The driveway is not for the faint of heart going up to or down from the property, it is very steep, you will need good shoes. BUT it is well worth the 5 minute hike up there. Reuben - the driver of the boat and the tour guide for the free tours, is incredibly patient and makes sure to take the time to show you everything. He doesn't speak a word of English so if you can't speak Spanish, like us, the tours are a wee bit shorter. The farm tour with Jose isn't quite what the write up said it was, but still a fun little jaunt around his property, well worth seeing. Once again, this is only limited because we can't speak Spanish. We did the Boca beach tour as it has some shaded areas. We say 3 other people, that's it. We had the place to ourselves. Rayna does all of the arranging and was extremely prompt with her replies to any queries we had, even the smallest of questions. We had Adriana cook two fabulous meals, well worth it. The property itself is amazing. You truly are secluded. The upstairs bedroom is very cosy and the bathroom is amazing. The deck out front on the main floor is where we spent the majority of our time. The house stays nice a cool during the day and evening. There aren't any grocery stores, the nearest little market is 30 minutes by boat away, so plan your meals accordingly. We paid and did the Cano island snorkelling and Corcovado tour. We had an amazing guide Michael, who you should ask for by name! We went snorkelling with him and he lead us away from the groups of people to be by ourselves and we saw sharks, sting rays and turtles. We were a group of 6, so were able to have a private tour. I highly recommend doing it this way instead of with throngs of people. We then did the waterfall hike in Corcovado national park and Michael led us through there. Can't say enough good things about this young fellow. We did the horse back riding tour. The jungle part is short and you got to see little villages around where the house is. Mark the owner called us twice to see how we were making out Without gushing too much, I would give this place an 11 out of 10 (minus having to go down the steep rocky driveway! Published Jan 21, 2017

5/5 Stayed Dec 2016 wakabear Chicago, IL We're just returning from a week-long stay, our family of 6 (4 kids ages 9-13), plus a pair of grandparents, all stayed in the home. We have been to Osa once before, on the Puerto Jimenez side, and wanted to try something different. The home itself: beautiful, with finishes and a level of cleanliness and comfort not often found often in this raw jungle environment, cleaned every day, even laundry service! We had Adriana prepare 2 of our dinners. Located up a steep hill, and as a result Mark advised in our specific case (70+ yr old parents coming along) that we actually bring our 4WD car which was a great idea, as I could drive them up/down the hill anytime. The rest of us managed the up/down walk just fine. The caretakers, Ruben and Adriana are delightful. My wife speaks Spanish so we really got to interact, but clearly they have hosted many (if not most) guests who don't speak Spanish. Spending a week on the Sierpe was beautiful, interesting, different ... an experience unto itself. Learning about its own unique ecosystem, seeing crocodiles, various monkeys, sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, and the usual amazing array of other wonders ranging from bugs on the ground to stars in the sky. If you're searching this listing you're probably a traveler who values a bit of roughness, dirt on the shoes, etc, to gain a unique and memorable experience like this sort of remote listing can offer. My advice for this house: plan an active week of tours, spend time on the boat with Ruben, and you'll feel you got superb value. We went fishing 3 times, had one lucky afternoon with a red snapper and grouper grilled that evening flavored with fresh limes we'd gotten with a whole lot of other fruits (pineapple, papaya, sugar cane, bananas) from amazing 94 year old Jose Angel at his tucked away fruit farm. Gorgeous swimming beach a 10 minute boat ride away. Wildlife / monkey viewing directly from the house was not quite as intense as previous rentals for us (maybe due to tree types, or perhaps loud kids!), but we got nice monkey viewing during the trip and elsewhere on property. Example: very early morning of departure, walking to the dock we saw a hawk snatch a snake for breakfast, directly above him were capuchin monkeys squabbling, while two horses walked by ... then we took the boat into Sierpe as sun came up, flocks of birds following us up-river ... wow! Finally, Mark is 100% dedicated to making the trip successful, safe, fun! Published Jan 5, 2017 Owner's Response: Thank you very much for taking the time to write such an in-depth review, we sincerely appreciate it! It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your family for your holiday vacation. I must say that you not only offered great advice in regards to taking advantage of the included tours but you also lived it while you were visiting. You and your family were one of the most active sets of guest that we have ever had. Being out and about enjoying the included tours from almost sunrise to sunset you certainly got to experience the magic of Casa Rio Sierpe (maybe that was why you did not see many animals from the house, you were not there often enough, you were to busy out adventuring!????. Seriously though I am very regretful that you did not see many monkeys directly from the house, that is not the norm, typically we have daily visitors of both the White Face Capuchin Monkeys as well as the Howler Monkeys often at the same time. We are somewhat relieved that you and your family were able to see them in other parts of the immediate property. It's fantastic news that you believed that your vacation with us was an outstanding value, that was our goal and our #1 priority. Thank you so much for choosing to come and visit us and we hope to see you and your family again in the future. Warmest regards, Mark and Lisley Casa Rio Sierpe

5/5 Stayed Aug 2016 Beth S. From the incredible views to the personal attention, this rental was unmatched! Mark and Lisley's home is beautiful, well-equipped and they have surrounded themselves with people who make your vacation easy. Mark always responded to our emails and questions immediately and provides you with all the information you need for the trip. He even called us twice during the week to make sure everything was going well. Rayna was wonderful to deal with prior to our trip. She reserved our car for us and booked our off-shore fishing trip. Simone was the best, helping us navigate the grocery store, accompanying us to the house, getting us settled in, checking on us throughout the week, and sharing her fabulous chef husband, Vlad, with us (you must have him cook for you - BEST MEAL WE EVER HAD!!). Reuben and Adrianna were also great! Reuben took us on the boat almost every day - fishing, to the beach, to the lagoon and touring the mangroves. Adrianna cleaned the house everyday, making it seem even more like a vacation! They were the kindest people ever. We had monkeys and toucans in the trees outside the house almost every day. The area is a nature lovers paradise. We saw crocodiles, a sloth, whales and endless birds. We caught snapper, tuna and snook. We also visited the fruit plantation - a must do - and went horseback riding - also a great outing. Our 21 and 18 year old boys loved all of our activities. Other than the hill to get to house, we have nothing but wonderful things to say about this rental. The hill is a necessary evil to get the amazing views of the river so just make sure you're prepared for the steep hike. We would definitely recommend this property for adventure seeking nature lovers!! Thanks Mark and Lisley for a trip of a lifetime. We hope to visit you again!! Published Sep 9, 2016 Owner's Response: Beth we know that this was a very special vacation for you and you're family, thank you so much for allowing us to host you! We hope to see you again in the future. Warmest regards, Casa Rio Sierpe

5/5 Stayed Aug 2016 Amanda N. We stayed here for 4 nights. We enjoyed every minute. We did a trip to Cano Island and were well looked after by guide Ceasar and Steve, lucky enough to see humpbacks and babies, lots of dolphins, a sea turtle and a beach alive with hermit crabs and some great snorkelling. We enjoyed the horse trip into the forest, attempted some fishing and kayaked in the mangroves in the rain, which was great. There is a bit of a hill to climb to get to the house but it is well worth it for the views and the spectacular stream of monkeys birds and butterfly's going by. Highly recommended if you love nature. Published Aug 10, 2016

5/5 Stayed Jul 2016 Robyn B.FRANKLINVILLE This was the vacation of a lifetime! We are not seasoned world travelers and we're very nervous about taking 4 kids into a country where we were unfamiliar and didn't speak the language. Mark and Rayna had everything organized from our pick ups and transportation, to our food for excursions, down to our boots to wear on rainforest hikes and adventures... I was amazed. The house is really beautiful... the setting is so awesome. It was so cool to live so close to nature... kind of like camping but without the tent. All of tours were led by really great guides... very kid friendly and super informative. Our hosts Reuben, Adrianna and Julianna were better than we could've ever imagined. We connected with them immediately. They were super kind and humble and always willing to help in any way!! We were 100% satisfied with all of the arrangements and our decision to stay at Casa Rio Sierpe!! Thanks to all who helped make it a trip to remember!!! Pura Vida! Published Aug 9, 2016

5/5 Stayed Jul 2016 Doug O.Las Vegas, Nevada The house is situated on a hilltop with views of the Rio Sierpe. We had white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys come through the forest around the house, toucans and parrots woke us each morning. Thunder storms and rain, enough cannot be said. The hike up the hill can be challenging, but well worth being out of breath for a moment. The family that takes care of the house, Ruben and Adriana, are the best. Adriana made us two Costa Rican dinners that were very delicious and Kept the house spotless, As well as being very friendly. Ruben piloted the boat and took us on tours. He is very knowledgeable of the rain forest, took us to a fruit farm on Isla Violin and helped us catch our dinner in the river one day. Ruben also took us on a night hike that showed us all the wildlife that comes out after dark. I highly recommend staying at this house Published Jul 28, 2016

5/5 Stayed Jul 2016 Jan-Eric K. The house is fabulous, the house keeper and guide are terrific and the location is truly special. It was not as remote as we thought - there is a little village near by. The house itself is nestled into the mountains in the rain forest with spectacular views and no other houses around. We enjoyed every bit of our stay. Only disappointment was the lunch on a recommended horse back trip which was our worst rip-off during our three weeks in Costa Rica. The horseback riding itself was fantastic though and highly recommended. We mentioned the lunch to Mark the owner who was very responsive so I am sure he will be looking into that. All in all an unforgettable couple of days and highly recommended. Published Jul 21, 2016 Owner's Response: Thank you so much for visiting Us! We are soooo sorry that the lunch you had when you did the horse back tour at a local restaurant was not good and that you did not have a good experience with them. We have spoken with the owner of the restaurant and he was very apologetic, it seems that they had just lost their full time cook. We are very happy that you enjoyed the Horseback tour and that you would highly recommend the tour to others. Again thank you for visiting and we hope to see you again in the future. Casa Rio Sierpe. 8/26/16 Update on the local restaurant; There has been a change in the management and also their full time cook is back! We have had three guest that have eaten there this month while doing the horseback tours and have loved the food and the service.

5/5 Stayed Jun 2016 Craig V. First let me say I don't have enough characters in this review to do it justice. So here is the thing, if you want an experience of a lifetime, Mark and Lisley have put together a program that is unmatched. Lets start with one of the most important things in a vacation to another country, Communication. From the beginning of our booking this property Mark did his best to ensure we were comfortable with what was going to happen, how it was going to happen, and how it needed to happen. You are saying in a very remote area and having a plan together up front is extremely important. Mark made sure that we were aware of this and that we planned accordingly. Not only that, but he has a lady (Reyna) who can meet you at the local Grocery in Palmar Sur to help you plan your meals and buy your groceries if needed. Also, the communications and recommendations of things to while at the house were clearly passed along. Mark even called us on the provided house cell phone one night to check on us and see if there was anything that we needed. Reuben and Adriana along are your local host family. Reuben, with his big gracious smile meets you at the dock and helps you with your luggage and groceries. He is always kind and humble, quick to point out things of interest like monkeys or birds. He also took us on our morning fishing trip (we had very little luck, but the trip was more about boat riding and seeing the sites than fishing for us and our 2 boys) Its not a charter service so don't go expecting that, just enjoy. He also took us to the fruit farm on the island a few kilometers down river. We walked the farm, saw all kinds of cool things, ate some fruit and had a nice large bag of fresh fruit to take back to the house. I highly recommend this if you want to see Costa Rica at its purest. Please leave a tip/purchase money for the owner, it is his livelihood! Adriana kept the house spotless and beautiful the entire time. The house is gorgeous. The design is perfectly fitted for the surroundings, nestled into the woods so that it doesn't take away from your surroundings. The furnishings are also perfectly fitted to the house and the surrounds. The kitchen is perfectly stocked, the bedrooms are cozy, the porches are the best. 1. Do the horse back tour and Sabalo eco village 2. Rueben will take you hiking through the trails at the house, A MUST! 3. Walk down the main road to the right coming from the house for excellent birding THE BEST!! Published Jun 24, 2016

Stayed Jun 2016 Rick E. Wow! We were looking for an unusual getaway and we found it. The house is beautiful and has a great view of the river. Monkeys frequented the trees outside of the house. Their howls were our alarm clocks. We saw Monkeys, Toucans and Coaties from the back deck as well as many other wild animals and birds. While being remote, it was important to me to be connected for my work, and I was able to connect to the Internet through my mobile hotspot. Our ultimate getaway started in Sierpe. Upon arriving, Rayna and Simone, who work for a local tour company, greeted us. They made sure that we had everything we needed and Simone went to the house with us to explain everyting. They were assisted by the local caretakers Reuben and Adrianna. Reuben was our guide for the week. When we arrived at the house we were greeted by Adrianna who was there to welcome us. During our stay, Reuben was always there when we needed him and he always had a smile on his face. Even though he spoke little English, he did a really good job understanding what we wanted/needed. Adrianna made sure that everything in the house was in great order. Mark, the owner of the house, made sure we knew what to expect up front. Everything he described in his emails and documentation was spot on. We took full advantage of the week we were there. We spent time at the beach; fished on the river; went kayaking; visited Jose's house to look at his garden and sample exotic fruits (I had never heard of sweet lemons before); hiked to the waterfall close to the house; went on a couple of guided hikes with Reuben; took a horseback riding tour; and used an outside agency to go scuba diving (Rayna helped to organize the diving). The only negative thing to mention is the steep hill that awaited us every time we got back from an excursion. We had a great time and I would go back again! Published Jul 4, 2016

Stayed May 2016 Deborah M. Words cannot express how much we enjoyed this beautiful home in the pristine rainforest on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. If you are looking for an real escape in a natural environment, this is it! The home itself sits up high on a ridge (you have to walk up a short but steep hill) with an amazing view of the Sierpe river. It is beautifully done in local hardwoods with all the modern conveniences you may need. The home is an open-air design completely screened in to minimize insect interaction, however the bugs did not bug us! The care takers are close but not too close. They are a lovely couple with a young daughter and they were just wonderful. Ruben is your local guide for river touring, fishing and wildlife spotting. In one lazy river afternoon we saw, toucans, scarlet macaws, a huge owl, ibis' and more, bats, a boa constrictor coiled in a tree, an alligator, and lots of monkeys. Our first night at the home, the resident howler monkeys made their way through the trees directly in front of the balcony and we saw a jaguarundi (a wild cat) climbing around in the trees. The shore of the meandering river is covered in mangroves, rainforest and wild untouched beaches close to the mouth of the river up to the open ocean. We visited a fruit farm, Corcovado National Park for more amazing wildlife viewing and hiking. We spotted dolphins up close to the boat on the way to the national park. The only downside was we wanted to do more activities, but it was hard to leave the house. My husband who usually needs to be doing some activity, was able to simply relax and read in the hammock for an entire 2 days! I couldn't believe it. My ritual every morning was sitting out on the balcony with my coffee, my book and my binoculars. It was heavenly. Just to add a bit of luxury to our week in paradise, the owners graciously put us in touch with a local chef. We contacted Vladimir and made arrangements for him to come and prepare 4 dinners for us. Vlad is a great chef and all-around cool guy! He will prepare anything you want and/or provide sample menus for you to choose from. We ate lots of fresh veggies and seafood and his desserts were to die for! He will do all the shopping, prep and clean-up and it was so nice to enjoy such a great treat! We would highly recommend him! The owners work with a local English speaking tour operator and for a small fee she will help book your tours, arrange transpo, shopping and get you oriented at the home. Published May 26, 2016 Owner's Response: Thank you so much for choosing Casa Rio Sierpe as your vacation destination. You defiantly had a fantastic mix of adventure, relaxation and even a bit of jungle pampering! To our future guest, just a tad bit of clarification; included in your stay is the assistance of our guest relations manager who will accompany you to the home for your introduction, be on call to answer any questions during your stay and to also provide a concierge service which includes the booking of third party tours. These services are given at no addiotnal cost as they are included in your visit with us. This particular guest had requested assistance in navigating the grocerie shoping jungle of a Costa Rican supermarket and our guest relations manager had agreed to help for a very small, nominal fee.

Martin C. said..Reviewed Mar 26, 2016..Date of Stay March 19, 2016..VRBO#669332 The house was very comfortable set in the jungle. The facilities were of a high standard with plenty of outside and inside seating. The BBQ was great for cooking the fish we caught. If you like adventure in a lovely jungle house this is for you. We went fishing, horse riding, swimming on awesome beaches and visited a fruit farm to pick a selection of tropical fruits. It was noisy in the jungle with parrots and monkeys doing their thing which all added to a great experience. It is hot in the jungle but the balcony was pleasant with the fans on. Away from the house there are midges so wear your repellent at all times. The climb up to the house is quite challenging in the heat but we would definitely recommend this trip to all adventurers......................................... Response from Casa Rio Sierpe:Thank you so much Martin and family for deciding to come and visit us all the way from the U.K AND we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to write a review! Also thank you for the wonderful compliment on the quality of the house, we have done everything we can to offer our guest true "Jungle Luxury" Thank you again for choosing to visit us and we are so happy that you had a perfect 5 star vacation at Casa Rio Sierpe, we can't wait to have you back next year! Warmest Regards Casa Rio Sierpe

Nicholas R. said...Reviewed Mar 9, 2016...Date of Stay February 7, 2016....VRBO# 669332................... I'm somewhat reluctant to write this review because I don't want to give away one of Osa's best kept secrets, but I refuse to be selfish with this hidden treasure! People often strive and search for a true nature "getaway" experience and become disappointed finding themselves among lots of other fellow homosapions. It's no easy task to escape people traffic in the 21st century. However, we have found the answer! If you love Costa Rica and, in particular, the CR nature and wildlife, and wish to see it without anybody else around, Caso Sierpe is the place. Who isn't down for Macaws, toucans, and howler monkeys greeting you on the porch or a herd of wild pigs waking you up in the morning as they travel right by the house? How about a six foot snake slithering right by you on one of the trails or the adrenaline rush of being surprised by a Tayra that lives behind the house? We could go on... This is Costa Rica at its best. You have the luxury of a well built home with kitchen, grill, and sweeping views of the river/ jungle perched high on a hill combined with a local guide who can set up tours for no cost including boat rides, fishing, trips to a secluded beach, etc (only pay for the boat gas). There are other tours not included such as snorkeling/ scuba at Cano, trip to Corcovado, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, etc. Mark will assist you with everything. Friends, we are already picking out dates for next year. We hope to make this annual._____________________ Response from Casa Rio Sierpe: Hello Nicholas, Thank you so much for visiting and Thank you for taking the time to write the review. That's absolutly amazing that you were lucky enough to see a Tayra, they are certainly there but their extremely difficult to see, their extremely fast and elusive. We've only seen them twice! We can't wait to have you back next year! .Warmest Regards Casa Rio Sierpe

carmen g. said...Reviewed Feb 22, 2016...Date of Stay January 30, 2016...VRBO# 669332........... We were looking for a place off the beaten path, surrounded by natural beauty and away from the everyday bombardments of technology and the rat race. Marc's place has that covered perfectly. When we arrived from San Jose, Adrianna greeted us at the door with a refreshing fresh lemon/lime drink and a smile. When you enter the home you know you have chosen the right place. Open living breezes, beautiful view, nice furnishings, nice linens, monkeys, birds, butterflies and the most friendly care takers. We enjoyed evening dinners that Adrianna would prepare for us and a mean game of UNO with their daughter. Oh, and let us not forget Yippsie the little dog. Ruben would take us on fishing trips, thru the mangroves and out where the ocean meets Rio Sierpe. What a fabulous beach. No one there...just us. We also enjoyed a guided horseback riding trip to a waterfall/swimming hole and thur the village of Sabalo with Ronnie. What a sweet young man. There are many other things to do but we just wanted to relax, read a book and not have to do the typical touristy adventure. Rayna from MuchaCostaRica was extremely helpful with making sure our needs were met as well. She recommended for our driver to take us to a local Soda in Palmar Sur where we enjoyed our first authentic Costa Rican meal. Soooo yummy. She also offered to meet us at the grocery store to help us buy what we would need for the week. Marc provides you with a lot of information to make your stay comfortable. He also gave us a ring to see how we were doing and if we needed anything. After being in Sierpe for a week we headed to Ojochal. It was nice but nothing compared to the beauty and hospitality of Marc's home on the Rio Sierpe. The Rio Sierpe will see us again in 2017....if not sooner.

Dan S. said.. Reviewed Apr 15, 2016...Date of Stay:January 2016.....VRBO#669332 The house is very nice and the setting is amazing. If you want to get away from it all, this is a great place. There is lots of wildlife in a virgin jungle setting. The beaches are amazing. Everything was very straightforward. If you are used to resorts, this is not the place for you. There is a pretty steep hill you have to walk up to get to the house, so anyone who stays here needs to be in shape. There is no AC, but there are ceiling fans. Our family had an amazing time. If you like adventure this is a great place to stay. If you are looking for the Four Seasons hotel experience this is not it.____________________________________________________________________ Response From Casa Rio Sierpe: Hello Dan, we are so happy to hear that you and your family had an amazing vacation! Thank you so much for visiting and allowing us to share the magic that Casa Rio Sierpe offers; an unspoken message of privacy, peace, and tranquility and above all - the splendor of nature. Thank you again for visiting us and we hope to see you and your family again in the future. Warmest Regards Casa Rio Sierpe

Susan J. said...Reviewed Feb 1, 2016..Date of Stay January 14, 2016...VRBO#669332 My husband and I were there for a week in January and it was an unbelievable experience. Between the hikes, fishing, horseback riding, the mangrove boat tour, the birds, the monkeys, and our fun search for crocodiles (just to name a few things we did!), it was a week we will long remember. Starting with Mark who answered all our questions prior to our arriving, and then Ruben, Adrianna, Julianna, and Roney who became a special part of our family - all we can say is THANKS!! Ruben was so good at seeing things and showing them to us that we took a lot of great pictures thanks to him. Even as we were waiting for our taxi on the last day he showed me an owl that was sleeping in the tree! He didn't miss a thing!! We helped them learn some English and they helped us with our Spanish. It was an awesome week! I was sad to leave, but we hope to come back to this wonderful place in a few years. This is a trip you don't want to miss out on. Don't hesitate and wait! Just Book It!! You won't be sorry!! :)

Anonymous said...Reviewed Jan 18, 2016...Date of Stay January 8, 2016....VRBO#669332___________________________________________________ Staying at Casa Rio Sierpe was an incredible experience that you can't get in many other places. Mark was so helpful in making sure he knew what we wanted on our vacation, and gave us all the details on how to do it. Rubin and Adriana, the caretakers are very helpful and made sure our stay was pleasant. We also went horseback riding with Adriana's brother. The trail took us through the mountain to a nice swimming trip. Amazing views. None of the family spoke English, but they were very patient with us and great at using hand gestures :). I highly recommend having Rubin take you to the fruit island. It was great to have fresh fruit that the 90 year old cuts down with his machete. Rayna was phenomenal. So helpful from the second we arrived until even after our stay at the house. She is a travel agent so can really maximize your time in Costa Rica. We had a medical emergency with a 1 year old and called her for advice. She happened to have the correct medical device and sent it over on the boat for us to borrow the next day. She saved the trip for us. When we left the house to drive to a different part of Costa Rica, we used her to set up transportation to Corcovado. She is extremely quick and easy to work with. The house at Casa Rio Sierpe is incredible. If you are looking to get off the grid, this is the place. I was woken up by howler monkeys every morning. It was fantastic. The house is beautiful, Immaculate and comfortable. You take a 45 minute boat ride from Sierpe to the house, and then hike the treacherous hill. Short, but a killer. Don't worry, Rubin has an atv for the luggage. You arrive to flavored water from Adrianna and start your relaxing or adventurous stay. (you pick which way you want your vacation to go). If you want to experience Costa Rican culture, get off the grid, eat fresh fruit, watch amazing sunsets on a private beach, horseback ride to watering holes, hike to the stream, look for snakes(or have Rubin help you avoid them) or relax and enjoy the true beauty of Costa Rica; this place is for you.__________________________________________________________________ Response from Casa Rio Sierpe Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to write a review. We are so happy that you had an amazing vacation. Thank you again and we hope to see you in the future. Warmest Regards Casa Rio Sierpe

cheryl f. said...Reviewed Jan 16, 2016...Date of Stay December 26, 2015...VRBO # 669332..... We went as a family (2 kids-7 &12). It is truly beautiful. Mark is very responsive. I have to say Ruben and his wife Adrianna are amazing. They really made the experience exceptional. Really such nice people and we did fine communicating in spite of the language barrier. Also, Ronny is great and does a wonderful job with horseback riding on the grounds. If you go: 1) Go to Jose's to pick fruit 2) Horseback riding with Ronny 3) Fishing with Ruben and he will help you get the crabs 4)Adrianna is a very good cook- beans, yucca, juice 5) kayaking 6) hiking Bring- binoculars and ear plugs. Monkeys wake up early and I highly recommend bringing ear plugs. Great experience Totally worth it!________________________________________________________ Casa Rio Sierpe Response: Thank you for visiting us and we are so happy that you had a great vacation. You certainly had a full week and took advantage of all that we have to offer, that's fantastic! I agree that the monkeys wake up very early (sunrise) so ear plugs are a great recommendation if you want to sleep in and with all the activities you did I'm sure that you were more than a little tired. We love waking to the sound of monkeys and the jungle coming alive in the morning, its is a great alarm clock and starts our day off with a smile.

Review from VRBO# 669332 - Date of Stay December 21, 2015 - Reviewed Jan 10, 2016 I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Lisley and although I didn't stay at their beautiful house, as I was staying locally, I was very lucky to enjoy their hospitality over the festive period. I went on the boat trips and the horse riding treks with my partner and 15 year old daughter which were unforgettable. Their warmth, generosity and commitment to making sure their guests receive the best possible experience was inspirational.

Date of Stay November 12, 2015- VRBO Review Submitted Dec 25, 2015....Kim said...... - My husband and I had the great privilege of staying a week at the absolutely stunning Casa Rio Sierpe. We were looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience in the rainforest that didn't lack the comforts of a 5 star vacation and Mark and Lisley went out of their way to provide the perfect experience. From the moment I first spoke to Mark he was so congenial and patient, providing detailed information and answering my many inquiries quickly and thoroughly. We were met at the airport by Rayna the concierge that took care of shopping for supplies and took us to meet our boat captain Ruben. When we arrived at the home it took our breath away, as did the lush rainforest surroundings and expansive view of the Sierpe river. We were greeted warmly by Audrianna and her lovely daughter Ulianna and instantly felt at home. We had no idea that Ruben and his wonderful family would be our favourite part of our time in Costa Rica! We spent the next six days exploring the jungle, enjoying an amazing collection of monkeys, toucans, coati, kinkajous, scarlet macaws and an array of beautiful tropical insects. We had so much fun fishing and touring the river with Ruben and kayaking through the mangroves with Audrianna. Ruben took us on adventures to secluded beaches and a magical visit to the fruit farmer hidden in the mangroves. Horseback rides through the rainforest were organized for us and our every need was anticipated by the wonderful staff of Ruben and Audrianna. We quickly fell in love with Rubens lovely family and these three people were like a gift to my husband and I. We cannot express how generous they were to share their homeland with us and provide us an unforgettable, life changing experience that we would never have received without the warmth and personal care from these three special people. We consider them our Costa Rican family and will definitely return to Casa Rio Sierpe with our sons so that they too can share in this out of this world experience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Mark, Ruben, Audriana, and Ulianna!

Date of Stay August 4, 2015-VRBO Review Submitted-Aug 23, 2015....laya said..... I loved, loved our experience at Casa Rio Sierpe! We booked the home for 4 nights and I traveled with a friend and my two children. The home was beautiful and have all the amenities that you could possibly need. Mark was responsive and even check on us while we were there. He had a concierge, Reina, greet us at Sierpe and take us to the house. The staff, Adrianna and Ruben, were beyond fabulous! Ruben took as fishing several times, took us hiking, and was so patient with my children as he tried to teach them how to fish. Adrianna washed our dishes and cleaned the house daily. The family are just soul to the earth and we enjoyed getting to know them! Our stay was just amazing and we will be back again! Thank you Mark, Adrianna and Ruben for a wonderful time!

Date of Stay July 6, 2015 - VRBO Review Submitted-Jul 28, 2015...Gregoire C. said... We booked the casa for 6 nights in early July. My wife and I travelled with 3 kids (8,9 and 13). I'de like to first note that it is not an ordinary home rental. It is an extraordinary adventure. The home is off the grid, somewhere in the jungle, on the Sierpe River, about two third of the way from Sierpe to the Ocean. Access is by boat from Sierpe. The staff have taken care of us from our arrival in Sierpe. We have been transported with our gears and food to the casa, a wonderful 45 minutes boat ride on the wild river. At the dock, Ruben and Adriana and other staff welcomed us and have carried all our luggage up the hill to the casa. They then unpacked our grocery and took care of our gears. Ruben and Adriana leave about 250 meters from the casa. She came every morning to clean the house, including the breakfast dishes. And then she came back during the evening to clean the diner's dishes and take care of the beds. Every night we were planning our next day of adventure with Ruben and decided on the time to meet in the morning. We went fishing three times on the river and in the mangrove and catch enough fishes to have a copious diner each time. The fishing adventure is wonderful. You first go into the mangrove and catch small crabs in the trees. This is the bait! So much fun with the kids. We also went to visit a secluded man who grow a wide variety of fruit on an island and came back with enough fruits for the week! We went twice to the beach at the end of the river: a splendid remote beach. For a little extra, we also went horseback riding in the jungle, including a short swim in a wonderful cascade. We went hiking in the jungle, during the day and during the night. The night walk was fun, and we saw lots of things... During the day we say many animals, including coatis and a group of monkeys. Directly from the amazing patio of the casa, we saw toucans every day, and several other birds. We also used the two double kayaks to visit the mangrove. Thank you so much for this wonderful week. And a special thanks to Ruben, Adriana and their daughter who made us feel home in this remote jungle. Definitely a place to go if you are planning a trip to Costa Rica. A genuine backcountry adventure in the jungle, with the luxury of a five stars hotel!

Date of Stay June 19, 2015-Trip Adv Review Submitted-Jul 31, 2015....EF Miller said........ The Perfect Honeymoon Spot!” 5 stars Jul 13, 2015 EFMiller My husband and I spent 4 days of our honeymoon at Casa Rio Sierpe and absolutely loved it! The house was beautiful, clean, private, and had spectacular views. The owner (Mark) answered all of our questions promptly and thoroughly and makes the transition from town to the house seamless. While planning our trip, we were nervous to leave our rental car for a few days in town, but the garage turned out to be well protected and we did not experience any issues. During our stay, Rubin (staff member) took us fishing on the river and to a secluded beach on the Pacific (muy romantico!). Also, we saw a howler monkey feeding and scarlet macaws right from the porch! This isn't just a house rental, it is the Costa Rica experience at it's best!

-Date of Stay June 15, 2015-VRBO Review Submitted- Jun 30, 2015-Lee J said.......... From the moment that my wife and I landed in Palmar Sur until it was time to go, Mark and his crew took care of everything. We were immediately greeting by a friendly taxi driver waiting for us that helped get our groceries and then delivered us to the boat for transport to the amazing Casa Rio Sierpe. Ruben and his wife were 5 star themselves greeting us with cold lemonade. Ruben went with us on hiking adventures to the waterfall and then hours of fishing the mangroves and Sierpe river whenever we wanted. As for the home...WOW! When we weren't fishing or hiking, we didn't move from the wonderful patio. The majestic sounds of nature and afternoon rain surrounded us as we grilled up our fresh catch. Ruben's wife kept the beautiful home immaculate along with our laundry! When traveling to Costa Rica we would definately recommend getting away from the tourists and seeking out the luxurious Casa Rio Sierpe and the team that make it truly an unforgettable experience in the rainforest.

Date of Stay May 4, 2015- VRBO Review Submitted-May 23, 2015-Ron W. said...... - We were looking for an adventurous but luxurious rainforest getaway; we got that and more. From the moment we started down the river with Ruben at helm to the moment we disembarked back in Sierpe 5 days later we were enchanted by our experience at Casa Rio Sierpe and very sorry to leave. This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we decided to dive right in by getting as far into the forest on the Osa Peninsula as possible. We chose CRS principally due to the deep down-the-river location and the dedicated guide and boat provided by the property. Mark provided a ton of pre-travel information and was always there with an almost immediate response to our queries as we completed our planning. Even so we looked at each other a few times before the trip with that ‘What are we thinking’ look of trepidation. We need not have been concerned. Getting to Sierpe from San Jose is easy if you decide to drive yourself. It takes two half-days to get there if you at arrive in San Jose at midday. The house itself is perfect for its location. You feel complete privacy. The interior is as advertised. Great kitchen with all you could need. No issues with electricity or water supply. Filtered water! The walk up the hill can seem daunting, especially after a long day, but once at the house and on the deck you will realize the benefit. We spent every morning/evening sitting rapt watching and listening to the rainforest transition from night to day and then back. We were blown away by the sounds, especially during the time from 4am to 7am; I only have room to say ‘ pre-dawn roar of Howler Monkeys .’ Wildlife. When you go that far to observe as much as possible, you might stand on the deck when you first arrive and think; what if we don’t see anything? Don’t worry. The first day we saw a pair of Toucans, a pair of white-necked puffbirds, and many hummingbirds. The next day on the hike to the cascada we looked to our left and were staring at a river otter 5 meters away; no lie. Monkeys, Koatimundi, macaws, various parrot and parakeet flocks, and many, many more. But the most amazing part of the experience was interacting with Ruben, Adriana, and Juliana. We were a little nervous about not being competent in Spanish but we had no problem communicating. We learned a lot and had great fun with Ruben as a guide. He is a very genuine person and clearly loves the forest. In that short time we came to think of them as friends, amigos. It's very special; go!

Date of Stay April 23, 2015 - VRBO Review Submitted- May 4, 2015....Nicole H. said... .......... - This place was absolutely amazing! Mark, the owner spared no expense in building this beautiful home. The description of the location is spot-on! Spectacular hardwood everywhere, ceiling fans to keep you cool, a generous kitchen, the most beautiful porch with a perfect view of the river. We never left the porch besides to fish, cook, hike, or sleep. It was so relaxing hearing all the animals around you. We saw capuchin and holler monkeys, toucans, macaws, so many different species. Ruben and his family where wonderful and made our stay so easy. They did our dishes, washed some of our clothes, unpacked our groceries, made our bed, and cleaned up after us as if we were in a luxury hotel. They are the sweetest, most hard working family I've ever met. Ruben, after only being there a couple hours, took us to the private beach at the mouth of the Sierpe River and picked us coconuts which he shelled for us. This is also where my fiance proposed to me at sunset thanks to Mark's suggestion. It was the most magical place! If you like fishing, Ruben is a great guide and knows the river and mangroves like the back of his hand. We also chartered a boat our first couple days there which was spectacular because they could pick us up from our dock. We caught every type of fish on our bucket list (which was a very large bucket). We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to the small waterfall behind the house on a fairly manicured trial. It was lovely seeing all the hidden treasures the rainforest has to offer. I would suggest this place to everyone that likes an adventure in the middle of nowhere. If you aren't the outdoors type, this may not be the place for you, but for us, it was simply PERFECT. So perfect we decided to stay an extra day which was much needed after all the fishing we had done. Mark made the booking process so incredible easy and kept in touch constantly. He gives you this packet of info that covers EVERYTHING you need to know about your trip. It is quite helpful when planning your trip. You can tell he loves his home away from home and enjoys sharing it with others. We will be back!

-Date of Stay April 1, 2015- TripAdv Review Submitted-Aug 1, 2015- Kristin B said.......... “It was great to get away from everything and connect with each other and with nature!” 5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 24, 2015 for a stay in April 2015 The house was beautiful and luxurious. Pretty great to have an ice maker in the middle of the jungle. I loved how the house was isolated and remote. We spent most of our time outside on the beautiful patio. The caretakers were extremely friendly, nice and helpful. They cleaned and did laundry and took us wherever we wanted to go on the boat whenever we wanted. We loved the beach just a 10-minute boat ride away, the Cano Island snorkeling and horseback riding up the mountain to an emerald green swimming hole. We also liked seeing the wildlife and hearing the monkeys bright and early in the morning. Finally, we liked the fact that there was no internet access because our kids read more books than they had in a long time and we played cards and games as a family. The walk up the hill is not for the faint of heart. But it's well worth it once you get to the top!

Date of Stay March 13, 2015, VRBO Review submitted-Apr 7, 2015....Reese said............. My 3 friends and I decided to book this place about a month before our trip in March, even though there were no reviews. We requested to book and we were very promptly contacted by Mark, who owns the property. He did a wonderful job of helping us understand what we would be getting ourselves into, which seemed a little overwhelming at the time, but really wasn’t. We decided to book for 4 nights, which we ended up switching to 5 nights and would have stayed even longer if we had the time!!!!! Overall it was an amazing experience from start to finish with great attention to detail and trip planning that really helped you maximize what you could do with your time in the jungle. The house was beautiful inside and out. There were no expenses spared in the building of this house, with everything done to perfection. Beautiful hardwood throughout. Everything about the house was perfect. The porch was great for lounging or there was a propane grill for grilling fish we caught while on an ocean fishing trip or meat we brought in from buying in town before arriving at the house. It was really hot and humid outside during the day, but the house always seemed to be a good temperature. There were lots of fans to ensure good air circulation. They designed this house with jungle luxury in mind and they really accomplished it. The house was great, but the best part of our trip was interacting with the caretaker of the home Ruben and his family. Ruben took us on daily river trips to the beach (amazing!!!), to a local fruit farm, through mangroves, and would take us fishing whenever we wanted. He was there for anything you wanted to do and he made sure that you would enjoy your trip. He really only speaks Spanish. If you or anyone in your group don’t speak Spanish, it may be more difficult, but you can definitely still have a lot of fun. Ruben really helps you enjoy the jungle experience and is really there to cater to whatever you want to do. They really made us understand how to appreciate life in the jungle and really to appreciate life in general. Life is hard there for people, but they always have a smile. They were great, the house was great, the service was great. Overall, we really had a perfect vacation, and everyone involved with Casa Rio Sierpe really helped us have it. I would highly highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great jungle experience and to do something different that you may not have done before.

Date of Stay-February 21, 2015, VRBO Review submitted Nov 24, 2015.....Susan T. said...........I was looking for an adventure unlike no other. Casa Rio Sierpe was that... and much more! I contacted the owners (Mark & Lisley) to let them know I was interested in booking and wanted them to know I would be traveling solo and would it be safe, letting Mark know exactly what I was looking for in an adventure. Immediately after our conversation I booked for 2 weeks and had the time of my life! Mark took care of all the details from helping find the best flights and times to arranging a variety of amazing activities, which included guided day and night hikes, horseback riding, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and much more! Casa Rio Sierpe is a little slice of heaven on earth. Thank You Mark and Lisley!

-Date of Stay February 16, 2015, VRBO Review Submitted- Feb 25, 2015-.... Elkins said.............. Rio Casa Sierpe is a comfortable exotic jungle house close to Corcovado National Park and the ocean, with easy wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. We interacted with a group of locals who want to share the magic of the area. With onsite guides, we were able to immerse ourselves with the food, fishing, jungle and the Pura Vida culture that Casa Rio Sierpe has to offer. The pampered service is a treat. We got way more than we expected. The service aspect was undersold which was a pleasant surprise. The house has lots of comforts. Located on the ridge above the dock, you hike to and from the house is up a steep driveway. They will ATV your luggage and supplies so you can enjoy the hike. The house is screened to keep out bugs without taking away the amazing sounds and sites of the jungle. The house cooled down nicely at night. It is extremely private with caretakers located nearby. The equipped kitchen is modern with ice and filtered water. The deck is a large living space with lovely views. The house is decorated beautifully. The shower has multi-shower heads and HOT WATER. There is a swimming hole close to the house. The owners made it clear that jungle safety is a priority. Bugs were not an issue. The house is high-end hotel clean. We were offered daily cleaning, turn down service, fish cleaning, cooked meals, laundry service, private hikes, private boat rides and an english/spanish speaking guest services manager. We had two meals cooked for us. Both were typical Costa Rican style. We enjoyed both meals and probably could have done a few more. We fished the river daily with the onsite guide who was raised locally. He took us on several private hikes including our absolute favorite which was a fascinating night time walk. He took the boat through some amazing mangrove shortcuts and to a remote beach at the mouth of the river. One of our favorite trips was to an island to get fresh fruit. We also took an ocean fishing day trip, a horseback ride to the nearby village of Sabalo and a dayhike in Corcovado. In the Sierpe River, we caught red snapper, black snapper, trigger fish and puffer fish. In the ocean we caught albacore tuna, bonita, maceral, snapper and amberjack. Around the house, we saw birds, butterflies, insects, howlers, capuchins, parrots and macaws. From the boat, we saw birds a cayman and capuchins. In Corcovado we saw birds, monkeys, a sloth and a tapir. I would recommend to anyone ready for a pampered jungle adventure.

Date of Stay January 20,2015, VRBO Review submitted on Mar 4,2015-.... Vicki M. said.......... We knew that this house had just come on the rental market and were very skeptical about it not having any reviews so I decided to ask a lot of questions from the owners, they were very quick to respond in their answers to me. I could tell that they were very excited and passionate about their house and they seemed genuinely happy to have us as possible guests, I went ahead and reserved the house for the minimum 3 days. We were met in Sierpe by their manager and there local guide and were taken to the house by boat. Once at the house we were met by yet another staff member who handed us a cold glass of homemade lime aide, led us to the back terrace were we found freshly cut flowers on the table and asked us to sit and relax so we could enjoy the view while the staff started to unpack our groceries! We absolutely were not expecting this level of service, we were blown away! The view was unreal--overlooking lush jungle, mangroves, the Sierpe River and ending at the beautiful mountain ranges in the distance. The house was totally private, spotlessly clean, with an enormous porch and modern amenities. No amount of pictures can do the house or the views justice, it is truly breathtaking! While at the house I can't even name all the wild life we saw in the jungle, but some include: toucans, macaws, Coatis, white faced monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and a sloth. What made this trip truly a trip of a lifetime was the high level of personal service from the owners and staff. The local staff was incredible! They were so warm and friendly, going out of their way whenever they could, to do whatever they could to make us as comfortable as possible. The twice daily cleaning took all of the work out of renting a vacation home; we didn't even have to do any dishes! They introduced us to true, rural Costa Rican culture that we would have had missed staying at a large resort or a more populated tourist area. We felt that Casa Rio Sierpe offered us a tremendous value in the level of service, amenities, the included tours and activities that were provided to us. We stayed at casa Rio Sierpe for 3 nights and that was our only disappointment that we did not stay for longer. Casa Rio Sierpe was our favorite part of our Costa Rican vacation.

Absolutely fantastic place in the middle of the rainforest. Great views, lots of wildlife, extremely friendly and helpful staff and a very comfy place to stay. Very remote - no sign of other civilization except at night a couple of lights on the horizon. Definitely book the dinners with Dolly - the best and most varied food we had in Costa Rica. The horseback trip and the boat ride through the mangroves (sloths included) to the fruit plantation and the plantation itself were our highlights. We hope to come back! Private note Dolly, Ruben and Rodolfo are wonderful!