Title: Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=93364618&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Papaya Bungalow #1\. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. ## Photo gallery for Papaya Bungalow #1\. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. ![Interior - Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. (El Castillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93370000/93364700/93364618/9c456c27.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets - Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. (El Castillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93370000/93364700/93364618/734b8c7d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. (El Castillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93370000/93364700/93364618/237b406c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. (El Castillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93370000/93364700/93364618/d2b52447.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior - Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. (El Castillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93370000/93364700/93364618/7a89fbf9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Perched on a hilltop, Papaya Bungalows offers a romantic retreat with breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. These brand-new bungalows feature air-conditioned comfort, WiFi, kitchenettes with coffee makers, and easy access to activities like volcano hikes and hot springs. ## Reviews 9.8 Exceptional ### Entire home 1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2600 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space - Parking available - Mountain view ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Papaya Bungalow #1\. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. Nestled on a hilltop, with spectacular views of Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano, the Papaya Bungalows offers a unique and unforgettable holiday in one of Costa Rica’s premier travel destinations. \- This beautiful bungalows are ideal for newly weds or couples looking for a romantic getaway. Adults only. \- Its equipped with 1 queen size bed, A/C, Wi-Fi, and a kitchenette with a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker. \- THINGS TO DO: There are lots of tours to keep you entertained for days, Volcano hikes, Zip Lines, Hanging Bridges, ATV tours, Kayak and Paddle-board tours, Rainforest and Waterfall hikes, Horseback riding, Hot Springs, Wildlife watching tours and more. All of these are less than half an hour away from the house. Our concierge is always available at our new and modern Welcome Center to help you book tours, find the best restaurants, book a massage and get the most out of your time in the area. \-LOCATION: El Castillo is approx. 3 hours (150km) from both international airports, either in the capital of San Jose, or on the northern pacific coast in Liberia. La Fortuna, which is a small city that offers amenities such as grocery, banking, post office, restaurants, hot springs, excursions and much more. is only 30 minutes away. \- GETTING AROUND: You will want your own Rental Car, a 4WD will be better considering the short but steep hill going up to the bungalow. While there are a few things to see and a couple of restaurants within walking distance of the house, there are many activities that require a 10 to 45 minute drive. You will not be happy waiting for a cab to arrive either coming or going. ## Property amenities ### Pool/Spa - Massage ### Internet - Available in the house: WiFi ### Parking and transport - Car required - Parking on site ### Kitchenette - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Microwave - Refrigerator ### Bedrooms - Bedroom - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Hair dryer - Towels provided ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Garden ### Comfort - Air conditioning ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Services and conveniences - Concierge services - Housekeeping on request - Tour and ticket assistance ### Location highlights - In a rural location - In a village - In the mountains - On a lake ### Things to do - Birdwatching nearby - Ecotours nearby - Fishing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Horseback riding nearby - Jet skiing nearby - Kayaking nearby - Mountain biking nearby - Rafting nearby - Sailing nearby - Swimming nearby - Water tubing nearby - Wildlife walks nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property) ### General - Garden - Housekeeping (on request) - Property does not allow children - Unit size: 600 square feet ## Similar properties ![3 outdoor pools](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83610000/83600600/83600560/a945a5f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cabañas Rio Escondido Peñas Blancas - Pool - Kitchen - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi 9.4 Exceptional 69 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08&selected=83600560&PinnedHotelID=83600560&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Front of property](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96550000/96549200/96549182/2bc7d278.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Almendros Eco-Villas La Fortuna - 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Parking included - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Living/dining area 9.2 Wonderful 59 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08&selected=25719932&PinnedHotelID=25719932&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08&selected=93364618&PinnedHotelID=93364618&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=93364618,83600560,96549182,11945944,16456147) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds This property does not allow children ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention A car is required for transport to and from this property ### Property is also known as 382812 ## About the area Located in Peñas Blancas, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Los Lagos Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. Arenal Eco Zoo and Butterfly Conservatory are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. [Visit our Peñas Blancas travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Penas-Blancas.dx6184019) [View more Holiday homes in Peñas Blancas](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Penas-Blancas-Private-Holiday-Homes.d6184019-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C10.42883%2C-84.75783&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=lFJlQsaqqeCHNY4KAhEQ6XFp3IE=) El Castillo, Alajuela ### What's nearby - ![Had to stop the car and breathe in the beauty. #lake #nature](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248622845864507/3cb0bbf4-11f4-4f77-8b60-cdd66b46762d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Lake Arenal 17 min walk \- 0.9 miles - Butterfly Conservatory 18 min walk \- 1.0 mile ### Getting around - La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) 40 min drive ### Restaurants - Shangri-La Gardens 20 min drive - Soda La Palma 22 min drive - Ave Restaurant 20 min drive - La Mesa de Mamá 16 min walk - Caña Brava 21 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. pet-friendly? ### How much is parking at Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views.? ### What time is check-in at Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views.? ### What time is check-out at Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views.? ### Where is Papaya Bungalow #1. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Papaya Bungalow #1\. Hilltop Bungalow with Spectacular Lake & Volcano Views. Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. [More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 10 8 - Good 2 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.8 Cleanliness ### 9.6 Location ### 10 Property conditions & facilities ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Philip A. 17 Jan 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Volcano View Cabin Amazing volcano view cabin within walking distance of many attractions like kayaking and bike rentals! The drive way is a bit steep, but over all easy to get to and driving distance to many Costa Rica classic destinations like La Fortuna waterfall, hot springs, and the Arenal volcano. ##### Philip A. Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Theresa H. 16 Feb 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Serene & Tranquil Amazing view in peaceful setting. Great for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Very easy check in and out. ##### Theresa H. Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Eva and Steven D. 24 Mar 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing view, very friendly locals The place was super clean, the view was spectacular. We had everything that we needed for our 3-day stay. Walking distance to restaurants, bars, and a small supermarket. The locals are super friendly and we actually made friends with some of them. Highly recommended! We would definitely stay there again. ##### Eva and Steven D. Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Amelia D. 2 Nov 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### GREAT place to stay! Great place to stay! I loved everything about it. The check in process was easy. It was clean. Beautiful view! The host was so helpful and kind. Would highly recommend to anyone. Wish I could have stayed longer. ##### Amelia D. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### KimberlyandDave S. 6 Mar 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Living free! This our 3rd time to this precious place! It is the perfect place to free your mind and soul! Monkeys, birds & iguanas to entertain and the most beautiful secluded beach. Just clean & simple living! This is a very special place! ##### KimberlyandDave S. Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Hartman M. 17 Dec 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Complete satisfaction. Very lovely location and beautiful volcano/lake view. Peacefulness of site is a plus though that could be affected if the adjacent bungalow were occupied. ##### Hartman M. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### J M. 7 Mar 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Worth a Read This location is fantastic. Check in, communication, check out, everything was as easy as it gets.The Good:The location itself was amazing. The town of El Castillo is, in my opinion a much better choice than La Fortuna. There's almost no traffic, its unique, gorgeous and you get that authentic local feel because there's seemingly few other tourists there. There are no souvenir shops or shops to browse but there are several places to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and theres great coffee, views and welcoming people at each one. You get to wake up to Lake Arenal and the Volcano each morning and honestly the view from the front porch is just breathtaking. At morning and at dusk the birds are playing and its fantastic. So much that I would open the sliding door and the curtains and then get back in bed just to listen and watch. In the evening there is so little traffic that when you sit outside you may see a few scooters go by but thats about it.The not so good:The driveway is very steep (50-60 deg incline maybe) and both up and down are reason to drive an all wheel or 4x4 vehicle. I made it without issues but realize not everyone is comfortable in this situation. The bed left a little to be desired but we slept through the night.All in all, this place is Amazing. I truly feel very fortunate to have spent a week in this beautiful area and I would highly recommend others to do the same. ##### J M. Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### gary w. 28 Sept 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy Views are spectacular! Check in was easy and host was very respectful and responsive. Climb is very steep though the papayas are growing and the birds singing! Way cool seeing a Toucan in the front and green parrakeets flying by squawking and hearing many different birdsongs. I would definitely recommend! ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/238e11aa-74d6-4057-90bf-346e1d4fc2ca-1759081546405.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/b199b5e6-5d6d-48ba-b945-1c7f4c85cb2b-1759081544858.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ##### gary w. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Roxanne R. 26 Jul 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Wonderful! Absolutely beautiful views. Super clean and comfortable. Driveway a little tricky, but after you do it once it's easier. ##### Roxanne R. Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Pranay S. 14 Jul 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy #### Nice experience I had a wonderful stay overall! The view was absolutely stunning, and the privacy of the property made it a peaceful retreat — ideal for a couple looking to disconnect and relax.A few things to note: the drive up to the property is quite steep, so be prepared, especially if you’re arriving at night for the first time would be difficult. It would have been great if the house had a stove for cooking, as that would make longer stays more convenient. Also, while the setting is natural, reducing the number of bugs inside the house would definitely improve the comfort level.That said, the owner was responsive and helpful, and the experience was very enjoyable. We’d definitely recommend this place for a romantic getaway with unbeatable views! ##### Pranay S. Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Nadia 9 Feb 2026 Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication Chambre comme sur les photos, superbe vue ##### Nadia Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026 ---