About El Cielo

Welcome to El Cielo, our family vacation retreat perched atop a El-Castillo mountain in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest near Arenal Volcano.

Open air living concept | Breathtaking Spanish- Moroccan Style Retreat | Off-Grid Solar-
Perched atop a El Castillo Mountain in the Costa Rica’s lush rainforest in the Arenal Volcano area. This property offers an unparalleled escape with breathtaking 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding rainforest mountains, on a clear day you can also see 3 other volcanos including Tenorio, Miravalles, and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.

Located in the serene village of El Castillo, just 5.28 miles (8.5 km) southwest of Arenal Volcano and a 40-minute drive from La Fortuna, this newly built property (completed November 2024) is available to you to enjoy for your vacation and we are sure your stay at El Cielo will be unforgettable.

We’re excited to open our doors, inviting you to share this unforgettable experience with us. Designed with comfort and stunning vistas in mind, El Cielo de Arenal promises a magical stay from sunrise to sunset.

Experience the peace:

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Watch volcanic clouds drift around Arenal, spot exotic wildlife—such as toucans, humming birds, howler monkeys, and macaws—from our balcony, and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. At night, a blanket of stars transforms the sky into a mesmerizing spectacle that is truly unforgettable.

The Home:
Blending rustic elegance with modern comforts, this Spanish-Moroccan inspired home features expansive panoramic windows that bring the outdoors in. With four seating areas—the open-air terrace, wrap-around balcony, garden, and living room—every spot offers an unforgettable view.

The three-level house is designed for a unique experience:

Terrace:
Located at the roof top and accessed via an elegant internal staircase, this open-air space boasts 360° views of Arenal Volcano and Lake. Perfect for outdoor dining, yoga, sunbathing, star gazing, or simply soaking in the scenery.

Master Bedroom:
Featuring a queen-size bed, a panoramic window, closet, and a sliding glass door with screens to the balcony.
Wake up to tropical bird songs and sunrise views over the lake and volcano.
The en-suite bathroom includes a rain shower, a two-person bathtub, and a large window over the tub overlooking the lake.

Guest Bedroom:
A cozy room with a full size bed, closet, and glass access door to the balcony offering views of the volcano and lake while you lay relaxing in you bed.

Living Space:
Relax on a comfortable couch with a reclining chairs sitting in front of a 7 meters (22 ft) wide panoramic window overlooking the Volcano and Lake, offering open air living space concept, surrounded by indoor plants and rainforest-inspired artwork and four-person dining table.
Enjoy board games, yoga mats, books and binoculars to spot wildlife like Howler monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, and many tropical birds.

Fully Equipped Kitchen:
Prepare meals with a view, equipped with a large fridge, stovetop, oven, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee supplies, and we offer a free supply of local coffee from Monte Verde Coffee Co.

Garden Area:
A comfortable lower-level space with bird- and butterfly-attracting plants. Great for butterfly and bird watching or just enjoying the view from the garden.

Amenities:
Hair dryer
Full kitchen with microwave and well stocked
Keyless entry
Binoculars
High-speed STARLINK Wi-Fi (ideal for streaming and video calls)
No TV (to encourage relaxation and disconnection)

Rules & Recommendations:
El Cielo de Arenal is a nature sanctuary designed for respectful enjoyment.

The house is intended for respectful enjoyment of nature and all its elements. We take pride in having created a nature sanctuary for all our guests. This is not a venue for late-night parties or loud music.

A 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicle is required to navigate the steep, bumpy road to our peaceful retreat.

It gets dark around 5:30–6:00 PM year-round. Arrive by 5:00 PM on your first day for easier navigation; after that, aim to return before 6:30 PM.

We do welcome children but because the house is not childproof and the many stairs, balcony, Terrace and delicate screens. We ask parents to be extra vigilant with your children. The house is on an incline on a mountain so children running around enjoying the property need extra supervision.
Smoking (including vaping) and pets are strictly prohibited.

No cleaning service is offered during the stay. If you need extra cleaning service during your stay, we offer cleaning service for additional charge.

Please note:
As an off-grid, solar-powered home, electricity is generated by solar panels. During the rainy season (November–February), avoid using high-power appliances (e.g., hair dryers) for extended periods on cloudy days or at night to preserve the system.

Activities & Attractions Nearby:
El Castillo is a haven for adventure seekers, tranquil escape and nature lovers. A great place to explore the many nearby attractions: enjoy lake activities, Butterfly Conservatory, or a horse tour to a hidden waterfall is one of our favorite and recommended activities. There is something to do for everyone in El Castillo.

Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike the lava trails and spot wildlife.

Lake Arenal: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, Jet Skiing, or stand-up paddleboarding, water rafting just to name a few.

Hiking: Discover numerous trails in the area.

Butterfly Conservatory: Dive into Costa Rica’s biodiversity at the local conservatory.

Hot Springs: Relax in natural geothermal waters nearby.

Horseback Tours: Ride through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls.

Hanging Bridges & Waterfalls: Experience the canopy, zip lines and cascades.

Getting Here:
Perched atop a mountain above El Castillo, El Cielo is a short drive from La Fortuna. A 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicle is recommended to navigate the scenic, rugged roads.

Why Stay Here?
✔ Unmatched 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the rainforest
✔ Peaceful and private—a true escape from crowds
✔ Ideal for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts
✔ Proximity to Costa Rica’s top outdoor adventures
Book your stay at El Cielo de Arenal and experience the magic of Costa Rica like never before!