Welcome to El Castillo
Your Hosts
We are a diverse team of creatives and permaculture enthusiasts living in El Castillo.
See the current two unique offers below and contact us if they are of interest to you.
We make artisan soap for purchase with locally wild crafted volcanic clay. $8 x bar
Paintings by commission.
Send a photograph you'd love to inspire a painting. You will receive the artwork during your stay! Commissions must be requested with advance notice of three weeks. Cost varies with each image. Deposit first half of payment upon request.
Reach out once you are booked if you are interested in any of our offers.
For more on what we do and who we are, see
gavilana dot com
Thank you!
Gavilana Permaculture team
11 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Gavilana Permaculture
We are a diverse team of creatives and permaculture enthusiasts living in El Castillo.
See the current two unique offers below and contact us if they are of interest to you.
We make artisan soap for purchase with locally wild crafted volcanic clay. $8 x bar
Paintings by commission.
Send a photograph you'd love to inspire a painting. You will receive the artwork during your stay! Commissions must be requested with advance notice of three weeks. Cost varies with each image. Deposit first half of payment upon request.
Reach out once you are booked if you are interested in any of our offers.
For more on what we do and who we are, see
gavilana dot com
Thank you!
Gavilana Permaculture team
Neighborhood of El Castillo
El Castillo is a unique village surrounded by Lake Arenal and the northern ridge of the Monteverde mountains. It is surrounded by national parks and reserves and the national electric company I.C.E. who is responsible for most of Costa Rica's renewable energy.
Experience pristine wilderness just a 30 minute from La Fortuna. Once you are arrive, you will want to stay to witness the many aspects that make up the marvel of this particular volcano rainforest. Watch the clouds roll over Arenal Volcano, the birds soar in the wind thermals, the steam chimneys rise from the forested hills. Hike out the door of your homestay or to eat at a local restaurant. You may even spot Banano, a scarlet macaw, calling out as she flies above.
The neighborhood is quaint, with mostly "tico" or Costa Rican families, cows, horses, dogs, chickens, a school, small stores or "pulperías", two churches, several restaurants, a marina for a variety of lake activities, and a field for soccer and baseball.
During your visit you are welcome to participate in public community activities. Just ask your hosts for further information.
Many hiking options in the village. Please ask us for more information if you need. These are our favorites. A few are not in the village however are within 25 minutes of your homestay.
Walk to the river. There are several access points walkable from your homestay
Senderos el Silencio. Bird watching paradise!!! Maybe even a sloth. Start in the morning and return in the afternoon using the same admission ticket. Several trails to hike of different levels. Experience birds that visit the edge of the forest and the field. Please inquire if you are interested in hiring a guide.
Místico Hanging Bridges. Maintained trails allow you walk and look at the magnificient trees without feeling like you will trip on rocks. Hanging bridges range in length allowing you to experience being at tree tops.
River access also for refreshing cool wading and bird watching. Please inquire
Hike up the hill about 20 minutes and more from your homestay for a beautiful vista overlooking the lake and village.
Appaloosa Horse Tours with Lilander offers a horseback ride up the mountain to the family farm and waterfall. Horses are very gentle. Children and first time riders welcome. Horses well taken care of. Lilander speaks Spanish and English. Please inquire and we can contact him.
11 vietiniai rekomenduoja
El Castillo
Many hiking options in the village. Please ask us for more information if you need. These are our favorites. A few are not in the village however are within 25 minutes of your homestay.
Walk to the river. There are several access points walkable from your homestay
Senderos el Silencio. Bird watching paradise!!! Maybe even a sloth. Start in the morning and return in the afternoon using the same admission ticket. Several trails to hike of different levels. Experience birds that visit the edge of the forest and the field. Please inquire if you are interested in hiring a guide.
Místico Hanging Bridges. Maintained trails allow you walk and look at the magnificient trees without feeling like you will trip on rocks. Hanging bridges range in length allowing you to experience being at tree tops.
River access also for refreshing cool wading and bird watching. Please inquire
Hike up the hill about 20 minutes and more from your homestay for a beautiful vista overlooking the lake and village.
Appaloosa Horse Tours with Lilander offers a horseback ride up the mountain to the family farm and waterfall. Horses are very gentle. Children and first time riders welcome. Horses well taken care of. Lilander speaks Spanish and English. Please inquire and we can contact him.
Services available in El Castillo
Professional massage by Krisia - contact us for reservations.
Supermercado El Capiro and Super El Castillo offer bank services (cash withdrawal from credit card, with bank comision), printing of a page or two, and a selection of provisions. Local cheese and sour cream are available at El Capiro.
Welcome Center - the team of Walter, Augustin and Daniel can show you activities in the area and also property for sale.
Mechanic - Eduardo can assist with your vehicle.
11 vietiniai rekomenduoja
El Castillo
Services available in El Castillo
Professional massage by Krisia - contact us for reservations.
Supermercado El Capiro and Super El Castillo offer bank services (cash withdrawal from credit card, with bank comision), printing of a page or two, and a selection of provisions. Local cheese and sour cream are available at El Capiro.
Welcome Center - the team of Walter, Augustin and Daniel can show you activities in the area and also property for sale.
Mechanic - Eduardo can assist with your vehicle.
Well worth a day visit. There's a bunch of available trails, great volcano views from their restaurant.
15 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Well worth a day visit. There's a bunch of available trails, great volcano views from their restaurant.
Many reasons to visit: walking distance, great trails and food, yoga classes, organic farm, ....
Essence Arenal Boutique Hostel
Many reasons to visit: walking distance, great trails and food, yoga classes, organic farm, ....
Trails of 1968. Two loops to choose from. Walk on lava trails, take in beautiful vistas. Bring a snack and water and take a break under a tree on a lava rock. Stop by the lake on the larger trail and watch the water birds taking flight or even sitting on a nest.
Dogs also welcome on a leash!
Also a small restaurant offering deliciously mafe Costa Rican and American fare and beverages.
20 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Arenal 1968 Volcano View & Trails
La Fortuna - El CastilloTrails of 1968. Two loops to choose from. Walk on lava trails, take in beautiful vistas. Bring a snack and water and take a break under a tree on a lava rock. Stop by the lake on the larger trail and watch the water birds taking flight or even sitting on a nest.
Dogs also welcome on a leash!
Also a small restaurant offering deliciously mafe Costa Rican and American fare and beverages.
State of the art hanging bridges, zip lines and more. 1 mile from El Castillo.
43 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Sky Adventures Arenal Park
State of the art hanging bridges, zip lines and more. 1 mile from El Castillo.
El Castillo - Best Places To Eat
This is the best restaurant in El Castillo. Johnathan and team create fresh delicious tasting meals using a variety of herbs and cooking expertise. They do fantastic home fries, beef burgers, grilled vegetables and fried rice dishes. They offer fresh fruit smoothies and blended alcoholic beverages as well.
Restaurante El Patio al Carbon
This is the best restaurant in El Castillo. Johnathan and team create fresh delicious tasting meals using a variety of herbs and cooking expertise. They do fantastic home fries, beef burgers, grilled vegetables and fried rice dishes. They offer fresh fruit smoothies and blended alcoholic beverages as well.
located minutes from you homestay.
California style burrito with Costa Rican flavor...Tico Bowl, chickens tacos great choices...actually everything is a good choice. Gluten,vegan and vegetarian options as well. Open 11am-9pm. closed tuesday.
10 vietiniai rekomenduoja
La Ventanita
La Fortuna - El Castillolocated minutes from you homestay.
California style burrito with Costa Rican flavor...Tico Bowl, chickens tacos great choices...actually everything is a good choice. Gluten,vegan and vegetarian options as well. Open 11am-9pm. closed tuesday.
Friendly service and good selection of international fare. very good ceviche.
8 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Fusion Grill Restaurante El Castillo Costa Rica.
La Fortuna - El CastilloFriendly service and good selection of international fare. very good ceviche.
Doña Flor is our new favorite place to gather in town. It is very small and charming, comfortable and convenient for when lake activities are planned, as it sits at the entrance to El Castillo's marina.
Tasty fresh smoothies, good espresso, sweets, personal pizzas, and more.
Pizzeria Doña Flor
Doña Flor is our new favorite place to gather in town. It is very small and charming, comfortable and convenient for when lake activities are planned, as it sits at the entrance to El Castillo's marina.
Tasty fresh smoothies, good espresso, sweets, personal pizzas, and more.
Fortuna - in and around activities
Only 25 km (40 minute drive) from Castillo is the town of La Fortuna, where you'll find banks, post office, gas stations, dentists, lawyers, etc (it's common to purchase a land while on vacation) grocery stores, meat markets, 2nd hand clothes and more
In spite of being a touristy spot, well worth the visit! Have to be able to walk steps.
133 vietiniai rekomenduoja
La Fortuna Waterfall
In spite of being a touristy spot, well worth the visit! Have to be able to walk steps.
great on a budget hot springs. Very family freindly. Hiking trails as well.
9 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Los Lagos
great on a budget hot springs. Very family freindly. Hiking trails as well.
Serene, natural setting for hot springs. Limited amount for morning and afternoon allows for a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations recommended
37 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Ecotermales Fortuna
Serene, natural setting for hot springs. Limited amount for morning and afternoon allows for a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations recommended
Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura
La Fortuna - Catarata Río FortunaZip line andventure alternative to Sky
Repelling excitement, among the activities La Roca Canyoning has to offer.
Located next to Mystico Hanging Bridges.
La Roca Canyoning
Repelling excitement, among the activities La Roca Canyoning has to offer.
Located next to Mystico Hanging Bridges.
Fortuna
These activities in Fortuna are within 40 minutes of your homestay.
Los Lagos - great for families - really cool slide into thermal waters
EcoTermales - natural setting. They only let a certain number of visitors in the morning and afternoon, creating a pleasant experience where you may be the only ones there.
Tabacon - evening passes available
free Tabacon - across from the entrance to Tabacon. You will see a yellow gate
La Fortuna Waterfall - many steps there and return but worth it
Senderos el Silencio
85 vietiniai rekomenduoja
La Fortuna
These activities in Fortuna are within 40 minutes of your homestay.
Los Lagos - great for families - really cool slide into thermal waters
EcoTermales - natural setting. They only let a certain number of visitors in the morning and afternoon, creating a pleasant experience where you may be the only ones there.
Tabacon - evening passes available
free Tabacon - across from the entrance to Tabacon. You will see a yellow gate
La Fortuna Waterfall - many steps there and return but worth it
Senderos el Silencio
Indian food finally in Fortuna!!
https://sunny-s-indian-restaurant.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral#gallery
Sunny´s Indian Restaurant
Indian food finally in Fortuna!!
https://sunny-s-indian-restaurant.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral#gallery
great onsite roasted coffee. Excellent meal. Unique craft gifts/items/souvenirs for sale.
https://redfrogcoffeeroaster.negocio.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Red Frog Coffee Roasters
great onsite roasted coffee. Excellent meal. Unique craft gifts/items/souvenirs for sale.
https://redfrogcoffeeroaster.negocio.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Ask for the daily signature dish. Sometimes it's snapper, sometimes it's a great cut of beef, sometimes it's a see food soup. The couple that runs the place is George and Jackeline. Easily the best family run place in Fortuna.
20 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Restaurante Tierra Mía
Ask for the daily signature dish. Sometimes it's snapper, sometimes it's a great cut of beef, sometimes it's a see food soup. The couple that runs the place is George and Jackeline. Easily the best family run place in Fortuna.
Farmers market - fridays 8am-4pm at the Feria. Just over the little bridge to San Ramon, on the left and before Super Rosvil grocer.
Biomercado
Avenida 327Farmers market - fridays 8am-4pm at the Feria. Just over the little bridge to San Ramon, on the left and before Super Rosvil grocer.
Nuevo Arenal
A quaint Costa Rican town. ! hour drive from Castillo around the lake.
Moya's Place
excellent pizza, gluten free options, super friendly staff
Organic produce from local farmers and hand crafted IPA beers, kombuchas, yogurts (cow and goat), and more.
La Farmacia Organica
142Organic produce from local farmers and hand crafted IPA beers, kombuchas, yogurts (cow and goat), and more.
Su miestu susiję patarimai
Keliavimas vietovėje
transportation options
not necessary to rent a car however this will give you most flexibility. If you have an extended stay, day or a few days rental of a car is as an option
Walk within the village. Also, car services available to activities in Fortuna and on the way.
Private shuttle availabe from either airport enables you to sit back and enjoy your travels. Interbus is the most widely used.
Užsisakykite prieš išeidami
book before you go??
We recommend contacting for current hours, safety protocols etc. within a few days of your visit.
Naudingos frazės
Typical Costa Rican phrases
Pura vida!
Ką įsidėti
To bring or not to bring....
that is the question. Travel lite and experience how little you an survive with.
Light rain jacket, hiking shoes that have been worn (blisters are no fun), hat for sun and rain, sunscreen, travel umbrella, sweatpants/yoga pants/comfy pants for cooler mornings and evenings, light sweatshirt, socks (for hiking a cooler evenings), binoculars, swim suit...these are the basics.
Pocket charger for phone and headlamp. Sometimes the electricity goes out. Your homestay will have a flashlight. Headlamp good for night walks.
Your homestay has laundry services available. Please inquire.
Keliavimas su vaikais
Children welcome!!
We welcome families...that is what Costa Rica is about.