Our Family Costa Rican Adventure: A Stay at a Farm near Arenal

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“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”  -Roald Dahl

As we inched up the gravel road at a snail’s speed, we admired the sensational beauty of our surroundings. Lake Arenal was off in the horizon, and the farm was surrounded by lush, thick jungle. The sounds of birds and a group of dogs greeted our arrival while a group of distant howler monkeys warded off their turf with their deep throaty howls. The masterpiece of all however was the piercing view of Arenal Volcano. It was literally right in your face begging not be ignored. As we unpacked our bags, we knew that this was going to be one place that we would never forget. A place of dreams and fairytales. A place of magical mystique.

El Castillo, Arenal, Costa Rica

Heading up the gravel road to the farm

Lake Arenal beckons

The mighty omnipresent Arenal Volcano is literally right in your face

We had found the Parrot Hill Ranch through good friends of ours back home in Minneapolis who had stayed at this remote Air B&B property back in February. They have children the same age as ours – 10 and 12- and informed us that the farm was quite a memorable, unique experience. It was an opportunity for the kids to fully integrate and immerse themselves with Costa Rican life and stay at a very different kind of lodging on a working farm. I secretly liked as well that this is the way to travel sustainably. To support the local community and get a taste of their culture. It would not at all be luxurious like our last place however it would certainly be unique.

The Air B&B unit (we stayed on the bottom unit however for the best views, stay on the top!).

There are three different rental units at Parrot Hill Ranch. You can rent a large one bedroom suite on top that affords a magnificent sunset view of Lake Arenal and the lush green hills below or you can rent the neighboring upstairs unit which is tiny and without a kitchen. Lastly, you can rent the bottom basement two bedroom unit which is also equip with a kitchen but a bit dark. We had the bottom unit which wasn’t the best choice however we were able to enjoy evenings up on the upper deck for sunset.

The lush green property is lined by thick jungle

As we pulled up to park, we were instantly greeted by a charismatic young Tico named Eduardo who has taken over the family business after the tragic passing of his American father Charlie. Eduardo and his family all live on the property in a house near the pasture and barn so we would be getting the real Costa Rican experience. Over the course of our stay we met the entire family, their pets and all the animals that lived on the farm as well as several of the neighbors. It was an open door policy for Parrot Hill Ranch’s three cats and four dogs who at any chance they got, would quickly enter our unit and try to sleep in our beds!  They had goats, chickens, cows, and pigs as well on the farm. We grew particularly fond of their dog named Bobby, a tiny Chihuahua with a big dog personality and a lot of love. Bobby especially adored my kids and followed us around everywhere even on hikes into the jungle! I often wondered if he was our snake bait yet despite his minuscule size his bark and attitude would hopefully ward off any unwanted danger.

Parrot Hill Ranch offers a homemade Tico breakfast with a view
Enjoying our rice and beans with fresh farm eggs and coffee
The farm
There are several hiking trails around the farm. Just be careful for snakes!
Jungle looms behind us with lots of different hikes
The pigs
Bobby instantly became our good friend
My daughter Sophia with Bobby and one of the cats
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As we settled in, my daughter instantly found some Tica friends to play with in the jungle. They didn’t speak English nor does my daughter speak Spanish however children’s play doesn’t need a common language. I tried to translate before they went off having fun.

Welcome to Parrot Hill Ranch! They even have a real parrot

My daughter Sophia and her new amigas

Meanwhile, my son Max and I took a short walk and discovered a hammock with a beautiful view of the volcano. Unfortunately it was nearing sunset so a swarm of ravenous mosquitos had discovered our bare skin. We didn’t spend much time on the hammock. Only enough for a picture or two. It wasn’t worth the risk of being covered in itchy mosquito bites.

 

After a family shot (my favorite of the entire trip) we had a little bit of time to explore before sunset. I couldn’t resist taking some shots of the Reina de la Noche (Queen of the Night) flowers. They are one of my favorite flowers for their mystical appearance however apparently they are also used as a narcotic. They grow all over Costa Rica especially near the jungle and I found them irresistibly beautiful.

Reina de la Noche

Before I knew it, the sun had begun its magical decent and it was time to get up on the deck and catch it. With a bottle of red wine in hand, and a couple of root beers for the kids we headed up to the balcony. I was in awe at how much beauty surrounded me. It almost felt spiritual.  I can see why Charlie found this divine property decades ago when he hiked up the top of the mountain and saw this view. What an incredible place to live and experience the “pura vida”.

This brief clip will give you a taste of serenity….

“Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.” – unknown 

The evening sunlight glows on Arenal Volcano

Up on the balcony to watch the magic unfold

 

Starting at 5:30 and ending by 5:45 shots are in order
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Alas by 5:45 pm the sun had nearly set. I couldn’t think of a more divine place. We were looking forward to the day ahead of adventure exploring our surroundings near Arenal.

 

Author’s note: This is a continuation on our spring break family trip to Costa Rica. To read the previous post in this series, click here. 

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29 thoughts on “Our Family Costa Rican Adventure: A Stay at a Farm near Arenal”

  1. Pingback: Our Family Costa Rican Adventure: A Stay at a Farm near Arenal — Thirdeyemom | O LADO ESCURO DA LUA

  2. AmbyZee – Karachi – A food and travel enthusiast, somewhat writer, phone photographer, nascent vlogger and influencer from Pakistan. In my head, I'm always traveling, no kidding! An ex advertising professional, who decided to go solo and rule the world - have I been successful? Hell yeah! In my own weird definition of course. I pay my bills as a Voice Over Artist and a Voice Actor, a passion I always had but realized it much later in life and gladly following it now. Once or twice in a year, I take commercial trekking trip to the mountains with avid like minded hikers and trekkers to the north of Pakistan, so watch out my social media (specially instagram: www.instagram.com/thetraveluster) for updates to join me on my trips :)
    AmbyZee on said:

    Absolutely beautiful. Wonderful pictures! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 😌

      Reply ↓

  3. There, the jungle is waiting to take over, it grows fast and has to be continually cut back. How do your hosts manage and protect their livestock and pets from predators, including extremely venomous snakes (also, including constructors.) Beautiful country. Thanks for sharing with pictures and words.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Good question! I know they have jaguars but from what I’ve heard they stay deep inside the jungle. The snakes can be a problem as I’ve seen dogs and cows with snake wounds. Honestly I guess it is just a part of life there. I was quite nervous hiking in the jungle after we saw a few vipers hidden in the trees at a park and pointed out by a naturalist. They are there so you have to be careful! Thanks for the comment!

      Reply ↓

  4. Ah, the beauty of Arenal! That’s so great that everyone had such a great relaxing time, full of beautiful views and experiences in a fairy-tale setting! The Angel’s Trumpet/Brugmansia is one of my favorites as well, though I am always a bit cautious when I take flowers inside and paint them in the night. So far,no drugged reactions!

    Your children will treasure the memories of that trip – forever!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I loved this area Lisa! So verdant and so beautiful. Staying at this farm was by far a highlight. I would love to go back someday!

      Reply ↓

      • I suspect they will love having you there too. Once I joined other tourists and rode horses from Monteverde down to the lake and then we were transferred to La Fortuna by van.. One day I’ll tell you the long version in person!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        That sounds fantastic Lisa! I bet that was quite a trip! Also I am certain you have so many amazing stories to tell. I would love to hear them all someday in person! 🙂 I will get to Ecuador!

  5. I wouldn’t need any Reina de la Noche flowers to find this place magical. What a wonderful adventure you and your family are having! Thank you for letting us (virtually) tag along.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! This trip happened actually two months ago but I am just finally writing about it now. Wish I was still there!

      Reply ↓

      • I’m glad I’m not the only one with a two-month delay in writing about my travels. 😉 And although I can empathize with you “wish I was still there” sentiment, isn’t it cool to live in an age when we can revisit our travels anytime we want through our photos and videos?

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I love writing about my travels after the fact as it lets me relive them in a way. It is lots of fun. 🙂 And yes I am so grateful for digital cameras and video! So many of my travels and I’m sure yours too are just remembered inside my head. 🙂

  6. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Such an amazing family adventure Nicole. I have loved seeing the photos here and some on Facebook and Instagram too. Hopefully the beginning of many more family adventures!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! I sure hope so! 😌

      Reply ↓

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  9. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Gorgeous photographs Nicole, and what a beautiful place you found. It sounds like magic.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! It was very special! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  10. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    My favorite thing about this post is you daughter and her new friends, who do not share a common language, loving each other’s company. If only the world would learn from children! Beautiful captures in a beautiful spot Nicole.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thanks Tina. Yes me too. It was such a wonderful experience. I’m excited to travel more with them and continue to do more engaging trips like this.

      Reply ↓
  11. Winta – Hi! Welcome to my blog! I have many odd interests and hobbies, but I am especially fond of traveling. In life, I let my heart and impulses guide me, and trust that my wandering will lead me to happiness.
    Winta on said:

    Hi!! I just wanted to say that I follow your blog quite closely, and love all your adventure stories! I recently created a travel blog challenge, and wondered if you would be interested in joining me! https://wanderingoutsidethebox.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/17-weeks-travel-blogging-challenge/

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      This sounds awesome! Are you doing this challenge then? I’m not sure I can participate now as I’m a bit behind in my writing but would love to read your blog if you do this challenge. Let me know. Great ideas and topics for posts! Thanks for thinking of me! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  12. This brought back such wonderful memories Nicole! I love that family shot. I can’t believe how tall your son is getting.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful LuAnn! And yes my son is almost 5’10″” at 12 years old! He is a couple of inches taller than me now! Time is going too fast. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • Wow!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Glad you enjoyed LuAnn!

  13. Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
    Di on said:

    What a wonderful opportunity for your children Nicole. The photos are spectacular. It really sounds like an adventure in the best sense of the word. 🙂🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Di! Hard to believe it was already almost three months ago! I am going to work on writing another piece on Costa Rica today.

      Reply ↓

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