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