Leaves and Lizards Arenal

Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Retreat is a tiny, unassuming and intimate accommodation facility spread over 26 acres of pristine hills and an incredible country style old worldly charm that emphasized by a mountain valley landscape. Originally constructed as a dairy farm, Leaves and Lizards’ land was deforested and segmented into 30 pastures. The current owners bought this alluringly quaint property in 2006 and planted a staggering 3000 trees in its premises. They also worked diligently towards protection of the region’s springs and restoration of the surrounding rainforest. This is also one of the most sought after properties for conducting research studies on the area’s well chronicled biodiversity. Leaves and Lizards is as famous for its fine pedigree horses (and private equestrian trails) as it is for its simple rustic experiences such as participating in early morning farm chores (making cheese, milking cows, collecting eggs). The property is perfect for patrons seeking a down-to-earth, unhurried and honest to goodness farm experience without any fake top of the line frills coloring an authentic nature experience.

Activities and Amenities

Leaves and Lizards is known for its true blue nature and adventure based tours, which range from the famed equestrian tours to nature hikes and rural tourism pursuits. The farm lodge prides itself on its well-trained and nurtured horses that are used to conduct riding tours for a variety of rider levels. These thrilling treks wind through little known trails comprising a varied topographical landscape of rolling hills, lush rainforests, secluded country roads, crystalline rivers and peaceful villages. All treks are accompanied by three guides, an expert bilingual naturalist, a native cowboy and a proficient horseman. In addition to this, Leaves and Lizards also allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of pleasant rustic experiences such as hiking, visiting the local farmer’s market, visiting the Tabacon River hot springs and swimming down the local river. The farm’s rural tourism tours are aimed at promoting community involvement and cultural exchanges between tourists and native inhabitants. Other popular tours organized by Leaves and Lizards includes canopy zip line tours, sports fishing at Lake Arenal, canyoning, white water rafting, a professionally guided day long tour of the region, a tour of Tico Farm, hot air ballooning, Jungle River Safari Boat and Kayak Toru, an exciting primary forest hike, a trip to Tortuguero National Park and a tour of the Proyecto Asis Wild Animal Rescue Center.

Apart from tons of farm activities, Leaves and Lizards’ guests can enjoy soothing and therapeutic wellness treatments meted out by professional masseurs with the help of tradition relaxation techniques. There are local medicinal remedies for a large assortment of ailments. A small, nonchalant and quiet charm exuding family style restaurant is also housed within the lodge’s tranquil premises.

Accommodations

Accommodation at Leaves and Lizards is available in the form of comfortable, endearingly rustic and well equipped cabins that are made out of nine varieties of tropical hardwoods and offer spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano. Each accommodation is harvested with the help of environmentally responsible techniques and features among other basic amenities, a Wi Fi connection, iPod docking stereos, snug orthopedic beds with 700 thread Egyptian sheets, coffee machines, mini fridges, rocking chairs, games, bath robes, reference literature, expansive porches and private bathrooms (with hot showers). The Heliconia House, nestled adjacent to the main lodge has all the above mentioned in-room amenities plus air conditioning, whereas the Hummingbird Hacienda is located at the back of the main lodge premises on a private hill and features top notch amenities. It offers guests the right amount of privacy, luxury and exclusivity in a deluxe accommodation setting.

Rates

The Volcano/Monkey/Congo/Coco/Mariposa Cabins are available on double occupancy for a minimum 3 night stay for $ 150 a night. Hummingbird Hacienda can be booked for $300 a night on a quad arrangement for a minimum of three nights. Similarly Heliconia House can be rented for a minimum 3 night stay at $ 150 a night on quad occupancy.

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