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LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind!

Photo gallery for LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind!

Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Property grounds
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
Oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

1 bedroom2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Rio piedras, Provincia de Guanacaste
  • Lake Arenal
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • FlyZone Wakeboard School
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)

Room options

About the area

Tierras Morenas

At this holiday home you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Lake Arenal and 3.8 km (2.3 mi) from Tenorio Volcano National Park. Highlights at this holiday home include a washing machine. .You can enjoy 2 bathrooms in home. .With a stay at this Tierras Morenas holiday home, you'll be 40 km (24.9 mi) from Arenal Volcano National Park.
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What's nearby

  • Lake Arenal - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park - 16 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 44 min drive - 37.3 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 49 min drive - 39.8 km
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 50 min drive - 43.3 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 85 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Café & Macadamia - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tom's Pan German Bakery - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Café y Restaurante Casa Delagua - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Tinajas Arenal - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Moya's Place - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind!

"LA CUSUCA", near serene Lago Arenal emits captivating charm. Eco-focused, subterranean comfort balances with nature's lush views and bird songs. Unique aesthetics merge with modern convenience, cocooned in secure tranquility. Spacious, organic design offers earthly serenity, a daylight-lit haven amid nature's allure. Experience the magic of Rio Piedras at our underground house.
If you have been a previous guest and looking for long term rental please message me for discounts.
This house is built underground, opening to a nice tropical garden in the lower part of the lot, away from the public street.
Most of its windows and openings are curved, so the different views in the inside or towards the outside are always very nice and interesting.
The grass covered concrete roof makes the house comfortable all day, and silent always! The big covered terrace can be used for breakfast, lunch, or happy hour at night!

Property manager

Matthew Thomsen

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Exterior

Spectacular Lake Arenal and Mountain view rental

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 98 reviews
Spectacular Lake Arenal and Mountain view rental

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Food and drink

  • Hob
  • Oven

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • No smoke detector (host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 950 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome.

Frequently asked questions

Does LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind! have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind!?

No, LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind! does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

LA CUSUCA This underground home is a one of a kind! Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

andrew k.

Liked: Cleanliness

unique and wonderful!

We had a great time staying at La Cusuca. The location is spectacular as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Alejandro V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Bueno

Estuvo muy bonito, hay un establo junto y lo disfrutamos mucho , lo único mal es que la recámara no tiene división
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Amber D., Galesburg

Liked: Cleanliness

Just as described

The place was just as described. A little underground house. Decent size and many unique things. Everything worked well and the property manager met with us when we arrived to show how everything worked. The stay was close to several restaurants and some things to do. Unfortunately it rained most of the time so everything stayed damp which is my one downside. This place has a washer and dryer and on demand hot water so double bonus. If in the area we would recommend this little hideaway or what my husband calls the hobbit house. As a builder and craftsman himself, he loves all the unique architecture and nuances.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristina S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique Getaway

What a unique house! So comfortable and peaceful. Love the architecture. My husband and I had a great getaway. So relaxing. Great birdwatching, too.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simona M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Enchanted

We enjoyed staying in this unique little house, the gardens, all the amenities and the peace of the surroundings. The caretaker came to meet us and showed us around as soon as we came. Wifi was excellent. Access was easy. We had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay at the Hobbit House!`

This home was a delight to walk into. Everything we needed for a two week stay was there. It was clean, communication was fantastic - quick and effective. I would recommend this home for your stay in the Lake Arenal area.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Shawneen

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The property is lovely. The architecture is really different. Lots of birds. Garden is well groomed. The shower is really beautiful. But the description says hot tub and 2 bathrooms. There is no hot tub. There is one bathroom with two sinks.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hobbit House in the forest

This place is as amazing as the photos show! We woke up every morning, cooked breakfast and drove into La Fortuna to enjoy all the nature settings available - volcano, forest, hot springs and more. Then back to the hobbit house to relax and enjoy being surrounded by the forest. Definitely a unique and amazing experience. Pura vida!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

cynthia b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Just lovely!

Lovely place! We would have liked to have stayed longer. Great location, easy to get around with a small town/rural feel. The house itself was beautiful. I especially loved the wood work, open large windows, the grass roof, and the garden.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nature lover’s paradise next to farm

We enjoyed the well thought out details of this earth home which provided us with the comforts of home and privacy. It is well secured and has gated parking. You will require a car of your own to really enjoy the property and all the many joys of Lake Arenal. Locals are helpful and very pleasant.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Scott N.

Liked: Cleanliness

our two weeks in the hobbit home!

loved, loved, LOVED our stay
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2023

4/10 Poor

Jen Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

2 day stay

The property is great and is just like the photos. However, the communication at check in was non existent. They were unreachable and did not tell us how to get into the house. The host was not answering on Vrbo, we went to the property anyways but it was locked and nobody was there to let us in. We drive to a local cafe (Cafe & Macademia) and inquired with the staff about the property. One of the cooks happened to know the housekeeper and contacted her, she met us at the property and gave us the keys. As of a week later, I still have not gotten any reply on VRBO from the host! Be cautious about this property. If we hadn’t talked to the locals we would not have gotten into the property and would have been out of a place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place!

Very clean unique place. Excellent craftsmanship!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Feels like the house is in a rainforest

We spent a week in this house, and we loved it. We would sometimes just sit with the massive windows open and stare at the vegetation in front of us. Everything is available in the kitchen and Thelma is very helpful. We did have a car (SUV necessary) that allowed us to go all over. Don’t forget to go to Nuevo Arenal and find the small park with a beach to take a swim in the lake (it’s glorious).
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gavin P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Costa Rica Dream

A perfect place to live in a hobbit house, lots of natural light, and a fantastic environment for relaxation.
Stayed 20 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

jan v., Halifax, Nova Scotia,CANADA

Liked: Cleanliness

Bilbo’s Place

Makes me want to be a hobbit. Lots of birds. Cows nearby. Doesn’t detract.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Billy M., Elburn

Liked: Cleanliness

Earth ship peacefulness

This a perfect adventure for a couple or family with small children just as advertised. It takes a day or two to get acclimated to the “earth ship” so our only regret was not booking a day or two longer! We had a little communication issues, but that may have been a Vrbo issue bc Thelma responded to us quickly. We arrived early (before check-in by an hour or so) and the local farm hands invited us and the kids to pet the livestock! Kids loved it and it was super peaceful. Recc meditating or just napping on the grassy top of the ship. We had smokehouse local bbq, the German bakery was superb and cooked one night with groceries from the Mercado.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jade G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Earth ship paradise by the lake

This house is just spectacular… my first time staying in an earth ship and am very impressed. If you have a car and don’t mind a little of a drive to touristy areas i 100% recommended staying here. We could relax and it’s quiet, comfortable, and beautiful here.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

James S.

Unique Property

La Sucasa was a bit difficult to find initially and then due to daily rains the drive was a bit muddy though we never got stuck. If you are looking for seclusion this could be your place. Enjoyed the beautiful wood furniture, full size frig and modern washer and drier. The design is fascinating. The outdoor covered patio was the best. There were several items in need of repair, but the basic electrical and plumbing were fine. This property was very low priced, so you must factor that. We thought it was a very good value.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lois H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful restful place

Very nice place to star
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness

A great hideaway in Costa Rica

This was a great place to stay for a month and adventure from! Everything was clean and all necessities for a long stay made available. German and Thelma worked with us to ensure the internet met our needs for working remote. I look forward to visiting again!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joyce O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Eco vacation

We had a winderful stay, everything was great at the house and the location was right next to all kinds if activities, from ziplines to hot springs and vilcanie hike! Hanging bridge tour provides sime great information and veiws of the fauna and animals of the rain forest. We had a guid and he was wonderful!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Erik M., Saint John NB

Liked: Cleanliness

LA CUSUCA

My wife and I are Canadian snowbirds who love Costa Rica, and though we love the beaches and the surf we can’t take the heat nor do we like using the mandatory AC it requires. We have driven around the country several time and settled on Lake Arenal area as no heating or cooling is required. We have spent a few winters in this area and know people on this road and indeed have driven past this house many times and never saw it. LA CUSUCA is set in a rural area sparsely populated laid back but with a surprisingly number of nice places to eat out. We enjoy privacy in our rentals and this place delivers that. Well thought out, organic in design, warm, bright, inviting earth bermed home complete with a beautiful garden. We were impressed with the wood work, simple and elegant. The covid 19 pandemic caused us to leave this very comfortable home earlier than planned. German was great to deal with and very understanding of our need to cut our stay short. I look forward to the post covid 19 days and returning to this lovely home once again.
Stayed 19 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Oren T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Definitely recommend this home

Ok so we stayed here for 2 nights. Not much of our time was spent in the home but it was very lovely. First thing I would say for anyone that has already booked is to follow German’s info on how to get to the property as google maps led us to a road that seemed no longer used. My phone broke etc long story. We later were able to view his instructions. The home is very comfortable and can definitely fit 4 travelers or a family. Everything about the home is done well and makes you feel comfortable. WiFi is not the fastest so anyone should be mentally prepared for that, but who goes there for internet😛. We went to Rio Celeste as a day trip and did some other stuff near the lake. Weather was rainy so didn’t do any water sports. Looking forward to returning and staying here in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Craig P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique Place Away From the Tourists

Our stay here was great. The home is so different and well designed. It was comfortable, cool, and served as a wonderful central hub for our adventures at Arenal, Monteverde, and Tenorio. We saw toucans regularly and a host of other birds from the bedroom. Our family of 4 (two adults, two girls 7 & 11) had plenty of space, and the layout (while largely open) wasn't an issue. The whole place seemed larger than I had expected from the pictures. The washer and dryer were a luxury as we discovered many places in CR don't come with these amenities. Telma, the local property manager, helped us throughout our stay and was wonderful and kind. She doesn't speak english, but we were able to communicate with what I could recall from high school/partial college and Google Translate. Cafe y Macademia is close and prepares good food, but go early to avoid the tourists.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019