José Julio

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Maximum Occupancy

2BR house

Paraíso del Ogro FREE TOURS Sloth Horseback Riding - Houses for Rent in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

One of the most unique places we've stayed and we loved it. The property is beautiful, spotlessly clean, and genuinely fun. Even the showers were cool and it does looks like an ogre's house yet very comfortable with all the convenient amenities you'd need. Our girls especially loved the donkey and the other animals on the property. The host was gracious and made everything easy from start to finish. Highly recommend.

We had a wonderful 3 night stay. Jose was very welcoming and attentive. The house is so comfortable, well equipped and quirky in a good way! The showers are beautiful. The pool lovely. We also did the horse riding tour with Jose. It was fun, suitable for beginners, and we saw sloths, dart frog and birds. Perfect for our first morning in the area. Thank you so much Jose, family and team. All the best with the Sloth house!!

We absolutely loved our stay in La Fortuna! The house was beautiful, comfortable, and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The location was perfect for exploring the area and enjoying everything La Fortuna has to offer. The home was clean, welcoming, and even better than we expected. We especially loved coming back after a day of exploring and having such a peaceful place to relax. Jose was wonderful, responsive, and made the entire experience easy from start to finish. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this home to anyone visiting La Fortuna. It truly a remarkable place:)

We couldn't have asked for better. The accommodation is beautiful, very clean and perfectly organized. The beds in the bedrooms are very large and extremely comfortable. We really enjoyed the outdoors: the perfectly maintained gardens, the pool, the hot tub, and the farm. It was very nice to be able to enjoy the property when the rain prevented us from visiting the surrounding area. We didn't cook because the Paradis de l'Ogre is close to everything. La Fortuna is about fifteen minutes away, and there are already several excellent soda shops nearby. Andreina also offers a floating breakfast that looks absolutely delicious. Try it! We also participated in the horseback ride offered by José Julio to discover the surroundings. It was a very enriching experience. José Julio and Daniel are excellent guides: friendly, caring, passionate and very patient. We recommend 100% this listing!

Nous ne pouvions pas rêver mieux. Le logement est superbe, très propre et parfaitement organisé. Les lits des chambres sont très grands et extrêmement confortables. Nous avons beaucoup aimé les extérieurs : les jardins parfaitement entretenus, la piscine, le jacuzzi et la ferme. C’était très agréable de pouvoir profiter de la propriété lorsque la pluie nous empêchait d’aller visiter les environs. Nous n’avons pas cuisiné car le Paradis de l’Ogre est proche de tout. La Fortuna se trouve à une quinzaine de minutes et il y a déjà plusieurs excellents sodas à proximité. Andreina propose également un floating breakfast qui a l’air absolument délicieux. À tester ! Nous avons aussi participé à la promenade à cheval proposée par José Julio pour découvrir les environs. C’était une expérience très enrichissante. José Julio et Daniel sont d’excellents guides : sympathiques, bienveillants, passionnés et très patients. Nous recommandons ce logement à 100 % !

We had an incredible time at the Ogre House. Things we loved: - Peaceful, beautiful surroundings about a 10-15 minute drive from La Fortuna's restaurants/shops - Lovely pool area to cool off and relax - Comfortable beds with great A/C to cool off after adventuring - Kind, communicative hosts who took us horseback riding and cooked us a lovely Costa Rican breakfast, and introduced us to their animals on property Thanks Jose Luis! We wish you the best of luck in all your future hosting endeavors!

Jose's place exceeded all of our expectations. The home was impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and thoughtfully stocked with everything we could possibly need for a relaxing stay. Jose was an exceptional host—friendly, responsive, and always available to help whenever needed. The location couldn't have been better, nestled in the heart of La Fortuna with breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and mountains. Everything we wanted to see and do was just minutes away, making it the perfect base for exploring the area. One of the highlights of our stay was the incredible pool. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventures, surrounded by the beautiful tropical scenery. We truly felt like we were staying at a private luxury retreat. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting La Fortuna!

What an absolute dream stay at the Ogre House in La Fortuna!! From the moment we arrived, the host went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and completely taken care of. He was incredibly accommodating with every request and made sure our entire experience was seamless and special. The house itself is super modern, spotlessly clean, and beautifully designed, every detail felt thoughtful and luxurious. We felt right at home (and honestly a little spoiled!). One of the absolute highlights was the horseback tour he arranged. It was so much more than just a ride, super informational, full of interesting facts about the area, and genuinely fun from start to finish. We learned so much and had an amazing time. And the floating breakfast his wife prepared… wow. It was delicious, beautiful, and such a memorable treat. You can taste the love and care that went into it. Truly one of the best breakfast experiences we’ve ever had! We can’t recommend the Ogre House highly enough.

We had a wonderful stay at the Ogre House!  Communication with Jose was great-answered any question we had very quickly.  House was amazing-lots of details to remind us of the movies.  Has everything we needed.  Pool was fantastic.  Location is great-5 minutes to grocery store and 2 restaurants.  We really enjoyed the horse back tour of his property.  This place was perfect!

If you're looking to stay in an iconic airbnb this is one of them. Jose has great vision and the courage to do something different and it's paid off because he has built something truly memorable. From the layout of the property to the amenities, it's all been thought through and tastefully put together. The pool was what you would expect at a 5 star facility and we had it all to ourselves. But enough about the house, Jose himself is what makes his property truly shine. He is the consummate host - professional, warm and friendly and immediately responsive showing that he cares about his guests and the experience they have. We did a horse riding tour around his farm with Chuck Norris, his invincible sidekick. So much fun and we learned a ton. A cachete mae! We highly recommend this property and experience.

Jose and his family were lovely. So warm and welcoming and responsive. They showed up around the farm, took us horseback riding, and were so helpful. They have created such a cool space. Would highly recommend!

We loved our stay here. It was our Splurge stay during our time in Costa Rica, and with the horseback riding experience included we certainly thought it was worth the price. the house is just as described, Jose makes every effort to make sure you're taken care of. His passion for hospitality is clear. Gorgeous pool, hot tub, gardens. The house was just as described. Thank you for all your enthusiasm and care.

Jose Julio’s communication before and durning our stay was top notch. Prior to our trip, he helped us find local tours and even scheduled them for us. Upon arrival, Jose a Julio came, during the pouring rain, to welcome us and make sure we had all that we needed. The home was very clean and matched the pictures as you would expect. During on our stay, on property, we saw geckos, iguanas, sloths, humming birds, dart frogs, and even a pair of macaws! The horse back tour is absolutely worth it and we learned so much and had a great time. The location is a small drive into downtown fortuna and about 45 minutes from the hanging bridges. We felt the drive was worth the view, peace, and very much exclusive feeling home! Just book it, you won’t regret it!!

This place is awesome! The house is so cool, both on the outside and inside. We enjoyed both the pool and the spa bath. The horseback ride was a really great experience, so it's highly recommended. The host, Jose, was very helpful and a great guide during the tour. Likewise, we recommend trying their Costa Rican breakfast, which was served on a tray in the pool. Incredibly good and a magical experience.

Detta boende är fantastiskt! Huset är så coolt, både på utsidan och insidan. Vi njöt av både poolen och spa-badet. Hästturen var en riktigt häftig upplevelse, så den rekommenderas verkligen. Värden Jose var väldigt hjälpsam och en grym guide under turen. Likaså rekommenderar vi att prova deras Costa Rika-frukost som serverades på en bricka i poolen. Otroligt god och en magisk upplevelse.

Ogre’s paradise was just that; a paradise. We loved it, the kids loved it. We had an amazing time at the property and exploring the beautiful landscape. It was a 10/10 and absolutely would come back. Thank you Jose for opening your home to us and for being such a gracious host!

Great place, but in the jungle you have to expect bugs. Our 4 girls loved the pool. Downside laundry is located outside in a separate closet and you have to fill up the hot tub with hot water each time. We really enjoyed the horseback riding even though it was raining. We still had a great time. Overall, we will stay here again and I absolutely loved the sink. #demMitchellsTrippin.

Our stay at Ogre’s Paradise was amazing! The property was beautiful and the perfect place to relax after our adventures. During our stay, we dined at Brasa & Fuego, La Fortuna Pub, and Open Kitchen—all excellent experiences. We packed our trip with unforgettable activities, including ziplining, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Baldi Hot Springs, Termales Los Laureles, horseback riding, and the night walk at Ecogarden Arenal Family Project. One of the highlights of our trip was the horseback riding excursion. Jose and Daniel were absolutely amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience so much fun. Their excellent service and hospitality made a lasting impression on us. From Orlando, Florida, we can honestly say this was one of the most enjoyable vacations we’ve taken. Thank you for helping create such wonderful memories in Costa Rica. We would highly recommend Ogre’s Paradise to anyone visiting the La Fortuna area!

Even the perfect rating and immaculate reviews don't do this place justice. The Orge house was amazing. We loved the layout and the attention to small detail. The pool , jacuzzi and backyard area was so much fun. Great views of the volcano. Gated and secluded with Jose right next door. Was perfect for our family However the house is not the best part of this air bnb. It's José and his family and staff. He was so welcoming and helpful prior to our stay with answering all my questions. Check in was a breeze and he was so helpful accommodating us. He was quick to respond anytime I reached out. The horseback riding tour through the property with Jose and the Costa Rican Chuck Norris - Daniel, was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Jose, even in our short time there, felt like an old friend. I couldn't recommend this place any more. I look forward to staying again here or at his future air bnb. A Cachete Mae!

What a treasure for our family if 5. Jose was very helpful from the start and even called the pharmacy for my husband when he was sick. We felt very comfortable at his unique property. This Shrek house was so fun… I loved how cozy it felt with the gardens /pool and spa area. He offers a horse tour as part of booking with him where you will get lots of info about the local animals and culture. A gem if you want a memorable experience!!

We had a great 4 nights!  The house was very clean and comfortable. We did the horseback riding tour of Jose’s property and saw a sloth very close in a tree! We enjoyed his stories of the ants, plants, frogs, bees, etc! Overall we loved our stay at a very unique house. We were close by to many things in Fortuna as well.

My kids and I had the best time at Ogre’s Paradise. It was peaceful, beautiful, private, and safe, with design touches (like the open air showers and stunning hot tub / pool area) that we will remember forever. The hosts were wonderful and I highly recommend starting your day with a home-prepared Costa Rican breakfast by the pool! Close to La Fortuna and everything it offers but secluded and luxurious.

We had a great stay at Ogre's Paradise. The location was perfect...privacy yet only 15 minutes to downtown and other activities. Ogre's Paradise was everything we needed and was such a fun place to stay. The backyard and pool are lovely. Jose was such a great host and was super attentive to our needs.

First off let me start by saying this is the best airbnb i have stayed at so far. José was the friendliest and most responsive host I have ever encountered! He went above and beyond for my friends and I during our stay the minute we stepped on the property. Check in was east, the airbnb was beautiful and clean, exactly like the photos. The pool and jacuzzi were amazing as well as the horseback riding tour. I enjoyed every single part of our stay and José made us feel extremely welcomed.  I would definitely come back and stay again. ¡Pura Vida, mae!

We absolutely LOVED our stay here! We definitely recommend this Airbnb to anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica. Jose was excellent and very helpful! The stay was so peaceful and relaxing. Our horseback riding was so much fun and the breakfast by the pool was super nice and delicious! 10/10!

We cannot say enough great things about Ogre's Paradise and Jose! He answered all of our questions and the property was exactly as advertised. It was clean, comfortable, and had a beautiful view of Arenal from the pool. It also was very conveniently located for all of our activities. Our trip eventually took us to a more "luxury" property in Playa Flamingo and we miss Ogre's Paradise! Fantastic!

This place is so unique and beautiful! This place has everything you ever need if you are up for cooking. The host is super friendly, helpful, and responsive! The recommendations are great and he helped us booking for some tours which was amazing and stress free for us. The horse back riding was incredible experience ! We all love it so much but especially our son. Thank you so much for the host being so friendly and helpful for our trip and providing such a nice place for us. Would highly recommend.

José was so welcoming. The house was an experience that we did not expect. It blew us away how the experience exceeded that which was described. Both rooms were large and accommodating. The bathrooms and showers touched outside while being homey at the same time. José was a fantastic host showing us the ins and outs of the house. We experienced the hot tub and the pool. They were clean and exceptional. The floating breakfast was delicious and traditional. We were blown away on how amazing of an experience the horseback riding ended up being. José has an incredible knowledge of the land and a passion for Costa Rica. When we return to La Fortuna, we will go to this Airbnb again. Incredible experience.

Jose is truly a super host! We stay in many Airbnbs and this is more than just a stay, it’s an experience. Jose, Daniel, and their family go ABOVE and beyond to ensure your comfort. The house is an incredibly unique experience and one you’ll remember for a lifetime time. We had breakfast in the pool, hot tubs under the rain storm, in the morning he took us on an incredible horse back riding tour. Showing us about the land, and treating our daughter her first horse back riding experience. I can’t say enough positive things about Jose, he was truly a gem and made this stay a true Costa Rican experience that we will never forget . Can’t wait to stay here again

One of the best Airbnb experiences we’ve ever had! Clean, open, spacious, views of Arenal volcano and the beautiful surrounding area. Close to La Fortuna but still felt quiet and remote. The tour of the property was so much fun and our kids loved riding the horses. A top notch Airbnb and José was the most kind and gracious host. Would recommend to anyone looking to stay in the La Fortuna area.

Such an amazing stay, easily one of our favorites! We felt so welcomed right away and loved getting to know our host. Our host and his wife were so kind, genuine, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying our time. The home was wonderful, and everything about our stay felt easy, relaxing, and authentic. You can really feel the heart and hospitality behind this place. It was just a great vibe all around. Truly felt like we made friends here. Highly recommend, pura vida 🇨🇷

We spent a couple nights at the Ogre's Paradise and cannot say enough good things about this place, about José and his family, the included tour, the surroundings, the house, the pool - everything.  José and his family have made this more than just a place to stay - it is an experience.  It really felt like paradise.  The house itself is very modern and comfortable (A/C, washer, dryer, nice beds, high end appliances), well stocked with supplies and so unique.  They've thought of everything.  The mornings were magical - as we ate breakfast by the pool, we saw dozens of birds right next to us, including macaws and toucans.  My kids LOVED the pool.  The included horseback riding tour was fantastic.  We learned and saw so many interesting things.  José was an outstanding host and provided excellent recommendations in the area.  His family also offers homemade meals brought to the house if you don't want to cook or eat out.  Book this place before someone else does.  You won't regret it.

José’s place is our best Air B&B stay yet! His home is unique, private and beautiful. The best part is that José, as a host, goes absolutely ABOVE AND BEYOND to make your stay excellent by including a horseback tour of his property! He is truly passionate about Costa Rica and seems to genuinely enjoy getting to know his guests. His wife cooked us a delicious breakfast as well. Can’t recommend this place enough!

Ogre's Paradise may be what it's called but Jose is anything but an ogre! The house and surrounding property was amazing. I completely see why Jose is rated as a Super Host. We could not have asked for anything better!

Fun concept idea of the Ogre's house! Spacious, clean, great pool and Jacuzzi, and the outdoor shower and bathroom come in handy. The rooms were nice with comfortable beds, kitchen had all we needed to fix meals, and the grounds and view of Arenal Volcano were great. We had 5 toucans in a nearby tree as we were preparing to head back to San Jose to the airport, which was a great send-off! Jose was super helpful with instructions to get to the place, restaurant and super market ideas nearby, activity suggestions, and we did a horseback tour of their farm/property which was fun and informative! We had a fresh breakfast prepared by Jose's wife, including gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, fried plantain, fried cheese, coffee and orange juice. Every thing tasted great, and wrapped in banana leaves on a floating table to eat in the pool if you wish was loved by the kids!! Awesome stay, good location, and great host!!

Wonderful stay in Costa Rica! The house was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located. What truly made the experience special was the host—super friendly, responsive, and incredibly helpful. They assisted us with booking all our adventures, from tours to local activities, which made the trip completely stress-free. Their local recommendations were spot on and added so much value to our stay. Highly recommend this place and would absolutely stay here again!

What a fun place to stay for our family! From the moment we booked José was very helpful! Our family had such an amazing stay here! We would definitely stay here again!!

We absolutely LOVED our stay! Jose was so nice and greeted us right when we arrived. The place was exactly as described and more! The atmosphere and energy was so peaceful and perfect for our family of 6 including 2 kids (7 and 9 years old). They loved the swimming pool right outside of kitchen door! We slept so good and everything was spotless! Those bathroom and all the fun designs were creatively thought through. If you reserve this place, you will definitely want to come back! Not only because of the house, but also for the people and beautiful surroundings! Thank you so much for making our stay so memorable and fun! We will definitely return! Pura Vida Mae 😉

We spent a week adventure hopping around Costa Rica and we’re so ready for a relaxing few days - our family of 5 (kids ages 8,10,12) loved waking to the roosters, bird watching, swimming in the pool and soaking in the ogre’s bathtub and watching Shrek on the living room TV (room for all of us on the couch) after a crazy busy week. Jose was an exceptionally attentive host and gave us a wonderful tour of his farmland by horse - one son exclaimed wistfully, “I could ride this horse forever”.

Fantastic location, super friendly and helpful host, the house is clean and spacious; a great deal.

The Orgre’s Paradise was truly amazing! Better than the pictures! The house itself was so impressive and the pool is spectacular. It’s in a great location 10 minutes from the main town.I wish I could give more than 5 stars because on top of the house being amazing Jose went above and beyond by booking our tours and was very helpful with restaurant recommendations. He then gave us a tour of his property on his horses which was the highlight of the trip for us better than any tour we could have paid for!Jose was very kind and patient he pointed out and explained so many animals and plants on his property and we even saw a sloth!! His wife also offers to make a delicious breakfast! We will definitely be back, if you get a chance to stay here book it!!

If I could do more than five stars I would. Everything about Ogres Paradise was perfect. Jose was the best Airbnb host ever. We were not expecting much from the free horseback riding tour. It was amazing! Better than a paid tour we did later that day. We were talking about Ogres Paradise with our next AirBnb in Monteverde and they wanted the information. Haha! Highly recommend. Be sure to meet Daniel, “Costa Rican Superman”.

Jose and family over exceeded expectations. He and his son gave awesome recommendations and where very knowledgeable on our horseback ride. Their communication was top notch, and the house is extremely impressive.

I could go on and on about how wonderful this was! Horseback ride was our favorite and he and the other two guides pointed out so many fun things! Our kids couldn't decide if they liked our fancy resort more or this place. We did a floating breakfast and having laundry available was so nice! We have kids ages 10,8,6 and 4 and they all loved it!

Jose was truly an amazing host that made our stay unforgettable. The ogre paradise was so beautiful and such a fun experience. Jose went above and beyond by helping us book tours and giving us guidance on local hiking, food, activities. The horse tour with Jose and his son is something we will hold close to our hearts, they truly love their land and are two of the most genuine people. I would stay with them as hosts over and over again!

Words cannot describe how great our stay was! It was incredible! Jose was one of the most friendly, attentive and responsive hosts we’ve ever had! The free horseback tour was so unique and we loved every minute. His son Mario and Jose took the time to explain about their culture and showed us some sloths!! He was so quick to reply to any questions we had and definitely wants to make sure his guests feel welcome and have everything they need! He gave great recommendations for local places to eat and see! I would recommend his place to anyone traveling to the La Fortuna area! We were so lucky to have found this!

My stay at Paraíso del Ogro was simply unforgettable from start to finish. The place far exceeds what the photos show: a magical house inspired by fairy tales, surrounded by lush nature and incredible animals, while offering impeccable modern comfort. ￼ Highlights of the stay: Perfect and peaceful location, just minutes from La Fortuna, but isolated enough to really disconnect. Guided horseback tours included, a rare and memorable experience in Costa Rican nature. Exotic wildlife within easy reach, including sloths, colorful birds and even water buffalo! Unique volcanic stone pool and relaxing jacuzzi, perfect after a day of adventure. Spacious and comfortable rooms, super clean and well equipped. Exceptional host, always available, very communicative and attentive — quick and very friendly response. Without hesitation, this is the best Airbnb I've ever stayed in.

Mon séjour au Paraíso del Ogro a été tout simplement inoubliable du début à la fin. L’endroit dépasse largement ce que montrent les photos : une maison magique inspirée des contes, entourée d’une nature luxuriante et d’animaux incroyables, tout en offrant un confort moderne impeccable. ￼ Points forts du séjour : Emplacement parfait et paisible, à seulement quelques minutes de La Fortuna, mais suffisamment isolé pour vraiment se déconnecter. Visites guidées à cheval incluses, une expérience rare et mémorable dans la nature costaricienne. Faune exotique à portée de main, dont des paresseux, oiseaux colorés et même des buffles d’eau ! Piscine unique en pierre volcanique et jacuzzi relaxant, parfaits après une journée d’aventure. Chambres spacieuses et confortables, super propres et bien aménagées. Hôte exceptionnel, toujours disponible, très communicatif et attentionné — réponse rapide et très sympathique. ￼ Sans hésiter, c’est le meilleur Airbnb où j’ai séjourné

Wow!!!!  What an incredible experience!!!   The house and property were way better than the pictures!!  Jose was so generous with sharing his animals and jungle knowledge and a tour!   His son spoke near perfect English but even Jose was super easy to communicate with!   It was a completely unforgettable experience!   Even little details like leaving produce out to see the wide array of birds made it extraordinary!   My only regret was that we should have spent more time there!

We had an amazing experience at the ogre’s Paradise. The pool was wonderful and the floating breakfast was a fun and yummy experience as well. We also got to see toucans, parrots, iguanas and other various birds in the trees. There is a picturesque view of the Arenal Volcano as a backdrop to the pool framed by trees. We all loved the signage and the house itself, so very cool! Bonus was Jose, his son and the Wild Man took us on a horseback tour! My daughter loved it! We definitely recommend and will be back next time we come to Costa Rica

Thank you so much for your review, we are very honored that you have chosen us as your lodging destination in Costa Rica. You will always be welcome

If you are looking for a place to stay this is your answer! The communication and kindness will be unmatched. The stay, the accommodations, and the view are amazing. You will leave feeling like family. The horseback tour on the grounds was a wonderful addition to an already awesome time. Book it now!

I would recommend this place 100%. The ogres paradise was amazing. The house is in a quiet area with beautiful landscaping. The recommended restaurant down the road was amazing, it had good food and good service. It was nice to have the pool and hot tub to relax in after a long day of excursions. It was within 10-45 minutes of everything we needed and wanted to do. The shower is great as it’s nice and warm and you have the feel of being outside. The most amazing part of this Airb&b is Jose. Jose is truly a super host. Jose, his son and Daniele took us horseback riding and showed us so many cool things along the ride. We were lucky and got to see a sloth. Jose made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Jose was very attentive and replied to any questions about the area or recommendations very very quickly. His family shared some amazing homemade juice with us after horseback riding and also brought us a treat for desert. Jose greeted us on arrival and radiates kindness. No

José and Adreina were both very welcoming and friendly, José was very proactive in his communication with us and made us feel welcome. The house was absolutely amazing, everything we needed was there. The kitchen is fully stocked, the pool is amazing with a beautiful view of Arenal Volcano. Lots of wildlife to see directly from the house and also on the horse riding trip we booked with José. We strongly recommend this air bnb for the house but also for José and his family.

This house was awesome! Not only did it look cool, it was clean, furnished nicely with quality, and much roomier than I had anticipated. The surroundings felt safe and we walked down the road and had many locals greet us and were kind. The property was nicely landscaped to make it feel private. Jose gave us the horseback riding tour and it was fun and informative. He showed us various plants, insects, animals and told us how the people used to use them for various remedies etc. Jose gave us different recommendations and was very helpful with suggestions and direction and quick to respond. The location outside of La Fortuna was great, far enough to enjoy scenery and feel a little more secluded but close enough for only a short drive to everything. This truly was a great Airbnb!

Jose and his family were fantastic hosts! Jose was super helpful in regards to his responses, his recommendations, and he took us on a tour, which was fantastic. The place is beautiful and was perfect for our trip with two couples. We rented a car for our trip, and think that would be best for the area because there are so many things to do in the area!

Shrek house is a gorgeous architecture house:rooms beds bathrooms amazing as well as confi. Living room big (not used as we were often out) and kitchen large and user friendly (some basics as coffee tea were missing) The pool is amazing and our little one 7 years has spent hours after our days adventuring the area, playing in the pool despite some rain. View of birds and volcano is just stunning and Jose welcomed us as if we were family. He lives in a neighboring house and invited us for a nice fresh drink. Even got to meet his wife and son. So nice. As described in his offers he does a free horse tour which is absolutely to do. One of my highlights of our trip. It’s not just a horse back riding tour it’s a visit through Costa Rica nature. He stops and explains you the plants the animals and you even get to see some. A MUST. Jose advised:chocolate tour, restaurant and the top of the top a rain forest hike with fabulous swimming in natural pools. We loved our stay and Will be back😘

This was such a unique stay and Jose was an amazing host. we'll be back again

The house is just like the pictures. It's very unique and lovely. The views of the Arenal volcano were great! Josè Julio is a lovely and very welcoming host. He lives on the same lot with his beautiful family and is very helpful with any questions. The horse riding tour was very informational and fun. I highly recommend wearing long pants( no shorts) for the horse riding tour. The house is about 20 mins drive from the La Fortuna Town square. There are couple of grocery stores and restaurants near by. Overall, highly recommend this unique house!

The house was very interesting from an architectural point of view. Comfortable beds. Fully equipped kitchen. Lovely swimming pool and hot tub. Fountain was an added pleasure. It came on twice a day. It is very spacious. A.C. was great help on warm days. Beautiful yard with trees, shrubs and flowers. Serene. Quiet. Good WIFI. Had no problem with four people streaming. Jose and his family were very generous with their time and recommendations. A very pleasant experience on the whole.

Jose, his family, the ogre house…all amazing.  We booked because the house looked so cool, unique and in good proximity to what we wanted to do.  The house is just like the pictures and I really enjoyed feeling like an ogre goddess in the semi outdoor shower.  Jose went above and beyond making sure we got to do everything we wanted to by booking last minute tours for us and making phone calls to make it happen.  Without even leaving the property we got a real experience with Jose and his son’s tour.  I don’t want to give any of the surprises away, but it’s worth it! Eating breakfast on the patio every morning overlooking the volcano with the birds chirping, the gorgeous landscaping and the sun coming up was truly the perfect way to start the day.

Jose’s home was an absolute delight! I had an amazing stay and I’m definitely coming back next time we’re in Costa Rica. The hospitality was incredible. The on-site horseback riding was an absolute highlight. Jose and his son were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and our kids thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. The house itself is simply amazing. It’s in a perfect location, right next to the rope swing in Law Fort Fortuna waterfall Hot Springs, which is just a 10-minute drive away. And to top it off we saw a sloth! Highlight of our trip!

Jose is an excellent host and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great stay. His property is a nice respite from the bustle of La Fortuna, but still close driving distance to activities and restaurants. We enjoyed the pool and Jacuzzi tub and it was super fun to stay at a unique property. Horseback riding with Jose and his son Mauro was a real highlight. Thanks for your hospitality!

Unbelievable stay! This place blew us away. The view was insane easily one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. Waking up to that scenery every morning felt unreal. The home was spotless, comfy, and even better than the photos. The location was perfect and the host was incredibly kind and responsive. Jose and his family were very welcoming and such a blessing. Truly a 10/10 experience… we didn’t want to leave! We would recommend this stay anyone!

wonderful stay! our family  (2 adults,  3 small children) loved our time at Jose Julio's. him and his family were amazing hosts, super responsive and helpful. the property is gorgeous, and the kids loved every aspect of it - especially the pool and jacuzzi!

I can not say enough wonderful things about Jose and the house! We stayed our first night in the area at Tabacon and agree we should have just stayed the whole time in the Ogre’s Paradise. The house is adorable, well planned, super clean and to my surprise no bugs considering the bathrooms were open to the outside (a feature I loved!)  The pool and the view were absolutely lovely! The horseback riding tour was so amazing! Saw 3 sloths ( half the amount even available to see at the hanging bridges), frogs, and other animals! We agreed the other tours we booked weren’t necessary because of Jose’s tour! We will absolutely be back!

José and his son went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional. The home was exactly as described — truly an “Ogres Paradise” — with spotless cleanliness, new appliances, and décor that perfectly matched the theme. Reaching the place was easy thanks to his clear instructions. We especially loved the horse riding tour, which was rich with local culture, history, and plant knowledge. A wonderful stay all around!

Staying at Jose's place was a truly special stay. Between the uniqueness of his house, his overwhelming hospitality, and the beautiful nature, it was truly something special. Jose made sure we were taken care of and got to experience life outside of the main resort tourist area. Everything was a reasonable 10 minute car ride away and the house had everything you could ever need and more. We were sad we didn't get to take advantage of the horse back ride of the property, but Jose arranged for us to meet his beautiful animals. I recommend any future bookers to arrange for a floating pool breakfast, it was truly a special experience for my family and I and should be standard. Made some memories that will last a lifetime from the early morning toucan visits, to being in nature, to meeting Jose's beautiful family, could not have had a better stay.

Place was awesome. Great location. Easy to find. Owner was easily accessible and very communicative. Any time we messaged he answered very quickly and was very helpful.  The pool and waterfall were really nice and the outdoor jacuzzi bath was great after long days doing activities. Highly recommend this place.

Amazing place! Beautifully fashioned after Shrek's home which makes it easy to find. it is in a great location with lots of activities nearby and Jose is extremely helpful in setting up activities. we did the horse back riding on property and learned a lot along with seeing a sloth moving through the tree. we also had massages at the property arranged by Jose. the home was clean and had what we needed to cook and relax and enjoy.

This has been the best Airbnb experience we’ve ever had. Jose is committed to making sure his guests have an amazing experience. This house is easy to find and in a safe area, if you need anything José and his family live next door. It is very clean down to the quality of the sheets and all. The design of this home was fascinating and took so much thought! The best part is Jose and his son Mauro! They treat their guests like family. We used all Jose’s recommendations and none of them disappointed. I’d recommend the hike El Bosque de Tio Viktor which is Jose’s cousin for amazing views and swimming spots. We also used Jose’s other cousin who came and cooked a traditional Costa Rican dinner! Lastly included Jose and Mauro take us around their property on horses and gave us the best tour I’ve ever been apart of. Don’t think twice about booking this Airbnb you won’t get a better experience!!

The ogre’s paradise was beyond our expectations, quaint, clean, and unique. Julio was more than responsive and accommodating. We found everything to be well stocked with everything you could imagine or need. Gracious very responsive host with great communication skills. If I give give it more than five stars I would it has all the modern comforts will definitely return and recommend highly.

WOW! What an amazing place. Even more beautiful in person. So clean, spacious and everything you need and more. Jose is an amazing host, along with his son Mauro (apologies if spelt wrong). So communicative and responsive. The free horse back riding just topped it all off. If you’re reading this, just book it - you won’t regret it. The only downside is we couldn’t stay forever! Achiote!!!

We had the best stay! José was an amazing host — so kind and helpful. The horseback riding was the highlight of our trip and such a memorable experience. The property was beautiful and peaceful. We can’t wait to come back! 🐎✨ José es nuestro neuvo amigo!

We loved the entire experience! And everyone was very helpful. So thankful.

Jose Julio’s place can’t be beat. It’s a wonderful experience and looks like the photos. Enjoy swimming in the pool with volcano views. Plenty of room inside and great showers. Jose Julio took us on a horseback ride and showed us various plants and animals and even found a sloth mom and baby. He was extremely responsive, provided great local recommendations and even helped with booking. Definitely recommend visiting Tio Victors forest and doing the hike! Highly recommend staying here with your family.

Jose and his wife are the one of the best hosts I have experienced thus far. They went ABOVE and BEYOND to ensure that my friend had a nice time for her birthday. I would highly recommend staying here not only for the views but for the hospitality as well. I would highly recommend staying here.

We had an amazing experience staying at Jose’s unique home! From the moment we arrived, Jose was incredibly kind, welcoming, and easy to communicate with. The house itself was spotless — everything from the rooms to the pool and Jacuzzi was perfectly clean and well maintained. What really made our stay special was the horseback riding tour that Jose organized for us — it was such a beautiful and memorable experience, and we truly appreciated his personal touch and care throughout. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a peaceful, comfortable, and authentic Costa Rican experience. Thank you, Jose, for making our trip so wonderful! 🌿🏡🐎

Our stay at this Airbnb was truly exceptional. Host Jose was incredibly hospitable and actively responsive, providing excellent support throughout our trip. The property itself is super clean, well-facilitated, and beautifully designed—it looks exactly like the pictures! The natural location is stunning. The poolside view of the volcano is superb, making it a quiet, perfect spot for relaxing and bird watching. This airbnb is ideal for couples, friends, or family. We highly recommend the optional activities that Jose offers.: The horseback riding experience was fantastic; Jose’s guide was great, and the horses were super friendly with excellent temperaments. If you're looking for a tranquil, beautiful, and perfectly hosted getaway, book this place!

José was very welcoming to our large family of 8. He was so accommodating with the sleeping arrangements and the horse back riding. Our youngest is 5 and he was so good with him on the horse back riding. The kids stayed in the pool for hours and enjoyed filling up the hot tub. The waterfall and the lights at night made everything feel so magical. The details in the house were so whimsical and beautiful. It really sparked our imagination and created an experience we will never forget. The windows created a really nice air flow. The kitchen was amazing, complete with everything we needed to cook for a large family. The filtered water and ice from the fridge were so welcome after many days of travel. We booked this place in big part for the horse back riding! It was the highlight of my daughter’s trip. Jose and Marlo made sure we were safe and instructed us really well. The horses were gentle and capable. José did a great job showing us frogs and plants , trees, ants.

Amazing stay to say the least. Julio and his wife are so kind, hospitable, and so helpful. Me and my family loved the stay. The place itself is cool, modern, and creative. The tree house is nice and an inviting place to stay. The view of the volcano is a nice touch while swimming with the waterfall going. We loved everything about this airbnb. Horseback experience was cool and fun, something I never had offered in an airbnb. I can’t say one bad thing about this place/experience. A must try place to stay if you’re going to La Fortuna area.

We enjoyed our stay! Everything was as described. We had a blast with Jose and his cousin on the horses. Definitely would recommend!

Excellent place, impeccable!! The theme of the house is impressive, very happy.

Excelente lugar, impecable!! La temática de la casa impresionante, muy contentos.

My family and I had an ultra relaxing and memorable stay at José Julio’s. Highly recommend—especially for families. We definitely plan on coming back for the tour.

Jose Julio and the Ogre’s Paradise absolutely exceeded our expectations! First, the Airbnb is such a novel idea and the details and craftsmanship make you feel like you’re in another world. We loved having the pool, volcano views, and peaceful quiet of the surrounding nature. The bathrooms and indoor/outdoor shower concept were some of our favorite parts! And of course, everything was impeccably clean and comfortable. Next, the tour that Jose Julio offered of his property on horseback complete with education on the plants and animals of the area was incredible. We thoroughly enjoyed the taste of Costa Rica history and culture. And lastly, the hospitality of the hosts was unparalleled. We felt so welcomed and like we got to experience a less “touristy” side of La Fortuna. We will remember our stay here forever! Thank you Jose Julio!

This was hands down the best place we’ve ever stayed! The home is absolutely stunning, spotless, and stocked with everything you could possibly need and more. The views and location are gorgeous, and we loved spending time in the beautiful pool and relaxing in the hot tub. Every detail, from the thoughtful touches in the house to the incredible care from the hosts, was perfection. The hosts were beyond attentive and responsive, always ready with wonderful recommendations and happy to assist with anything at all. We felt so comfortable and welcomed, like we were right at home. We can’t recommend this place enough!

The Ogre House in La Fortuna is pure magic—like stepping into a fairytale, but with every luxury you could hope for. The design is whimsical yet refined, with handcrafted woodwork, cozy furnishings, and thoughtful details everywhere you look. The beds are plush with quality linens, the bathrooms feel spa-like, and the kitchen is fully equipped if you want to cook. Outside, the lush gardens and views of the rainforest and volcano are breathtaking, and the sounds of nature make it incredibly peaceful. Morning coffee on the terrace is unforgettable. The location is perfect for exploring La Fortuna, yet private enough to feel like your own world. The hosts are warm, responsive, and clearly passionate about this home—they’ve created a stay that’s both unique and deeply comfortable. If you want something memorable that blends storybook charm with modern comfort, this is the place.

Jose was an amazing host, and the ogre house was just magical! My girls LOVED that they got to stay in Shrek’s house LOL. And they did not want to leave.  The home is clean and stunning.  The horseback tour with Jose and his cousin was amazing too, we saw a couple sleepy sloths! Jose was always responsive when needed and gave great recommendations! One day we would love to come back!  Thank you for hosting us Jose!

Great location. It looks like it's out of a fairy tale. It works great for families with small children too. My respects to Julio, an excellent host, with his suggestions and even going the extra mile to make sure everything is going well for us. We had a couple of problems outside the house (sick child and flat tires) and he was always helping even without having to.

Excelente ubicación. Parece sacada de cuentos de hadas. Funciona muy bien también para familias con niños pequeños. Mis respetos para Julio, excelente host, con sus sugerencias e incluso yendo la milla extra para asegurarnos que todo esté saliendo bien para nosotros. Tuvimos un par de problemas fuera de la casa (niño enfermo y llantas ponchadas) y el siempre estuvo ayudando incluso sin tener que hacerlo.

The ogre house was both super fun for our kids and a peaceful, very comfortable home away from home for the rest of our family. The house had everything we needed. You can tell a lot of thought and love went into designing, decorating and furnishing this home. There is an amazing view of the volcano from the pool, and we also saw toucans perched on the trees above several times. But what really stood out was how truly warm and wonderful the hosts Jose and Andreina are. They gave lots of great recommendations, even booked some tours for us, and were very responsive to anything that came up or questions we had. The horseback tour with Jose was a lot of fun - he was fantastic with our young kids, very knowable about the land and animals. We were able to see dart frogs, lots of butterflies and birds and several sloths, including a baby and its momma. Afterwards we had homemade juice at his home, were we had a lovely long conversation with his family.

Excellent, that place is amazing, I highly recommend it!!

Excelente eso lugar es increíble, lo recomiendo ampliamente!!

Jose Julio welcomed us very warmly and was generous in communicating, sharing recommendations, and even giving our family a horseback tour of the area, animals, and plant life. Our kids were really excited about the Ogre house, references to Shrek, and the place was very clean. One thing to consider is the shower area in the bathroom is as described, protected with a fence, though open to the outdoors. It’s amazing and refreshing if you are open to it like we were.

Our stay with Julio was an unforgettable experience. The place is different from what is offered in Maxima, it is a spectacular themed house... surrounded by nature, and with native activities that we enjoy very much. We were able to milk goats, ride horses and on the tour we saw many animals. In addition, from the accommodation it is possible to contemplate a spectacular view of the Arenal volcano. Julio was an excellent host: very kind, attentive and always willing to share his knowledge about the place and his lifestyle. It made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. We highly recommend this experience to those looking to connect with nature and experience something different. Thank you Julio for everything!

Nuestra estadía con Julio fue una experiencia inolvidable. El lugar es distinto a lo que se ofrece en máxima, es una casa temática espectacular… rodeado de naturaleza, y con actividades autóctonas que disfrutamos muchísimo. Pudimos ordeñar cabras, montar a caballo y en el recorrido apreciamos muchos animales. Además, desde el alojamiento es posible contemplar una vista espectacular del volcán Arenal. Julio fue un anfitrión excelente: muy amable, atento y siempre dispuesto a compartir su conocimiento sobre el lugar y su estilo de vida. Nos hizo sentir como en casa desde el primer momento. Recomendamos totalmente esta experiencia a quienes buscan conectar con la naturaleza y vivir algo diferente. ¡Gracias Julio por todo!

We absolutely loved this Airbnb and it was definitely a great experience. I wish we would have stayed longer. Two nights was not enough to enjoy the amenities and explorer what La Fortuna had to offer. The hosts were very attentive and helpful. I hope to come visit again in the future. Thank you.

2BR House