Amazing Congo Bongo house steps from lovely beach
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Sleeps | 7 |
| House | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| Suitable for Children |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 31 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | House |
| Minimum Stay | 2 nights |
| Living space | 120 square meters |
| Bedrooms | 3 Total |
| Bathrooms | 3 Total |
| Sleeps | 7 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenYes Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleNo |
Description from the owner
DISCOUNTS DISCOUNTS !!!!!!!!!! 20 % FROM 15 MAY TILL 15 DECEMBER 2013 ON ALL RATES
ACCEPT 15 JULY TILL 15 SEPTEMBER 2013 IS 10 % DISCOUNTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to Congo Bongo Nature-Beach Rentals . A private 15 acre property featuring 6 exotic vacation rental houses located in the heart of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wild Life Refuge on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
The River House has 3 bedrooms and Sleeps 7
Each bedroom has a private bathroom with a hot shower and a separate toilet with sink.
Upstairs - 1 King, 3 Twin/ Single, 2 beds can become 1 king size bed
Downstairs 1 - 1 King, 2 Twin/ Single, 2...Read more
Amenities
Location
Amazing Congo Bongo house steps from lovely beach
Puerto Viejo, Limon, Costa Rica
(Property location is approximate) ?
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Congo Bongo is located 4 hours south east of San Jose in the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica .
We ( Daan Nelemans the owner , Marisol my wife , Masai our daughter and Ernesto my brother in-law ) live here year round in the property of Congo-Bongo and there will be always somebody to take care of the clients here .
The property park of 15 acre we have many flowers, fruit and giant Rainforest trees.
We have a private walkway to the quiet, unspoiled white sandy beach and featuring the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea.
The best snorkeling in the area can be found right offshore. The sea water is safe and no riptide or dangerous coral reefs are reported.
The wetlands and surrounding forest areas contain a great diversity of species, many only locally sited, endemic to this area: crocodiles, alligators, otters, wild bores, ocelots, pumas, pacas, sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, white-throated capuchin monkeys, and numerous other species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Manzanillo (1km) is a small fishing village with restaurants, grocers, a dive shop and a boutique. Town children play soccer on the beach day and night in front of Maxi's famous seafood restaurant.
Puerto Viejo (14 km) there you will find a Bank, doctor, drugstore, boutiques, bars, restaurants, supermarket and nightlife.
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $165 - $265 | $165 - $265 | $165 - $1,590 | $990 | 2 nights |
| Jan. 1 2013 - Jan. 1 2014 2 persons |
$165 | $165 | $990 | - | 2 nights |
| Jan. 1 2013 - Jan. 1 2014 3 persons |
$185 | $185 | $1,110 | - | 2 nights |
| Jan. 1 2013 - Jan. 1 2014 4 persons |
$205 | $205 | $1,230 | - | 2 nights |
| Jan. 1 2013 - Jan. 1 2014 5 persons |
$225 | $225 | $1,350 | - | 2 nights |
| Jan. 1 2013 - Jan. 1 2014 6 persons |
$245 | $245 | $1,470 | - | 2 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
| Jan. 1 2013 - Jan. 1 2014 7 persons |
$265 | $265 | $1,590 | - | 2 nights |
| All Other Dates | $165 | $165 | $165 | $990 | 2 nights |
| View all 7 Rate Periods | |||||
Additional notes from owner
DISCOUNTS DISCOUNTS !!!!!!!!!! 20 % TILL 15 DECEMBER 2013 ON ALL RATES
ACCEPT 15 JULY TILL 15 SEPTEMBER 2013 IS 10 % DISCOUNTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
For special rates look in Congo-Bongo.com
Payment Conditions
In order to confirm your reservation, there must be a deposit of 40% paid with PayPal. The deposit is non refundable. Please pay the due balance in cash on arrival. We accept US dollars or Colones. We do not accept credit cards or traveler checks.
Children Policy
Children till 6 years old are free. From 6 and over pay as adults
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 02, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
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Rovercomer
Dover, DelawareLoved it!
Left on 11/05/2012 for a stay in October 2012
We stayed at the River House and had a great time. Every morning before sunrise the howler monkeys would wake us up. We actually began to look forward to this and we would have our coffee listening to their roars as the sun came up. The house if very large and had more room than my family of four could use. The open air second floor is fantastic. You can hear all the jungle sounds and watch the hummingbirds dance among the many flowering plants. Even during a rain storm it was pleasant to sit and listen to the rain pounding on the metal roof. I was surprised that we had very few bug problems. We brought some off mosquito spray and we didn't even use it on some days. Things might be different during the rainy season however. The staff, including Edwardo and his wife were very nice. Our laundry was done every day, which was a big help and there was a security guard at night. Getting a place with security is very important as this is a high theft area. My family felt safe with the owner Daan on site, Edwardo and the security guard roaming around. I would definitely recommend renting a car. It is so much easier to get around with the freedom of a car. Manzanillo was my favorite town and is within easy walking distance from Congo Bongo. Manzanillo seems much safer than other area like Puerto Viejo. The town's people take pride in keeping the beach and the park clean and even the guys hanging out in the park were friendly. This is a great place to stay.
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crazy sexy fun traveler
Snina, SlovakiaYou have to stay there!
Left on 05/20/2012 for a stay in May 2012
I spent 5 days in Congo Bongo and I have to say I loved my stay there. The owner family are sweethearts, they will help you with everything and make your stay unforgettable! Congo Bongo beach rental houses have a great location, surrounded by a tropical garden with a lot of cute wildlife, and close to the beach. It's a great place to relax :)
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Pat
Ontario, CanadaRelaxing, unique, fun and comfortable
Left on 04/24/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Congo Bongo is a simple, comfortable and very relaxing destination. It is not a 5-star resort. The accommodations are simple and rustic. However, the beds are very comfortable and the scenery is amazing. Wonderful blue butterflies abound and the monkeys and sloths are never far away.
I was able to spend an entire month in the River House. I was never bothered by noise (well, except the howler monkeys!!) and the mosquitoes were almost non-existent. Critters sometimes visited the house, but hey you are in the jungle!!
We also did not run out of things to do. Manzanillo, Puerto Viejo, and the surrounding beaches are all wonderful destinations. There are great hiking trails and you can walk on the beach for hours. I would strongly recommend renting bicycles. A good selection of groceries is a half hour bike ride away. It is an enjoyable and easy ride and there are usually monkeys to see along the road.
Daan, Maria and the entire staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful. Jose, the night watchman, keeps an eye on everyone without being intrusive.
I enjoy camping and the outdoors. Congo Bongo is 5++ star camping. It is not a luxurious resort. If you like the outdoors and don't mind getting some sand or mud on your feet then Congo Bongo is for you...just not in the month of February, cause I hope to go back!! -
Angi929
Gresham, OregonJungle House adventure
Left on 08/12/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We spent a week the end of June 2011 in the River house. Daan and his family and staff were excellent. They assisted us in getting set up with Wi Fi, booking day trips, and where to eat and shop. They were attentive to any assistance we needed but were never intrusive. The location is perfect, we rented a car and were able to go to the Jaguar reservation, the Sloth Sanctuary, many trips into Peurto Viejo, and daily walks through a beautiful jungle to the private beach. Daan set up the full day aTV zip line tour for us that the young adults loved. There were Monkeys and Sloths in the trees around us, beautiful butterflies and humming birds daily and lizzards everywhere. I felt like I was living in the Swiss Family Robinson, or George of the Jungle house. Definately for people who are do it yourselfers and like to campers. We hated to have to leave.
Response from Congo Bongo, Jungle Beach Vacation Rentals - 08/24/2011
Congo Bongo, Jungle Beach Vacation Rentals
Owner
thanks and we hope to see you soon again
anything just e-mail .
best regards ,
daan , marisol and masai.
www.congo-bongo.com -
Loes de busser
Grootebroek Hollandparadis on earth
Left on 04/11/2011 for a stay in September 2008
tish was paradis on earth. you have it all in one place.
Beatyfull nature, warm people, beatifull animals,woods,
beach end sea arround. -
Peter Duncan
Edmonton,alberta,canadaRainforest paradise
Left on 03/21/2011 for a stay in February 2011
Amazing resort developed with respect for the natural environment.The best of both worlds with the incredible forest adjacent to the beach.The sights sounds and smells of a tropical world remain intact at Congo Bongo and the cabins are incredible.I highly recommend a stay here if you appreciate what the tropics are all about.
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richard
RotterdamRelaxed jungle experience
Left on 02/03/2011 for a stay in December 2010
After traveling around Costa Rica and visiting several beautiful places, ending our trip with a stay at Congo Bongo was a delight. Everything we have been looking out for, beaches, monkeys, toucans, et cetera is just at the doorstep at Congo Bongo.
The houses are nicely built, quite spaceous and have beautiful terraces that offer jungle views that we only have experienced before after some serious hiking..
The beach is quite nearby and quiet, also in the weekends when quite some Costa Ricans come to Manzanillo for relaxing.
Between Manzanillo and Puerto Viejo there are quite some excellent restaurants.
When you're getting bored of the jungle at Congo Bongo (if possible..) just start some conversation with Daan the owner and he will inspire and help you to get an organised trip going. -
Michiel
RotterdamThis is Costa Rica
Left on 01/24/2011 for a stay in December 2010
We stayed at Congo Bongo for a period of 3 weeks, I think it was one of the best places I've celebrate my holidays.. The first thing that caught my attention was the beautifull nature at this place, full of harmony and threated with respect.
The house we rented (River House) was surrounded by big tree's and tight jungle.. As it says in the company's name (Congo Bongo), this place is filled with monkeys! It's great to see them climbing around your house. The monkeys that live here are howling monkeys so they make a lot of noise but everytime its special to see/hear them again.
The house was great and with a cleaning service wich made my holiday quite calm, wich was very nice.
The staff at Conogo Bongo are great people, its realy personal and they are very friendly.
We wanted to make a rafting tour, so we asked the owner about it. The next day we immediatly got picked up by a rafting company, the service is very nice.
I'm gonna get back at this place for sure! -
Cath
LondonFabulous location, lots of wildlife on doorstep
Left on 01/19/2011 for a stay in December 2010
Beautiful houses in fabulous jungle setting. Lots of wildlife to be seen from the houses. Short walk to beach and village for restaurant. Tip - pick up supplies before you arrive, kitchen is fully equipped but you need to supply your own coffee, breakfast etc.
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wilma
goudagreat jungle and beach experience!
Left on 01/18/2011 for a stay in December 2010
My family and I enjoyed our stay in the jungle. We saw a lot off animals, there even fell a sloth out of a tree next to our house!
It is great you can easely walk to the beach, a fiveminutes walk and you can enjoy the beautifull and quiet beach.
I can recommend this place for nature and beachlovers. -
FDU Professors
Madison, NJNo other hotel would be as good a fit for our purposes.
Left on 11/13/2010 for a stay in January 2010
For the past six years we booked Congo Bongo for groups of 14 to 16 university students. The warm hospitality of Dan, Marisol, and Ernesto, the quick attention to each need, the beauty of the surrounding jungle, the unique placement of each cabin, proximity to the beach and the village, and so much more, made our stays at Congo Bongo the highlight of our trips. There is no other place quite like it!
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Karen
Columbia TNanother time
Left on 10/28/2010 for a stay in October 2010
We returned for yet another time. We love Congo-Bongo and Manzanillo so much we keep returning year after year.
Daan and his staff take very good care of us and the properties are so lovely.
If you enjoy being very up close with the jungle then this is the place for you. -
Couple
the NetherlandsFeel home
Left on 09/13/2010 for a stay in August 2010
Nice and comfortable place where you feel home.
You get used to see the monkeys form jour house and be awakened by them.
Having a car makes your stay more plesant. -
R Lord
TulsaIncredible
Left on 09/09/2010 for a stay in August 2010
For a second time, I've had the great opportunity to stay at Congo Bongo and again I'm absolutely amazed. The jungle, beach and people are incredible and the stay was wonderful. If your looking for an adventure beyond the traps and normal, then you've found it here. Bit of heaven on earth.
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neena
Seal rock Oregonpeaceful, beautiful jungle experience
Left on 07/23/2010 for a stay in March 2010
In our group we had 90yr olds to 20 yr olds all with diffrence needs and agendas. We found all our needs meet at Congo Bongo .From a 90 yr old who can't walk well but wanted to "experice " the jungle . Which we did from the porch we saw monkeys, brids, slothes its so peaceful & quite we could hear all the jungle. The 20 yr olds walked to town for nightlife ,swam and snokled on the pristine beach just down the trail. The owners were great at helping us find guides , good eats etc. Hope to go back soon
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Gina Marie
Burton, OhioAmazing!
Left on 07/08/2010 for a stay in May 2010
We went to Congo Bongo for our 10th anniversary. I can't imagine a better way to spend that time. I have told people it is like 5 star camping. It felt like camping because we were in the jungle, but it had all the conveniences of a condo. It was immaculate (for a cabin in the jungle). The owners were perfect. They were there when you needed assistance, but invisible the rest of the time. From our living room, we were 15 feet away from toucans, ant-eaters and monkeys. Hummingbirds and butterflies flew right through the open air spaces. The grounds are very well cared-for and attention to detail was noted and appreciated. You could tell that little was disturbed to place these cabins. It felt like the jungle actually entered the cabins/houses. There is no cell phone reception and no internet. We downloaded movies to our laptop and would watch one in the evening. You will want to go to bed early to be a part of the jungle waking up – a magical time of the day there. Make sure you have good binoculars.
I was concerned about mosquitoes, but I get more bites at home in the summer in 10 minutes than we had the whole time there. We did spray “Off” before we would take a walk, but I think I had 2 bites and my husband had 4 during the whole week. There are a couple restaurants in town – we ate at Maxi’s once and loved it, but we enjoyed the preparation and cooking in such an incredible place. That was part of the joy. There are a couple small markets in Manzanillo, but we rode our bikes in to Puerto Viejo for the real groceries. It was a 1 hour bike trip (backpacks and bike baskets needed) would actually suggest taking the bus in to town. The owners will tell you the schedule.
We will definitely go back and would probably like to go with friends for a totally different kind of experience. There are no negative comments or no big surprises. We loved it and were really sad to leave. Thank you for letting us share a little bit of your -
Anita
San JoseGorgeous Jungle adventure
Left on 07/01/2010 for a stay in January 2009
Congo Bongo is amazing.
We took our 4 month old baby with us and he loved it too!
Daan and his familly are great hosts.
If you want to know what jungle-beach-relax-adventure is all about, this is the right place for you.Response from Congo Bongo, Jungle Beach Vacation Rentals - 10/28/2010
Congo Bongo, Jungle Beach Vacation Rentals
Owner
thanks ana
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Julie H.
Washington, D.C.Paradise
Left on 06/27/2010 for a stay in May 2010
The little town of Manzanillo may be far away from most Costa Rican cities, it is well worth the trip. A slice of heady paradise, Manazillo is nestled in the rainforset and long pristine Carribean coast. Our Congo Bong rental was perfectly located within walking distance of the town and short drive from the larger neighboring town of Puerto Viejo.
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Gail & Alan
New York CityA True Hideaway in the Jungle. Primitive Perfection
Left on 06/23/2010 for a stay in April 2010
My partner and I spent a week in this glorious outpost in the rainforest. From Daan's architecturally interesting living spaces all open to the jungle (bedrooms and bathrooms closed off). No screens (at least not on our windows. But, as Daan said, "it's not a problem"). And, indeed, after a few days of closing the big wooden shutters we finally left them open and the rainforest in. Except for the damp sheets caused by the humidity, the evenings were lovely! Bliss for me is rocking calmly in the open living spaces and reading. What a find!!! Complete privacy in the rainforest with walking boardwalk access to a quiet beach. At a--questionably walkable--distance (depending on the heat and the humidity) are two of the most splendid beaches on the Caribbean: Punta Uva and Manzanillo. Whatever you may want to explore, Daan can hook you up with locals for personalized tours anywhere you care to go. This side of Costa Rica is still unspoiled, perhaps because of the humidity and potholed roads, but that's why we loved it. If that's what you're looking for, it is here along with some terrific basic, fresh restaurants on the beach and some extraordinary food in "town" from European chefs. Congo Bongo is a great landing site. Daan is a story in himself. He and his family are lovely, warm, and generous people. No pretense, no fakery here. Nothing fancy but as good as it gets at a great price. Can't wait to return!!!
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Julie and Jeff
Omaha, NEAn adventure in Paradise
Left on 06/23/2010 for a stay in April 2010
We traveled to Costa Rica with our 3 children, ages 14, 12 & 10. We had a wonderful time.
Our stay at Congo Bongo was certainly not a luxury resort, but more of an adventure in one of the most beautiful places we have ever been.
The kids loved that the monkeys were in the trees right outside our house.
The beach was a short walk down the quaint boardwalk.
And we usually had the beach pretty much to ourselves. -
Restaurant Exotica
Ojochal de Osa, Costa Ballena, Costa RicaPerfect vacation
Left on 04/08/2010 for a stay in October 2009
Every year, since 2005, we spend one month of vacation at Congo Bongo. It is the perfect place to forget and being forget! It is like living on an other planet and at the same time, on a light beam, you come back to civilization and enjoy the wonderful beaches,good restaurants,colorful people and friendship with the owners of Congo Bongo.When you back home at night in your wooden chalet, the same ligt beam bring you back on that mysterious planet full of jungle sounds! It is quite an experience, beleive me. It is the perfect place to rest, sleep, exercise and read.Don't bring stuff, the place has all the accomodations even a BBQ.And the most important, you can always rely on the owners, they are wonderful people!
Robert Levesque
Ojochal de Osa
Costa Rica -
Cor & Brenda's family adventure.
Colorado Springs, ColoradoThe Vander Wel's go to Costa Rica!
Left on 03/20/2010 for a stay in April 2009
Our family of 6 stayed at Congo Bongo during Spring Break 2009. This was our first time in Costa Rica and it was a blast! After a tiring night flight into San Jose, the place was easy to find and we quickly settled in by going right to the beach to enjoy the bath tub warm water. The nearby reef was an easy walk and we snorkeled daily. The village of Mazanillo is an easy and safe walk at any time of day. Daan has done an excellent job of building homes to rent, complete with all the supplies (except groceries). The kitchen needed a few extra cooking utensils and pots & pans, but we did fine with the equipment on hand. At first we were surprised by the lack of actual windows but quickly realized they were not neccessary since the room safes were the best place to store personal valuables and we slept under mosquito nets. The weather was excellent & pleasant, and we were all surprised at the lack of bugs, especially mosquitos. Daan was a good host, helping us settle in and was around to answer questions, etc. He recommended hiring a jungle guide, which we did, for an entire day. He was a local from the village and took us along the coast through jungle & along the beach on a very thorough & fascinating trek. I would recommend it to anyone over 10 or 12 years of age. We stayed in the Big House very comfortably; besides the semi-outdoor cooking, we enjoyed the large patio and spent alot of time there eating, reading, playing games, or enjoying the sights & sounds of the evening or pre-dawn morning. We were very content as a family to stay right in that area and did not go far from "home" during the week.
Congo Bongo is an excellent vacation spot with a perfect blend of roughing it but still having the mentities that help you relax on vacation without all the stress. Enjoy!!! -
arnold
netherlandsliving in the jungle
Left on 03/05/2010 for a stay in December 2009
We stayed here for Christmas and New year's. It was a great experience to be in such a peaceful place overloaded with nature and beauty. The houses are quite isolated so you won't be bothered by any neighbours.
Everybody should experience how a family of howler monkeys are watching you while doing a nap in the hammock... -
marieke van leeuwen
dordrecht/ hollandthe place where you want to stay
Left on 03/05/2010 for a stay in January 2010
I stayed four times in Congo Bongo. It's such a beautiful place. In the garden, between those huge plants (in our country we call them indoor plants),looking at the howler monkeys, the hummingbirds, toucans, slothes and butterflies you only can feel happiness. I know the host family for many years now: Daan, Marisol and lovely Masai.It's not difficult to love their way of living and to love them.
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Lodewijk
Velp Hollandbest place in costa rica
Left on 03/05/2010 for a stay in August 2009
-The owner off Congo Bongo, Daan Nelemans make's you believe that dreams can come true.
-Satying in one off the houses is giving you a 100% feeling off being absorbed by nature.
- Monkeys, sloths,toukans, parrots,owls,flowers,huge trees, quiet beaches etc. etc.
-Staying on and close arround the property is sufficient, you will not be bored. But offcourse there is a great choise off activities ( dolphin watching, deep sea fishing, hiking, good restaurants, waterfalls, river trips etc. -
Leo + Pien
Netherlandspleasant stay at CongoBongo
Left on 02/22/2010 for a stay in January 2010
CongoBongo is a unique combination of a relaxed atmosphere, jungle with tucans and howler monkeys, a quiet beach and a laid- back small village within walking distance. The house that we rented offered all comfort we needed. We hope that this little paradise will be preserved and will survive future developments.
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Manzanillo, Costa Rica. Jungle house.
Caraibien CoastGreat house in the jungle
Left on 02/22/2010 for a stay in January 2010
When you love nature, sea and friendly people go to Manzanillo, Costa Rica and rent a jungle house from Congo- bongo. Monkeys, sloth just sit in your chair and watch. Super quiet bounty beach .We stayed there for two weeks and it was great . Thanks Daan and Marisol . We 'll come again . Fred and wilma .
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karen
Columbia,TNwonderful experience
Left on 02/22/2010 for a stay in October 2009
I highly recommend Congo-Bongo to anyone wanting to escape the typical
resort vacation. We have stayed there quite a few times and have never been
disappointed. The owners are wonderful and the town of Manzanillo is very
friendly.
The houses at Congo- Bongo are absolutely beautifully built of native
wood.You are right in the center of a jungle garden just a short walk from a
beautiful uncrowded beach.It is how I describe paradise! -
MMC
San Jose, Costa RicaPeaceful!!!
Left on 02/22/2010 for a stay in November 2009
I went to Congo Bongo for a weekend with my family. We had a small baby, so we needed a place that could make him comfortable too.
What we enjoyed the most, was that Congo Bongo was away from the normal stuff that we live everyday... no TV, no noise!, just the ocean, the jungle, the sounds of the monkeys...
We had a blast!! We even rented bikes and got to travel from Congo Bongo to Puerto Viejo, the nearby town.
We can't wait to come back!! -
rombergs
New York, NYGreat Time
Left on 02/22/2010 for a stay in April 2009
Stayed at CB back in April for about a week. Very secluded and relaxing with
only a short walk to the beach. Also a short walk to Manzanillo where one can
get a great meal. Came back home feeling well rested and like I had been
gone for over a month. -
Renee Snijders
San Jose, Costa RicaBeautiful jungle retreat with great Dutch host
Left on 02/22/2010 for a stay in February 2010
Hi Daan, Marisol and Masai,
It was another great weekend at Congo Bongo. Even though we never seem to go without at least some rain we loved this house, the bbq and the beach again. Always nice to be waken up by the monkies in the jungle, even it's at 5 am....As we already do, we highly recommend your place to others, may 2010 be a succesfull year for you.
Keep in touch and no doubt see you again soon,
Ed and Renee
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