El Paraíso Natural ES Book
Gato River surrounded by tropical forest at El Paraíso Natural, Pejibaye, Cartago
Pejibaye · Cartago · Costa Rica

Cabins, camping and adventure on the Gato River

A true natural paradise 2 hours from San José, Costa Rica. A crystal-clear river pool, forest trails, hammocks, tubing, rafting and fresh sugarcane juice from a hand-turned mill, next to La Marta Wildlife Refuge.

Check availability See options and prices
  • 2 h from San José
  • 200 m from La Marta Refuge
  • 100+ bird species
  • Pet friendly
La Esmeralda cabin lit up at nightMap sign 15
Up to 5 guests

La Esmeralda Cabin

from ₡15,000 / night

See cabin
El Guayabal cabin with lights on at duskMap sign 7
Up to 3 guests

El Guayabal Cabin

from ₡15,000 / night

See cabin
Campsite with a campfire and string lights at nightMap sign 5
2 packages

Camping

from ₡4,000 / person

See camping
Group of visitors enjoying the Gato River poolMap sign 36
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Day pass

₡2,500 adult

See day pass

Book direct with us

  • Better priceBooking on WhatsApp costs less than on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
  • Talk to the familyYou deal directly with the family who runs the place, no middlemen.
  • Simple booking50% deposit via SINPE Móvil and confirmation on WhatsApp.

The direct price is lower as long as there is no active promotion on those platforms.Calculate my stay

Stay

Two equipped cabins in the mountains

Meals are not included, but both cabins have an equipped kitchen so you can cook your own food. Your stay includes access to all common areas and the river.

Cabin: check-in 2:00 p.m. · check-out 12:00 noonThe cabin is ready at 2:00 p.m. and must be vacated by 12:00 noon on departure day.
Common areas: from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.You can arrive from 9:00 a.m. and stay until 4:00 p.m. on departure day to enjoy the river and common areas.
10 photos · tap one to enlarge
Map sign 15La Esmeralda cabinNumber 15 on the map

La Esmeralda Cabin

Wooden cabin with a wide porch, a living area to share and an equipped kitchen. Ideal for families or small groups.

  • Sleeps up to 5
  • Double bed, single bed and bunk bed
  • Equipped kitchen
  • Hot water shower
  • Internet
  • Smart TV in the living room

Kitchen with refrigerator, rice cooker, coffee maker, electric skillet and kitchen utensils.

Rates per night

Couple (2 guests)₡30,000
1 guest₡15,000
Each additional adult₡10,000
Each additional child or seniorChildren under 12₡5,000
Pet₡500
Book La Esmeralda Quote my dates
7 photos · tap one to enlarge
Map sign 7El Guayabal cabinNumber 7 on the map

El Guayabal Cabin

Cozy cabin with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor sink and grill. Perfect for a couple or three guests.

  • Sleeps up to 3
  • Double bed and single bed
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Equipped kitchen
  • Hot water shower
  • Internet
  • Outdoor sink and grill

Kitchen with refrigerator, rice cooker, coffee maker, electric skillet and kitchen utensils.

Rates per night

Couple (2 guests)₡20,000
1 guest₡15,000
Third adult₡7,500
Third guest: child or seniorChildren under 12₡5,000
Pet₡500
Book El Guayabal Quote my dates
Map sign 5Camping areaNumber 5 on the map

Camping by the river and the mountains

Bring your own tent or choose the package with a tent. Camping includes all common areas. Meals, cabins and tours are not included and cost extra.

Basicper person, per night
₡4,000Adult
₡3,000Child under 12 or senior
FreeUnder 1 year
  • Pitch for your own tent
  • Parking, restroom and shower
  • Electricity and drinking water
  • Fire pit area
  • Access to all common areas
With tentReady to go
₡8,000Adult
₡6,000Child under 12 or senior
FreeUnder 1 year
  • Tent on your pitch
  • Air mattresses, pillows and sheet
  • 1 bundle of firewood
  • Parking, restroom, shower, electricity and drinking water
  • Access to all common areas
  • Fire-starting supplies are not included and staff do not light the fire.

Three camping areas

Camping area 1Up to 4 tents for 6
All package services: parking, restroom, shower, electricity, drinking water and fire pit.
Camping area 2Up to 8 tents
In the common area near the cabins, with the same services as area 1.
Riverside1 tent for 6 and 2 tents for 2
Only has a restroom, fire pit, drinking water and a grill area. Charcoal and grilling or fire-starting tools are not included.
Campsite: 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 noonCampsite access from 2:00 p.m.; check-out by 12:00 noon the next day.
Common areas: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Arrive from 9:00 a.m. and stay until 4:00 p.m. the next day to enjoy the river.
  • Extra firewood bundle: ₡1,000 each
  • Pets are welcome, free of charge when camping
Book camping Quote my dates
9 photos · tap one to enlarge
Day pass

A full day of river, trails and nature

Entry at 8:00 a.m., departure by 4:30 p.m. Use the shelters, fire pits and grills, walk the trails and enjoy the Gato River.

Adult₡2,500per person
Child or senior₡1,500children under 12

Includes

  • Restroom and shower
  • Parking
  • Gato River access
  • Riverside shelter
  • Shelter, fire pit and grill in common areas
  • Hammocks
  • Soccer field
  • Trails
  • Forest therapy
  • Water curtain and waterfall
  • Green areas and much more

Do I need to book? Not on weekends or in high season (for example, Holy Week). On weekdays outside high season, please book ahead on WhatsApp.

The day pass does not include cabin access. If you'd like a cabin for the day, ask us about availability and price, which depends on group size.

Ask about the day pass Quote my date
10 photos · tap one to enlarge
Experiences

The Gato River and everything to do

Your cabin, campsite or day pass includes the Gato River pool and another river spot reached by trail, forest trails, hammocks, shelters with grills and electricity, the water curtain at the historic pipe, and green areas.

Map sign 36Family river pool
Map sign 27Water curtain
Two-person hammock
Map sign 16Playground
Riverside shelter
Turrialba Volcano view
Trails
Fire pits
Ping pong
Map sign 11Soccer field

Tours to round out your visit

Tours cost extra depending on group size. Book at least one day ahead, or three days ahead for rafting.

Guided by one of the foundersTubing, the sugarcane juice tour and the history tour are led by one of the founders of El Paraíso Natural. That's how we look after our guests: personally, sharing the family's story.
Map sign 34
With one of the founders

Tubing on the Gato River

₡1,500per person

  • Helmet and life jacket included
  • Adults only (18+)
  • Swimming is helpful but not required
  • Subject to weather conditions
How it works
  1. Listen to the guide's instructions.
  2. Put on your life jacket and helmet.
  3. Walk to the starting point.
  4. Get on the tube, smile and enjoy.
  5. Use your hands to steer the tube.
  6. Return the equipment to the designated place.
Book tubingGet a quote
Map sign 20
With one of the founders

Sugarcane juice at the hand-turned mill

₡2,000per group, includes 1 glass of sugarcane juice

  • You press the juice yourself in a hand-turned mill
  • Learn about the farm's sugarcane tradition

A unique touch: our secret ingredient. Come and discover it, you'll love it!

How it works
  1. Cut the sugarcane in the field.
  2. Wash the cane at the water source.
  3. Adjust the gap between the rollers.
  4. Place a container to collect the juice.
  5. Feed the cane between the rollers.
  6. Turn the handles in opposite directions.
  7. Set the pressed cane fiber aside.
  8. Enjoy the delicious, fresh sugarcane juice.
Book the juice tourGet a quote
Map sign 19
With one of the founders

History tour

₡500per person

  • The story of the place and its importance to Pejivalle
  • Guided walk along the trails
  • Key facts about the nature retreat
Book the history tourGet a quote
Pejivalle River
Certified tour operator and guide

Rafting on the Pejivalle River

$60international visitors · ₡25,000 Costa Ricans

  • Local transport during the activity
  • Insurance coverage
  • Snack
  • Certified guides and equipment
  • Special group rates

Run by a nationally certified local tour operator who knows the river perfectly. Book at least 3 days ahead; subject to the operator's availability, conditions and restrictions.

Ask about raftingGet a quote

Birds, butterflies and wildlife

+100bird species recordedAccording to a study by the Costa Rican Ornithological Association (AOCR) at El Paraíso Natural.

A great spot for bird and butterfly watching, so bring binoculars or a camera. Other wildlife seen in the area includes:

  • Sloths
  • Squirrels
  • Pacas (tepezcuintles)
  • Tayras (tolomucos)
  • Otters
  • Armadillos
  • and more
Map of the property

Explore the place before you arrive

Each spot has its own sign with an icon and number, just like on the map and the signs along the trails. Tap the map to enlarge it.

Illustrative map. The pool (12), event hall (10) and natural fossil museum (17) are currently not available. The giant flower garden (21) is being replanted.

Natural areas

  • Map sign 33Gato River
  • Map sign 36Gato River pool
  • Map sign 35Gato River beach
  • Map sign 34Tubing
  • Map sign 27Water curtain
  • Map sign 30Mini waterfall
  • Map sign 29Natural viewpoint
  • Map sign 26El Descanso trail
  • Map sign 28El Bosque trail
  • Map sign 31Forest therapy
  • Map sign 32Relaxation area
  • Map sign 22Fruit trees
  • Map sign 23Tilapia pond
  • Map sign 25Agricultural area
  • Map sign 21Giant flower gardenbeing replanted

Service areas

  • Map sign 1Main entrance
  • Map sign 2Camping entrance
  • Map sign 3Camping parking
  • Map sign 4Restrooms
  • Map sign 5Camping area
  • Map sign 6Photo spot letters
  • Map sign 7El Guayabal cabin
  • Map sign 8El Guayabal parking
  • Map sign 9El Guayabal picnic
  • Map sign 11Soccer field
  • Map sign 13Recycling station
  • Map sign 14La Esmeralda parking
  • Map sign 15La Esmeralda cabin
  • Map sign 16Recreation area

Educational areas

  • Map sign 18Organic fertilizer
  • Map sign 19Historic bridge
  • Map sign 20Manual sugar mill
Plan your booking

Get a quote and send us your request

Choose the option, dates, guests and tours. We'll show you an estimated total and write the WhatsApp message with everything you picked. We'll confirm availability and the final amount.

What would you like to book?

Guests

AdultsAge 12 and over
2
SeniorsSame rate as children
0
ChildrenUnder 12
0
Pets₡500 per pet, per night
0

Add tours

Cabins and camping

How to book

Cabins and camping must be booked in advance, subject to availability. You can book as far ahead as you like.

  1. Message us on WhatsAppTell us the option, dates and number of guests, or use the quote tool.
  2. We confirm availabilityWe check right away and tell you the total amount.
  3. Pay 50% via SINPE Móvil
    8836 0948Account holder: 3 102918716 sociedad de respo
  4. Send the receiptSend it on WhatsApp to +506 8836 0948. That confirms your booking.
Cabin and camping hours

The cabin or campsite is ready at 2:00 p.m. and must be vacated by 12:00 noon on departure day. You may arrive from 9:00 a.m. and stay until 4:00 p.m. on departure day to enjoy the common areas.

Date changes

If you've already paid and need to change your date, the payment is not refunded, but you can reschedule for another date subject to availability.

Tours

Tubing, the sugarcane juice tour and the history tour must be booked at least one day ahead. Rafting needs at least 3 days, subject to the tour operator's availability. Tubing depends on the weather.

Day pass

No booking needed on weekends or in high season. On weekdays outside high season, please book ahead on WhatsApp.

The El Paraíso Natural family: three generations from Pejivalle
Who we are

Three generations, 100% Costa Rican and proudly from Pejivalle

3generations of the family
1990sgrandfather bought the farm
+8nationalities have visited

It all began when our grandfather bought the farm in the 1990s. Back then, sugarcane and coffee were the area's main livelihoods, and for many years the farm was dedicated to those traditional crops.

He received several offers to sell it, but something deep inside told him that selling would be a mistake. Today, thanks to his vision, instinct and hard work, we have turned that legacy toward tourism with El Paraíso Natural, already visited by dozens of Costa Ricans and people from more than 8 countries.

We want you, your pets, your family and your friends to feel at home in a true natural paradise: a place full of peace, harmony, beauty and nature where you can recharge and let go of stress.

Today we open our doors with the same love our grandfather gave this land, turning a working farm into a place for experiences, rest and connection with nature.

Location

How to get to El Paraíso Natural

Calle La Marta, Pejibaye, Jiménez, Cartago, Costa Rica
  • 2 hours by car from downtown San José
  • 4.3 km from downtown Pejibaye
  • 200 m from La Marta Wildlife Refuge
  • Entrance suitable for all vehicles
Open in Google Maps Open in Waze
Aerial view of the green areas and parking
Near El Paraíso Natural

Where to eat and shop nearby

We don't have a restaurant for now, and bookings don't include meals. Here are options in Pejibaye to eat out or buy groceries to cook in your cabin or at the campsite. Each button opens Google Maps with directions from El Paraíso Natural.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is the day pass at El Paraíso Natural?

The day pass costs ₡2,500 per adult and ₡1,500 per child under 12 or senior, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It includes restrooms, showers, parking, Gato River access, the riverside shelter, shelters, fire pits and grills in the common areas, hammocks, the soccer field, trails, forest therapy, the water curtain, the waterfall and green areas. Cabin access is not included.

Do I need to book the day pass?

No booking is needed on weekends or in high season (for example, Holy Week). On weekdays outside high season, please book ahead on WhatsApp at +506 8836 0948.

How much do the cabins cost?

La Esmeralda cabin (up to 5 guests) costs ₡30,000 per night for 2 guests, ₡10,000 for each additional adult and ₡5,000 for each additional child under 12 or senior. El Guayabal cabin (up to 3 guests) costs ₡20,000 per night for 2 guests and ₡7,500 for a third adult, or ₡5,000 if the third guest is a child under 12 or a senior. A single guest pays ₡15,000 per night in either cabin. Pets are ₡500 per night.

How do I book a cabin or a campsite?

Message us on WhatsApp at +506 8836 0948 to confirm availability. To book, pay 50% of the total via SINPE Móvil to 8836 0948 (account holder: 3 102918716 sociedad de respo) and send the receipt on WhatsApp. Your booking is confirmed once we receive the receipt.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Cabins and campsites are ready at 2:00 p.m. and must be vacated by 12:00 noon on departure day. You may arrive from 9:00 a.m. and stay until 4:00 p.m. on departure day to enjoy the common areas and the river. The day pass runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How much does camping cost?

There are two packages, per person per night. Basic: ₡4,000 per adult and ₡3,000 per child under 12 or senior; includes parking, restroom, shower, electricity, drinking water, a pitch for your own tent, a fire pit and all common areas. With tent: ₡8,000 per adult and ₡6,000 per child or senior; adds a tent, air mattresses, pillows, a sheet and one bundle of firewood. Children under 1 stay free.

Are meals included? Is there a restaurant?

No. We don't have a restaurant for now and bookings don't include meals. Both cabins have an equipped kitchen, and downtown Pejibaye has restaurants and a supermarket; this page lists them with Google Maps directions.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, the whole property is pet friendly. Cabins charge ₡500 per pet per night. There is no pet fee for camping or the day pass.

What tours do you offer?

Tubing on the Gato River (₡1,500 per person, adults only, helmet and life jacket included), sugarcane juice pressed in a hand-turned mill with our secret ingredient (₡2,000 per group, includes 1 glass) and a history tour (₡500 per person). They are led by one of the founders and must be booked at least one day ahead. We also arrange rafting on the Pejivalle River with a certified tour operator ($60 for international visitors, ₡25,000 for Costa Ricans), at least 3 days ahead.

What wildlife and birds can I see?

A study by the Costa Rican Ornithological Association (AOCR) recorded more than 100 bird species at El Paraíso Natural. There are also butterflies, and sloths, squirrels, pacas, tayras, otters and armadillos have been seen in the area, among others.

What if I need to change my booking date?

If you've already paid the deposit, it is not refunded, but you can reschedule for another date subject to availability.

Where is El Paraíso Natural and how do I get there?

We're on Calle La Marta, Pejibaye, Jiménez, Cartago, Costa Rica: 2 hours by car from downtown San José, 4.3 km from downtown Pejibaye and 200 m from La Marta Wildlife Refuge. The entrance is suitable for all vehicles, and you can navigate with Google Maps or Waze.

Is it cheaper to book direct than on Airbnb or Booking.com?

Yes. Booking direct on WhatsApp is cheaper, as long as there is no active promotion on those platforms.

Know what you'd like? We look forward to welcoming you at El Paraíso Natural.

Message us and we'll confirm availability.

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