About this trip
Welcome to the mountains of Costa Rica! Here at the rustic luxury of Rio Chirripo Lodge you will find stunning views of mountain peaks, a bustling river and a virgin rainforest. Gaze at exotic birds from your room, take in the sounds of the river, sun bathe by the pool or relax in the wood-fired hot tub. Did we mention a massage room that overlooks the river? Or delicious healthy meals including an abundance of organic vegetables, juicy tropical fruits, homebaked breads and some fresh fish—all crafted to delight the palate and the senses? You may just find your heaven here. We did!
The cozy, spacious rooms all have en-suite bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the valley below. Adorned with ceramic tiles and gorgeous linens, the adobe structures are nestled among immaculately manicured flower beds and organic vegetable gardens.
SEE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AT RIO
The grounds include a full-size heated swimming pool with sun deck and a hot tub, plus the "Rancho"—a communal area with built-in sofas and an open fireplace for cool nights. The lovely open-air dining room floods with sunlight in the morning at breakfast, and offers breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.
The yoga studio—fully equipped with mats, blocks and straps—is an enclosed temple-like structure with a high vaulted ceiling and a fireplace to create a magical, serene environment for our yoga practice.
Hikes and activities will be led and coordinated by our retreat partners, Angus and Tania of Chirriposa Retreats. Many activities are included in the cost of your retreat. Other activities may be arranged for additional cost, including extra outings on your free day or massages and facials.
NOTE: This trip includes 7 nights at Rio Chirripo lodge PLUS hotel accommodation the night before the retreat in San Jose. This helps you connect with the group right away, and saves you extra travel planning so you can arrive, relax, stay overnight and get ready for the drive (included in cost of retreat) to the mountain lodge! See details below.
About Turavita Yoga
Turavita specializes in finding you those little nooks and crannies of life around the world that you may not find on any other retreat. Experience out-of-the-way locations that offer magical environments, unique culture and delicious cuisine. Your yoga teacher for the week, Liz Lacey Gotz, explores and shares yoga practices that promote healing to both body and mind. As a C-IAYT certified yoga therapist and experienced yoga teacher, Liz encourages you to learn at your own pace and within your own unique body and mind. Expect a wholistic experience that includes asana (movement), pranayama (breath work), guided meditation and also time to self-reflect using the philosophical teachings of yoga as a guide. A worldwide traveler, Liz welcomes you to share with her all the beauty and wonder of Costa Rica and the Chirripo Mountains!
About our travel partners
We are so excited to have Angus and Tania of Chirriposa Retreats on board for this trip. They will accompany us on our adventures—to waterfalls, along paths, to the butterfly dome and more—taking care of all the local details to make our outings meaningful and joyful. They’ve also arranged all local travel starting with our lodging for our first night in San Jose.
Angus and Tania have been organizing and facilitating wellness retreats in Costa Rica and across Europe for over 15 years. Together, they’re a great team and we hope you will enjoy their fun, positive, Costa Rican vibe as much as we do.
What’s included
- All mealsDaily wholesome and complete breakfast, lunch and 3 course dinner using fresh local produce
- AccommodationChoose single or double occupancy room at Rio Chirripó Lodge
- HotelAC Hotel Marriott Heredia Belen 5-star hotel in San Jose for first night
- BeveragesCoffee, tea and non alcoholic refreshments (excludes bar purchases)
- YogaDaily yoga classes with Liz
- Hikes and TrailsAccompanied hikes with Tania and the puppies!
- ExcursionsSecret Gardens, Canaan Butterfly Dome and Cheese Farm
- Room ServiceDaily cleaning of room and change of linens upon request
- Staff Gratuity$50 staff tip included in retreat price.
- TransfersGroup transfer from AC Marriott in San Jose to Rio Chirripo Lodge and return to San Jose airport
What’s not included
- AirfareFlights to/from San Jose
- Orange Airport TaxiFare from airport to AC Hotel Marriott Heredia Belen in San Jose. Estimate $20 including tip
- Additional ServicesMassages and spa treatments
- Extra OutingsActivities or services not listed above; Nauyaca Waterfall & Dominical Beach (avail for extra cost on FREE DAY)
- BarAlcoholic or other beverages
- LaundryAvailable at retreat venue for a small charge
- Additional MealsLunch and dinner in San Jose
- Travel InsuranceCancelation, loss or theft of belongings and medical emergency.
- PaymentBank, Credit Card & PayPal Fees
Available Packages
Located on the lower level (tucked below the Ceibas rooms) with beautiful mountain views, the Caraos rooms are perfect for couples or 2 individual travellers.
Located on the lower level (tucked below the Ceibas rooms) with beautiful mountain views, the Caraos rooms are a wonderful option for individual guests in search of privacy.
With a private balcony and breathtaking mountain views, the Ceibas rooms invite you to relax, enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature, perfect for individual travelers.
This unique room will allow you to enjoy the sounds of the river and the breathtaking views of the mountains. Relax on the wooden deck overlooking the Chirripó River. The room has a king bed, a private bathroom and a small kitchen where you can prepare quick meals, tea or coffee. It is located close to the river and just a short stroll to the pool and hot tub.
Cozy, with rustic and contemporary design, this suite is perfect for groups of friends. It has breathtaking views of the beautiful mountains of the Chirripó Valley.
This unique room will allow you to enjoy the sounds of the river and the breathtaking views of the mountains. Relax on the wooden deck overlooking the Chirripó River. The room has three single beds, a private bathroom and a small kitchen where you can prepare quick meals, tea or coffee. It is located on the highest and most private part of the property.
A 47 sq. mt. jewel located just a few steps from the pool, Jacuzzis and the river. It has two outdoor decks immersed in nature, perfect for bird lovers. A luxuríous space with a private bathtub, ideal for couples to relax and disconnect from the outside world.
The cozy River Cabin is close to the pool, hot tubs and river area. Sleep in it to the stunning and
therapeutic natural sound of the Chirripó River. Enjoy the beautiful private porch to relax on
during your stay, perfect for the single traveler.
Available options
Itinerary
Your international flight should arrive into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) ANYTIME on Wednesday 14 February 2024.
On arrival, take an ORANGE AIRPORT TAXI from the arrivals terminal to our group hotel in San Jose, which is a 10 minute drive from the airport and should only cost around $20 including tip. It is not advised to take a ride from an unofficial taxi.
Hotel in San Jose:
'AC Hotel Marriott Heredia Belen'
Cityzen Epicentro Laboral & Social
Calle la Rivera
Belen
Costa Rica
40702
Costa Rica
Your reservation will be under your own name or Chirriposa Retreats.
If you have any problems or need assistance, then you can contact Tania +506 83252514, who will be staying at the hotel and traveling with you to the mountains the following day.
There will be a meet and greet at the hotel roof pool bar at 6:00pm followed by an optional dinner in the hotel restaurant or food trucks! (not included).
There will be a group departure, the following morning after breakfast on Thursday 15 February , from the hotel at 9:00am sharp! You should be checked out and have your bags ready to be loaded into the private bus by 8:30am. The journey to the retreat venue is a 3 hour scenic drive (without traffic and stops) over the mountain pass and the intercontinental divide, at an elevation of 10,000ft. remember to pack a warm top for our coffee break in the clouds!
We will arrive at our destination in the Chirripó mountains around midday, in time for lunch, a quick orientation, check in, a rest and then an evening stretch!
Our group departure will be at 8:00am the following Thursday 22 February, which will get us into San Jose by latest midday (12:00pm). Therefore your international flight should depart from SJO anytime AFTER 3:00pm on Thursday 22 February 2024. If you need to get an earlier flight, then we suggest that you either take a private transfer or book your flight for the following day. We can assist you in finding a hotel to stay an extra night in San Jose.