Casa Nanita | Chirripó riverfront mountain retreat

Wake to the sound of the Chirripó River at Casa Nanita, a peaceful two-bedroom cottage surrounded by tropical gardens and forested mountains.

Enjoy mountain views, a king loft, cosy queen bedroom, equipped kitchen and fast Wi-Fi. Watch birds and butterflies, explore the riverfront or relax on the covered veranda.

Cool off in the shared freshwater pool or book a sauna session (extra fee). Just a five-minute stroll from Canaán village, it’s a wonderful base for hiking and slowing down in nature.

The space
Welcome to Casa Nanita, a comfortable riverside cottage in Costa Rica's Chirripó mountains. Set on a gated property with approximately 150 metres of Chirripó River frontage, it offers tropical gardens, mountain scenery and the soothing sound of rushing water.

The cottage accommodates up to four guests across three levels.

On the main floor, you'll find the living room, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and spacious covered terrace, with outdoor seating and dining.

Upstairs, the airy loft features a king-size bed, comfortable seating and a dedicated workspace. The loft is open to the living space via the staircase rather than being a fully enclosed bedroom.

On the lower level, beneath the main terrace, is a cosy queen bedroom with its own entrance, private en-suite bathroom and a small workspace. This bedroom offers greater privacy from the main living areas.

The kitchen includes a gas stove, oven, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities. Fast Wi-Fi makes longer stays and remote work practical.

Outside, enjoy the shared tropical gardens, year-round freshwater plunge pool and riverfront setting. The Bio-Sauna and sun deck offer another way to unwind; sauna sessions require advance booking and an extra fee. Massages and yoga may be arranged on request, subject to availability and additional charges.

The ornamental water-lily pond is a garden feature, not a swimming pool. Look out for birds, butterflies and other wildlife around the property.

Discover the Chirripó area...

One of Casa Nanita's greatest advantages is its location: immersed in nature, yet within easy walking distance of the charming mountain village of Canaán. Take a five-minute stroll to discover local restaurants, a bakery, artisanal cheeses, a small grocery store, a butterfly dome and a local chocolatier.

A short drive takes you to San Gerardo de Rivas, the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, hiking trails, waterfalls, trout farms and the entrance to Chirripó National Park. You'll also find local farmers' markets, organic produce, excellent coffee and plenty of opportunities to discover an authentic side of Costa Rica.

For longer excursions, explore Nauyaca Waterfalls or head down to the Pacific coast and Dominical.

Guest access
Guests have private use of the entire cottage, with a separate entrance and covered parking.

The gardens, riverfront areas and freshwater plunge pool are shared with the main property.

The bio-sauna is available by advance reservation for an additional fee

The freshwater plunge pool and spa area are shared between Casa Nanita and Kubla Khan. However, when guests reserve a Bio-Sauna session, they enjoy exclusive use of the sauna, plunge pool and surrounding wellness area for a private two-hour period. We coordinate reservations between the two houses so everyone can relax and enjoy their experience in complete privacy.

You're welcome to enjoy the garden and pick fresh herbs, vegetables and seasonal fruit when available.

Other things to note
Arriving

The access road to Casa Nanita is paved, so a 4x4 is not needed to reach the property. A car is useful for exploring the region, and a midsize SUV can be helpful on mountain roads. Follow the main paved route via San Isidro and Route 242 rather than navigation shortcuts onto unpaved roads. We recommend arriving during daylight, especially when there is rain or fog.

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE

Mountain climate: At roughly 1,200 metres (4,000 feet), days can be pleasantly warm and evenings cooler. Bring a sweater and be prepared for mist or rain.

River safety: The Chirripó River is beautiful but powerful. Conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. Swimming in the main river is not permitted during the rainy season; follow all on-site safety guidance.

Bedroom layout: Casa Nanita has three levels. The king bedroom is in an open loft reached by stairs, with a bathroom on the main floor. The lower-level queen bedroom has its own entrance and private en-suite bathroom. The loft is not a fully enclosed bedroom.

Children and Accessibility: The plunge pool is unfenced, paths and terrain can be steep, uneven or slippery, and the river is nearby. Please consider these features when booking with young children or anyone with mobility needs.

Nature and animals: Tropical insects and wildlife are part of the setting. Friendly resident dogs and cats may occasionally visit the outdoor areas. Please do not feed them.

Shared Facilities & Optional Experiences

The gardens, riverfront areas and freshwater plunge pool are shared with the main property.

Our bio-sauna is available for an additional charge and must be booked at least two hours in advance. Spa treatments, yoga and other wellness services should be booked ahead of time.

Nudity and sauna etiquette

We appreciate the pleasure of enjoying a sauna and refreshing plunge in the natural way! During a privately reserved Bio-Sauna session, guests are welcome to enjoy the sauna and adjoining plunge pool without swimwear.

We arrange for other guests and staff to avoid the wellness area during these sessions to respect your privacy.

At all other times, we kindly ask guests to remain appropriately dressed in the shared gardens, pool area and along the river, out of respect for local customs and others on the property.

We also offer an optional five-course private garden-to-table dining experience at our nearby home, by advance reservation and at an additional charge.