# Rio Chirripo Yoga Retreat

> Río Chirripó Lodge, once known as Rio Chirripo Yoga Retreat, is a 12-room boutique mountain hotel beside the Chirripó River near San Gerardo de Rivas, in the valley below Cerro Chirripó. It suits hikers, nature lovers and small groups who want yoga, meditation and spa time in cool mountain air rather than on a beach.

Source: https://costarica-yoga-retreats.com/rio-chirripo-yoga-retreat/
Last checked: 2026-11-04
Status: open, checked 4 November 2026 on the lodge's own website
Where: beside the Chirripó River near San Gerardo de Rivas, Pérez Zeledón, below Cerro Chirripó
Rooms: 6 rooms and 6 suites
Wellness: sunrise yoga, outdoor meditation, a spa, and retreats you can join or host

![Río Chirripó's round open-air yoga building lit up at dusk](/static/img/old/2013-05-rio-chirripo-yoga-retreat.webp)

Río Chirripó Lodge is a small boutique hotel in the mountains of Pérez Zeledón, on the banks of the Chirripó River near San Gerardo de Rivas, the village at the start of the trail up Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica's highest peak. When we first wrote about it, it was called Rio Chirripo Yoga Retreat; today it presents itself as a mountain lodge and retreat center, with yoga still part of daily life. In November 2026 its website was live and taking bookings.

## What it's like

This is the mountains, not the beach. The air is cooler, the river runs past the gardens, and the peak of Chirripó rises behind the valley. The lodge also protects a private reserve, Finca Talari, where guests can walk and even plant trees. It makes a comfortable stop before or after the Chirripó climb, or a place to come just for the quiet.

![A violet-and-green hummingbird perched on a branch](/static/img/old/2013-05-a-beautiful-and-colorful-bird.webp)

## The yoga and wellness

The lodge offers sunrise yoga sessions and outdoor meditation, and its spa, Río Spa by Kumara, uses local natural ingredients for massage and treatments. It also runs and hosts wellness retreats: you can join one of its own or bring your own group, and the team helps plan the program. There's a day pass if you're staying nearby and want to use the facilities. Check the lodge's website for current classes and retreat dates.

![A yoga class stretching in an open-sided room with a warm yellow wall and green hills outside](/static/img/old/2013-05-yoga-class-in-rio-chirripo-yoga-retreat.webp)

## Rooms and food

There are 6 rooms and 6 suites. Breakfast and other meals use fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, and the lodge says it adapts dishes to dietary needs and allergies. Check their website for current rates.

![A bright room with a bed under a mosquito net, wooden doors and a built-in sofa](/static/img/old/2013-05-beautifully-decorated-room-casita.webp)

## Things to do nearby

The lodge offers local culture as well as nature: cooking workshops, dance classes, visits with local families and guided walks. In the area you can hike the Chirripó trail (it needs a national park permit and is usually done over 2 days), visit coffee farms and walk the river valley.

![A man checking coffee beans drying in long trays under a plastic tunnel](/static/img/old/2013-05-coffee-tour.webp)

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

Río Chirripó suits hikers, couples, small groups and anyone who wants a few calm days of yoga, spa and mountain walks. It suits you less if you want a full daily yoga schedule or the beach. For other mountain and Central Valley options, see [where to do yoga in Costa Rica](/where-to-do-yoga-in-costa-rica/), and for help choosing between retreats, read [how to choose a yoga retreat in Costa Rica](/yoga-retreats-costa-rica/).

## Getting there

From San José, drive south over the Cerro de la Muerte pass to San Isidro de El General, then up the valley towards San Gerardo de Rivas. Allow about 3.5 to 4 hours from San José airport; the mountain road is slow, can be foggy, and best driven in daylight. Buses also run from San José to San Isidro, with local buses on to San Gerardo.

Website: [Río Chirripó Lodge](https://riochirripo.com/en/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Rio Chirripo Yoga Retreat still open?

Yes, as Río Chirripó Lodge. In November 2026 its website was taking bookings and listed yoga, spa and wellness retreats.

### Where is Río Chirripó Lodge?

Beside the Chirripó River near San Gerardo de Rivas, in Pérez Zeledón, at the foot of Cerro Chirripó in southern Costa Rica.

### Does Río Chirripó offer yoga classes?

Yes. The lodge offers sunrise yoga and outdoor meditation, and it hosts and runs wellness retreats.

### Is it a good base for climbing Chirripó?

Yes. San Gerardo de Rivas, at the start of the Chirripó trail, is close by. You need a national park permit for the climb, so book it well ahead.