Casa Nanita is a private riverfront cottage in San José for up to 4 guests, with direct Chirripó River access, mountain and jungle views, a plunge pool, shared gardens, and a sauna.
“Pass through the gate, take a deep breath, and relax into pure bliss.”
The Space
This cozy, private riverfront cottage offers direct river access, breathtaking mountain and jungle views, shared gardens, a sauna, and a plunge pool.
The gated property overlooks 140 meters of the Chirripó River, with views of mountain peaks, virgin cloud forest, and the San Isidro Valley. It includes:
- Covered garage
- Electricity
- Solar hot-water heater
- Large refrigerator and freezer
- Gas oven and stove
- Costa Rican pour-over coffee maker
- Filter coffee machine
- Italian moka pot
- Coffee grinder
- Electric juicer
- Blender
- Toaster
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Rechargeable Bluetooth speakers
- Jungle TV
- Yoga mats
- Foam roller
- Mountain bike for guest use
- Full laundry service available for $20 per load
The house has a minimalist design, with open bannisters indoors and no fence around the pool. This layout may not be suitable for toddlers or young children.
This is a two-bedroom house:
- An open loft-style master bedroom upstairs
- A cozy second bedroom with a private bathroom downstairs
- The master bedroom’s bathroom is located on the ground floor in the communal area
Gardens and River Access
Enjoy beautiful gardens, orchards, and raised vegetable beds with fresh herbs and salad greens. Guests may pick herbs and vegetables from the garden, as well as fruit from the trees.
The property provides access to waterfalls, dipping pools, and sunbathing rocks directly in front of the house. Swimming in the main river is not permitted during the rainy season.
A freshwater pool is available year-round, 24 hours a day. The property also has a bio-sauna, available for $40 per 90-minute session. Massages and yoga can be arranged upon request; see the full spa menu in the photos for pricing.
Location and Activities
The property is a five-minute walk from Canaan village, which offers:
- Bar and restaurant
- Bakery
- Cheese farm
- Grocery store
- Butterfly dome
- Gelateria
- Soccer field
- Church
A five-minute drive downhill brings you to Chimirol, where a local farmers’ market takes place on Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Local products include:
- Organic coffee
- Chocolate
- Swiss cheese
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Goat cheese
- Hot chili sauces
Nearby attractions include:
- Kapi Kapi organic café, market, and restaurant
- Secret Gardens
- Trout farm
- Cloudbridge and Talamanca reserves
- Chirripó National Park
- Waterfalls
- Thermal baths
- Botanical gardens
The entrance to Chirripó National Park and Cloudbridge Reserve is approximately 10 minutes away by car.
The surrounding area offers:
- Mountain trails
- Climbing Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest mountain at 3,820 meters (12,530 feet)
- Horseback riding
- Zip lining
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
San Isidro city center is approximately 30 minutes away by car or bus. With a population of 45,000, it offers shopping and large farmers’ markets on Thursdays and Fridays.
Dominical Beach is approximately one hour away by car and offers surfing, whale and dolphin watching, and paragliding.
Guest Access
Guests have a private entrance and access to the river. They may also pick fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden and fruit from the trees.
Travel and Driving Information
The property is approximately a three-hour scenic drive from San José without traffic or stops. From landing at SJO Airport to arriving at the house, plan for five to six hours. It gets dark at 6:00 p.m. year-round, and the mountain pass can become foggy and rainy in the afternoons.
Allow at least six hours to travel from the house to your flight departure.
The road is paved all the way to the house. Do not take shortcuts on dirt roads. When driving from San José, stay on Highway 2 all the way to San Isidro, then turn onto Route 242 and follow it to the house.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required, but renting a midsize SUV is strongly recommended for reaching the property and exploring the area.
Important Information
The house and terrain can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season. The property may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues or anyone requiring special accessibility.
Cats and dogs live in the owners’ house and may visit during your stay. This may not be the right accommodation for guests with allergies or those who do not enjoy being around animals.
If they visit, please follow these three rules:
- Do not feed them.
- Give them plenty of cuddles.
- Send them home by dark.
The property is located at an elevation of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). Mornings are typically warm, dry, and sunny, while afternoons are cooler, wet, and misty. Evenings and early mornings can feel fresh, so comfortable long pants, a sweatshirt, and wool socks are recommended.
The property borders 140 meters (500 feet) of a fast-flowing mountain river, creating constant white noise throughout the year. Some guests may find it intense, while others find it soothing.
The house is positioned a safe distance above the river, but take extra care when approaching the water, especially during the rainy season when the river is high. Kayakers may occasionally be visible below. Swimming in the main river should only be attempted with great caution and under adult supervision.
The freshwater bio-pool is available year-round and is ideal for cooling off on sunny mornings or after using the sauna.
Mosquitoes are uncommon because of the property’s elevation and climate. You may occasionally see one during the day in shaded areas, but they are generally absent at night. As the property is located in a tropical cloud forest, you may encounter other interesting insects.
Bio-Sauna
An electric bio-sauna is available for guests. Sessions must be booked in advance directly with the hosts.
- $40 per 90-minute session
- $100 for three sessions
The fee helps cover the sauna’s operating costs, cleaning, and laundry.
Guest reviews
5.0
· 44 reviews
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Accuracy
5.0
Communication
5.0
Location
5.0
Check-in
4.9
Value
What guests are saying
5
Steve
1 week ago
This mountain home is a true hidden gem, and I can't thank the hosts enough for their unbelievable hospitality. They were incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to make sure I felt right at home. Being there felt less like staying at a rental and more like visiting a relative or an old friend. The property itself is exquisite, and having such amazing access to the river made the trip unforgettable. It was the peaceful getaway I needed, and I am already looking forward to returning.
5
Andrey
1 week ago
Excellent experience! Three of us stayed and had a great time. The place is beautiful, very clean and surrounded by nature. Tania and Agua were excellent hosts, always attentive and making sure we didn't lack anything. The natural water pool by the river is spectacular, and sleeping while listening to the sound of the river was super relaxing. The sauna was the icing on the cake after walking the trails and rivers in the area. A perfect place to disconnect, rest and enjoy nature. We would definitely go back.
5
Daniela
2 weeks ago
The absolute best place we could have found to celebrate our 4th anniversary! 🤍 We were looking for peace, mountains, time alone together, and a true connection with nature and it was even more magical than we expected. Tania and Angus are THE BEST! So kind, attentive, and welcoming. They even gifted us a sauna day for our anniversary, such a thoughtful surprise. The cabin is a hidden gem in the mountains, surrounded by nature and right in front of the Chirripó River. Hearing the river from the cabin is incredible. The sauna is divine, the natural pool is beautiful, and the entire place invites you to slow down and disconnect. If you’re looking for peace, grounding, nature, and a true escape, THIS is the place! Thank you endlessly, Angus and Tania, for making our anniversary so special. We left with full hearts and beautiful memories. A big hug from both of us! 🤍✨
Host replied
5
Isabelle
4 weeks ago
If you are looking for private and peaceful environment, this is it. Amazing home with big porch to sit down outside and look at the mountains and river down below. This is a beautiful piece of property and very comfortable. We will go back.
5
Sarah
1 month ago
Words cannot describe how beautiful this place is. The house was roomy and comfortable, the views were breathtaking. My family of 4 enjoyed every minute here. I highly recommend they sauna and pool, it is well worth it!
5
Brian
2 months ago
We just spent two nights here and easily could have stayed more. Our family of four had a wonderful time. The location and landscaping are unparalleled. I was constantly admiring the thoughtfulness of the design. We loved the pool and sauna. It will be forever one of my favorite places. We had lovely meals at the gastropub and got to experience the owl butterflies dancing at sunset at the butterfly garden. Can’t wait to visit again!
5
Justine
2 months ago
The hosts were excellent - very responsive and great communicators both at booking stage and throughout. The property is gorgeous and is very restful and serene. Unfortunately we chose the wrong time to come and it rained for much of our time so we were not able to go to many places and the wildlife wasn’t quite what we had hoped but all of that is on us, and if we were to have somewhere restful to retreat to, this was it!
5
Pennie
2 months ago
Gorgeous place for a mountain retreat surrounded by gardens and nestled next to fresh water dips. We loved our time at Tania & Angus’ place, it’s a magical spot and the spring fed pool was an incredible bonus. The kitchen is well equipped for simple cooking, the desk/wifi set up perfect for remote working and the large terrace was a lovely space to enjoy watching the world go by. We hope to visit again.
5
Aleksandra Sasha
4 months ago
We had a wonderful stay at Tania & Angus’ place! What a beautiful sanctuary they have created with so much attention and care - the gardens full of colorful tropical flowers, winding stone paths, ponds with lotus flowers and more. True refuge for heart, soul and senses. The sauna & spring-fed pool - what a joy and a gift. Casa Nanita - so comfortable and beautiful as well. Can’t wait to return!
5
David
5 months ago
This place is magical. It’s a place that you will remember for a lifetime. We will be back again.
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