The journey
Beyond the Standard Routes
Move beyond the standard tourist routes and discover the hidden gem of Pérez Zeledón. Three nights in the cool cloud forests of San Gerardo de Rivas, where stunning landscapes, authentic flavors and local stories come together.
- 4 days · 3 nights
- All 3 nights at Chirripó Art Hotel
- Private transfers & local guides
Experiences operated byDel Valle Adventures
Tours, guides and transportation are operated by our featuring partner Del Valle Adventures, a local tour operator in Pérez Zeledón. Quotes and bookings for this journey are handled directly by their team.
Highlights
What You'll Experience
Cloud forest exploration
Hike private trails past cascading waterfalls and native wildlife at Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, at the foot of Cerro Chirripó.
Biological refuge & heritage
Guided birdwatching and petroglyph walks at Los Cusingos, the historic home of naturalist Dr. Alexander Skutch.
Artisan tastings
Swiss-style mountain cheeses at Quesos Canaán, fresh cane juice and tapa de dulce at a family trapiche, and bean-to-bar chocolate at Finca Capicacoa.
1950s wood-fired cooking
A hands-on cooking class in a preserved mountain home, with stories of early valley life.
Day by day
Your Itinerary
- Day 1
San José to the Clouds
- Scenic private transfer from San José up into San Gerardo de Rivas.
- Check in to your suite or casita at Chirripó Art Hotel.
- Day 2
Cloud Forest & Rural Mountain Living
- Guided hike at Cloudbridge Nature Reserve along the rushing Río Chirripó: community reforestation projects, waterfalls and native wildlife.
- Cheese tasting in the village of Canaán — handcrafted Swiss-style mountain cheeses.
- Traditional 1950s wood-stove cooking class in a preserved mountain home.
- Day 3
Natural Heritage & Farm Traditions
- Los Cusingos Bird Refuge: the former home and museum of Dr. Alexander Skutch, with three trails — Naturalist, Birds and Petroglyph.
- Sugarcane farm tour and artisan trapiche milling: help make tapa de dulce, then enjoy a homemade lunch at the farm.
- Mr. Cacao Tour at Finca Capicacoa: from bean to bar, roasting and grinding to tasting fresh cacao nibs.
- Day 4
Departure
- Private transfer back to San José — or extend the journey down to the Pacific coast.
Choose how it ends
Highlands round trip
Round-trip private transfer between San José and San Gerardo de Rivas.
Coastal finale
On day 4, descend from the cloud forest to the warm Pacific coastline.
Photos: Del Valle Adventures
What's included
Everything Taken Care Of
Rates depend on travel dates, group size and room type. Request a personalized quote — there's no commitment.
Accommodation
3 nights at Chirripó Art Hotel with daily breakfast.
Transportation
Private transfer from San José to San Gerardo de Rivas, and back to San José or on to the Pacific coast.
Guided tours & entrance fees
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, Los Cusingos Bird Refuge, Quesos Canaán, family sugarcane farm and Finca Capicacoa.
Tastings & dining
Cheese tasting, sugarcane juice & tapa de dulce, chocolate tasting, farm lunch and cooking class.