Kubla Khan - Chirripó Riverfront Chalet

Discover Kubla Khan, a spacious mountain chalet where the Chirripó River meets lush tropical gardens and cloud-forest scenery. Enjoy an open-plan design, a king-size loft bedroom with private balcony and hammock, a fully equipped kitchen and inviting living spaces. Unwind beside the freshwater plunge pool or book a session in our bio-sauna. Just a 5-minute walk from Canaán village, it's an ideal retreat for couples seeking nature, space and tranquility, with accommodation for up to 4 guests.

Welcome to Kubla Khan

Set among lush tropical gardens in the beautiful Chirripó mountains, Kubla Khan is a spacious, two-story chalet designed for guests who appreciate nature, tranquility and the freedom to slow down.

The property borders approximately 140 metres of the magnificent Chirripó River, with views of forest-covered mountains, cloud forest and the San Isidro Valley.

The river provides a constant natural soundtrack, while the surrounding gardens and mountain scenery create a wonderful sense of being immersed in nature.

Inside the chalet

Kubla Khan combines spacious open-plan living with comfortable, practical amenities.

The chalet accommodates up to four guests, although its open sleeping arrangement makes it particularly appealing for couples.

Upstairs, the airy main bedroom features a king-size bed, walk-in closets and a private balcony with a hammock — a lovely spot to enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Downstairs, a cosy sleeping area called "The Den" offers a double bed and storage space for additional guests.

Please note that both sleeping areas are open or semi-private. Kubla Khan has one bathroom and may be less suitable for two couples who prefer completely separate bedrooms.

The chalet also features:

A fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, oven, large fridge-freezer and several coffee-making options
A comfortable living area with flat-screen TV and Apple TV
Reliable Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace
Bluetooth speakers and a classical guitar
Solar-heated hot water
Private covered parking

Gardens, river and relaxation

Step outside and explore our beautiful riverside property, with tropical gardens, fruit trees, vegetable beds and fresh herbs.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the shared gardens and seasonal produce when available.

The shared freshwater plunge pool is open year-round and offers a refreshing place to cool off on warmer days.

For an extra touch of relaxation, book a session in our bio-sauna or arrange a massage or yoga session.

You'll also find a BBQ area, fire pit, yoga mats and exercise equipment, while a mountain bike is available by advance reservation.

The property offers access to beautiful riverside rocks, natural pools and areas overlooking the powerful Chirripó River, when conditions are safe.

Swimming in the main river is not permitted during the rainy season.

A little story behind the name

Kubla Khan takes its name from the famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, inspired by a dreamlike world called Xanadu, with lush gardens, ancient forests and flowing rivers.

We felt it was a fitting name for this beautiful corner of Costa Rica.

Explore the Chirripó region

Although Kubla Khan feels wonderfully immersed in nature, the charming mountain village of Canaán is just a five-minute walk away.

Start your morning with freshly baked bread, locally made cheese or delicious Costa Rican coffee. Explore the village's restaurants, small shops, butterfly dome and gelateria.

A short drive takes you to San Gerardo de Rivas, the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, beautiful waterfalls, botanical gardens, trout farms, thermal baths and the entrance to Chirripó National Park.

The surrounding mountains are ideal for hiking, birdwatching and discovering Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity.

For a taste of local life, visit the farmers' market in nearby Chimirol or explore the bustling regional town of San Isidro de El General.

And if you're craving a day at the beach, the Pacific coast and Dominical are within reach for a longer excursion.

Guests have exclusive use of Kubla Khan, including the chalet, its private balcony and covered parking.

The surrounding gardens, riverfront areas, freshwater pool and bio-sauna are shared with our other accommodation and the hosts.

Our private residence is not part of the guest accommodation.

We're happy to help with local information and recommendations while respecting your privacy throughout your stay.

We live next door on the property with our dogs and cats. We are just a stone’s throw away and available to answer any questions, offer advice and to address any concerns.
However, we respect our guests privacy and unless requested or advised beforehand, we or our staff will not approach the house and only access the ‘shared’ parts of the property (garden, pool, sauna, river).

Mountain climate

At approximately 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) above sea level, the Chirripó region offers a refreshing change from Costa Rica's hot coastal climate.

Mornings are often warm and sunny, while afternoons can bring mist, rain and cooler temperatures.

Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so we recommend bringing a sweater, comfortable long trousers and warm socks.

The sound of the river

Kubla Khan overlooks a powerful, fast-flowing mountain river. Its constant rushing sound is one of the property's most distinctive characteristics.

Many guests find the sound deeply relaxing, although those who prefer complete silence should be aware of it.

Nature and our resident animals

This is a tropical mountain environment, so occasional insects and wildlife are part of the experience.

Our friendly dogs and cats live on the property and may occasionally visit the chalet. We ask guests to avoid feeding them and to send them home before dark.

Guests with animal allergies should take this into consideration.

Sleeping arrangements and accessibility

Kubla Khan is an open-plan, two-story chalet.

The upstairs king bedroom is open to the interior, while the downstairs Den is semi-private. There is one bathroom.

The stairs, open bannisters, unfenced pool and uneven outdoor terrain require care, especially with young children or during rainy weather.

The property may also present difficulties for guests with reduced mobility.

River safety

The Chirripó River can become extremely powerful, particularly during the rainy season. Guests should take great care around the riverbank and avoid approaching the water during unsafe conditions.

Swimming in the main river is not permitted during the rainy season.

The freshwater plunge pool is available throughout the year.

Getting here

The road to Kubla Khan is paved, and a 4x4 is not required to reach the property. However, we recommend a midsize SUV for exploring the surrounding mountain region.

When driving from San José, follow Highway 2 to San Isidro de El General, then Route 242 toward Rivas and Canaán. Avoid navigation shortcuts onto unpaved mountain roads.

Allow approximately three hours from San José in good driving conditions, and considerably longer when traveling from the international airport.

We recommend arriving before dark, as fog and rain can make mountain driving more challenging.

Optional services

Bio-sauna: $40 per 90-minute session, or $100 for three sessions, by advance reservation
Laundry service: $20 per load
Massage and yoga sessions: available on request, subject to availability and additional charges
Mountain bike: available by advance reservation

We look forward to welcoming you to Kubla Khan and sharing our little corner of the Chirripó mountains.