45 acres of pristine mountain sanctuary. Riverside cabins, digital detox retreats, and conscious community living in the heart of Costa Rica's highlands.
Can't visit yet? Let us bring the magic of Zen Village to you. Explore our 45 acres of paradise, meet the community, and feel the peace.
Nestled near San Gerardo de Rivas, where mountain forests, river flow, hillside coffee groves, and community rhythms create an intentional environment for presence and rest. Zen Village is more than a destination—it's a conscious retreat space for reconnection.
Whether you're seeking a digital detox, hosting a transformational retreat, or simply yearning for the peace that comes from sleeping beside a mountain river, Zen Village offers a rare space where the modern world fades and something more essential emerges.
Each lodging option is part of an intentional zone reflecting a different kind of presence — from community life to deep solitude.
Central communal area with fire pit, sauna, hot tub, shared spaces, and easy walkability to gatherings.
Closest to the river with sensory immersion and early morning calm just steps from the water.
Remote hillside retreat with panoramic valley views, cooler breezes, and coffee groves. 4×4 recommended.
Communal home · Sleeps 6 · 3 bedrooms
Two-story zome · Sleeps 2-4 · Queen bed upstairs
Two-story zome · Sleeps 2-4 · Queen bed upstairs
Cozy cabana · Sleeps 2 · Near Singing Dome
Glamping tent · Sleeps 2 · Furnished
BYO tent · Flexible capacity
Astro Alpha and Astro Sol are not standard cabins — they are unique two-story zome structures with architectural presence and intentional design:
Riverside cabin · Sleeps 2 · Wood & nature
Spacious home · Sleeps 6 · 3 bedrooms
Hilltop cabin · Sleeps 2 · Panoramic deck · 4×4 needed
Hillside cabin · Sleeps 2 · Deep solitude · 4×4 needed
The Vista and The Nido both sit on Escape Ridge — a serene hillside zone overlooking Chirripó area landscapes with sprawling views and quiet energy. The remote location makes these perfect for solitude, reflection, and self-retreats.
Special pricing for Costa Rican residents, community partners, and returning visitors. Contact us for eligibility.
Extended stays offer significant savings — ideal for retreats, creative projects, or longer visits.
Earn 10% of total lodging value for guest referrals. Paid after confirmed stay completion.
Guided meditation, sauna, sound journeys, and retreat packages available separately.
Zen Village sits near San Gerardo de Rivas, the gateway to Chirripó National Park and Costa Rica's highest peak. Known for dramatic mountain landscapes, pristine rivers, and peaceful highland serenity. All rates shown are base prices — add-ons, experiences, and packages are priced separately.
For retreats, family gatherings, or ultimate privacy — exclusive access to all 45 acres, 10 structures, and every amenity.
More than a place to stay—Zen Village is a place to become.
Disconnect to reconnect. Our structured programs help you release the digital noise and rediscover presence, with optional AI-guided journaling when you're ready.
Our pristine river offers swimming, meditation spots, and the constant symphony of flowing water. Nature's most ancient form of therapy.
Participate in sustainable farming, harvest your own meals, and experience the profound satisfaction of food grown with intention.
Our gathering areas host everything from intimate fire circles to larger consciousness-expanding ceremonies. Sacred container for deep work.
Our loving dogs and cats bring joy to every day. Pet therapy is included free of charge—they're experts at helping humans decompress.
Explore our 45 acres of trails, forests, and hidden viewpoints. Every walk is a meditation, every vista a reminder of life's vastness.
Zen Village is part of a larger movement toward conscious economics. We accept traditional payments, but also offer alternative paths to paradise through our credit systems.
Earn through the Full Potential ecosystem—courses, contributions, referrals. Spend them here or across our growing network of conscious spaces.
Earn locally through work exchange, content creation, community contributions. A micro-economy that rewards presence and participation.
Riverside Cabin
Not everyone has spare cash, but everyone has something to contribute. Our work exchange program lets you earn Zen Credits while learning new skills, connecting with community, and contributing to something meaningful.
"I came for a week and stayed for a month. The combination of natural beauty, conscious community, and genuine peace changed something in me. This place is special."
"We hosted our retreat here and it exceeded every expectation. The spaces, the energy, the support from the team—it created the perfect container for deep transformation."
"The work exchange program was perfect. I helped with the farm, learned about permaculture, made lifelong friends, and experienced Costa Rica in a way no tourist package could offer."
Experience Zen Village for a day. Access the sauna, hot tub, river, and communal spaces.
Local residents: Get monthly access with advance booking privileges. Limited to 6 visits per month with 24-hour reservation required.
Learn About Membership →Everything you need to know before your visit
From San José (SJO Airport): ~3 hours by car via the Pan-American Highway south to San Isidro de El General, then 20 minutes to San Gerardo de Rivas.
From Palmar Sur (PMZ Airport): ~2 hours north.
By Bus: Musoc bus from San José to San Isidro (~3.5 hrs, ~$8), then local bus or taxi to San Gerardo de Rivas (~30 min).
Self-drive: GPS coordinates work well. Any car can reach the Village Heart area. 4×4 is required for Escape Ridge cabins (The Vista & The Nido).
We can help coordinate airport transfers — just mention it in your inquiry.
Included in every stay:
Available as add-ons: Sauna sessions, guided hikes, sound healing, ceremony space, transport coordination.
Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on bookings — just ask when you inquire. We're flexible when we can be.
Individual cabins: 1-night minimum (2+ nights recommended to truly unwind).
Full property rental: 3-night minimum.
We offer weekly and monthly rates with significant discounts for longer stays.
We accept:
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. Remaining balance due upon arrival.
30+ days before check-in: Full refund (minus processing fees).
14-29 days: 50% refund.
Less than 14 days: No refund, but you may reschedule within 6 months (subject to availability).
Full property retreats: Custom cancellation terms discussed at booking.
We understand plans change — reach out and we'll work with you.
San Gerardo de Rivas sits at ~1,500m (4,900 ft) elevation — cooler and fresher than the coast.
Temperature: 15-25°C (60-77°F) year-round. Evenings are cool and perfect for sleeping.
Dry season (Dec-April): Sunny days, clear skies, ideal for hiking Chirripó.
Green season (May-Nov): Mornings are usually sunny; afternoon rain showers keep everything lush. Fewer crowds, lower prices.
Pack: Layers, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a swimsuit for the river.
Village Heart & River Grove: Accessible by any car. Roads are paved most of the way.
Escape Ridge (The Vista & The Nido): Yes, 4×4 or quad is required. The hillside road is steep and unpaved — part of the adventure and what makes these cabins so secluded.
We can arrange transport to Escape Ridge cabins if you don't have a 4×4.
Kitchen access: All cabins and homes have kitchen access (shared communal kitchen or private, depending on the unit).
Grocery stores: Small shops in San Gerardo de Rivas (10 min drive). Larger supermarkets in San Isidro (30 min).
Local restaurants: Several in the village serving traditional Costa Rican food (casados, gallo pinto, fresh fruit).
For retreats: We can arrange a private chef or catering — inquire for pricing.
We consider pet requests on a case-by-case basis. Zen Village has resident animals and natural wildlife, so not all pets are a fit. Please reach out in advance and we'll discuss.
Yes. San Gerardo de Rivas is a small, peaceful mountain village. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, and this region is particularly tranquil.
The property has an on-site caretaker, and the community is close-knit. Standard travel common sense applies — as it would anywhere.
Yes! Our team speaks fluent English and Spanish. We welcome guests from everywhere.
We love hosting retreat facilitators! Visit our Host Your Retreat page for full details on pricing, what's included, and to submit an inquiry.
Short version: Full property rental starts at $5,000 for a weekend. You get exclusive access to all 45 acres, all 10 structures, and all amenities. Yes, you can bring your own facilitators, chef, and team.
Absolutely. We offer day passes ($20) that include sauna, river, and communal area access. It's a great way to experience the vibe before committing to a longer stay. You can also watch our video tour for a virtual preview.
All roads lead to San Isidro de El General — from there it’s a short ride through Rivas and Chimirol to Zen Village.
Two scenic routes — both converge at San Isidro, then it’s the same final stretch: Rivas → Chimirol → Zen Village.
↓ Pan-American Highway south
↓ Over Cerro de la Muerte (beautiful mountain pass)
↓ 20 min east
↓ Almost there!
Fastest route. Stunning mountain views. Well-paved road the whole way.
↓ Coastal highway south
↓ Continue south along coast
↓ Turn inland
↓
↓ 20 min east
↓
Longer but gorgeous. Perfect if combining with beach time near Manuel Antonio or Dominical.
🤝 Need help getting here? We can coordinate airport transfers, arrange charter flights, or help plan your route. Just mention it in your booking inquiry or message us on WhatsApp.
📍 San Gerardo de Rivas, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Open in Google Maps →| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏔 Mountain | ~3 hrs | Gas | Fastest drive |
| 🌊 Coastal | ~4.5 hrs | Gas | Beach combo |
| ✈️ Commercial | ~2.5 hrs | ~$100+ | No car needed |
| 🛩️ Private | ~45 min | ~$450 | Groups / VIP |
| 🚌 Bus | ~4 hrs | ~$8 | Budget |
Whether for a weekend escape, a month of deep work, or hosting your dream retreat—Zen Village is ready to welcome you home.