El Retiro

Private Journeys
Plan your journey
Costa Rica Through Our Journeys

Costa Rica, made personal.

The places we return to, the tables we gather around, and the people who make each journey possible.
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+506 6201 3213
About

Rooted in real relationships

El Retiro Private Journeys began with a simple observation: the best days in Costa Rica are rarely the ones booked from a catalogue. They come from knowing a road, a cook, a farm, a family — and knowing when to slow the day down.

Juan Manuel grew up around this country and built the company around the people he already worked with. The stays, chefs, drivers and guides connected to a journey are not anonymous suppliers; they are relationships built over years.

That is why we prefer to begin with a conversation. We listen to what matters to your group, bring together the people and places that fit, and design something we feel genuinely excited to welcome you into. Your proposal is not simply a list of reservations — it is the beginning of a journey we look forward to creating with you.
Our story

Placeholder words about how this began

El Retiro started as a family farm on the ridge above La Fortuna. When the last coffee harvest came in, we rebuilt the old house into nine suites and began welcoming couples who wanted the volcano to themselves. Today we host one journey at a time — never more — for up to 18 guests.

Placeholder — Isabela Quesada

Born in La Fortuna. Knows which waterfall is empty on a Tuesday.

Founder & journey designer

Placeholder — Daniel Mora

Runs the house, the fire pit and the world’s most detailed spreadsheets.

Estate director

Placeholder — Chef Ana Villalobos

Cooks from six farms within an hour, and makes tortillas at the table.

Executive chef

Gallery

Moments from the journeys

A glimpse into the unforgettable experiences along every journey.
How we work

Our promises

One group at a time

The estate is never shared. Up to 10–20 guests, and only yours.

Costa Rica, from the people who know it.

We prioritize local knowledge, Costa Rican talent and genuine relationships — working with trusted guides, growers, cooks, creatives and partners who bring their own connection to this country into every journey.

Quiet by design

No booking engine, no upsells. A person reads your inquiry and writes back.

Gentle on the forest

Solar hot water, spring-fed pool, no single-use plastic, reforestation on the ridge.

Good to know

Questions travellers ask first

Our principal private group journeys are generally designed for approximately 10–20 guests, although certain experiences and romantic journeys can accommodate smaller groups.

No. Our Signature Journeys are starting points and can be adapted according to dates, group size, interests and final logistics.

Yes. You are welcome to contact us about selected tours, transportation, rental vehicles and private experiences even if you are not booking a complete journey.

Transportation options can be incorporated according to the journey, including private transfers, group transportation and selected rental vehicles.

Selected private-chef experiences can be incorporated into many journeys. Additional dining can be quoted according to the group and itinerary.

We help design private Costa Rica wedding journeys incorporating selected accommodations, celebration logistics and experiences according to the final proposal.

Yes. Our celebrations are designed around the people celebrating them.

Private & unhurried

Tell us about your journey

Share your dates, your guests and the feeling you’re after. We reply personally within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
Begin your inquiry
+506 6201 3213