About Albergue Hacienda

Host and Hostess Johnny and Ana Soto and their family
welcome you to Albergue Hacienda Moravia de Chirripo.

Our hosts, the Soto Family.

Ana, Johnny, Juan Enrique, Ana Elena and Luciana bought Hacienda Moravia de Chirripo in July 1995 as a cattle ranch. Five years later they decided to rebuild the guesthouse and turn it into a lodge so people could come and stay in this magical place. Their first Dance Camp was in March 2000 for Frank Clayton’s 50th Birthday Party, and 56 campers stayed for seven days. During the first camp they had no band, the organizers brought CD’s and some of the campers played their instruments. In 2001, the organizers hired the Clayfoot Strutters for the first time and it made such a difference to have live music every night and almost anytime the musicians sat down together! Since then, their family has grown bigger, year after year, with all the campers that visit Albergue Hacienda. They want their guests to enjoy their stay as much as possible, to take back home wonderful memories of adventures, new experiences and the taste of typical Costa Rican cuisine. Albergue Hacienda is a great place for families and children!

    

The ranch is located in a beautiful hidden valley in Moravia de Chirripo, 3000 feet above sea level, on the edge of the rain forest.The nearest town is Grano de Oro (Grain of gold - coffee) and the closest large town is Turrialba, 25 miles away over twisting mountain roads with spectacular views. The Moravia Valley is surrounded by the Cabeca Indian Reserve of Chirripo.

Accommodations consist of bunk-style rooms with hot water baths, a big balcony with beautiful views of the mountains and forest, and a large dining room with delicious traditional Costa Rican meals served buffet style. Rooms are cleaned daily with fresh towels provided.

An old horse barn has been converted to a dance hall with a suspended wood floor. Dancing to the polyrhythmic beat of the Clayfoot Strutters begins each evening dance at 7 p.m. The contradances are taught in Spanish and in English by scintillating caller Kathy Anderson so that the Ticos (Costa Ricans’ term to describe themselves) can join with us during the nightly dancing. During one of the evenings in 2009, we are planning to have a Latin Dance Party with some Swing and Contradances on the side.

You are welcome to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting on the Ranch – birdwatching, swimming in the pool, listening to or playing music or just enjoying the view. However, aside from the nightly dancing, there are daily activities that may be of interest to you:

- Horseback riding around the valley, a cowboy ride with the cattle, or a ride into town.

- Picnic and swimming in a nearby stream.

- Hiking along the Indian trails ( 2, 3, 4 hour and overnight hikes) with naturalist guides -- to Serapio Hill, La Falda, through coffee plantations, to the home of Ricardo of the Cabeca Indians
and to the waterfall.

- Mountain biking.

- Beading with “Lagrimas de San Pedro”-- Tears of St. Peter.

- Opportunities for musical jam sessions, singing and “camper band.”

- Spanish lessons on request.

- Cooking lessons may also be scheduled.   

- Full day rafting trips on the Pacuare River can be arranged. 

To sign up for the Pura Vida Dance Camp Adventure, go to the Registration page.  
Use the "Contact Us" button to ask us any questions.