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Excellent 4.88rating (22)

Local Finca & Permaculture Experience

location
2 - 3 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Explore the rivers, springs and waterfalls in our area.
  • Learn the basics to start a Permaculture project from scratch.
  • Finding ways to heal through medicinal plants, meditation, and exercise.

Highlights

  • Explore the rivers, springs and waterfalls in our area.
  • Learn the basics to start a Permaculture project from scratch.
  • Finding ways to heal through medicinal plants, meditation, and exercise.
  • Tropical cousine, authentic farm to table experience.
  • Learn about the full cycle of cacao and make your own chocolates.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us as we discover great natural treasures, local entrepreneurships, farms and tours designed to give you the memories you are looking for.

    We invite you to have a balance between enjoying your vacations and leaving an impact in a community, we know how to have fun while being grounded with nature and locals, visiting secret spots, moving safely around and supporting the families that are working to provide awesome experiences to ...

    About the program

    We invite you to have a balance between enjoying your vacations and leaving an impact in a community, we know how to have fun while being grounded with nature and locals, visiting secret spots, moving safely around and supporting the families that are working to provide awesome experiences to visitors.

    Finca Cimarrón
    Our mission is to live independently and sustainably by producing healthy food that nourishes body and soul.
    20 years ago we began a life of learning based on organic and sustainable agriculture. We are trying to restore the Via Shikamate, the microorganisms responsible for creating healthy, nutritious food. 
    What can you expect?
    • Tropical cuisine, authentic farm-to-table experience.
    • A holistic farm experience.
    • Organic gardening tips and tricks for real-life applications.
    - If you want to live with a successful family with nature-oriented values while having healthy fun, this is what you need.
    Learning and activities?
    • Why it is important to support organic and sustainable products.
    • Making sourdough bread.
    • History of the farm from scratch to a production system.
    • Working from 7 to 12, 1hr break for breakfast at 9am.

    Finca Dalö Tsána
    Dalö Tsána takes its name from a term used in the Cabécar community for the sacred stones and tools used in ceremonies to heal people in the community from various ailments. 
    What we've created in the mountains of Turrialba is a space for healing, connection, learning, and co-creation by offering a place to connect with nature, work the land, eat fresh food, participate in workshops, use medicinal plants, meditate, exercise, and more.
    What can you expect?
    • Learn how to propagate, work and care for our medicinal plants.
    • Discover our roots with an indigenous teacher who shares culture, spirituality, and plants.
    • Hands-on training in organic farming and plant propagation.
    • A fantastic location, private, at the peak of the mountain, trials, space for meditation and inner work.
    Learning and activities?
    • Sacred plants and indigenous cosmovision.
    • Prevention, cleansing and improvement of the body through medicinal plants.
    • Substrates, propagation and use of medicinal plant varieties.
    • How to make cheese.

    Finca Mandira
    Mandira, derived from the Sanskrit language, means "Temple." 
    Our vision for Finca Santuario Mandira is to create a serene sanctuary amidst the surrounding banana plantations—a haven for the local flora, fauna, and people of Matina, an enchanting Caribbean canton. Through the Finca Santuario Mandira initiative, we aim to challenge established paradigms and show the people of this Costa Rican region that they can break free from outdated survival patterns.
    What can you expect?
    • Learn about the full cacao cycle and make your own chocolate.
    • Understand the basics of bamboo plantation and construction.
    • Discover the diversity of the Caribbean, through trails and rivers.
    - The Caribbean weather, more humid, warmer and you will be close to the beach if you want to explore nice beaches.
    Learning and activities?
    • Experience the cacao cycle by making chocolates.
    • Learn the basics of bamboo as a building material.


    Typical day

    Discover the ecobiodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer

    During your time here, you may participate in some or all of the following activities. Please keep in mind that these farms are currently active and new experiences may be added. However, we can assure you that your learning and enjoyment will ...

    Typical day

    Discover the ecobiodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer

    During your time here, you may participate in some or all of the following activities. Please keep in mind that these farms are currently active and new experiences may be added. However, we can assure you that your learning and enjoyment will not be compromised.

    On each farm, the main goal is for you not only to support, but to have a clearer idea of the lifestyle on rural farms in Costa Rica. By supporting this program, you can be assured that you are improving the circular economy, promoting organic food production, and preserving ancient practices of medicine and well-being.

    The following activities and tours are covered under the program, one tour happening every Sunday morning, and the rest of the activities during the week.

    Outdoor Activities
    • Visit to the waterfall "El santuario".
    • Campfire.
    • Visit to the "trapiche" (sugar cane making process).
    • Breakfast with Doña Rosa's family.
    • Several mountain hikes.
    • Art evening with drawings and games.

    Tours
    • Rafting on the Pacuare River.
    • Horseback riding through the mountains to visit an indigenous community. (Depends on availability of the owner of the tour)
    • Visit to the CATIE Botanical Garden.
    • Organic Coffee Farm Tour.
    • Swimming in 4 rivers: Alaska, Jicotea, Pacuare, Zen.

    Vamos!


    Free-time activities

    All the properties together offer so much space to chill, discover, hike, so apart from the main activities of our agenda, in your free time you can go and explore nature or the town.

    Places to visit
    • Turrialba Volcano
    • Irazú Volcano
    • Guayabo National Park
    • Cacao tour
    • Swimming pools in the center of ...

    Free-time activities

    All the properties together offer so much space to chill, discover, hike, so apart from the main activities of our agenda, in your free time you can go and explore nature or the town.

    Places to visit
    • Turrialba Volcano
    • Irazú Volcano
    • Guayabo National Park
    • Cacao tour
    • Swimming pools in the center of Turrialba
    • Restaurants, and bars with a view in the center of Turrialba
    To get out of the farm, we have different drivers that can take you out or even bring you directly to the place you want to visit to save time. These expenses are not covered by our fees.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 12:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Why do we charge?

    • We work with several teachers from the Cabécar indigenous community who live 3 hours away from the farm deep in the mountains, and we have to include these costs in order to bring this learning to the people. 
    • Transportation to the second and third farm.
    • We provide high quality produce at the farm, and the teachers who come to enhance their knowledge of the program require payment.
    • We raise the regular fee for rural and indigenous workers, we want to value their work and promote a circular economy in the city.
    • Tours and workshops.
    • Basic insurance.

    The basics

    • Accommodation: Bed, blankets, 1 pillow.
    • Food for breakfast + lunch + dinner
    • Coffee + Tea
    • Fruits and products from the farm available if you want to snack
    Guides
    • Michael Rodríguez - Host, translator, support team, and guide. ( Finca Dalö Tsána )
    • Lara y Juan (Finca Cimarrón)
    • Sonia y Rafa (Finca Mandira)
    • Doña Rosa and family - Some food contributions, milk, and cheese workshop. ( Beautiful and funny family )
    • Lito, Ervin, are indigenous workers that helps us a lot on the farm
    ¡Thanks for making this possible!

    Accommodation

    Details
    • Each farm has at least 2 rooms, where we can have one for women and one for men.
    • If someone wants to sleep in a hammock, there's plenty of room for you to bring your equipment.
    • We also have camping tents available for rent with a mattress if anyone would like that option.
    • Bring repellent and sunscreen 

    Food & Beverages

    We cook together!

    What do you have?

    • Organic produce from the farm
    • Organic produce from other farms (if for some reason the farms run out of produce, we will try to find the healthiest produce store near us)
    • Local fruits and root vegetables
    • Vegetarian meals

    Typical breakfast options

    • Rice and beans, egg, plantains, bread and coffee
    • Fruit, oatmeal, bread and coffee
    • Cheese and vegetable sandwich

    Typical Lunch or Dinner Options

    • Salad bowls, lentils, juice
    • Vegetable soup
    • Fried vegetable rice

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Let's do it!

    We can provide transportation from San Jose to the first farm, ask us for current fees.
    We cover transportation for the next 2 farms on Sunday's. All is cover, you don't need to worry or waste time waiting for buses, at the same time you can have great conversations with the group on the road.

    We are looking for groups of minimun 2, or 4, or 6.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $832 per week 2 - 3 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 3 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.88
    22 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Michael
    22
    reviews
    4.88
    Excellent
    2019
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
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    Contact Michael
      Good response rate
    English, Spanish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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