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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
19 Mar 2025
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Description
If we take a few days to respond, don't worry, we are probably just at the cabin and don't have service.
The Project is a large, 100+ acre rain forest reserve 8 kilometers (!) into the rural mountains of Costa Rica. The cabin is often in the clouds, literally! On the property, we have over a kilometer of crystal clear river frontage, small waterfalls, and gorgeous mountainous terrain, plus all the animals that inhabit these places! We purchased the property in early 2024 from a biologist who first described a new species of frog that he found on this property.
It is co-owned by myself (Coleman) and my childhood best friend (Hunter) from the midwest United States. I am living on the property with my fiancee (Audrey), where we are normally working on the land, cooking, bathing in the swimming hole, hiking and exploring the largely untouched property, or reading, playing cards and unwinding for the night. Prior to moving down here, I worked in finance, and my fiancee was a chef. My best friend/co-owner is a pilot in the US. We are all 25 years old.
These days we are in the *very* early stages of creating a desirable stay for people trapped in the "grind" back home who are seeking an affordable way to have a mental reset, extend a vacation, or simply have a new and wildly unique experience to take back home!
Seeing as we are a couple it would be fun to have another couple or pair/group of friends to join us, but we are totally open to anyone :)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
House sitting
Interests
Farming
Culture
Music
History
Outdoor activities
Sailing / Boating
Mountain
Fitness
Camping
Beach
Adventure sports
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is rural rancher country, that is mostly the culture. Tourism in this area is minimal, and contact with even the local community will depend on how often we make it into town. We have a good relationship with many neighbors, but still may only see them occasionally, once every week or two perhaps. This stay caters more to people looking to spend time in nature, detox from modern society, and sharpen their back country skills. If 24/7 immersive cultural exchange with Costa Ricans is important to you, this stay may not be for you. If hanging out in nature and once or twice weekly meeting and having dinner with neighbors is more you speed, this stay may be for you!
Help
For those okay paying for their food (either packed with you, purchased from us*, or purchased direct from neighbors - recommended): we ask that you work a very casual 10 hours per week.
Optional: *For a fee of $25 per week, we will provide rice and beans, eggs from neighbors, tilapia from on site (or neighbors), guava from the yard, and fruits and vegetables from neighbors as available (avocado, bananas, oranges, plantain, coffee, etc.)
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For those who would like food provided at no cost: you can expect the same food as above, but we would expect 25 hours of more purposeful work per week.
The challenge here is adjusting to life in this stunning but remote corner of the planet, so no need to make it crazier with a strict work schedule. The help needed is mostly with helping keep the main camp "clean" and fixing up this old (but new to us) property!. Basic projects may include chopping back brush (!), putting up fencing, hiking portions of the property, cleaning the cabins, planting trees and tending to gardens, or helping construct small projects such as chicken coops, small cabins, ladders, tables, or gates. We are very laid back and as long as we are accomplishing things we are happy, there is no expectation of 8 hours days or strict start times. If we do a long day, expect the next couple to be mellow.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
Cannot be stressed enough that this is not a glamping stay, this is back country jungle and best suited for experienced adventurers, researchers, campers, massive hippies, or similar.
We have one (15x15ft) cabin that has a twin bunk bed and has space for 4 between the bunk and a sleeping pad on the floor, which Audrey and I are happy to use. We cook over a campfire, or wood stove in this large cabin. It has a small kitchen area with running spring-fed sink (very safe to drink), as well as a bathroom with flushing toilet. You are also welcome to go dig a hole if that is your speed. The shower is outdoors and exposed. Some people are fine with this but if you prefer privacy, we have over a kilometer of private river frontage, in addition to a very secluded crystal clear waterfall fed swimming hole that is ideal for rinsing off and sunning on the rocks.
We are in process of building a larger bunk house for guests, this project is a top priority right now for future volunteers.
There is NO cell phone service on site or within a many kilometers, it is an all day affair to get cell phone service. There is NO electricity, we charge our electronics with mobile solar chargers. Light at night is from headlamps and candles.
Would like to again underscore that this is not a cushy stay, the ideal candidate is specifically looking to live in nature and off grid, building and living off the land.
We can send a list of items you will need based on your specific desires for your stay.
BACK COUNTRY CAMPERS: If you have ALL your own supplies (including for sleeping and eating) and would like stay with little to no effort on our part, we are happy to host you for no work exchanged, totally free. Feel free to message us and see if we can work something out!
What else ...
I cannot overstate enough how this stay is not for anyone who is not extremely comfortable in nature, weather, and a radically different culture than the U.S. and Europe. Please consider if this is the appropriate stay for you.
In your time off, I would plan on hanging out by the river, having a drink by the fire, playing cards/chess, hanging with the animals, fishing, or searching for new species of animals, which could very likely exist on this property.
Arriving: You can take the bus to Platanillo, at which point we have a taxi ($24 USD) who can get you to the trailhead where you can meet with a guide who can lead you up the trail with a pack horse for a small fee ($20 USD), or if you prefer to carry your own things I can potentially meet you there and we can walk up for free.
Be prepared to bring rain boots, or buy them in town (highly recommended, they are $15-20 here depending on your size)!
No tolerance for drugs, abuse, harassment, etc.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
