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Host rating
65 %
Last replied
20 Nov 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. When on the property, 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 (or waiting out the rain!). Prior to moving down here, I worked in finance, and Hunter is a pilot in the US. We are both 26 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!
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 (and we never work in the rain!)
Optional: *For a fee of $25 per week, we will provide rice and beans, eggs from our chickens, and fruits and vegetables from neighbors as available (avocado, bananas, oranges, plantain, coffee, etc.)
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.
In addition to short term opportunities WE ARE SEEKING AN EXTENDED (3 MONTH MINIMUM) HOUSE SITTER (OR SITTERS) IN 2026. Want to live in gorgeous nature, in a private cabin, for free? Shoot us a message.
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 (3.5x3.5 meter) cabin that has a twin bunk bed and has space for 4 between the bunk and a sleeping pad on the floor. We cook over a campfire, or wood stove in this 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 (6x7 meters) bunk house for guests, this project is a top priority right now for future volunteers. It is 85% complete, currently doing finishing touches, adding plumbing, solar, etc. Has an amazing view, 3 minute walk to the river.
There is limited cell service at the new cabin site, but only works for local calling and texting, it is an all day affair to get "good" cell phone service. We do have a starlink that works most days depending on cloud cover.
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.
What else ...
Arriving: You can arrive by bus to Platanillo or Jicotea, when possible, I can give people a lift on motorcycle, and help bring things on my horse (both free!). If I'm not around or available, 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), if that is something you require.
Be prepared to bring rain boots, or buy them in town (highly recommended, they are $10-15 here depending on your size)!
If you want to smoke on the deck or porch, that is not an issue.
Obviously no tolerance for hard 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?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chickens and Quail
Lefty
Pancho
