Take part in a gardening project and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of La Virgen, Costa Rica

Details

• 

  Description

  Imagine waking up to the symphony of exotic birdsong and howling monkeys, surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of life. This isn't a dream; it's our reality in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica – a haven teeming with over half the country's incredible biodiversity. Our homestead sits nestled amidst this paradise, mere steps from a refreshing river perfect for swimming and fishing.
  
  But this isn't just about our private oasis. Just 1 kilometer away, the iconic Sarapiqui River roars with adventure. Thrill-seekers can conquer rapids on white water rafting tours, while others can indulge in cultural experiences like chocolate making, local crafts, or simply revel in the beauty of birding and fascinating reptile life.
  
  Our land itself is a flourishing ecosystem teeming with life. Over 50 fruit trees in our food forest beckon with exotic delicacies like jaboticaba berries and blue java bananas. We embrace the power of permaculture, nurturing a thriving garden that relies on natural processes. Pristine soil, companion planting, and the vibrant local wildlife create a harmonious dance of growth, all free from harmful chemicals.
  
  Become part of our vibrant menagerie! We have a delightful farmyard filled with clucking chickens, proud turkeys, playful goats and sheep, gentle cows and pigs, with fluffy rabbits soon joining the fun. Two loyal Irish Wolfhound farm dogs add another layer of companionship. Learn alongside us, or simply lend a hand – we're always happy to share our knowledge on building, fixing, and tending the land.
  
  Evenings are best spent under a star-studded sky, perhaps gathered around a crackling campfire (though Costa Rica's warmth might make you reconsider!). Our cozy cabin provides all the comforts you need: a fully-equipped kitchen, a refreshing hot shower, and all the necessary cooking implements. Stay connected with the world through our Starlink internet, perfect for streaming or video calls.
  
  We believe in living off the land, and that extends to preserving the bounty of our harvests. If you have experience with this age-old art of homesteading, you'll be a welcome addition to our community.
  
  This isn't just a homestead; it's a chance to rewrite your story. Join us in crafting a life immersed in nature's abundance, where every day is an adventure, and every meal a celebration of the earth's generosity.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
• 

  Interests

  

  History

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Astronomy

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Fitness

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Cycling

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Videography

  

  Pets

  

  Sustainability

  

  Culture

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  Camping

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Gardening

  

  Carpentry

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Immerse Yourself in Pura Vida: A Spanish Oasis Awaits
  Escape the ordinary and embrace the charm of a traditional Costa Rican town at our homestead! Here, time slows down, and the simple rhythm of nature reigns supreme. While we'll be present on the farm most weekends, and occasionally for longer stretches during major projects, you'll often have the space to truly unwind.
  
  Experience True Local Immersion:
  
  Most weekdays, our dedicated farmhands tend to the land, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. They speak only Spanish, so if you're eager to learn the language or pick up some new skills, this is your chance!
  
  Unleash Your Inner Farmer:
  
  Our farm is your classroom! From milking cows, goats, and sheep (depending on the season) to mastering cheesemaking and butter churning, the possibilities are endless. Delve into the secrets of companion planting, discover the wonders of medicinal plants, and learn sustainable practices like composting, fence building, erosion management, and water conservation. Do you dream of catching your own dinner? We can teach you the art of fishing!
  
  A Collaborative Spirit:
  
  We're always eager to learn and grow alongside our workaway community. If you have expertise in any of these areas, or perhaps a passion for HAM radio, communications, first responder skills, or search and rescue techniques, we'd love to learn from you!
  
  Your Choice of Paradise Getaway:
  
  Whether you seek a secluded sanctuary or a central hub for social connection, we have the perfect accommodation for you. Choose from our luxurious geodesic dome or our cozy and social cabin.
  
  This isn't just a workaway; it's a cultural immersion, a chance to connect with nature, and a springboard for personal growth. Join us and discover the magic of Costa Rica's hidden paradise!

• 

  Help

  Join us in creating a thriving oasis!
  
  We're a collaborative team working on a diverse range of projects that nourish our land and promote sustainable living. If you have experience in any of these areas, we'd love to have you join the team:
  
  Year-round stewardship: Together, we'll tackle tasks like weeding, planting, and harvesting, creating a flourishing ecosystem that brings fresh, healthy food to life.
  
  Building a sustainable future: Help us design and build greenhouses, develop irrigation systems, or construct animal shelters and solar structures.
  
  Bonus projects: Are you a HAM radio whiz or a first responder with expertise in search and rescue, medical training, or preparedness? We'd make room for you anytime to share your unique skills, even if the facilities are marked as fully booked.
  
  Flexible contribution, maximum impact: We understand your desire for exploration! Typically, a few hours a day are all that's needed to make a real difference. The afternoons are yours to discover the wonders of Sarapiqui.
  
  While the farm requires year-round attention, you're welcome to choose your involvement level, focusing on projects that spark your passion.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Irish: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  Choose Your Paradise Escape: Geodesic Dome or Cozy Cabin
  We understand that everyone seeks a different kind of adventure. That's why we offer two unique accommodations to suit your style:
  
  The Secluded Geodesic Dome:
  
  Imagine waking up in a luxurious bed with a three-meter-wide view into the wild jungle, its transparent walls blurring the lines between nature and comfort. This private haven, perfect for two, overlooks the lush jungle canopy. Listen to the soothing sounds of the nearby river as you sip your morning coffee on your private deck. The dome boasts a California Super King bed with a luxurious mattress, a small bathroom with a shower and toilet, basic cooking utensils, and a cozy seating area. Unwind, reconnect, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica.
  
  The Centralized Cabin:
  
  Craving a more social experience? Our fully insulated, sound-proofed cabin offers the perfect hub for groups of up to 6 people. Prepare delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen and enjoy them with friends in the comfortable living area. This central location offers easy access to our friendly farm animals. Relax with a hot or cold high-pressure shower any time of the day or night.
  
  We cater to your culinary independence! We'll provide a generous selection of local Costa Rican groceries, including different types of meat, grains, and vegetables, for you to whip up delicious meals. Meat varieties are provided at the start of your stay, sufficient for a normal person's meat requirements for the duration of your stay or each month, if you stay longer. For people on carnivore diets, you'll need to subsidize the rest yourself. Some people need more meat than others, you can eat through the groceries as quickly as you want, but you will need to resupply yourself from the local supermarket if you run out before the end of your stay. Two portions of meat per person per day are provided, and food such as grains, for three meals per day. Vegetables are available directly from the farm or will be provided for you as needed. Our cabin kitchen comes fully equipped for your culinary adventures. Feeling adventurous? We'll gladly show you how to harvest fresh vegetables from our bountiful gardens or even how to gather ingredients directly from our farm!
  
  No matter your preference, our homestead offers a unique escape. Choose your ideal accommodation and get ready to experience the magic of Costa Rica!

• 

  What else ...

  Bring the Whole Family to Our Costa Rican Paradise (with Caution!)
  Our homestead welcomes families seeking an unforgettable adventure! The cabin provides a comfortable haven for your crew, but remember, farm life comes with a touch of responsibility. We want to ensure everyone's safety, so kindly remind your little ones about potential hazards like wild animals, farm equipment, and sharp objects.
  
  Endless On-Site Activities:
  
  Our property itself is a wonderland of fun! Take a refreshing dip in the river, cast a line and catch your dinner, or embark on a nighttime exploration – perfect for budding herpetologists! Birdwatchers rejoice – the vibrant symphony of avian life will leave you breathless. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the lush trails that weave through our land. Feeling adventurous? Take to the skies with your drone (licensed, of course!) – our vast open space offers the perfect playground for aerial exploration.
  
  Off-Site Adventures Abound:
  
  The surrounding area is an adventurer's paradise! Witness the impressive scale of pineapple plantations, or get your adrenaline pumping with exciting activities like white water rafting, fishing tours, ziplining through the rainforest canopy, or exploring the wonders of nature parks. Night walks, butterfly farms, and ATV adventures are just a few more ways to create lasting memories.
  
  Relaxation with Responsibility:
  
  We believe in unwinding responsibly. Smoking and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. Enjoy a refreshing drink with friends (we might even join you!), but please keep things respectful and avoid any disruptive behavior.
  
  We all do our part to keep our paradise pristine. Kindly dispose of any garbage in the designated bins provided.
  
  Embrace the Pura Vida Lifestyle:
  
  Come experience the authentic charm of Costa Rican life, immerse yourselves in nature's bounty, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our slice of paradise!
  
  Be fair with the time you agree:
  
  We realise that we can only accept people who want to stay for one month or more, and some workawayers have booked a month's stay and then told us during their stay that they can actually only stay a shorter amount of time - don't be that guy. We have to invest about $1000 between food, bills, support workers, fuel, etc, every time a workawayer comes to stay with us (we can hire a full-time local employee for less than that). The cost of living in Costa Rica is very high. We appreciate cooperation by staying for the duration agreed - you can stay longer if you need, but shortening your stay after we have agreed dates is not cool. Only in specific circumstances (HAM Radio expert, first responder who can give training, preparedness expert, homesteader etc), do we generally accept workawayers for less than that. We're here to learn and work together.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  Digital Nomads Rejoice: Work Remotely from Paradise Calling all remote workers! Craving a breathtaking backdrop for your next video call? Look no further! Our Sarapiqui homestead offers the ultimate work-from-paradise experience. Imagine this: you take a break from coding to gaze at a flock of exotic birds flitting through vibrant foliage. Or, you squeeze in a quick yoga session on the deck, surrounded by the calming sounds of the nearby river. This isn't a fantasy – it's your workday reality at our Costa Rican haven. We boast reliable Starlink internet, reaching speeds of up to 300Mbps on a clear day, depending on your chosen cabin's location. Stream high-quality videos or effortlessly connect with colleagues – all while soaking in the beauty of nature. Even rain or clouds can occasionally disrupt the signal, but hey, that's just an excuse to step outside and breathe in the fresh air! Power outages might be a rare occurrence in this rural paradise, but worry not! We're equipped with solar panels and a backup generator to keep you connected and productive, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. So ditch the cramped office and embrace the ultimate work-life blend. Our homestead offers the perfect solution for digital nomads seeking an inspiring and productive escape. Join us and discover the true meaning of "pura vida" – the good life!

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  Embrace Self-Sufficiency in a Picturesque Escape We can provide a power hookup for your motorhome and have ample parking in multiple locations. Campfires are a welcome addition to your evenings under the stars, just remember to keep them a safe distance from any trees. We're happy to take care of your general waste – food scraps, for example – as long as they're securely stored in garbage bags and brought to our attention. Our weekly trash collection ensures responsible disposal every Wednesday. Living off the land comes with a touch of self-sufficiency, and that's part of the charm! Let this be an opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience a simpler way of life.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  Hours expected

  2-4 hours a day

Feedback (3)