Learn about organic permaculture in San Isidro, Costa Rica

Details

• 

  Description

  We are interested hosting mature volunteers interested in the land – as a lifestyle, In September the coffee season begins, opening the door to several volunteers interested in learning about harvesting, caring for and processing coffee. The coffee season generally extends into December.
  =========
  
  We generally host 2-3 volunteers at a time – and seek people who appreciate remote living and participating in an organic project in the topics. We are interested in potential volunteers who are sincerely interested in and fascinated with a lifestyle of sustainability.
  
  The overview of what we’re up to is this: 10 years ago my husband and I bought a 26 acre overgrown conventional coffee plantation (think agro-chemicals) - in the foothills of Costa Rica. Since landing here we've been tinkering with fun organic, permaculture projects that we've dreamed of all our lives while at the same time developing the infrastructure necessary to support it.
  
  We're looking for volunteers/students that are passionate about living off grid, who are interested in remote, rustic living, who are intrigued with soil rehabilitation and that have a liking for bananas. We do not lean toward potential volunteers who are are just interested in an inexpensive vacation.
  
  The main focus has been on learning about and creating sustainability to the extent we find feasible. Our focus has been on reviving the fertility of the soil and reforesting. We have planted a large variety of tropical fruit trees, a wide variety of bananas and plantains, plus thousands of other trees and bamboo plants. But also, about half the property has grown wild naturally, with trails lacing through the vigorous forest regrowth. And thankfully, gradually the wildlife is returning to take its natural place.
  
  Since this is a certified organic property, we maintain a small flock of sheep to help out with fertilizer production, plus some chickens. Volunteers reside in the 80 year old rustic homestead cabin which has 3 private rooms. There is a separate kitchen and dining room where volunteers prepare their own foods, largely with the basic ingredients we provide together with a few veggies available in the garden.
  
  The WHERE and WHAT of what it means to you:
  We are located 3 kilometers from public bus service with an hourly schedule into San Isidro, the regional supply depot 15 km away. Normally we go to town on Thursdays for the farmer's market and general town errands. Volunteers are invited to accompany us to town if they don't mind waiting for us to complete necessary errands. The property has an internet connection and our friendly dogs, cats, and sheep are pleasant company for volunteers.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
• 

  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Writing

  

  Gardening

  

  Animals
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Living here is an opportunity to engage in dynamic organic permaculture - tropical style. You can learn how we manage to survive on a rural property in a foreign country: how to grow, harvest and process coffee; how to care for many types of bananas; how to make and use homemade agricultural amendments. You can learn how to reinvigorate land after many generations of chemical use.
  
  We are native English speakers though speak Spanish fluently. We mix with neighbors, locals and other expats to some extent. We are fairly versed in the local culture and traditions and are happy to share what we know.

• 

  Help

  If you are attracted to our mission of creating an integrated, organic, sustainable "farm" and have skills and energy to contribute, let's talk.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  Guests share the rustic original homestead cabin, with one room to each person or couple.
  
  Basic meal ingredients are available for Workawayers to do their own cooking in the kitchen/dining room.

• 

  What else ...

  We often attend regional farmer's market on Thursdays In San Isidro del General .

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  Our internet connection and speed tends to be stable with occasional exceptions.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  My animals / pets

  sheep

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+13

Feedback (21)