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Experience living off-grid with a family in the rain forest of Cabanga, Costa Rica

Costa Rica
Last activity : 25 Oct 2025

Profile information

Host rating
80 %
Last replied
25 Oct 2025
Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
29
Email verified

Badges (3)

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Availability

2025

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are an English speaking Torah Observant family living off grid in the beautiful Costa Rican jungle. We hobby farm, homeschool, and create culinary delights from the ingredients around us. However, we are not a vegan household. We grow cacao and make chocolate. We have cows, sheep, chickens and fish, plus a dog and two cats. We have a farm worker to do the usual work, but we are always tackling new projects, from alternative power to organic gardens. We especially would like someone with a better grasp of Spanish to help us learn as we work together throughout our day. If you would like to unplug from the world for a while, we could use your talents. We have comfortable cabinas, fresh spring water to drink, even a swimming pool! Costa Rica is a country perfect to relax and enjoy nature. Every day is an opportunity to do something amazing.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Interests
Sustainability
Self development
Pets
Farming
Culture
Charity work
Plant care
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Animals
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Experience a 2nd world country in harmony with nature. Learn independent living skills and off-grid lifestyle.
Help
We appreciate assistance with gardening, cooking, woodworking, making chocolate and farm projects. If you want to embrace an off grid adventure; we have something for you!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Ukrainian: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We offer a range of living arrangements - from private cabinas to a 3 bedroom house. We have secure structures with screens on windows, indoor plumbing and kitchen facilities for when you aren't eating with our family.
What else ...
We do not work on Saturdays, so you'll have the weekend to explore if you so choose, or just kick back in a hammock and enjoy the pool. There is public transportation from the village 2 km away. We are 1.5 hours from the Volcan Arenal and La Fortuna, 40 minutes from Rio Celeste (blue river) and 20 minutes to the nearest town (San Rafael de Guatuso)
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
Zelda
Doberman

Host ref number: 929424745452

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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

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Feedback (16)

8 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jaclyn & Christopher) for host

Me and my girlfriend stayed with Borys and Karissa for about 2 weeks, and where to begin! First things first is we had such a great time staying with them! Karissa always made sure we were fed Breakfast lunch and dinner every single day which is very uncommon for work away host so she really went above and beyond with that! Secondly both Borys and… read more

(Excellent )

21 Jul 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (CESAR)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

25 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer (Marit) for host

I stayed at the farm for two weeks and it was absolutely great. Everybody in the family was super kind and they included me from the very beginning so that I definitely felt welcomed. Since my tasks were not too demanding we could spent a lot of time outside, playing games, going on walks and just having fun. I really enjoyed my stay there and I… read more

(Excellent )

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Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)

Cultural exchange:
(4.7)

Communication:
(4.7)

8 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jaclyn & Christopher) for host

(Excellent)

21 Jul 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (CESAR)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative)

25 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer (Marit) for host

(Excellent)

19 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Steffi & Lorenz) for host

We stayed with the family for one week and it was great to meet all the talented kids they have. My work was mostly washing the dishes and clean up the kitchen, help with preparation of the family meals. I was not given any other tasks, which I expected It was not clear what my working hours were and what exactly that I should do...as also Karissa… read more

(Good)

22 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Steffi & Lorenz)

Steffi and Lorenz were very hard workers, going above and beyond the call of duty. Steffi was a great help in the kitchen, Lorenz worked very hard with the woodworking and their daughter was well behaved. Pleasant people to have around.

(Excellent)

25 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Lona) for host

I stayed there for 10 days, if you like nature, animals, chocolate, woodworking, and cooking just go for it 😇 I spent a really nice time surrounded by this beautiful family!

(Excellent)

22 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Lona)

Lona was very sweet and helpful to have around. She was willing to tackle any task, from kitchen work to woodworking and chocolate making. She got along well and with our other workawayer. She was easy to host.

(Excellent)

22 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Elena & Greta )

Ele was great to host. Positive attitude, hard working, good with the children. She was super helpful no matter the task. We would happily have her back.

(Excellent)

19 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host

Dear family,
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your world for albeit a short amount of time. I could not imagine learning an alternative way of life from a kinder, more passionate group of people - each with their own unique set of skills, interests, craft, passion. I'm excited to see what lies ahead for you guys & hope… read more

(Excellent)

18 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host

I spent 3 weeks with this lovely family and had a great time. They made me feel really welcomed and with so many interesting conversations to be had and things to do; you’ll never be bored here. I really enjoyed learning more about living off-grid and seeing the family’s daily life in the mountains. Also, their chocolate is amazing!
Thank you for… read more

(Excellent)

13 Jul 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha)

Samantha brought a lot of energy to each of her projects. Always with a positive attitude, she performed any task that was assigned to her. She fit right in with the family. The kids all loved her. Self motivated, she kept herself busy without being intrusive. She would be someone whom I would recommend.

(Excellent)

24 Sep 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (David & Joane)

David and Juno were great to have around. Conscientious and willing workers, they left this place better than they found it. They painted their house and delt with a termite invasion. Juno quietly worked wherever she saw a need: doing dishes, weeding the garden, watching the children, sweeping floors, etc. David had super useful computer skills… read more

(Excellent)

21 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (David & Joane) for host

My wife and I enjoy so much the stay with the Polon family. If you're looking for peace and tranquillity surrounded by green and magnificent landscapes, this is a place for you! Not only Karissa and Borris provided us a comfortable and private cabina to stay in but also activities from where you can learn like woodwork, farming, baking, gardening,… read more

(Excellent)

17 Jun 2021

Left by Workawayer (Dovilė) for host

The two weeks I spent with this family was such a good time to disconnect from city hustle. The tasks I was given were so various (for example, harvesting, weeding, doing some wood work, helping in the kitchen) that I never got bored. However, all workawayers had enough free time to relax and do whatever they like:) But what I enjoyed the most was… read more

(Excellent)

12 Apr 2021

Left by Workawayer (Freya) for host

I spent nearly 2 weeks with the lovely, remote community that Karissa and Borys have fostered. Their family of 7 is very welcoming and I immediately felt comfortable and included as they opened up their home and life to me. The accommodations were wonderful, I had a private bedroom in a comfortable shared cabina separate from the main house and… read more

(Excellent)

20 Mar 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Freya)

Freya was a cheerful and friendly person. She helped with everything from cooking to gardening, pool cleaning and Spanish lessons to name just a few. She was out to get the most of her time here and took on every experience with exuberance.

(Excellent)

20 Mar 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Ingrid)

Ingrid and Lila May were a pleasant addition to our farm. Very adaptable and willing workers, we appreciated the input they brought to the table (often quite literally - both are accomplished Cooks in their own right). Easy going and quiet guests, they functioned in a non-intrusive, but helpful manner. We enjoyed having them around!

(Excellent)

10 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer (Ingrid) for host

Lila May and l spent some resting, instructive and joyful time with Borys and his family! I learnt a lot about wood construction and really enjoyed working with Borys. We had a great time doing the cooking and experimenting new recepies with Karissa, Ari and Natalya. Lila May enjoyed being with all the kids playing around, swimming, baking and… read more

(Excellent)

7 Feb 2021

Left by Workawayer (Marcelle & Doug) for host

We spent 5 weeks with this very creative, close knit family. It was a great learning experience being on the farm and experiencing the rainforest jungle for the first time. I enjoyed helping in the kitchen and with the animals, and my hubby helped build and fix all sorts of things around the property. We also enjoyed the community atmosphere with… read more

(Excellent)

26 Nov 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Nadège & Michel)

Nadege, Michel and Elouenn were a pleasure to host. Nadege overflows with happy energy. Michel is quietly reserved, but social. Elouenn is very respectful. All were extremely helpful and hardworking. Nadege guided some of the children in art classes and helped both in the kitchen and in the field. Michel took on some construction projects and… read more

(Excellent)

26 Nov 2020

Left by Workawayer (Martín) for host

I stayed at the farm for about two months starting in May. Borys, Karissa and their children are very kind and respectful.
During my time there I did mostly woodwork and help a little with spanish to one of the girls and teach a little of photography to their elder son. The kids are very well behave and joyful.
The food was really great and the… read more

(Excellent)

7 Nov 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Maria9999)

María was an excellent workawayer. Very happy and easygoing. Excited to challenge herself to perform any task. She was simple to host. While enduring many personal hardships, she has stayed positive. She was a very big help to us and we appreciate her efforts.

(Excellent)

1 Nov 2020

Left by Workawayer (Maria9999) for host

For more than 2 months I was at the self-sustainable farm of Borys and Karissa. It was the best stay that I can imagine. I felt totally welcome and comfortable in their family and slept in a beautiful peaceful cabin in nature with amazing views.
Borys and Karissa are both sweet, strong and brave people with a lot of perseverance. I loved our… read more

(Excellent)

7 Nov 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Kristyna)

Kris was amazing! She brought so much positive energy to every task that she did. She got on well with all the children and was a wealth of experience. She was a joy to host! Willing to help with anything and everything, it was like she was part of the family. Our doors will always be open to her.

(Excellent)

31 Oct 2020

Left by Workawayer (Kristyna) for host

Karrisa, Borys and their lovely kids made me feel like at home. From the very beginning I felt very welcomed and it just clicked on both sides. I admire their brave style of living, how much they are connected with nature and how great they function as a family. We have lots to talk about. You will be amazed how bright and experienced are kids who… read more

(Excellent)

29 Jul 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte Marie & Timo)

Having Charlotte and Timo stay with us at our farm was like having friends come to call. They got on really well with all our children, helped out magnificently with every task they were given, and always had a positive and curious attitude. They were a pleasure to host! They were definitely an asset to have around. They helped with everything… read more

(Excellent)

28 Jul 2020

Left by Workawayer (Charlotte Marie & Timo) for host

We had a great Workaway experience staying for 6 weeks at Borys' and Karissa's place. The whole family made us feel welcome from the first meal on. It is a lively household- of course, having 6 kids- and a very lovely one too. We were treated as part of the family and that was a wonderful experience.
Timo helped with woodworking, sanding,… read more

(Excellent)

20 Jul 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Tyler)

Tyler was appreciative, and a great contributor to our homesteading efforts. Punctual and trustworthy, willing to tackle any task, and always respectful. He was a great guy to have around.

(Excellent)

19 Jul 2020

Left by Workawayer (Tyler) for host

I stayed with Borys and Karissa for approximately 1 month and I had a great time with them and all their kids. They are a very warm and welcoming family who are all very knowledgeable of plants and animals. While living on the farm we did lots of various projects like making chocolate, planting fruit trees, carpentry, working clay, and… read more

(Excellent)

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Experience living off-grid with a family in the rain forest of Cabanga, Costa Rica

Profile information

Host rating

Last replied

Reply rate

Feedback

Email verified

Badges (3)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Interests

UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

My animals / pets

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (16)

Photos

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback