FAQ

• What is included in the price?​​

Food, lodging, activities, transportation, and drop off in San Jose at the the end of the trip...Pretty much everything.  We love running trips where people don't have to touch their wallets while they're with us.  There might be a couple opportunities to buy souvenirs, get a drink, or visit a fruit stand but otherwise you're all set!​

• Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend travel insurance for your trip to Costa Rica, but it is not required. We have had good experiences with Trawick, but there are many agencies.​

• Are there any recommended vaccinations?

Check with your country's recommendations, but nothing is required.  Tetanus is a good one to be current on, but otherwise we don't have any specific recommendations.​​

• What are the accommodations like?

You'll be staying in a glamping tent on a mattress; there's a photo below.  They are spacious with room to stand up.  We find that shared housing is a great way to build camaraderie, but we understand some people prefer their own space and we do have rates for private housing.  Please let us know in your application if you'd like to learn more about individual housing options.  ​

• What is the food like?

We'll provide three fresh, delicious, and colorful meals each day.  For those who eat animal protein there are often eggs for breakfast and some dinners will have meat.  Our team in the kitchen is great at accommodating any dietary restrictions or allergies.  ​

• What is the closest airport?

San José (SJO) Is the closest airport, just over an hour away from La Huerta.  You can also fly into Liberia (3 hours away).  We'll help you coordinate your arrival on Friday March 7th; the closest towns to the farm are San Mateo and Orotina.  We will finish up our trip near San Jose and can provide drop-off in town or at the airport.​

• What are essential items to bring?

Headlamp, boots, some outfits to get dirty, some lightweight long sleeves for the evenings, sunscreen, a swim suit, a hat, and smaller backpack for day trips.  We'll send out full packing list before the trip.

• Is there laundry on site?

Yes, there is a laundry station for hand washing your clothes or one of our neighbors can wash your clothes for you for a small fee.

• How is the weather?

We'll be in the middle of the dry season so you can expect little to no rain.  Bring sun protection and a hat for the days; the nights cool down to a comfortable temperature.​ ​​​

• What kind of projects will be visiting?

We have a wide network in the area and will be selecting the exact sites based on the group that signs up.  That being said, you can expect projects owned by Costa Rican's and expats; a range of business models including ecotourism, agricultural production, and ecovillages; and scales ranging from less than 10 acres to more than 100.​

• Is a PDC required to take this course?

While a PDC is not required, this trip was designed for people who already have some foundational knowledge in Permaculture, Regenerative Agriculture, agroforestry, and/or land stewardship.  If you're still new to these concepts and are excited about this trip, please take time beforehand to familiarize yourself with the concepts as we will not be covering introductory material.​

• I'd like to know more about the hosting site, La Huerta Farm School.

Set on 12 acres in the hills of central Costa Rica on the Machuca River, La Huerta is a budding example of regenerative agriculture.  It started as grass, dirt, some unproductive mango trees, and a grand vision from Rober Morales to create a model regenerative farm focused on education, local empowerment, and genetic preservation.  Check us out on Instagram

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Part of the vision for La Huerta is to do things on a scale that is replicable for other local farmers in the area; without the injection of large amounts of capital or large work crews.  So it's a great place to learn from, regardless of your budget.  The project showcases infiltration ponds, swales, terraces soil regeneration, use of support species, agroforestry, natural building and so much more!  It also features beautiful common areas, walking paths, composting toilets, hot showers, and of course, a volleyball net.  We hope you'll come witness the incredible work this team has done in a few short years.