COCOA FARM COSTA RICA

Our finca is an ecological farm that allows participants to experience the nature and culture of rural Costa Rica. It is located far from civilization in the middle of the green jungle, surrounded by a rugged volcanic landscape. Numerous hiking trails and a huge national park invite you to hike and observe animals.

Cocoa fruit grows on the farm all year round. After the beans are harvested and dried, they are processed into chocolate and sold in the farm’s own factory in Playas del Coco.

The mission of the farm is a responsible use of resources and nature. The farm is a member of a worldwide initiative to promote organic agriculture. Above all, sustainable farming is close to their hearts. In addition to learning about organic farming, participants can also learn about local ecology and culture. The farm also aims to be as self-sufficient as possible. Fruits and vegetables are grown by hand and used daily in the fresh, home-cooked meals. You will experience first hand how exhausting, but at the same time incredibly beautiful it can be to “put your own food on the table”. And it’s guaranteed to taste even better!

The concept of the farm is “learning by doing”. You will take part in the daily tasks of the farm, work as part of a team and learn to speak Spanish. You don’t need any knowledge or experience to participate. Everyone can contribute their own strengths and skills. The most important thing is that you want to learn new things and have fun at work.

Are you a team player and do you like to get to know people? Then you will be warmly welcomed by the staff at the farm. There you will not only become part of the team, but part of the family. Through joint projects and meals, everyone will come together and you will never feel alone. You can expect warm and funny people, Latin American culture, exciting adventures and tropical nature.

From the bean to the chocolate. At the cocoa farm you get the opportunity to get to know all stages of cocoa production. Starting with the different varieties and tree species to the finished chocolate bar. From raising the seedlings, planting, grafting and pruning, harvesting the fruit, fermenting, drying and finally making the chocolate. During planting and harvesting you will be hands on and along the way you will learn everything there is to know about making chocolate.

The cocoa harvest is absolutely manual work. Therefore, many farms need assistance during the harvest. The large fruits are cut off the tree with a knife and then opened to extract the beans. You will probably be surprised that the fresh beans are white and inedible. Only after a long process do they develop the familiar cocoa aroma.

But the tasks on the farm are many and do not revolve exclusively around cocoa.

Want to try life as a self-supporter? Then the farm is the place to be. Here you can not only feed the driver’s own chickens and collect eggs, but also harvest fresh fruits and vegetables from your own garden. Prove your green thumb by helping out with planting, watering and tending the beds. All of the farm’s homegrown food will be used in daily meals.

The small town of Bijagua is located in the middle of the green valley between the two volcanoes Miravalles and Tenorio in the beautiful north of Costa Rica. The farm has 6 hectares of production area and 4 hectares of forest reserve. This is a breathtaking virgin forest (also called primary forest) that is almost untouched by humans. It is home to many tropical and rare animal species such as sloths, giant butterflies, tapirs and pumas. Not only the wild orchids will amaze you there. Bijagua is covered with fertile farmlands, lush green meadows and orchards with all kinds of exotic fruits. The jungle provides the ideal habitat for hummingbirds, toucans and parrots. But this place is not only a paradise for bird lovers. Bijagua is the perfect place to relax and enjoy pure nature.

There are also numerous excursion possibilities nearby. Only a few kilometers away is the Tenorio National Park of the volcano of the same name. Adventurous hikes, suspension bridges and fascinating cliffs await you there. You should not miss the view of the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica: the Río Celeste. The ice-blue water of this river is unique and beautiful. You can reach this magical place in only 15 minutes by car.

Love of nature and plants – you don’t need any other special qualifications. The most important thing is that you enjoy working on the farm and are motivated to lend a hand. Furthermore, you should have the desire to learn Spanish and to get involved with people and culture that are still unknown to you. Open-mindedness towards other ways of life and people from all over the world is just as important as the willingness to learn new things and to work in a team. In return, you can expect to live and work in breathtaking natural surroundings and, above all, have a lot of fun!

The national language in Costa Rica is Spanish. You do not need to know Spanish to participate in the program. However, it is an advantage to speak some Spanish, since not all team members of the farm know English. If you do not have any knowledge of the language, we recommend that you attend a language course at the beginning of the trip, which we will gladly organize for you. Your language skills will also improve on the spot.

You can decide if you prefer to stay in a shared room or in a single room (extra charge). The lovingly furnished rooms are located on the farm grounds – in the middle of nature.

Meals on the farm are included, you will be provided with three meals a day. You can also help with the preparation of the food and learn new recipes.

Prices:

Single room:

• 1st month in start package: 1.350,00 €
• Extension month: 810,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 1.120,00 €

Shared room:

• 1st month in starting package: 1.100,00 €
• Extension month: 560,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 870,00 €

Benefits:

Learn more about our benefits here.