Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour

9 or 12 DAYS | Embark on a journey through intentional communities in Costa Rica

Get exclusive access to eco-communities.

The eco-adventure you’ve dreamed of is waiting for you in the lush lands of Costa Rica. Home to dozens of the world’s leading ecovillage models, we have chosen a selection of the most diverse and inspiring examples for you to experience. Due to decades of relationship building with these communities, you will get access to the founders, residents, and incredible sustainable living homes simply not available to anyone else.

This isn’t just another vacation—it’s an immersion in a whole new way of being on our planet.

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Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour
All-inclusive small group travel.

Jan 12-23, 2025
or
Feb 15-23, 2025

Limited spots left on these tours.

Apply for a tour scholarship:
Ecovillage Explorer Exchange

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Tour Highlights

What you can expect to experience during your time in Costa Rica.

  • Visit 7+ Intentional Communities: Travel to the most inspiring models for sustainable community living, enjoying quality time with their founders and residents.

  • Discover if Costa Rica is Calling You Home: If you are considering a move, this is the best way to learn about your options and various community models.

  • Gain Practical Guidance for Your Own Project: Get insights from ecovillage experts to fuel your sustainable living project, turning inspiration into reality.

  • Enjoy a True Eco-Vacation Adventure: Relish in a curated experience that combines adventure with the comfort of all-inclusive travel in beautiful Costa Rica.

  • Build Community within a Small Group: Our group will itself become an intentional community on wheels, deepening relationships and practicing cooperative culture with each other.

January Tour

See the featured communities and itinerary for the 12-day tour January 12-23, 2025.

Alegría Village

Location: San Mateo

Land: 70 hectares

Accepting New Members: Yes

Alegría Village is a new ecological neighborhood in the hills of San Mateo, Alajuela, Costa Rica, dedicated to best practices in regenerative living and design. Nestled on 70 hectares (170 acres) of fertile farmland, Alegría includes extensive permaculture food forests with hundreds of fruit trees, edible community gardens, abundant springs and creeks that supply our water, and hiking and biking trails for exploring our natural surroundings. 

Each neighbor has their own space - their own private land and home - and we all share a community center, pool & hot tub, yoga & meditation shala, coworking hub, permaculture farm, and sacred spaces tucked throughout the property. We now have over 135 neighbors, from 32 different countries (including many Costa Rican families) calling Alegría Village home.

La Ecovilla Original

Location: San Mateo

Land: 42 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Website: laecovilla.com

Our original La Ecovilla welcomes 43 families from 29 different countries. They built their home on this former cattle farmland, first transformed into an edible forest then organized with roads and general services by 2012. Located in the heart of Costa Rica’s fruit growing region. Residents enjoy a peaceful land and purposeful life dedicated to nature and each other's care. Today there are many shared spaces, eco services and activities.

Ecovilla San Mateo

Location: San Mateo

Land: 494 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Our first addition to the original La Ecovilla. With the same vision that made La Ecovilla a reality, welcome to Ecovilla San Mateo, a future community of communities! We are located 10 minutes away from La Ecovilla, still in the fruit growing region of Costa Rica with amazing weather, just 45 minutes from San Jose, one hour from the airport, and less than 40 minutes from the beach.

Brave Earth

Location: Arenal

Land: 35 hectares

Accepting New Members: No

Website: braveearth.com

Our prayer is to create an imprint of lived possibility in solidarity with all Life, in dialogue with the living planet, and in service to the collective transition. We are embodied through an experiential center,  residential community,  regenerative agricultural commons and community resilience network. We have been in operation of the center since January 2021 and over the last few years we have planted nearly 500 trees in our intentional food forest.

Rancho Mastatal

Location: Puriscal

Land: 300 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Rancho Mastatal is an education center, working permaculture farm, ecolodge and community rooted in environmental sustainability, meaningful, place-based livelihoods, and caring relationships. Our campus encompasses more than 300-acres of wildlife refuge with beautiful waterfalls, pristine rivers, idyllic swimming holes, impressive trees, extraordinary wilderness views, and intact habitat for the area's rich flora and fauna. We are located in the rural farming town of Mastatal, situated on the edge of the last remaining virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s picturesque Puriscal County.

Collectivo Tacotal

Location: San Mateo

Land: 60 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Collectivo Tacotal is a 25 family consensus-based ecovillage founded in 2008. The intentional community is based on the principles of permaculture, non-violence, ecological stewardship and interconnectedness. The land is roughly 60 acres and runs along the majestic Rio Machuca which creates its eastern border. The community is made up of a diverse group of people from the US, Costa Rica, and Mexico with a shared love of music, earth-stewardship and intentional gatherings.

VerdEnergia Pacifica

Location: Puriscal

Land: 178 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Website:  verdenergia.org

VerdEnergia is a growing ecovillage and regenerative agroforestry project situated within acres of reforested jungle. Part ecovillage, part reforestation project, part farm, Verde is a community of people on a mission to practice and share practical applications of permaculture. We’ve integrated our practice into everyday life, using permaculture principles as a guiding tool as we regenerate and gently cultivate the forest we are honored to call home.

Itinerary

January 12-23, 2025

  • Day 1 | Orientation near San Jose (plan arrival before 2pm local time)

  • Day 2 | Visit Rancho Mastatal

  • Day 3 | Visit Verdenergia

  • Day 4 | Tour of Food Production Zone at Verdenergia

  • Day 5 | Free day at the beach

  • Day 6 | Visit Collectivo Tacotal

  • Day 7 | Visit La Ecovilla

  • Day 8 | Visit Ecovilla San Mateo

  • Day 9 | Visit Alegria Ecovillage

  • Day 10 | Free day at the hot springs

  • Day 11 | Visit at Brave Earth

  • Day 12 | Wrap up near San Jose (plan departure for 6pm or later)

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February Tour

See the featured communities and itinerary for the 9-day tour February 15-23, 2025.

Florestral

Accepting New Members: Yes

Location: Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica

Land: 100 acres

Florestral is an ecovillage and retreat center located in the Southern Pacific mountainous zone of Costa Rica, specifically in the Pérez Zeledón region. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring untouched forests, scenic rivers, and waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. The property offers easy access to urban amenities in San Isidro, just 25 minutes away, and is also close to the Pacific coastline, which is about 40 minutes. Florestral emphasizes a connection to nature, promoting activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the surrounding environment and engage in holistic practices.

Finca La Flor

Location: Paraiso, Cartago

Land: 24 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Website: fincalaflor.org

Finca Agroecológica La Flor, established over 20 years ago by ASODECAH (Association for the Development of Environmental and Human Awareness), is a non-profit project aimed at enhancing environmental education and strengthening the connection between humans, animals, the environment, and well-being. 

Located in the highlands of Costa Rica's Central Valley, the farm offers breathtaking views of the Orosi Valley and Turrialba Volcano. It invites academic groups, volunteers, language students, artists, and yoga practitioners to experience a nature-connected lifestyle. 

Visitors can explore the 10 hectares of regenerated forest, learn from organic and medicinal gardens, enjoy the presence of farm animals, and meditate or practice in the yoga hall. The farm is supported by a community of long-time collaborators from the nearby village.

Sol y Valle

Location: La Flor, Cartago

Land: 3.75 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Sol y Valle is a community-run environmental learning center guided by permaculture principles located in La Flor de Paraiso, Costa Rica. Since 2018, inspired residents have been living and sharing sustainable lifestyle practices in 3.75 acres of an abandoned fruit and coffee farm. More than half of the farm is protected secondary forest with 50+ year old trees - a breath of fresh air in the heart of Costa Rica's agricultural region. Other areas on the property include a bamboo forest for construction needs, a food forest with over 100 fruit trees, extensive organic gardens, and impressive bamboo constructions and composting center. Their syntropic farming is a biodiverse organic food production model that contrasts greatly with farms using chemicals in their agriculture.

Resonance

Location: Playa Hermosa, Uvita, Costa Rica

Land: 80 acres

Accepting New Members: Yes

Resonance is a conscious living and co-working community located in the Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica. Sovereignty is a core value of this community. It focuses on sustainability, personal development, and fostering a collaborative environment for individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle in harmony with nature. The community offers a range of wellness activities, eco-friendly accommodations, and workspaces designed to support remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Surrounded by lush natural landscapes, Resonance emphasizes mindfulness, innovation, and ecological responsibility, creating a space for personal growth and meaningful connections.

RISE

Accepting New Members: Yes

Location: Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica

RISE Costa Rica is an eco-village and regenerative living project located in the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica near Tinamastes. RISE is a family-oriented community that integrates various elements such as residences, a Waldorf-inspired school, a certified organic farm, and co-working spaces.  Focused on sustainability, community, and ecological restoration, RISE integrates permaculture principles, regenerative agriculture, and conscious living to create a holistic, environmentally friendly lifestyle. The village offers eco-friendly homes, shared community spaces, and opportunities for education and collaboration, all set in a lush tropical landscape aimed at fostering personal growth and environmental stewardship.

HOLOS

Accepting New Members: Yes

Location: Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica

Land: 45 acres

Website: holos.global

Holos Costa Rica is a holistic wellness and retreat center located in the lush mountains of Pérez Zeledón, in the Southern Pacific region. Focused on personal growth, healing, and sustainability, Holos offers retreats, workshops, and community living experiences that integrate mindfulness, yoga, and ecological principles. Surrounded by nature, the center provides a peaceful environment for transformative experiences, promoting balance between mind, body, and the natural world. Holos aims to inspire conscious living and well-being through its focus on holistic practices and conservation.

Diamante Bridge Collective

Accepting New Members: Yes

Location: Diamante Valley, Costa Rica

The Diamante Bridge Collective (DBC) is a network of land stewards, individuals, organizations and communities located primarily within the Diamante Valley of Costa Rica, expanding to include those from the greater Southern Zone of Costa Rica, and those abroad. The DBC functions as a hub of many physical nodes, connected via global networks of shared vision and mission with the goal of restoring, preserving and consciously stewarding surrounding lands and watersheds while living harmoniously within them in alignment with our planetary values.

Itinerary

February 15-23, 2025

  • Day 1 | Orientation near San Jose (plan arrival before 2pm local time)

  • Day 2 | Visit Finca La Flor and Sol y Valle

  • Day 3 | Visit Resonance and free time at the beach

  • Day 4 | Visit Florestral Ecovillage

  • Day 5 | Explore Diamante Valley local projects

  • Day 6 | Visit RISE Community

  • Day 7 | Hike at Diamante Cave and Waterfall

  • Day 8 | Visit Holos Community

  • Day 9 | Wrap up near San Jose (plan departure for 6pm or later)

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Trip Details

Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.

Included

  • All tours and activities at intentional communities

  • All ground transportation from tour start and end point

  • All lodging in shared rooms (Single room upgrades available)

  • All meals, except when you choose to eat separately or purchase extra drinks

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from country

  • Insurance of any kind

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Optional gratuities to guides

  • Laundry fees and items of a personal nature

    *Click “book now” to see current trip pricing.

Flights & Pick Up

You are responsible for booking your own flight, which we recommend you book as far in advance as possible to get the best price. We recommend booking a flight that arrives at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

Tour Start

Our tour will begin at 2pm local time on the start date at Hotel Brillasol in Alajuela (town next to the airport, max 15 minute taxi ride). 

Please plan to arrive by 2pm or earlier that day, in order to be present for orientation starting promptly at 3pm. We will spend the first night of the tour at Hotel Brillasol and have dinner at the hotel.

You are welcome to arrive a day or more earlier and stay at Hotel Brillasol or another hotel of your choosing. You are responsible for booking your own accommodations outside of the tour dates. 

Tour End

Our tour will will end back at Hotel Brillasol where the journey began. We will arrive by 6pm on the last day of the tour. Participants are free to depart anytime after 6pm or stay for an optional dinner with the group at Brillasol. Kindly book your own lodging at Brillasol or another hotel of your choosing if you'd like to extend your time in Costa Rica.


Please be in touch with any questions regarding your travel planning. We’re happy to help!

Lodging

Lodging varies from shared dorm-style rooms to simple private rooms, depending on availability. Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. We will separate male and female rooms, while couples and families are placed in private rooms whenever possible.

You can upgrade to a private room when booking (select the $800 single room supplement). Upgrades to private rooms are not always guaranteed due to the nature of some locations.

Whenever possible we arrange for overnight accommodations at the ecovillages and communities we visit. This allows for a more immersive experience of what it’s like to live in a community. When the community doesn't have enough accommodation space or a scheduling conflict, then we stay at nearby lodging. We strive to stay at accommodations that are values aligned, such as small family businesses or eco-lodges. Accommodations are often rustic, emphasizing sustainability over luxury. Some may include composting toilets, limited Wi-Fi, limited air conditioning, and communal facilities.

Meals

As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.

Weather

Costa Rica offers a diverse climate that caters to a wide range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for tours in both January and June.

January/February

In January and February, the country revels in its dry season, presenting visitors with hot sunny days and scant rainfall. Daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, typically hovering in the high 70°Fs to low 80°Fs (25-28°C), while at night, they cool down to the low 70°Fs (21-23°C). The mountainous regions provide a cooler escape with temperatures ranging between 64-72°F (18-22°C). For this period, it's advisable to pack sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, swimwear, and a warmer layer for those cooler mountain excursions.

Packing

Due to the limited space in our vehicles, each passenger will only be allowed one suitcase and one day bag. We will be dropping you off at the same hotel we pick you up from and baggage storage may be arranged with them if you are bringing extra luggage for an extended trip. Please respect these very real space limits and bring the smallest piece of luggage you can manage with. Laundry service will be available at some of our locations.

Physical Requirements

This trip will include several day hikes and walks up hills and on uneven terrain. We will visit a few waterfalls and rivers with slippery footing. Some of our accommodations have narrow stairs and no elevators. You will be responsible to carry your luggage to and from your rooms, which will not always be paved surfaces. 

Please consider your physical fitness before registering for the tour.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Unfortunately, due the nature of the tour we cannot accommodate anyone with mobility requirements.

Traveling with Children

It is possible to bring children on this tour, however not all children and families may be suited to this adventure. For children 15 and under, please contact us to discuss suitability on your specific tour. We will supply you with a discount code to use to receive child discounts:

  • Ages 3 and under: Free

  • Ages 4-7: 50% off

  • Ages 8-15: 20% off

Families with children should note that tours generally include long periods of sitting for presentations, strenuous walking, uneven terrain, some long car rides, and moving among multiple locations for sleeping. Laundry services are limited. We want to encourage families to join, so long as they are prepared for these challenges.

Parents or guardians assume full responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of their children throughout the tour. Children must be supervised at all times. Children under 1.5 meters tall need a booster seat. Please be sure to bring a car seat if your child needs one, or you may rent one at cost.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

A refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 60 days before the departure date. At the time of booking you can choose to make your payment in full or pay the deposit and remaining payments in auto-payment installments.

Click the “book now” button to see current pricing. Contact us about discounts for larger groups.

Cancellation and Refunds

Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received unless noted otherwise. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become non-refundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days but may be creditable in the event of a medical or family emergency. Once your deposit refund date has passed, your deposit will not be refunded under any circumstance. Please read our Tour Conditions for more information.

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Reviews

Authentic reviews to make informed decisions about your journey.

One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.

— Adam Bates

It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.

— Edward Bryce

Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.

— Nathan Oxenfeld

I joined the Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour hoping to visit communities I otherwise could not have. I did that but I also met so many wonderful people. I don't know anywhere else I could go on a vacation and learn so much and grow in so many ways. 

— Marek Pierepiekarz

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Meet Your Guides

Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guide.

Jason Thomas

Jason is the founder of Regeneration Nation Costa Rica, a podcast exploring who's doing what to bring Costa Rica toward environmental and social well-being. As a permaculturist with a background in business, he bridges ecologically-focused entrepreneurs with the 21st-century tools and business practices he’s found useful in his own endeavors.

After a decade of traveling, visiting intentional communities and permaculture projects all around North and Central America, Jason settled on Costa Rica as his home. In 2009, he co-founded Finca Fruition, a permaculture education center and homestead in CR. During his dozen years dedicated to that project, he hosted hundreds of guests, volunteers, interns, and students, produced events, taught a little, and learned a lot.

Jason’s been a dedicated earth steward for more than 20 years. His current mission is to promote & network regenerative projects throughout CR, hoping to enhance their potential to make their intended impact and thrive.

Jonathan Alvarado

Jonathan was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. He is currently deepening his expertise in holistic, regenerative farming and natural building techniques, along with permaculture design, to contribute to the healing of Mother Earth and support human beings in reaching higher levels of consciousness.

After leaving his hometown of San Jose, he spent many years in tourism and hospitality, initially working as a property manager and concierge in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast. He later managed a small cabina-style hotel in Playa Chiquita on the Caribbean coast. During a period of personal growth, Jonathan discovered his passion for the natural world and became drawn to permaculture. Following this curiosity, he began connecting with various farms and communities around the country. He lived at Finca Fruition, where he gained firsthand experience in community living and learned about land stewardship and people care.

Jonathan continuously seeks opportunities to collaborate with like-minded people and places where his skills can serve a greater purpose. He is dedicated to building strong relationships and committed to ongoing self-improvement.

María José

María José is an English and Spanish language teacher who lives at one of Costa Rica’s most established ecovillages, La Ecovilla. She runs a language academy where she teaches students to learn new languages by incorporating them into their daily habits. As a Neurolinguistic Programmer, she helps students turn their fears and blockages related to the language into genuine motivation.

As a native Costa Rican, she admires the dynamic culture that emerges within the eco-village environment, as people come to live together from different countries and root cultures. María José appreciates the expanded potential that emerges from collective decision-making, where individuals can more readily see themselves as part of a unified whole, perceiving what benefits one as beneficial for all.

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Is this tour right for me?

On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.

Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.

Still unsure?

Explore if this tour is right for you…

This tour ideal for those who want to:

Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.

Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.

Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.

Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.

Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.

Why choose this tour?

Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities.

Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.

All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.

Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.

Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.

What’s the alternative?

You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…

  • Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.

  • Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around the country is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.

  • Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.

  • It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!

Still have questions?

We are happy to help! Sign up below to book a discovery call with one of our team members.

Ready to go?

The communities are excited to welcome you.

Let your adventure begin.