Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour
9-10 DAYS | Max group size: 18
Get exclusive access to eco-communities.
The eco-adventure you’ve been dreaming of is waiting in the lush, vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica.
As home to the world’s leading ecovillage models, we’ve curated a diverse selection of the country’s most inspiring communities—places pioneering new ways to live with purpose, connection, and deep care for the planet. Thanks to decades of relationship-building, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes access to founders, residents, and extraordinary homes not open to the public.
This isn’t just another vacation. It’s an immersion into a whole new way of life.
Now in its 4th year, the Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour has already transformed the lives of hundreds of participants. Many alumni have even joined the communities they visited on this tour. We look forward to welcoming you!
Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour
2027 Tour Dates:
January 16-24
January 30 - February 8
Super Early Bird spots now available.
Limited to the first 5 participants per trip.
Tour Highlights
What you can expect to experience during your time in Costa Rica.
Visit 6-8 intentional communities per trip: 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.
Jan 16 - 24, 2027
9 DAYS | Central Region
January Tour Overview
Discover where Costa Rica’s intentional community movement began. This 9-day Central Region journey takes you inside the country’s most established ecovillages, including La Ecovilla (est. 2012) and vibrant neighborhoods like Alegría Village and Colectivo Tacotal. You’ll see what long-term, multi-generational community actually looks like: cooperative governance that works, shared schools, thriving permaculture, and strong ties with local Tico culture. Ideal for those seeking to relocate in a thriving community, families researching education options, or anyone who wants to understand the roots of Costa Rica’s modern community movement. This is community living in real, everyday practice.
Who is this trip for?
Perfect for first-time visitors, older participants, families, and anyone curious about starting or joining a regenerative neighborhood.
Itinerary
Final schedule may have modifications.
Day 1 – Arrival & orientation at Hotel Brillasol (near San José)
Day 2 – Visit Saint Michael’s Sustainable Community
Day 3 – Beach time & tour Dos Colinas
Day 4 – Tour Alegria Village
Day 5 – Explore Collectivo Tacotal
Day 6 – Visit La Ecovilla Original
Day 7 – Half-day at Ecovilla San Mateo & relax by the river
Day 8 – Bioregional exploration (local projects, nature immersion)
Day 9 – Morning at the farmers market & afternoon departure
Alegría Village
Location: San Mateo
Land: 70 hectares
Accepting New Members: Yes
Website: alegriavillage.com
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.
Saint Michael’s Sustainable Community
Location: Parrita, Puntarenas Province
Land: 40 hectares
Accepting New Members: Yes
Website: https://stmichaelscr.com/
For a solution to be truly sustainable and good it must have a positive return to the environment and society. At the heart of any design problem is a question: Are we trying to make something less bad or are we really trying to make things better? It’s not about solving for the negative. It is about creating a positive. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “What we are doing to the forests is a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and one another.” Saint Michael’s Sustainable Community is dedicated to building up forest gardens and people through regenerative agriculture.
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
Website: ecovilla-san-mateo
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.
Collectivo Tacotal
Location: San Mateo
Land: 60 acres
Accepting New Members: Yes
Website: fincavidaverde.com
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.
Dos Colinas
Location: Esterillos Este
Land: 43 acres
Accepting New Members: Yes
Website: sunchasers.com/dos-colinas
Dos Colinas is a unique, regenerative community overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica. The community is growing within the OG principles of healthy food production, circular economy small business design, and safeguarding the future for our families.
The residential lots that are still available for sale are surrounded by a private nature reserve with trails and a boutique regenerative farming operation. Whether you are looking to work remotely, retire actively, or raise a family outside of 'the norm', the Dos Colinas circular approach to its community offers a healthy balance of life, work, inspiration, and relaxation.
Jan 30 - Feb 8, 2027
10 DAYS | Diamante Valley
February Tour Overview
This is our most immersive and adventurous tour—a 10-day journey through the Diamante Valley and the Pacific Coast, where communities are redefining regenerative living. You’ll explore emerging projects like RISE, Qasa, and HOLOS that center conscious living and deep connection to nature. Your home-away-from-home will be Florestral Community from which you'll make day trips to visit nearby communities. Expect nature immersions, bioregional panels, and waterfalls worth the trek (all treks are optional). For those drawn to communities that honor individual autonomy while building collective resilience, this is the one.
Who is this trip for?
Ideal for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and changemakers interested in land-based living, deep ecology, and personal transformation.
Please note: This trip will not have AC available during several nights in the Diamante Valley. All other nights will have AC available.
Itinerary
Final schedule may be modified.
Day 1 – Arrival & orientation at Hotel Brillasol (near San José)
Day 2 – Travel to Florestral with nature spots along the way
Day 3 – Settle into Florestral & take tour
Day 4 – Tour RISE and visit Feria Verde (amazing farmers market!)
Day 5 – Visit Ecomaste + bioregional panel in Diamante Valley
Day 6 – Tour HOLOS
Day 7 – Explore Qasa Community
Day 8 – Optional cave adventure or rest day
Day 9 – Beach time + dance celebration
Day 10 – Drive back to Hotel Brillasol where the journey began
Florestral
Accepting New Members: Yes
Location: Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica
Land: 100 acres
Website: www.florestral.org/
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.
HOLOS
Accepting New Members: Yes
Location: Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica
Land: 45 acres
Website: https://holos.global/residences
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.
Ecomaste
Website: www.ecomaste.com
Location: Tinamaste, Diamante Valley, Costa Rica
Accepting New Members: Yes
Ecomaste is an ecolodge and wellness sanctuary in the southern mountains of Costa Rica, rooted in deep connection to Self, Nature, and community. Surrounded by a thriving food forest, wildlife, and regenerative gardens, offering immersive experiences in natural building, herbalism, permaculture, and ancestral wisdom. Their community fosters authentic relationships, collaboration, and mindful living through practices like meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, and creative expression. Ecomaste is not just a destination—it’s a way of life. A place to remember, reconnect, and regenerate—honoring Mother Earth and living in harmony with her rhythms, for the well-being of all beings and future generations.
RISE
Location: Santa Elena de General Viejo, Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica
Accepting New Members: Yes
Website: https://risecostarica.com/
Nestled in a lush mountain valley near Pérez Zeledón, RISE is a family-focused intentional community that blends thoughtful design, education, and regenerative living. Anchored by a Waldorf-inspired school for children aged 2–12, the community also features an organic farm, fiber-connected coworking spaces, and inviting common areas like a yoga shala, firepit, and communal gathering house. At one end of the property lies Kinkára, a retreat center offering sustainable luxury glamping, spa-style baths, and earth-to-plate cuisine—perfect for visitors seeking relaxation and reconnection amidst Costa Rica’s rainforest beauty.
Qasa
Qasa is queer-led retreat center and aspiring community in the beautiful Diamante Valley of Costa Rica. Spread across 55 hectares of lush rainforest, fruit trees, and hand-built bamboo buildings, Qasa is home to a retreat center where a vibrant, heart-forward space where queer folks and allies gather for healing, celebration, and community. Now, we’re beginning the next chapter: growing into an intentional community with 20+ homes designed for long-term living.
The vision is for a queer-centered ecovillage rooted in care, feedback, and joyful interdependence. The community will enjoy the amenities of the retreat center, including miles of hiking trails, 6 major waterfalls, spa-style amenities, a pool, co-working space, restaurant, and shared kitchens and common spaces. Sustainable systems, transparent governance, and shared leadership shape the culture here, alongside lots of laughter, shared meals, spontaneous dance parties, and quiet mornings in nature. Qasa continues to evolve—a living invitation to explore what’s possible when we come together with intention and care.
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
Not Included
Transportation to/from country
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages and extra drinks
Optional gratuities to guides
Laundry fees and items of a personal nature
Pricing
Click “Book Now” to see current pricing and available discounts. Payment plans available. Pricing subject to change, but your rate is guaranteed with your deposit. All prices listed in USD.
🎓 Limited work trade scholarships are available. Learn more and apply.
| 2027 Dates | Super Early Bird (5 spots) | Early Bird (until Oct 5) | Normal Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16–24 | 9 DAYS | $2,999 | $3,299 | $3,629 | Jan 30-Feb 8 | 10 DAYS | $3,299 | $3,629 | $3,992 |
Flights & Pick Up
We recommend booking a flight that arrives at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The better deals are often found in advance so we encourage you to book as soon as possible.
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.
Our tour will will end back at Hotel Brillasol where the journey began. We will arrive by 3pm on the last day of the tour and can drop off at the airport. Participants are free to depart anytime after 3pm. 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!
Weather
Costa Rica offers a diverse climate that caters to a wide range of outdoor activities.
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.
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
Meet Your Guides
Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guides.
Jason Thomas
LEAD GUIDE
Jason is our Costa Rica Tours Director and has now led more than four incredible journeys with us across the country. A longtime Costa Rica resident deeply rooted in the communities movement, Jason partners with local guides to create meaningful, well-supported experiences for every group.
Jason is also the founder of Regeneration Nation Costa Rica, a podcast exploring who's doing what to bring Costa Rica (CR) 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 CR 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.
Paola Salamanca
SUPPORTING GUIDE
Paola Salamanca, a proud "tica," was born and raised in a vibrant city in Costa Rica. Her passion for nature, freedom, and adventure inspired her to follow her heart and relocate to the mountains of the South Pacific region. There, she deepened her connection with the healing energy found in the lush jungle, flowing rivers, and powerful sea, embracing a more harmonious and conscious way of living. Driven by her desire to explore and share her love for this beautiful land, she seeks to witness the wonders of nature and honor it in order to create and hold space for more conscious, joyful and transformative experiences, through movement, yoga, breath, love and connection.
Jonathan Alvarado
SUPPORTING GUIDE
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.
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!
Ready to go?
The communities are excited to welcome you.
Let your adventure begin.