• Zero Hunger

Agroforestry, Bioconstruction and Community!

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Connect with nature through sustainable agriculture that prioritizes biodiversity in our food forest. Learn about tropical fruits, local veggies, and many new insects + birds.
  • Build with natural, local materials from our farm like bamboo, wood, volcanic rocks and clay. We have 10 years of experience, many built structures, and plans to do more.
  • Feel a young Costa Rican/multicultural community lifestyle. Our core group of 4 eco-villagers meets daily, practices horizontal decision-making and eats ALL ORGANIC PRODUCE - yum!

Highlights

  • Connect with nature through sustainable agriculture that prioritizes biodiversity in our food forest. Learn about tropical fruits, local veggies, and many new insects + birds.
  • Build with natural, local materials from our farm like bamboo, wood, volcanic rocks and clay. We have 10 years of experience, many built structures, and plans to do more.
  • Feel a young Costa Rican/multicultural community lifestyle. Our core group of 4 eco-villagers meets daily, practices horizontal decision-making and eats ALL ORGANIC PRODUCE - yum!
  • Take afternoon walks in our tropical forest with beautiful trails. Explore the town with several hiking loops. Convenient bus transport and flexible schedules for exploring the country.
  • Share quality time every week during our wellness activities like yoga and dance. Join us on our monthly trips to local hot springs, rivers and waterfalls (included in 1 month stays)

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Co-live with young professionals in our community permaculture project, where we are growing a food forest and building with advanced techniques in bio-construction.

    *We live in a community as eco-villagers and invite volunteers to fit right in. We rotate daily responsibilities between eco-villagers and volunteers. Shared responsibilities include cooking breakfast/lunch, cleaning common spaces, taking out the compost, organizing recycling, watering the plants, ...

    About the program

    *We live in a community as eco-villagers and invite volunteers to fit right in. We rotate daily responsibilities between eco-villagers and volunteers. Shared responsibilities include cooking breakfast/lunch, cleaning common spaces, taking out the compost, organizing recycling, watering the plants, etc. Coexistence implies emotional and mental awareness. We hope you understand that EVERY RELATIONSHIP is essential. Non-violent, compassionate communication is vital in our community lifestyle. 

    *Our kitchen is beautiful with window walls that look out into the mountains, and our food is delicious - ALL ORGANIC produce, quality ingredients, vegan-friendly home-cooked meals every day. We consider the kitchen one of our unique benefits, as all volunteers enjoy cooking here.

    *Farm activities are based on our five sustainability goals: 1) capture all our drinking and irrigation water from the rain 2) Grow more food than we consume while allowing biodiversity to thrive 3) Build using all local materials 4) Regenerate electricity (better than net-zero) 5) Zero trash and waste.

    -We make compost/humanure. We sometimes use forest soil, double-dig everything, and mulch garden beds in the gardens for great results! We add microorganisms, allow worms to thrive, and constantly improve the soil. We have a bamboo plant nursery and bamboo greenhouse, which we use as microclimates to grow plants sensitive to our region's humidity. On our farm bio-factory we prepare bio-controllers such as Trichoderma and bio-activators such as mountain microorganisms and bio-ferments. We fumigate our plants and trees with these and other organic products at least once a week to keep them thriving. We plant biodiversity everywhere - flowers, veggies, root veggies, fruit trees, native trees, medicinal plants - which helps balance plagues with natural predators such as bees, wasps, lizards, and birds.

    - We're constantly working on (bio) construction projects. We harvest, cure, and process the strongest type of bamboo in the Americas (Guadua) to make different structures like the greenhouse, composting center, tepee, and our new cabin! We also make all of our furniture out of bamboo and wood. We use durable volcanic rocks to build terraces, retention walls, and stairs throughout the farm. We use clay to make beautiful floors and walls. 

    - Much of the activities we do are physical. The farm is in the mountains with steep slopes up and down. Volunteers need to be in good physical shape to participate in our program. 

    - We bring the farm elements closer each day – the soil, the plants, the insects, the wildlife, the bamboo, the stones, the trees, the humans, the sun, the rain, the heat, and the cold. There is a biodiversity of fauna throughout the country. On the farm, we commonly see spiders, scorpions, snakes, worms, lizards, butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and more. The farm is 1,200 meters above sea level, and sometimes cold days during storms, fogs, and rains. It is always cool at night. Please take the time and reflect on your needs regarding these issues.

    -This is a small farm, so we can host up to 5 people at the same time in our place. We also have a Home Stay Program, there is also the possibility to stay at a local family house and have a deeper costa rican experience. :)

    Typical day

    We're ready to action at 6:00 a.m. Depending on the day, we'll be working on the different farm areas. Each week on Monday afternoon we organize our weekly tasks with the volunteers. 

    Breakfast at 8.30 a.m 

    Lunch at 12.30 p.m 

    Dinner: freestyle  

    We are generally free in the afternoons. In their ...

    Typical day

    We're ready to action at 6:00 a.m. Depending on the day, we'll be working on the different farm areas. Each week on Monday afternoon we organize our weekly tasks with the volunteers. 

    Breakfast at 8.30 a.m 

    Lunch at 12.30 p.m 

    Dinner: freestyle  

    We are generally free in the afternoons. In their free time, our volunteers enjoy reading, painting, hiking, biking, running, chilling, and doing small projects. But it's really up to you. 


    We normally go to bed early, around 9 - 10 p.m.

    Free-time activities

    During your time off, feel free to explore your creativity :)

    We encourage people to feel the rhythm of nature: take a walk in the forest or the town of La Flor and get to know the people around. You can read a book (you can borrow one from our extensive library). Start a new journal, do some art and ...

    Free-time activities

    During your time off, feel free to explore your creativity :)

    We encourage people to feel the rhythm of nature: take a walk in the forest or the town of La Flor and get to know the people around. You can read a book (you can borrow one from our extensive library). Start a new journal, do some art and crafts, etc.

    You can also get the public bus in 10 min—walking distance from our farm. During the weekends, you might be interested in visiting unique places around, like Irazu Volcano, Guayabo National Monument, Tapantí National Park, etc. Or, if you want to go a little further away, consider taking a trip to the Caribbean or the Pacific Coast! We always are flexible with our volunteering schedule and don't mind extended weekend trips. 

    We include a monthly trip to local hot springs, rivers, or waterfalls for all guests staying at least one month. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Health/travel insurance and flight ticket to Costa Rica

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Good attitude to work outside and getting used to a tropical microclimate, human skills for co-living, self-awareness, willingness to learn, environmental consciousness, openness for a vegetarian/vegan diet, interest in cultural immersion, and "pura vida" vibes :)

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 06:00 - 12:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Finca Sol y Valle

    Fees include:

    • Daily guidance at the farm. It could be in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
    • Accommodation
    • A plant-based diet with organic produce.
    • Free wi-fi

     Ask about the private room option in our new cabin for individuals and couples. 

    Sidenote: Stays longer than one month are less expensive (and more sustainable) than short stays. 


    Accommodation

    We have a volunteer room with 3 beds and a shared bathroom. The cabin was recently renovated and is a nice space, though admittedly it is a bit small. We offer all our common spaces like the kitchen, coworking/chill room, and the living room of our new cabin to all our volunteers. There are many places to enjoy outside as well, like hammocks, tire swings, benches, and tables. We offer a private room for individuals and couples in our new cabin at a higher rate of $30/night per person. We typically offer discounts for individuals, couples, and families staying for longer than one month. 

    Food & Beverages

    The farm buys all vegan food and cooking ingredients for our volunteers and guests. We have a special ingredient selection process that includes all organic produce, whole grains, and high-quality cooking oils (coconut and olive oil). Volunteers who eat lactose and meats can purchase those items. We just ask for responsible sourcing, storing, cooking, cleaning, and disposal of those items to avoid cross-contamination. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We can host volunteers during most of the year, except for Christmas – New Year’s Eve Holyday’s (December 23th 5to January 7th).

    Public transportation is available within 10 min walking distance from the farm.

    We'll provide you full information on how to arrive once we'll have the booking confirmation. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 883€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 4,489€
    Average fees 203€/week

    Program fees

    203€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Finca Sol y Valle during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Finca Sol y Valle

    Excellent 4.8 rating (12 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2018

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Anamor

    Spoken languages: French, Italian, English, Spanish

    About the project

    Finca Sol y Valle is a place in which people from all over the world can come and have a practical learning experience in a community based, permaculture lifestyle.

    Meet your organization

    ¡Hola! Hi! Salut ! Oi! Ciao!

    Welcome to our farm!
    We're a community of people co-creating a more sustainable lifestyle, in harmony with nature.
    More than half of the farm is a protected secondary forest with 50+ year old trees - a breath of fresh air in the heart of Costa Rica's deforested 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 for personal consumption, and several bioconstruction projects. The project serves as an sustainable model contrasting with the chemical-based farms nearby.

    12 reviews · rating4.8

    Tona Ratigan Green rating5

    2023 at Agroforestry, Bioconstruction and Community!

    Finca Sol y Valle was a fantastic experience. From learning about all the flora and fauna, to being able to work with the earth, to learning about the natural cycles of the earth and growing spiritually, Sol y valle was definitely the right choice for me. The systems they have in place are simple ...
    Jeff and Anamor were great hosts that treated everyone with a lot of respect and compassion. Finca Sol y Valle is beautiful place with great community and worldly ...
    Our 2-week stay was great, it was over to fast. We felt really welcome and we liked all involved people: the hosts and the people working there (eg the other volunteers and the dog 😊). The tasks changed daily, we were involved in gardening, planting, construction and cooking, all of them ...
    Noemie Catherine rating4.6

    2023 at Agroforestry, Bioconstruction and Community!

    Work in a finca in permaculture and community. We work monday to friday. We pronoun breakfast at 6 h and lunch 13h together. We work from 8 am to 1 pm. Per week we participate in a wellness session and an activity all ...
    I honestly can say that I learned so many things during my stay at Sol y Valle. It truly is another way of living compared to my life in the U.S. and I am so grateful to have been able to met all of the wonderful people who reside there. I learned not only about sustainable living and agriculture, ...
    Marta Fernandez Ocaña rating5

    2022 at Agroforestry, Bioconstruction and Community!

    It was amazing, the knowledge, the people, the place, the food!! All was delicious! Thanks very much, the team of sol y Valle are a really good professionals, everything is very well organised ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Cartago

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Agriculture in Costa Rica
    Contact Anamor
      Excellent response rate
    French, Italian, English, Spanish

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