Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica
Reconnect with nature & experience sustainable living in the Costa Rican mountains
Escape to a peaceful retreat in Costa Rica’s lush mountains. Immerse yourself in nature, enjoy fresh local cuisine, and experience sustainable living firsthand. Explore palm heart, cacao, and goat farms, take part in traditional cooking classes, and unwind with scenic hikes and bonfires. A stay here is more than just a getaway—it’s an authentic connection to the land, local culture, and a slower, more meaningful way of life.
- Fanny Valverde
- Worldpackers host since Aug/2024
Starting from
US$ 1,093 for 7 days (US$ 160.43 per day)
US$ 1,123 for 7 days
Check dates & pricesJoin 28 worldpackers who've loved having this experience
Available group trips
Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026
Neurodivergent Group Trip!
This is a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel truly at ease in nature. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, explore gentle farm tours (from cacao to goats!), and take part in hands-on cooking classes at your own pace. Whether you’re unwinding on a scenic hike, gathering around a cozy bonfire, or simply soaking in the quiet rhythms of sustainable living—Finca Guival invites you to connect in whatever way feels best for you. It’s not just a getaway—it’s a grounding, sensory-friendly experience rooted in authenticity and care. This trip is for anyone and everyone who is neurodivergent, we welcome you into this inclusive beautiful space <3
Starting from
US$ 1,123
US$ 1,093
Requirements
- Women only
- Beginner Spanish or Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Induction & Farm Tour
Explore the finca and get an introduction to the space before enjoying a delicious lunch.
Evening
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Dinner & Night Walk
Unwind with a cozy dinner, followed by a guided night walk to experience the finca after dark."
Day 2
Morning
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty meal before diving into farm activities.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Substrate Preparation & Animal Care
Participate in sustainable farming practices and take care of the animals.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
Enjoy a well-deserved meal with fresh, local ingredients.
Afternoon
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM - Caves Visit
Explore nearby caves and learn about the region’s natural formations.
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Palm Heart Farm Visit
Experience the harvest of palm hearts and enjoy a tasting session with local families."
Evening
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Dinner & Bonfire
Relax around the fire while enjoying a delicious meal."
Day 3
Morning
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Breakfast
Fuel up for a hands-on day of farming and cooking.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Greenhouse & Seedling Planting
Learn about sustainable agriculture by working in the nursery.
Afternoon
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
Recharge with a fresh meal before diving into local cuisine.
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Costa Rican Cooking Class
Discover traditional Costa Rican recipes and cook alongside local experts.
Evening
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Free Time
Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the finca.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Dinner & Board Games
End the evening with a fun game night after a delicious meal."
Day 4
Morning
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Breakfast
Enjoy a nourishing meal before heading to the fields.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Field Planting
Get hands-on experience working in the fields.
Afternoon
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
Refuel before an immersive farm-to-table experience.
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Goat Farm Visit
Learn about goat herding, milk goats, and taste fresh cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Evening
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Free Time
Take a break and enjoy the finca's relaxing atmosphere.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Dinner & Dance Night
Celebrate the day with local music and dancing.
Day 5
Morning
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Birdwatching Walk
Observe the rich biodiversity of the region while enjoying the fresh morning air.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Breakfast
Savor a delicious breakfast before heading out for an exciting day.
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Cocoa Farm Visit
Learn about the cacao harvesting process, make chocolate, and enjoy a tasting."
Afternoon
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with local ingredients.
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Hiking & Ziplining
Explore the finca's trails and experience an adrenaline rush on the zipline.
Evening
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Free Time
Relax and unwind before dinner.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Dinner & Bonfire with Costa Rican Legends
Gather around the fire for storytelling and a taste of Costa Rican folklore.
Day 6
Morning
5:00 AM - 6:00 AM - Breakfast & Departure
Early start for a full day at the beach and national park.
Afternoon
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Manuel Antonio National Park
Hike through the national park, observe wildlife, and relax on pristine beaches.
Evening
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Dinner & Bonfire
Wrap up the day with a cozy dinner and bonfire under the stars.
Day 7
Morning
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Breakfast & Return to San José
Enjoy a final breakfast before heading back to San José for your flight home.
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Women only
- Beginner Spanish or Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Substrate preparation and animal care
Preparing the soil for planting and ensuring the well-being of animals on the farm.
Tray sowing & Greenhouse
Planting seeds in trays within a controlled greenhouse environment to foster healthy growth.
Organic farming & Permaculture class
Sustainable agricultural practices that focus on organic farming and permaculture principles.
Field planting
Transferring seedlings from trays or directly sowing seeds into the field for cultivation.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Chocolate farm & Cacao harvesting tour
Walk through cacao trails, make chocolate, and, of course, taste the sweet results.
Night walk
Observe fascinating creatures in their natural habitat under the cover of darkness.
Costarican cooking class
Learn how to make traditional tamales from scratch; just like the locals!
Heart of Palm farm experience
Visit a local heart of palm farm, harvest and enjoy a tasting of both raw and cooked varieties.
Cave exploration: Underground adventure
Journey into the depths of Costa Rica’s caves, discovering stunning rock formations!
Goat farm experience & Artisan dairy tasting
Visit Finca Aprisco, feed and milk the goats, and enjoy a variety of things made on-site.
Day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park
Explore stunning beaches, hike scenic trails, and spot exotic wildlife.
Board games & Bonfires
Wrap up the day with a cozy dinner and a bonfire or games.
Videos
Emma
United States
I had a truly amazing experience at Finca Guival! The whole team is incredibly welcoming, friendly, and truly cared about our needs and making sure we had a positive experience. The views and meals were incredible as well. The schedule is really flexible, we learned a lot, and had plenty of time to ourselves. We also took day trips and at the end of our stay Fanny and Alex showed us around other areas of Costa Rica. I would highly recommend this experience! Thank you Fanny, Alex, Jose, Kim, and Alberto!!
4 months ago
Justine
France
This Worlpacking experience was AMAZING. We stayed for a bit less than two weeks and it wasn’t enough. Lots of things to discover with an incredible team. It was the best first worldpacking experience I could have had. I felt safe, welcome, part of the team. Our Spanish as well as our permaculture skills improved significantly. Fanny, Jose, Kem, Alberto, Alex, thank you so much for that experience that I will never forget. Que chiva :)
4 months ago
Agnes
United States
I had a beautiful time here. Thank you so much Finca Guival! Fanny and her partner usually work in San Jose, José led us on the weekdays. José was a great teacher, and patient with our mistakes. For my first time volunteering out of the country on a farm, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start.
The farm itself is rustic and serene, a beautiful place with mountain views. I brought a lot to do on my own, and with solar power from 7 to 2 I think, it was like a built in digital detox. I enjoyed reading my digital books, journaling, knitting, and playing games!
6 months ago
Carter
Canada
My experience at Finca Guival was great! Super relaxing location to get in touch with the Costa Rican culture. The jungle nature around the finca was also incredible! I saw parrots, toucans, monkeys, and many other species.
Unfortunately there were no other volunteers during my time at the finca, but regardless of this I still had a good time with the crew. This provided a good opportunity to practice Spanish too. Yuly (the host) provided great Spanish lessons (which turned into a history lesson but still very interesting nonetheless)!
7 months ago
Heidi
China
Finca Guival won my heart! If you are looking for a quite location with strong roots in organic agriculture, outdoor activities and a chill, welcoming vibe— look no further.
During my stay there I was involved in the essential organic/permaculture farming experience from seeding, soiling, planting, harvesting and packaging. The work hours are short (7am-12pm) and they really put an effort in teaching you the philosophy, skills, and processes in farming the Costa Rican style. And above all, the magic of Finca Guival is really in the people.
8 months ago
José Carlos
Mexico
I really liked my experience at Finca Guival. I learned a lot about different things that I would have never in my city. I recommend it if you are looking specifically for a experience like this.
You feel like another member of the family
8 months ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
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Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
Comfortable shared dorms designed to provide a pleasant stay for travelers. The farm, located at an elevation of almost 700 meters, ensures a cool climate year-round. The dorms are well-insulated and equipped with fans. Each of the three shared dorms contains two bunk beds, accommodating up to four travelers per room. The dorms are same-gender and part of an exclusive building. Amenities include a pool for refreshing swims, a fireplace for cozy evenings, hammocks for relaxation, a fully equipped kitchen, and a common area for socializing with other travelers.
There are three shared bathrooms, each featuring a sink, mirror, cold water, paper, and soap dispensers. The shower and toilet are combined, with only cold showers available. Travelers have free access to laundry facilities (washing machine and dryer) and can opt to have their laundry done by the team for a fee of $10. Wi-Fi is available daily from 6am to 10pm, ensuring that travelers can stay connected. Power to recharge phones, etc., available from 9:00am-2:00pm.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Pool
- Use our equipped kitchen
Meals
At the project, travelers are treated to delicious and nutritious meals throughout their stay. Breakfast often includes staples like rice and beans, fried bananas (platano maduro), corn tortillas, eggs, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Lunch and dinner feature a variety of dishes, including salads with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and radish, along with a protein such as meat, chicken, bean cake, or cheese, accompanied by rice, beans, and vegetables.
The farm also showcases local cuisine, offering tamales, pinto, yuca, and palmito. A dedicated person is responsible for preparing all meals, ensuring they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Travelers also have the option to cook in the fully-equipped kitchen if they wish.
Arrival orientation
From Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, take a Taxi or Uber (around US$20) to the Tracopa Bus Station. Catch the bus to Piedras Blancas via the "Costanera" route, which takes 5-7 hours. Buses run from 5 am to 6:30 pm; aim to board by 2:30 pm to arrive the same day. Tickets cost around US$18, payable in cash (US dollars or Colones). Your hosts will pick you up in Piedras Blancas for a 15-minute car ride to the project. See you soon!
About the project
This is a special project that we, Alex and Fanny, have created. We're experts in health and environmental management and have turned our farm into a place where travelers can learn about sustainable farming, taking care of animals, and living close to nature. Our love for a simple, peaceful life inspired this project. We aim to improve our own lives and those of the workers, visitors, and clients, offering a balanced mix of work, fun, and social time.
This balance is achieved through partnerships with local families, helping them grow and prosper. Examples include families raising goats or selling traditional food.
The farm has been in our family for over 20 years and was previously used for cattle and palm heart production. Now, it has a mix of animals and different crops. Five years ago, we started building houses on the farm to live here. Our connection with the community is strong, involving immediate neighbors and businesses up to 20 km away. We all help each other grow through healthy, respectful partnerships.
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Top host
- This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
- Languages spoken in this project
- English, Spanish
- How long does it exist
- 5 years
- Worldpackers host
- Since Aug/2024
About the destination
In the mountains of the Puntarenas region, approximately 80 miles south of San José, the project is a haven for those seeking a close connection to nature. The farm is powered by solar panels, and water is sourced from a nearby mountain river, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Travelers at the project will be fully immersed in Costa Rican culture by working directly with Spanish-speaking locals, enjoying traditional foods, and exploring the rich natural surroundings. There are also opportunities to create content for the farm's website and social media, and to teach English.
The proximity to Piedras Blancas also allows for easy exploration of the region's attractions. Travelers can join trips to nearby destinations, such as Parque Manuel Antonio, a renowned park located two hours by car, where they can enjoy the beach, walk the park's trails, and spot local wildlife. Additionally, a visit to Finca Aprisco, an hour's drive away, provides further opportunities to engage with the local community and environment.
Impact & Purpose
This project is a great place to learn about sustainable farming and environmental care. We have turned our farm into a place where travelers can learn about responsible farming, livestock management, and living in harmony with nature. We work with local entrepreneurs, supporting families and communities through strategic partnerships.
Our farm helps travelers understand self-sufficiency and climate action. By focusing on responsible farming and waste management, we show how these practices can positively impact the environment. Our approach promotes a balanced life, good work practices, and strong community connections, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who participates.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Climate action
By educating travelers and the community on the importance of climate action, we inspire others to adopt practices that contribute to a healthier planet.
Zero hunger
We are dedicated to achieving Zero Hunger by promoting sustainable agriculture and self-sufficiency.
Sustainable cities and communities
By providing a model for balanced living and community engagement, we help create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
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