Volunteer on a regenerative farm in Costa Rica
Free stay, meals and daily learning on a 25-acre syntropic farm beside the Children’s Eternal Rainforest — in exchange for real help with building and farm work.
We host a small number of volunteers at a time so that everyone gets real mentoring and real responsibility. You will live with us on the farm, eat from the garden, and learn syntropic agroforestry, natural building, fertiliser making, animal care and community living by doing it.
A typical week: about 25 hours of work, mornings in the food forest or on a build, afternoons free for the river, hot springs, the jungle trails or your own projects. Two shared meals a day, one weekly community dinner, and the occasional music night.
Spanish fluency is a huge plus. So is initiative: we love people who see what needs doing.
- Free accommodation (shared room, glamping platform or your own tent)
- Two farm-grown meals a day + weekly community dinner
- Hands-on mentoring in syntropic farming, natural building & fertiliser making
- Free access to jungle trails, river and horse-care mornings
- A letter of reference and lifelong friends on the mountain
- About 25 hours of help per week, 5 mornings
- Minimum stay of 2 weeks (1 month preferred)
- Respect for the land, the family and each other’s sovereignty
- No spraying, no single-use plastic, no drama
- Travel insurance and your own way to La Tigra
Roles on the mountain
Spanish fluency is a big plus. Real-world experience matters more than certificates.
OpenGreen builders
Real-world design experience with non-traditional, earth-friendly materials for the tropics — bamboo, earth, reclaimed timber. An eye for function and beauty. Ability to skill-share and teach is a big plus.
OpenPermaculturists & syntropic farmers
Formal training or hands-on experience with food forests, natural fertiliser, and pest and fungal control in the tropics. Help us move from conventional organic beds to full chop-and-drop succession, and grow food year-round for the community and animals.
OpenArtisans & makers
Soap, ferments, chocolate, textiles, woodwork — help build the farm’s line of handmade goods and teach a workshop while you are here.
OpenCommunity & event managers
Organise retreats, workshops and cultural evenings, host guests, keep the calendar and the kitchen humming. Bilingual and warm.
When we have space
Pick a green or yellow window for your dates. We keep groups small so everyone gets real mentoring.
November
2026December
2026January
2027February
2027March
2027April
2027- Volunteer season — open · Oct 1 – Apr 30Dry-season builds & planting — extra hands welcome
- Cacao harvest · Nov 10 – Nov 30Cacao harvest & fermentation — great time to learn
- Christmas & New Year · Dec 20 – Jan 5Family time on the farm — a few spots only
Tell us about you
We read every application and reply personally, usually within a week.
Volunteer questions
Is there a fee?+
No. The exchange is your time and skills for accommodation, meals and learning. We do ask for a small contribution if you would like a private room.
Do I need farming experience?+
For the permaculture and building roles, yes — real experience. For artisan and community roles, enthusiasm and reliability matter more. Tell us honestly what you can do.
Can I come with a partner or as a group?+
Yes, if we have space. Couples and small groups with complementary skills are welcome — mention it in your application.
What about internet and phone signal?+
We have Wi-Fi in the main house and reasonable mobile coverage. It is still a mountain: expect the occasional outage and enjoy it.
How do I get there?+
Bus to La Tigra (via Ciudad Quesada or La Fortuna) and we pick you up in the town centre, or a private driver from San José airport for $100 per car. Details on our Contact page.
Not ready for a season? Come for a workshop first.
A weekend of syntropic farming or natural building is the best way to feel the place.