We know planning your time at Finca Las Hormigas comes with questions. Here you’ll find the answers to the things people ask us most often, organized to make it easy for you to find what you need.
GETTING HERE
IS FINCA LAS HORMIGAS ACCESSIBLE BY ANY VEHICLE?
We recommend a 4x4 vehicle during the rainy season, as the road can be challenging. If you’re arriving by public transportation, we can guide you on the best way to reach us.
IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
Guests are responsible for their own transportation, though pickup from the main road can be organized ahead of time.
HOW CAN I LEAVE THE FARM TO GO TO THE BEACH OR PUERTO VIEJO?
You can walk about 25 minutes to the main road and catch a bus that brings you to downtown Puerto Viejo in roughly one hour. Another option is to walk through the jungle and exit at Calle Margarita, about 3 km away. You can also take an Uber or taxi, either alone or shared with other guests if you want to reduce costs.
STAYS & ACCOMMODATIONS
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
We offer private and shared bungalows, simple and comfortable, surrounded by nature. Bathrooms, compost toilets, and showers are shared and located nearby.
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH ACCOMMODATION?
Private or shared bungalows, shared compost toilets and showers, three full meals daily, and access to community life on the farm.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
All meals are freshly prepared, and primarily vegetarian, using ingredients grown on the farm. Meal times are structured, and personal food storage in the fridge is not available.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?
Due to limited fridge space, we are unable to store personal food items.
However, all meals are provided and freshly prepared daily.
DO YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY NEEDS?
Yes. We can adapt meals for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requests. Just let us know in advance.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY AND WIFI?
There is no electricity in the bungalows, but charging stations are available at the main house. Starlink WiFi is available for those who need to stay connected.
ARE THERE LAUNDRY FACILITIES?
Residents in our educational programs can use a washer during sunny hours, as our off-grid power is limited. We don’t offer laundry for guests in short stays.
FARM LIFE
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN FARM WORK EVEN IF I’M JUST VISITING?
Yes! Guests are welcome to join farm activities in the kitchen or fields if they want to learn more about regenerative agriculture.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Comfortable clothes for hiking, a reusable water bottle, flashlight or headlamp, insect repellent, and personal essentials. A full packing list is provided upon booking.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE ON THE FARM?
Days begin at 6 AM with the jungle sounds. Work is 5 hours/day, 5 days/week, in the mornings. Afternoons are free for rest, exploring, or learning sessions. Meals are communal, and evenings are relaxed with reading, socializing, or enjoying nature.
PROGRAMS & LEARNING
DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN PERMACULTURE?
No. We are a school, and our goal is to teach. All you need is curiosity and willingness to learn.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING AND THE WORK & LEARN?
Volunteering supports daily farm tasks, as we need them, while Work & Learn program offers a structured training in permaculture and sustainable living.
HOW LONG DO PROGRAMS LAST?
As long as you’d like. to stay and learn. We recommend at least one month, with three months ideal for deeper learning.
CAN I LEAVE THE FARM ON MY DAYS OFF?
Yes! Weekends are free for exploring towns, beaches, or reserves.
Transportation is not included, but we’ll happily recommend options.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMS?
Shared bungalows, three meals a day, full participation in farm life, and education in regenerative permaculture, sustainability, and community living.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A PROGRAM?
VOLUNTEERING
WHY IS THERE A FEE FOR THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
We charge a fee because volunteers receive three daily meals that are healthy, nutritious, homemade, and prepared with fresh, local, and farm-grown ingredients — even on days off. The fee also covers desserts, snacks, accommodation, communal activities, and hands-on education in permaculture, regeneration, and organic agriculture. As an independent project, we depend on these contributions to remain economically self-sustaining and continue offering a meaningful, high-quality experience.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM STAY FOR VOLUNTEERS?
We encourage stays of at least one month so volunteers can fully integrate into the rhythm of the farm and the learning process, but shorter stays may be possible depending on availability.
DO YOU ACCEPT COUPLES OR GROUPS?
Yes, couples and small groups are welcome. We simply ask that everyone applies individually and can fully participate in the farm’s activities and community routines.
