A DREAM BUILT LITTLE BY LITTLE, ANT BY ANT
THE BIRTH OF FINCA LAS HORMIGAS
Finca Las Hormigas—literally, “Farm of the Ants”—emerged from the heart of Costa Rica’s jungle as an unintended miracle. Over 20 years years ago, Manuel and a friend acquired this land from a cattle rancher, envisioning a modest homestead to escape the busyness of modern life. For much of its past, the property was landlocked, accessible only by hiking through dense forest.
Over the years, Manuel, along with family and friends, would hike in to enjoy the land, camping on weekends in one of the old cattle fields. Each visit involved carrying supplies—little by little - sort of like ants — to build a tiny cabin. Every hike in became an opportunity to accumulate materials for this humble shelter.
In 2019, the municipality opened a road through ten neighboring properties, reaching our entrance. Within six months, the arrival of the road led to immediate deforestation of nearby lands, highlighting the profound impact infrastructure can have on natural environments and the call to protect!
With the road came the need for a permanent presence on the property. We hired a caretaker and his family to move in, which meant relinquishing the little cabin we had cherished. Seeking a new space, we camped on another field and soon decided to build a new simple structure on a hilltop—now home to La Casona, or the Zone 0 heart of the farm. We also constructed three modest A-frame bungalows to serve as weekend retreats.
The desire to grow our own food became increasingly pressing. We assembled a small greenhouse and realized we needed assistance. Inviting a like-minded volunteer to share our space was a significant decision, but after much deliberation, we took the leap. Soon, our first volunteer arrived, followed by several others. Within a month, we had a community of five to six volunteers living on the farm, sowing the seeds of communal living.
In those early days, we cooked over open bonfires and used five-gallon buckets as toilets—methods that quickly proved unsustainable. Manuel invited friends knowledgeable in permaculture, who offered guidance on improving our systems such as implementing permaculture principles, cultivating food in challenging clay soil, and enhancing biodiversity by introducing ponds to our arid fields. When it became clear what how permaculture concepts could improve this land, the ball began to roll and has not stopped since.
.jpg)
From there, step by step, through failures and successes, we realized we were creating something greater than we had imagined. It was all the result of small actions by many individuals working together in community toward a larger purpose.
Thus was born the "Farm of the Ants" - Finca Las Hormigas.
BUILDING TOGETHER: THE SPIRIT OF LAS HORMIGAS
At Finca Las Hormigas, our journey is a testament to the power of collective effort. From the foundational steps taken by, Manuel, and his daughters, Maya Soleil and Sara Luna, to the countless contributions of past, present, and future "hormigas," each individual has is and will play a pivotal role in nurturing both our land and community.
Much like an ant colony, where each member's actions, though small in isolation, culminate in remarkable achievements, our community thrives on shared purpose and collaboration. Every shovel turned, every seed planted, every idea exchanged contributes to a larger vision—a harmonious blend of sustainable living and communal growth.
.jpg)
Day by day, action by action, thought by thought, we continue to build and evolve, embodying the essence of our namesake. Together, we are more than just a farm; we are a living, breathing community, growing and thriving in unison. We did not foresee arriving here or how we would get here, but the path forward and our continued growth will always be shaped by those who join our family and share in this dream together.
OUR MISION TODAY
At Finca Las Hormigas, we are dedicated to creating an immersive environment where educators, students, and curious minds converge to explore the principles of permaculture and off-grid sustainable living. Our passion lies in the intricate world beneath our feet: soil regeneration and microbiology.
We recognize that healthy plants begin with healthy soil, teeming with a diverse community of microorganisms. These microscopic allies—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and more—play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and protecting plants from pests and diseases. By fostering this vibrant soil ecosystem, we not only enhance plant growth but also contribute to the overall resilience of our agricultural systems. Organic farming is not just the absence of chemical compounds, but also the optimization and presence of microscopic life in soil.
Through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and knowledge-sharing with local communities, we strive to deepen our collective understanding of these vital processes. Together, we are cultivating a living classroom where every participant contributes to and learns from the dynamic interplay of life beneath the surface.
We are regenerating several hectares of barren cattle fields into organic fruit, food and spice production areas. Additionally, we protect over 38 hectares of pristine jungle, which, along with other like-minded property owners, contributes to a significant wildlife corridor between the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and the Kekoldi Indigenous Reservation.
OUR VISION TOMORROW
We envision a future where our farm stands as a beacon of regenerative living, education, and community empowerment. We aspire to cultivate a harmonious ecosystem where humans, flora, and fauna coexist sustainably, demonstrating the profound impact of collective stewardship.
We believe that by nurturing the land and its people, we can inspire a global movement towards a more sustainable and connected world. Our vision is not just a destination but a continuous journey of growth, learning, and shared purpose.
Our goals for the coming years include:
- Expanding Educational Outreach: Developing immersive programs and workshops that empower individuals with practical skills in permaculture, sustainable agriculture, and off-grid living.
- Strengthening Community Ties: Fostering collaborations with local communities and indigenous groups to share knowledge, resources, and cultural practices that honor the land.
- Innovating Sustainable Practices: Implementing cutting-edge, eco-friendly technologies and methods that serve as a model for sustainable development in similar environments.