Nestled in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, community, and purpose. Participate in permaculture and soap-making workshops, enjoy daily yoga, practice your Spanish, and explore the area through sea turtle patrols and guided nature walks. Stay in cozy accommodations, savor fresh meals, and relax in hammocks just steps from the beach. This is more than a vacation. It is a journey back to yourself and to the Earth.
Starting from
Welcome to paradise! Time to meet your hosts and group, get comfy, and feel the vibe of this life-changing week.
Let’s break the ice and get to know each other over a delicious meal! Meet your travel fam and start building real connections that last.
Wake up your body and mind with a gentle flow in the jungle. Breathe in, stretch out, and feel grounded.
Start your day with an amazing meal made by Chef Rebe, your co-host!
Get the lay of the land, explore the farm with Rob, your co-host, and learn how to connect all our conservation & sustainable living efforts.
During months with sea turtle conservation efforts, you'll learn how to spot turtle nests at the beach to prepare for patrolling!
Enjoy a vibrant lunch made with farm-fresh ingredients and tons of flavor.
Practice key phrases and local expressions so you can feel more confident while connecting with the community.
End your day with a nourishing and satisfying meal packed with local flavor.
Learn all about sea turtle conservation, the local species, and how you’ll help protect them during your stay, between July and December.
Join our morning nature walk to identify birds and other wildlife in this incredibly biodiverse region. Data collected will be reported to national conservation authorities!
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast before diving into your hands-on farm experience.
Learn how to create natural fertilizers, build garden beds, and plant food sustainably—get your hands dirty for a good cause!
A colorful and hearty lunch featuring ingredients you may have helped plant!
Explore the nearby community and learn about rural life in Costa Rica through immersive and authentic interactions.
A cozy dinner to celebrate a day of learning, growth, and connection.
Walk along the beach under the stars and help protect nesting turtles in this unforgettable nighttime mission. This activity will happen between July and December.
Get energized for the day with a farm-to-table breakfast full of vibrant colors and flavors.
Embark on an epic day tour to Corcovado, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—or take the day to rest, enjoy the Ganadito beach, explore, or journal.
Even on a free day, you’ll be spoiled by Rebe’s flavors if you stay at the project. Fresh, light, and made with love!
Whether you explored the jungle or chilled by the beach, dinner’s waiting—warm, rich, and delicious.
Another chance to witness the magic of the turtles and make a real impact on conservation efforts.
Unwind and reconnect with your breath during a peaceful morning yoga session by nature.
Enjoy another beautiful breakfast with locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
Discover the many uses of coconuts, from milk to oil to bowls, and craft your own coconut creations!
A vibrant midday feast made with fresh produce and Chef Rebe’s creative twist.
Build on your Spanish skills with fun group activities and practical conversation practice.
Savor rich tropical flavors with a warm, family-style dinner to celebrate your efforts and connection.
Taste the tropics! A flavorful, homemade coconut curry dinner shared around good company and laughter.
Spot toucans, monkeys, and more during a guided walk designed to connect you deeper with the local ecosystem.
A final stretch of the week starts with a comforting breakfast and stunning views.
Get into the science and magic of natural soap making: learn about saponification and make your own custom bar.
A delicious break between creativity and culture: Chef Rebe brings her A-game as always.
Head out into the surrounding community for a final glimpse of rural Costa Rican life.
An early dinner to wrap up a full and fascinating day: good food, good vibes, and great company.
Join one last patrol or relax under the stars—your choice for your final full night.
Enjoy your breakfast: savory, sweet, and made with cariño!
Head out for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling trip (not included in the itinerary) or enjoy a relaxed day soaking up the last bit of pura vida.
A tropical goodbye feast made with the freshest ingredients and her signature love.
Put the final touches on your handmade soap or enjoy some quiet time before the farewell.
One last delicious dinner together. Celebrate the memories, the flavors, and the new friendships.
A heartfelt farewell evening filled with stories, gratitude, and all the good vibes you’ll take home with you.
Your final breakfast, enjoy and don’t forget to thank Rebe!
Time to say goodbye! A trusted driver will take you to the boat or to the airport back to San José.
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Join nighttime beach patrols to locate and protect sea turtle nests.
Turtle season from Jul to Dec
When the eggs hatch, help release baby turtles safely into the ocean!
Turtle season from Jul to Dec
Learn to extract coconut milk and oil, fresh from the palms at Ganadito Beach.
Relocate turtle eggs to hatcheries to protect them from predators.
Turtle season from Jul to Dec
Learn to make sustainable soap using coconut oil and other natural ingredients.
Observe and record local wildlife activity to support Costa Rica’s conservation efforts.
Join and learn harvesting produce, building structures, and making bio-inputs.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Join two classes with your co-host Rebe and connect body & mind in nature.
Learn Spanish with your co-host Rob—two fun, practical lessons included!
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
A 6h snorkeling tour in crystal-clear waters. Includes boat, gear, local team & transport.
Aprox. US$100
Float from river to beach! Includes 45-minute hike, guide, life jacket, transport & lunch.
Aprox. US$75
A 6h wildlife tour through Costa Rica’s top park! Includes transport, entry, and guide.
Aprox. US$125
Includes local guide & horse for a 2h ride along Costa Rica’s stunning beaches.
Aprox. US$70
Play a fun match with the group at Ganadito Beach, just 500m from your stay!
Gratis
Enjoy a night of music, stories, and stars around a cozy beach bonfire.
Gratis
Come Join April & Renee 2 platonic life partners who know the value and importance of female friendship! Nestled in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, community, and purpose. Participate in permaculture and soap-making workshops, enjoy daily yoga, practice your Spanish, and explore the area through sea turtle patrols and guided nature walks. Stay in cozy accommodations, savor fresh meals, and relax in hammocks just steps from the beach. This is more than a vacation. It is a journey back to yourself and to the Earth.
Canada
I stayed here for and Epic trip and it was a great experience with such welcoming hosts! The days were busy but it never felt rushed or like you didn't have time to relax. I learned a lot during my stay and met amazing people as well. I would just say that if you go for an Epic Trip, depending on where you stay being in either the “moon house” or the indoor cabins, just know the moon house is all outdoor including the bathrooms which have cold showers and no provided towels. Otherwise, it was still a comfortable stay. I would highly recommend!
3 days ago
United States
Finca Ganadito became my home away from home as soon as I got there. It was truly better than I ever could have imagined. The hosts and staff both treat you like family. Everyone there is so kind, caring, and very happy to accommodate. I am so grateful for the time that I spent there and the friends that I’ve made. I would 100% go back again.
9 days ago
United States
I LOVED being a part of the finca family! The property is beautiful, the food was incredible, the activities were so fun, the projects were impactful. But most importantly the hosts were so welcoming, warm and inspiring. They taught us so much about the environment and animals. They were engaging and so fun to be around. We laughed and played games at night and worked together during the day. I cannot thank Lilly and Felipe more. They taught us so much!
10 days ago
United States
My week at Finca Ganadito was fantastic. The property was beautiful, the hosts and staff were welcoming and made me feel at home, and their sustainable practices were inspiring. The thing that stands out to me the most, was the food. I'm a picky eater and was nervous eating vegan for a week straight, but it was some of the most delicious food I've ever had, and creatively put together. I haven't felt that good physically in a long time. I immediately could tell the difference in how my body felt when I got back home to the U.S. and had processed food again. I want to go back for all my meals!
17 days ago
United States
10/10 life changing experience! Can not say enough good about Rebe and Rob, they were so accommodating. The food is delicious and the wildlife was all around in the most beautiful way. Every single person there, even other guests were so kind and fun to be around. No notes, they were literally perfect!
18 days ago
United States
The entire staff and voulenteers at Finca Ganadito were very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I enjoyed all of the provided activities and learning experinces, especially with the sea turtle conservation. The accommodations were very nice and well kept. The provided meals were absolutely exceptional. I had the best week of my life here. I really enjoyed the balance of scheduled activies and free time. This was a very nice vacation with learning and relaxing. I learned the true meaning of Pura Vida during my stay. This trip has changed my life
2 months ago
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Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
The Roundhouse provides a practical, nature-focused stay within an open-air metal structure and protective metal roof. The shared space accommodates up to 12 travelers across six comfortable bunk beds, each outfitted with individual mosquito nets, nearby power outlets, and storage shelves for personal belongings. The layout includes access to five shared bathrooms with ambient temperature showers and compost toilets. For relaxation, the area features nine hammocks designed to let you rest while experiencing the rainforest breeze and natural sounds of this highly biodiverse region.
These indoor cabins offer a comfortable, grounded experience with screened windows that allow for natural airflow while keeping insects out. The layout varies by room: one option accommodates five travelers with four single beds and one double bed, while the other accommodates four guests with three single beds and one double bed. Each configuration is designed for group comfort and functionality. The cabins include private bathroom facilities with hot water showers and a private deck, providing a well-equipped and relaxing base tailored for your stay in the tropical forest.
Prepared by Rebe, one of the project's owners and a professional vegan chef, the menu focuses on plant-based and vegetarian dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients. The traveler can enjoy diverse breakfasts like overnight oats, pancakes, or traditional burritos, while lunch and dinner showcase homemade pesto pasta, vegan burgers, or aromatic curries. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice, though a 100% gluten-free environment cannot be guaranteed. This culinary experience invites the group to immerse themselves in the culture through authentic flavors.
Arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO). From there, you can take a domestic flight or a scenic bus journey to Drake Bay. Once you arrive at the Drake Bay Port, a member of our team will be there to collect you. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
This purpose-driven initiative in the Osa Peninsula focuses on ecological practices, community engagement, and immersive conservation. Led by a biologist and a local chef and yoga instructor, the project stewards a forest reserve and protects vital sea turtle nesting grounds. The traveler will join a legacy of impact that has already planted hundreds of native trees, produced tons of organic soil, and released over 20,000 baby sea turtles. By integrating regenerative farming with biodiversity surveys, the group supports marine conservation while experiencing a deep connection to the land.
Top host
The traveler will be based in Drake Bay on the stunning Osa Peninsula, famously the gateway to the biologically intense Corcovado National Park. The area includes the main hub of Agujitas, where boat taxis from Sierpe arrive, alongside smaller villages and pristine beach destinations like San Josecito. Agujitas offers a relaxed backpacker atmosphere with various restaurants, cafes, and bars for the group to enjoy. A fantastic coastal trail connects the town to the National Park, allowing the traveler to explore picturesque beaches and experience the region's world-renowned biodiversity.
Over 213 international guests have engaged in hands-on training in regenerative farming and sea turtle conservation, planting more than 300 native trees and producing 20 tons of organic soil. These efforts supported the training of 19 local patrol leaders, resulting in the protection of 270 nests and the release of 20,000 baby sea turtles into the Pacific. This collective work has generated over $30,000 for marine protection. By participating, the traveler directly supports regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, strengthening ecological health in a vital tropical sanctuary.
A portion of your program fee supports ongoing marine conservation work. During specific seasons, you may also get involved in field activities focused on protecting nesting sea turtles.
By participating in this immersive experience, your contributions support regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable living. Every action plays a role in strengthening ecological health and empowering local communities in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
You’ll explore the surrounding ecosystems through biodiversity monitoring, helping document and celebrate the rich wildlife that makes this region so unique.
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Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly - no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a support team and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
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