1. How many people live permanently on the farm?
At present, there are between six and eight of us who live and work on the farm, though some of us leave for a few months at a time to earn a bit of money. Farm residents and the community of neighbours come from a range of countries: USA, UK, Holland and Germany.

2. Do you have volunteers on the farm?
Occasionally we take long-term volunteers on the farm, though there’s a more comprehensive programme on our sister farm Fuente Verde. To learn more about the opportunities there, a farm situated in the beautiful Diamante valley just up from Ipe, click here. If you do wish to contact us about volunteering at Ipe, click here.

3. What should I bring if I come to volunteer?
Should you decide to volunteer at Fuente Verde, or here at Ipe, we suggest you bring a big smile and bags of enthusiasm!

 

4. What are the sleeping conditions like?
The accommodation at Fuente Verde is in an open-style house, and volunteers sleep in bunks, sharing rooms. There’s a bathroom and shower and spacious kitchen/living area. Volunteers may also camp if they prefer.

5. What language is spoken on the farm?
The predominant language is English, along with Spanish, German and some French. However, we encourage you to speak Spanish with all the locals - they love it if you make the effort to communicate.

6. How do I get there?
Finca Ipe is located in the coastal mountains on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. We're off the main highway linking the bustling market town of San Isidro del General to the famous surfing spot of Playa Dominical, just below the mountain village of Platanillo. You can reach the farm by bus, taxi or you could even try hitching. If you're coming from San José, take a bus from the new Musoc terminal or Coca Cola bus station to San Isidro del General (Perez Zelédon) - it takes about 3 ½ hours (around $4-$5). From there, make your way to Transportes Blancas, the bus station for Dominical and Uvita. Here you can take a 40-50 minute bus ride (direction: Dominical). Just ask the bus driver to stop at Finca Ipe. Alternatively, you can catch a cab from San José to San Isidro for around $160 or to the farm for about $180. Look out for our sign on the right, and walk down the dirt road to the main house. You'll know you're in the right place when you breathe in the fragrance of Ylang Ylang flowers, whilst our motley crew of dogs bark away to announce your arrival. Note: If you have an afternoon or evening flight arrival, we suggest you stay the night in San José and take the bus the next morning. If you land before midday, you might just be able to make it to the farm before sunset.

7. How far away are the beach and other activities?
The village of Platanillo is a 20-minute up-hill walk away. The renowned surfing beach of Playa Dominical is just a 20-minute bus ride away. This small and friendly surf town has a number of bars and restaurants, and a disco on Friday and Saturday nights. There's also a supermarket, some gift shops and galerias. There are many other beautiful beaches and eco-attractions along the Pacific coast, for example Manuel Antonio to the North, and Playa Hermosa and Playa Ballena to the South. The region is rich in natural beauty, and lush landscapes. For those into adventure and fun, there are several magnificent waterfalls to visit, plus jungle treks, zip-lining through the canopy, kayaking to coastal caves, horse-back riding along mountain ridges, white-water rafting…you get the picture.

8. Are children welcome on the farm?
Yes, though we would still need to charge for the accommodation as we have no special facilities for children. Although we would consider this a safe place, there are obviously the usual precautions to be aware of. Insects, very rare snake encounters, heat, rough terrain and so on are part of this tropical environment. Obviously, your children would be your responsibility and you would need to consider whether they would need your regular supervision, for example while you're working.

9. What about insurance?
We strongly recommend you take out appropriate travel insurance as the farm cannot be held liable for any accidents that occur on the farm itself. You are basically responsible for your own health and safety.

10. How do I contact Finca Ipe or Fuente Verde?
Just click here for more information, and here to find out more about Fuente Verde..