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, Argentina and Germany. Of course, with volunteers and interns also living and working on the farm, we can be considerably more people when we have a full house! Find out more information in About Us.

2. How many volunteers stay on the farm at one time?
The main house can sleep 11 volunteers, though in the summer months (December to April), more volunteers can camp. And if there are no retreats running, we also use the Bamboo House for the overflow of volunteers.

3. Where do volunteers come from?
Volunteers come from all over the world. We have people who come through GoAbroad or other volunteering sites; or they have seen our web site or leaflet. Others have simply heard of us through other volunteers or locals.

 

4. What should I bring with me to the farm?
Firstly, a big smile and bags of enthusiasm! Of course, there are some practical things worth bringing to make the most of your stay: sturdy walking boots, work clothes, comfortable trousers/overalls, t-shirts, sun hat, flashlight, sun block, water bottle, your favorite CDs, a musical instrument - if you play one, and some stout beer (Greg's request). (Hint Hint: the girls are always partial to a nice bit of chocolate.) We supply rubber boots - essential during rainy season.

Food - we'll provide some basic food staples such as rice, beans, pasta, fresh fruit and veggies, and of course you can eat the seasonal produce grown on the farm. We suggest you buy other supplies such as avocadoes, olive oil, tinned goods and any other favorite foods.

5. What are the sleeping and living conditions like?
The accommodation is in an open-style house, and volunteers sleep in bunks, sharing rooms. We provide clean sheets and towels, which are laundered every week. There are mosquito nets for all the beds. We also have a bathroom and showers. There's a spacious kitchen and dining area, and outside 'bistro' space. The living room is furnished with large bamboo sofas, and over-head fans.

6. 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.

7. What are the working hours?
Generally you work up to a maximum of 5 hours a day* starting at 6.30am through to 11.30am (varies seasonally), Monday through Friday. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy as you wish. Please note: we are no longer doing work exchange/WWOOFs.

8. What kind of work do volunteers do?
The majority of the time is spent in the gardens: weeding, harvesting, digging, mulching, making compost, clearing out the animal housing, trail building, making preps, spraying field preps and so forth. We also ask that volunteers share in the communal cleaning responsibilities on the farm. Sometimes we have building work going on, so volunteers may help with these projects too.

9. How much does it cost to volunteer?
We'd love not to charge our volunteers, but we simply cannot afford not to. For your accommodation (bed, hot showers, towels, sheets, basic food staples and all the seasonal food you can eat off the farm), as well as the knowledge you will gain on everything from medicinal plants to Biodynamic® and organic farming in the tropics. The minimum stay is 2 months, at $400 per month (payable in advance). This money is put straight back into helping us make Finca Ipe more self-sustainable farm.

 

10. 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 $140 or to the farm for about $160. 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.

11. 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 raftingyou get the picture.

12. What kind of food is available on the farm?
We're in a transition stage with our greenhouses and growing fields right now, so new things are being planted. We usually grow a variety of greens, and depending on the time of year, we can have everything from green beans and delicious squash, through to eggplant and tomatoes. We also have a selection of herbs and some delicious fruit like starfruit, custard apple, pineapple, mangos and bananas. Naturally, produce varies according to the season. We also provide volunteers with a range of basic food staples such as rice, beans, pasta and fresh produce.

13. 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.

14. Is there a public phone or email facility on the farm?
No, we don't have a public phone on the farm at this time (although we do have a phone on the farm). You can use the pay phone in Platanillo - 20 minutes walk away. There are several email facilities in San Isidro and Dominical, where we go for most of our communication needs.

15. Can I learn Spanish at Finca Ipe?
Yes, we now offer classes in conjunction with the Costa Rican Language School. Prices are subject to tuition requirements - it's best to arrange this when you get here as we cannot quote prices at this time. You'll find that you'll be practising your Spanish out in the fields if you work with Alan or Harold, or at community dinner.

16. 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.

17. How do I contact Finca Ipe?
Just click here for more information.

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