A quiet, uncongested, place to relax, get fresh air and exercise. Finca Agroecológica Las Koalas is a family-owned, off-grid, permaculture farm in the foothills of Mount Chirripó, the highest peak of Costa Rica. This former coffee farm has been fallow for more than 25 years allowing nature to regenerate a wild forest over much of the area, which now hosts an abundance of birds and wild mammals such as toucans and coatis. The productive areas of the farm blend with the surrounding forest. The space The Rancho Las Koalas is an independent, off- grid, one family unit that is 500 meters from the main road and 500 meters from the main house. The Rancho has a fully equipped kitchen and hot and cold running water. It is electrified with solar energy and the water is gravity fed from one of the springs on the property. The back terrace of the Rancho faces west and is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the sun-set or bird watch. Admiring the view over the valley, chilling by the ponds, listening to the water flowing, strolling around in the scents of the aromatic gardens, will allow guests to rest all their senses. Walking around Las Koalas guests will get to meet some of its inhabitants including chickens, sheep, goats, and horses. Horse riding opportunities including lessons are available and may be the best way to discover the area. Guests can also lounge by the river, or hike through the forest and visit the waterfalls, participate in farm activities, or cultural activities in the village. Nature walks with a local guide can be arranged upon request. Sugar cane is milled using oxen and sugar loaves made in the traditional way in wooden forms. Fresh cane juice and whipped sugar are delicacies not to be missed. The farm activities are centered around animal welfare and organic productions: using goat milk for yogurt and cheese, aromatic herbs for tea and essential oils, as well as home-made bread and ginger beer. Guests are welcome to pick their own salad, herbs and fruits from our organic gardens as they wish. The farm is 30 minutes by car from San Gerardo de Rivas and the foot of the Chirripó . It is also 20 minutes from San Isidro de General. Guest access Guests can access the entire guest unit, and the surrounding 85 hectares which include a small river great for cooling off and entertaining children, hike in the forest to the waterfalls or visit our animals.

## Overview

Finca Agroecológica Las Koalas is a family-owned, off-grid permaculture farm situated in the foothills of Mount Chirripó, the highest peak in Costa Rica. This former coffee plantation has been left fallow for over 25 years, allowing a wild forest to regenerate across much of the property. The area now supports a rich variety of wildlife, including toucans and coatis. Productive farm zones blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, creating a peaceful and uncrowded environment ideal for relaxation, fresh air, and exercise.

## The Space

Rancho Las Koalas is a self-contained, off-grid accommodation designed for one family. It is located 500 meters from both the main road and the main house. The Rancho features:

- A fully equipped kitchen
- Hot and cold running water
- Solar-powered electricity
- Gravity-fed water sourced from a spring on the property
- A west-facing back terrace perfect for sunset views and birdwatching

Guests can enjoy tranquil moments overlooking the valley, relaxing by the ponds, listening to flowing water, and wandering through aromatic gardens that engage all the senses.

## Activities and Wildlife

Visitors to Las Koalas can interact with farm animals such as chickens, sheep, goats, and horses. Horseback riding lessons and rides are available, offering a unique way to explore the area. Additional activities include:

- Lounging by the river
- Hiking through the forest to nearby waterfalls
- Participating in farm and cultural activities in the local village
- Nature walks guided by a local expert (available upon request)

Traditional sugar cane milling is done using oxen, and sugar loaves are crafted in wooden molds. Guests can sample fresh cane juice and whipped sugar, local delicacies not to be missed.

## Farm Life and Organic Production

The farm focuses on animal welfare and organic practices, producing:

- Goat milk yogurt and cheese
- Aromatic herbs for tea and essential oils
- Homemade bread and ginger beer

Guests are invited to harvest salad greens, herbs, and fruits from the organic gardens as they please.

## Location

The farm is located:

- 30 minutes by car from San Gerardo de Rivas and the base of Mount Chirripó
- 20 minutes from San Isidro de General

## Guest Access

Guests have full access to the entire guest unit and the surrounding 85 hectares, which include:

- A small river ideal for cooling off and entertaining children
- Forest trails leading to waterfalls
- Opportunities to visit and interact with farm animals

Finca Agroecológica Las Koalas is a family-owned, off-grid, permaculture farm in...

Clair

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Maximum Occupancy

Studio in Perez Zeledon

Family farm stay - Guesthouses for Rent in Perez Zeledon, San José Province, Costa Rica

The Casita is basically a large comfortable screened in porch so it was a bit cool at night. The surrounding landscaping and herb gardens accented the rhythmic sounds of nature including birds, bugs and frogs. The bed was comfortable and the water was hot. For the price, what more can you ask for. Additionally, the bird watching from the outside porch was very good and we were mesmerized by the the Crested Caracara fledglings being fed by their attentive parents in the nest nearby. We enjoyed the comings and goings of the horses, sheep, cows and, goats ; and feeding the chickens with our compostables. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful farm and would recommend it.

We stayed 2 months. The rancho is well stocked and Clair can also supply milk, cheese and yogurt from her goats as you desire. There is also produce available in her organic gardens. Clair and Mark were wonderful hosts, very attentive to all our requests and questions and quick to address any issues. They included us in their Christmas meal as well as taking us to the market and stores weekly as we arrived with no vehicle. The bus stop is a 2.5 km trek and there are no close shops at all. A vehicle is a must, if you are not hikers. Alternatively, arrive with all your supplies. We arrived in rainy season, so everything was muddy, damp and a bit musty and moldy. People with allergies may have issues. Opportunities are there to learn about farm life and livestock. Birding is excellent. We enjoyed our time getting to know Clair and Mark and felt a bit sad to leave our two new friends. Thank you for your kind hospitality.

My two kids and I stayed here for one week. Horseback riding and milking goats were definitely two highlights for my kids and I really appreciate Clair's patience with us. The view off the back deck was gorgeous. We really enjoyed ourselves here.

Clair's property offers a taste of Costa Rica in a non-touristy setting that is truly amazing. The ride to Las Koalas is a small adventure in and of itself, especially in the rain with the river crossing! The gardens surrounding the Rancho include kale and herbs that can be picked and enjoyed. Plan to wake up with the birds and hope for enough sun to keep the off-grid system providing enough electricity. Even in rainy April there was enough electricity (and great wifi) to work into the night. We, unfortunately, did not get up with the birds and go looking for them, but Clair generously gave us a tour of the farm and we were able to meet nearly all of the animals. We also didn't have time to horseback ride but maybe next time. We were delivered fresh eggs one morning which were a treat. The views were nice during the day and in the evening. It would be great to visit again during the dry season to have more time to explore the trails and wildlife. Las Koalas is perfect for the traveler who loves the outdoors and fresh air while indoors, appreciates animals, progressive farming techniques, and sustainable practices.

A truly beautiful environment! Immerse yourself in nature. If you want an 'off grid' experience, here is your chance. It is a semi-outside living experience with some modern amenities. I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot for my future off-grid creation. I didn't do much here (I can't reflect on the farm as I didn't do the milking but Clair was gracious to give me a tour) as I wanted to decompress from travel while seeing how I enjoyed living with screen only walls/windows. When I was there, it was very wet - that was the biggest issue I experienced. I realize it is hard to avoid in the tropics but if that is a concern for you, I would check the forecast ahead of time and/or discuss with Clair. She is an expert with off-grid sustainable living, for sure.

The outside place is nice, but in the space the cleanliness is very bad, there are no outdoor lights to have visibility in case of emergency (you can't see anything at night), there was no good communication with the host, it is needed if or if 4x4 especially in winter, the bathroom was very dirty, the mosquito nets, the armchairs smelled terrible. At the end of the 2 nights, we only stayed 1, I understand that it is a mountain place, but that does not exclude cleaning, security and communication. Despite this, I think the space needs more care and affection to enhance it with the outside which is beautiful.

El lugar exterior es bonito, pero en el espacio la limpieza es muy muy mala, no hay luces exteriores para tener visibilidad en caso de emergencia ( montaña no se ve nada nada de noche),  no hubo buena comunicación con la anfitriona, se necesita si o si 4x4 sobre todo en invierno, el baño estaba re sucio, los mosquiteros cafés, los sillones olían fatal. En fin de las 2 noches, solo permanecimos 1, entiendo que es un lugar de montaña, pero eso no excluye la limpieza, seguridad y comunicación. A pesar de esto, considero que el espacio necesita un más cuidado y cariño para potencializarlo con el exterior el cual sí es bonito.

Everything here is perfect. Location, food, farm life, etc. Clair is turning her reserve into a permaculture farm where her and the staff are diligently integrating all sorts of different systems that will self sustain in perpetuity. And it’s all off grid! The whole process is so cool to learn about and experience first hand. Location: A short drive (and cheap taxi) from San Isidro, but also just over a mile (easy walk) to 2 local stores with essentials (eg. dry rice and beans, pasta, snacks, some veggies). Endless mountain roads to explore with beautiful vistas. Multiple rivers with waterfalls nearby. All rivers are public in Costa Rica, but 1 does run through Clair’s property. Water/food: The water comes from a natural spring on the property and it is delicious. The pond next to “El Rancho” is fed via hose from the river, which is neat! The majority of the plants around the house are edible herbs or fruit bushes (and some double as fences). There is a garden with 3 raised beds with many leafy greens and some veggies. All can be picked whenever. There are many more edible plants up around Clair’s house, including a food forest and a large garden with veggies that was just planted. At the Airbnb there are also ~50 chickens that are so fun to watch and hang with. You can help feed them and/or can eat some of the many eggs they lay. Also Clair provided us with goats milk, yogurt, cheese, homemade bread, dried fruits, and more. Farm life: We learned so much about chickens, sheep, goats, and horses. The bigger animals all pass by the Airbnb everyday on their way down to drink from the river. Clair said she is getting a cow soon. The farm is so alive on a daily basis that it’s hard to get bored. You can milk the goats, feed the chickens, pet her dog, or just watch and hang out! Seriously can’t speak highly enough about this place. The house is awesome with amazing screen window walls that make you feel like you are really in nature (there are solid walls that can be closed and locked if chosen, but we never did!). Very hot water, great kitchen, great porch chairs (comfy rocking chair, outdoor couch seat, many lawn chairs, and a hammock). A day bed and a double bed. A dining table with many more chairs. Great washer and dryer. Lastly, the temperature was great. A cozy blanket to keep you warm in the night.

Dear Carson,   I am so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you come back soon and see the progress!

Clair's place is truly unique! Located on her permaculture farm, totally off grid, we had a fantastic and relaxing time. Not far from the Chirripo, on a hill, every morning the breakfast, on the terrasse facing the valley and the surrounding mountains was magical. On top of that, for the two mornings we were there, we had a chance to be with Clair when she started her day, taking care of the animals. We even milked – tried to milk the goat :)! It was a great way to understand better the various steps to develop such a farm and Clair was very nice to share when we asked. Last but not least, the goat milk, cheese and yogurt are the cherry on the cake, amazing!

Happy that you enjoyed your stay.  It was lovely to have you.

Our family had a fantastic couple of nights at Finca Las Koalas. Just a short stay as we passed through but we easily could have stayed longer. We were greeted with delicious farm fresh produce - eggs, goats milk, cheese, yoghurt and bread! In our short stay we helped to milk a goat, had a ride on a horse, were shown around the farm and got to understand the local food system as well as relaxing in El Rancho, having fun in the river and enjoying the fantastic surroundings! We would definitely recommend to anyone who like us is interested in good food and being in touch with honest and caring producers who are nourishing their community whilst caring for the land and the environment.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the farm, and it was even better than expected. We stayed for a week and enjoyed meandering on country roads, waking up with the jungle, the spectacular sunsets, tranquil vistas, the farm animals, bird watching, and the list could go on and on. We were delighted to see firey billed aracari, and even heard a black faced solitaire greet the morning. Our host was very prompt with communication and ensured we had everything we needed. We stocked up on groceries in San Isidro and found the small towns nearby had anything we needed replenished. If you are looking for a true Costa Rican experience, we highly recommend this little patch of paradise!

What an amazing experience to be there.  It was a true off grid property that is immersed in nature.  An experience that I will treasure.