La Gran Vista

About

If you’re looking for a holiday that will give you a deep connection to nature with breathtaking views of the dense Costa Rican forests, La Gran Vista offers farmstay accommodation in private cabins and panoramic mountain range views.  Wake up to the calls of exotic birds, collect fresh oranges directly from the trees for your morning juice and enjoy farm fresh family meals whilst making new friends and exploring the diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica. Guests also have the option of volunteering to help plant conservation at the farm in exchange for discounted accommodation.  

Features

• Volunteering Opportunities Available
• Cloud Forest Location
• Eco Excursions and Tours
• WiFi In Room
• Panoramic Views
• Meals Included
• Mountain Location

Room information

	Description	Sleeps	Price
	Double Cabin Offering wall to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the mountain range these cabins offer a double bed in a private room.  A... read more	1-2	£47.82 Per Night	Select room
	Volunteer Dorm Volunteers will be accommodated in shared dorm rooms sleeping either 4 or 9 persons.  All rooms included 3 meals per day, hot water and WIF... read more	1-9	£35.86 Per Person	Select room

Volunteering Opportunities

During your stay you will have the opportunity to volunteer with conservation efforts in the diverse and beautiful ecosystems of Costa Rica.  Volunteers must be in good physical health, with a hardworking and positive attitude and be able to commit to a minimum of 1 week, working Monday to Friday. 

After a full breakfast each morning you will start your day at 8am helping to feed the animals and producing organic fertilisers before taking a short break at 10am. Your mid morning tasks will consist of jobs around the farm which can include planting seeds, soil conservation, maintaining the medicinal plants on the farm and harvesting crops or construction work such as helping to maintain and repair spring water wells and other areas of the grounds.  At 12pm you’ll have a 2 hour lunch break giving you a chance to recharge your batteries before starting the afternoons activities until 4pm when your working day will finish allowing you time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and activities in the area. Although the work can be quite challenging at times, you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends and find the experience incredibly rewarding

Volunteering costs $45 USD per day and includes your accommodation, 3 meals per day, laundry, hot water and access to WIFI.   

About The Area

San Isidro is a small agricultural community on the slopes of the Talamanca Mountains located approximately 120km southeast of San Jose.  The area offers incredible views as well as being conveniently located between the beaches of Dominical and the country’s highest mountain, the Cerro Chirripo.  The closest city, San Isidro de El General, although small, offers plenty of shops, authentic Costa Rican restaurants and bars. 

Your journey to San Isidro will be full of adventure as you take on the Cerro de la Meute - the highest point in Costa Rica at over 3000 metres! Dense fog, heavy rains and steep cliffs are rife here however the views from the mountain tops are jaw dropping! 

The main attraction in this area is of course the diverse wildlife and nature of your surroundings, with lots of trails and walks nearby to indulge in the beautiful scenery however if you’re looking for more adventure and activities nearby Donald and his family can arrange guided tours and excursions.  There’s plenty of places to discover nearby, here are a few suggestions for your stay: 

• Summit Costa Rica’s tallest mountain at Chirripo National Park and take in the jaw dropping views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 

• Explore the thick forest, waterfalls and wildlife in the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve 

• Swim in the double tiered 200 ft Nauyaca Waterfall 

• Try out your surfing skills at Dominical Beach or just relax with a book on the golden sands

• Take a guided tour of the area on horseback 

• Join in on a local game of Mejengas, a frantic game of football with up to 20 players per side) 

• Learn Spanish with your host family 

Map

Activities and Nearby Adventures

• Cultural Activities
• Football
• Hiking
• Horseriding
• Volunteering
• Walking
• Waterfalls Nearby
• Language Lessons
• Eco Excursions & Tours
• Surfing
• Bird Watching
• Guided Wildlife Excursions

Meet the hosts

La Gran Vista is a family run farm, owned by Donald Villalobos.  Donald has had a long career in Agricultural Engineering spanning over 34 years,  During his career he has worked for the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock in the Costa Rican Department of Agriculture.  Donald now lives and works at the farm and organises sightseeing tours for his guests, along his family.  Terry, Donald’s youngest son, teaches horse riding in the area and will happily take you out to discover El Peje on horseback. 

Donald

Donald and his wife welcome you

How To Get There

Fly - The nearest Airport is just outside San Jose, about 150 kms away.  

Public Transport - The only way to get to La Gran Vista is to take the 3 hour bus journey from San Jose.  Once you arrive in San José area, take the Tracopa bus to the town of San Isidro del General. From there take the local bus to San Isidro and ask the bus driver to drop you off at the Super Weber supermarket in Repunta (3 km out of San Isidro) where you will be collected by your hosts. 

Photos

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