Sanctuary is an art collective and organic farm, where we are building earthships and yurts, buildings made from recycled materials. We would like creative, self-motivated volunteers to join us, and help build or farm, while learning eco-friendly construction and organic farming techniques. It is free for volunteers to stay here camping on the farm, or at a hotel in Orosi, where hot showers, internet and laundry are available. Eventually, the farm will provide food for volunteers, but for the moment we club together to buy food communally from town. Our ultimate goal is to create a bartering community.

Transport is provided from Orosi to the farm, which is in the mountains, and borders on Tapanti National Park. Our proximity to the National Park makes it a great location for wildlife spotting and hiking. The view from the farm is extraordinary, encompassing views of volcanos Irazu and Turrialba. There is also a waterfall and a spring on the land for fresh water. We are also currently seeking volunteers to run the hotel in Orosi, where a room is provided with free internet and laundry, in return for handing out keys and tidying rooms.

Volunteering at Sanctuary Farm would suit people who enjoy being close to nature and camping out. There is a laid back atmosphere, where people can work at their own pace rather than a strictly ordered routine. There is a variety of different tasks to be done, which would suit everyone’s abilities. We have water and basic cooking facilities there but currently no electricity.

Volunteering at the hotel in Orosi would suit someone who works on the internet, or from home or is retired. The small hotel requires less than 2 hours per day of cleaning but the main requirement is to be on hand to provide keys for the guests.

Orosi is a small, safe, non-touristy town in a picturesque valley, with hot springs nearby. Supermarkets, vegetable shops, internet facilities and a bank with ATM can be found here or in neighboring Paraiso which also has a Hypermas (Walmart) and a Saturday farmers market. Orosi is close to Cartago, the buses run there every half an hour and take 25 minutes. Cartago is 45mins to an hour away from San Jose by bus from the Lumaca terminal.

The climate in December to June is drier and best for building and farming, there is a lot of rain here at other times of the year, but we can still work on the farm, since the mornings are usually dry and sunny. There are no specific items that you will need to bring to volunteer here, but warm clothes and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty, and some rubber boots with good soles would be a good idea, as well as some wet weather gear. The minimum stay here is one week but generally volunteers stay on longer than they intend. For hard working, like minded volunteers there is a possibility of staying on more permanently as our neighbors on the farm.

Please contact melissalintern@gmail.com for more details. We look forward to meeting you.