2-Day Cultural Experience
Embark on a unique journey into the tranquil countryside of Costa Rica, where you’ll experience the rich traditions of a coffee-growing community and the natural beauty of Palmichal de Acosta. Just an hour from San José, this immersive trip offers the perfect blend of cultural discovery and outdoor adventure. From learning to make tortillas with locals to exploring wildlife reserves, this is a rare chance to connect with the people, land, and sustainable practices that make rural Costa Rica so special.
At the beginning of this two day trip you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable guide as you make your way to Palmichal de Acosta, a charming village just an hour outside of San José.
At Nacientes Palmichal Rural Lodge, you’ll step into the life of a traditional Costa Rican Campesino community, gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear waters. This is your chance to connect with the land and its people in a way few visitors ever do.
Here, you can choose to hike or go horseback riding to the entrance of the nearby wildlife reserve, enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. You’ll also get hands-on with the local culture - learning to make tortillas the campesino way with Doña Mery, or discovering the art of grinding, toasting, and tasting world-renowned Costa Rican coffee at the “Paraje de Bendición” sustainable cattle ranch.
At the ranch, you’ll also learn about biogas production, take part in traditional cheese making, and tour a small-scale farm home to chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits. This is your chance to experience a side of San José rarely seen by visitors - the rural, community-driven face of Costa Rica.
Your Local Impact
By joining this tour, you’ll be supporting the vital conservation and community initiatives of Nacientes Palmichal. In 1991, a group of local residents took action to protect the Nacientes Palmichal Basin, ensuring the preservation of its rivers, forests, and wildlife. Their efforts sparked a movement of environmental education and sustainable living within the community.
With the help of local and international partners, including Beneficio Palmichal and the Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, the association acquired 42 hectares of cloud rainforest, which now serves as a refuge for native flora and fauna, while also producing clean water for the region.
Your visit directly contributes to the ongoing protection of this vital ecosystem and supports the livelihoods of the local community. Through sustainable tourism, you help preserve these precious natural resources while promoting responsible agriculture and conservation practices for future generations.
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