Farm-to-Table Tourism: 13 Essential Experiences — 9 Countries Where You Can Eat and Stay on Working Farms

3. Costa Rica — Volunteer Eco-Farms and Off-Grid Stays

Costa Rica has a strong voluntourism and eco-lodge scene where staying on a working farm often includes meaningful conservation or agricultural tasks. Sites near the Arenal region combine off-grid living, communal kitchens, and organic gardening with opportunities to learn about tropical fruit, permaculture, and local biodiversity. Work-exchange programs typically offset accommodation costs and meals in return for daily tasks that might include garden maintenance, seed propagation, or guest support. Personal accounts emphasize communal life and cultural exchange as central benefits, especially when stays last several weeks. If you prefer a shorter visit, look for eco-lodges that offer day experiences plus farm-to-table dinners featuring local coffee and produce. Always check safety, access to medical care, and the program’s approach to labor—ethical volunteer programs are transparent about hours and living conditions. Visit during the dry season for easier travel between farms and town services, and verify what meals are included before you commit.