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Que pasa? @ RanchoMastatal.com
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A new Videos Section holding some of our favorite YouTube videos and Flickr slideshows. Check it out! 2009.11.15
Search our website by entering text into the yellow Search Site textbox on page bottoms. 2008.04.06
An updated & reorganized Links Section with sections for links to volunteers, merchants, travel & nonprofits. 2008.03.11
Updated on-line volunteer registration form showing blackout dates 2007.07.27
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¡Bienvenidos al Rancho! Rancho Mastatal is an environmental learning and sustainable living center, rural sanctuary and lodge located in and on the edge of the last remaining virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s beautiful Puriscal County.
We practice, promote and teach about living responsibly in the Tropics while educating our visitors about the significance and majesty of the world’s disappearing tropical forests. We work tirelessly to help lead local efforts in conservation, education, natural medicine and community growth.
Our site encompasses 550+ acres of picture-perfect waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, idyllic swimming holes, impressive trees, extraordinary wilderness views, and pristine habitat for the area's rich flora and fauna in a dynamic transition zone that encompasses both humid and pre-montane rainforest in one of Costa Rica’s most undiscovered regions. |
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Beautiful drop
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A Natural Habitat
The property shares a substantial border with the spectacular La Cangreja National Park,
a protected area providing habitat for several endangered animals and
threatened rainforest flora, and containing some 2,000 plant species
and varied fauna such as two and three-toed sloths, ocelots, scarlet
macaws, boa constrictors, a number of toucan species, poison-dart
frogs, blue morpho butterflies, motmots, white-faced capuchin monkeys,
coyotes, anteaters and more.Rancho Mastatal maintains 15-kilometers of rainforest trails that connect to a network of footpaths in La Cangreja.
The hospitable and attractive agricultural community of Mastatal sets this area aside from others in the country, and provides the visitor with a glimpse of "tico" campesino life. The locals invariably spawn the fondest memories for those taking the time to interact with them and are what truly make this corner of Central America a special and exceptional destination for conscientious visitors. The Zapaton Indigenous Reserve, inhabited by a community of Huetar Indians, is located at the end of the road approximately 10 kilometers from the Ranch.
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Closeup Timberframe Joinery
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Living Sustainably
On site and in the community we build using natural construction techniques, including the use of bamboo, locally harvested wood and earth. We teach about, install and utilize renewable energy systems and promote the use of self-constructed composting and biodigester toilets. As our ongoing commitment to education we organize and sponsor a wide array of workshops ranging from alternative design and construction to Wilderness First Response Certification, and work with schools in the United States, Canada and Costa Rica in offering customized educational programs on rainforest ecology, Latin culture, responsible community development, Permaculture, conservation, natural medicine, indigenous culture, sustainable living and more. We welcome volunteers, graduate students, interns, and all others in search of a memorable and unique tropical experience.
Please contact us directly for additional information regarding work and study opportunities, what to bring, how to get to us, and other relevant facts regarding your visit to Rancho Mastatal.
Pura vida y nos vemos. |
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