Rancho Margot

Rancho Margot Sustainable Working Farm

Rancho Margot is wonderful experiment of sustainability and allows visitors to get up close and personal with the true meaning of living off the Earth. Rancho Margot is truly an off-the-grid adventure -- and a very unique Costa Rica Eco Lodge.

The electricity comes from on-site Pelton wheels that use the natural streams which run through the property to generate a non-stop flow of electricity. In addition, the bungalows, bunkhouse showers and hot springs are literally heated by animal waste.

Owner and serial entrepreneur Juan Sostheim created an ingenious system to heat the water by insulating tubing with the waste collected from the farm animals at Rancho Margot. The water that flows through the tubing reaches remarkably high-temperatures and is a very natural and sustainable way to use resources.

This beautiful hotel is in a remote area, about 5 kilometers down a gravel road along Lake Arenal and about 30 minutes from the center of La Fortuna- but well-worth the adventure to get out there!

Its obvious that Rancho Margot sees the benefit in offering extras to their clients: you will receive two free yoga classes daily, handmade soap that is made on the hotel property, in fact, guests can learn how to make it too! There is also an extensive orchid garden that is located along the paths that wind their way through the property.

Every day you'll be treated to amazingly fresh organic food right from the gardens and green houses. They raise their own sheep, goats, chickens and pigs, as well, so the food is varied and delicious.

Nothing gets wasted on this sustainable working farm. This is the best Costa Rica farm stay because everything is hands on.

The bungalows are quaint little cabins that are well-equipped and set beautifully in the hillside overlooking the rest of the ranch. Rancho Margot has a bunk houses with bunk-style beds perfect for groups and single-travelers. The restaurant and bar are great place to congregate and share stores of your adventures at the ranch and doing exciting activities in and around the area such as kayaking on Lake Arenal, mountain biking, horse back riding, hiking, yoga sessions and much more!

Juan will also put you to work, if you'd like to learn about the organic farming that takes place in this unique ecological wonderland near the Arenal Volcano on Lake Arenal property.