La Gran Vista
La Gran Vista
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles15 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1

Molly Troup
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Friends
It was my first week in Costa Rica so it was a great way to immerse myself into Costa Rican life. Had a great time learning about how they keep their farm sustainable and the food was so amazing! I highly recommend
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Becky
Birmingham, UK5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
I stayed for two weeks with my boyfriend and we learnt so much in the experience that I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants improve their Spanish, immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture, learn about sustainable living or just generally would enjoy a farm experience.

I was very nervous before however as soon as we met Donald he made us feel incredibly welcome. Him and his wife Xinia are such lovely and happy people. There were only a few volunteers on the farm when we stayed which made it a very intimate experience and meant you could really get to know each other.

Xinia’s food is incredible!! And she is so accommodating as both my boyfriend and
I don’t eat meat or dairy and that was never an issue.

The work is interesting, generally the day to day is quite chilled so if there is anything you specifically want to do or learn about on the farm just ask Donald as he is always happy to show you or teach you about anything.

I got so much more from this experience than I ever expected, it is definitely an experience I would recommend without hesitation.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lily Z
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Solo
I learned a lot about the realities of farming and to go with the flow of each day as there is not a set schedule. You have to tend to the needs of each day or whichever season of farming you’re in. We made compost mixtures and I also picked worms from the horse manure - learning all the stages to create an organic nutrient dense soil for the plants. I also helped move the chickens from one coop to another so we could clean their space. I loved all the fresh meals Donald’s wife cooked everyday - eating fresh eggs, veggies and fruits from the farm. You need to be proactive about asking to help with the specific things you want to learn more about and Donald will dive more into your interests. I also loved going for a nice walk with the dogs each morning before I began work and at end of day I would do yoga on the deck to wind down.
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nadia K
Alachua, FL4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Friends
It was an excellent trip. Donald, the owner, is so welcoming. I learned so much the whole week and each task was so fascinating. The work was tiring but with a positive attitude the work was so rewarding since you saw the project done. You saw the progress in front of you. This farm lives and breaths the definition of "leaving no waste", everything is so wisely used. It was such a peaceful place and was so fun to be there!
Written March 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jessica D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Business
I had such an amazing time volunteering here! I highly recommend! Such a wonderful place! I volunteered with ASB and I learned so much about sustainability and Costa Rican culture while I was here. Donald and his wife are very hospitable and accommodating to everyone's needs. The area in which they live is gorgeous, and if you're looking for a place to volunteer and learn more about how to be more self-sustaining, then I would highly recommend visiting La Gran Vista! Do yourself a favor and go!
Written February 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Luke K
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Solo
I spent about 1 month with Donald and family and I am grateful for the experience. Donald has spent years with the Costa Rican Department of Agriculture so his knowledge of farming is vast. They're a welcoming family and I recommend stopping in and learning about the farm they've built. Also, if you're interested in exploring a small Costa Rican community, this is a great place to do so.
On their property they have many things to learn from. The most interesting thing I remember was the self propelling water pump that sent water up from the bottom of the property to a pen for a Tepezcuintle and back down the hill into 2 Talapia ponds before re-entering the stream it originally came from.
Another great educational feature on the property was the methane gas tank, which is fed by the waste of the pigs on the property.

The Villa Lobos family is very welcoming. Zinia (Donald's wife) makes incredible food.

A recommendation I have for someone planning a trip here would be to have a definitive list of what you'd like to learn when you come to the farm. I did not have a prepared list before coming so I made one after I arrived. If Donald knows what you'd like to do before you get there it's easier for them to plan. If you let them know you're coming far enough in advance you could probably assist in building something or contributing to a project.

Cheers!
Written February 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Reyna Y
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2015 • Solo
I was solo-traveling to Costa Rica and had the unique experience of staying at la finca. While groups can take on big projects, going by myself offered me more of a an in-depth look at the farm as well as made me feel like part of the family. Because it was just myself there, Donald and his family willingly took me on family trips to see his relatives, other farms, a waterfall, wildlife refuge and even a dance! I was very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people. And Donald was always looking out for me, whether it was describing Costa Rican agricultural practices (I was volunteering for this purpose) or just the wonderful culture. I learned so much! Plus, Xinia's cooking was amazing - I was so spoiled with the kind of breakfasts I had every morning.
Written January 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stefanie K
Lenoir, NC3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Friends
I was fortunate enough to spend a week at La Gran Vista on an alternative spring break trip. Thanks to Donald, the entire trip was mapped out and planned for us. All the arrangements were made for us, making our transition into another country, another culture one of ease.

The farm was amazing and the learning experience left me with so much. Everything is sustainable. I learned to make my own medicines, shampoo, electricity, water-powered water pump, and best practices and techniques for growing food.

Although the farm offered so many learning opportunities, it was the heart and love that the community displayed that warmed my heart the most. Everyone joined to help one another. Everyone was friendly and helpful. It didn't matter whether we were "gringos" or not.

We also visited the beach for a day, seeing all the sights and sounds there. On the way back from the beach, we stopped at shops and attractions along the way. Donald (the owner of La Gran Vista) purchased several items for me because he knew he could get a better price on them being a local.

The views in and around the farm are truly amazing. Costa Rica offers so much biodiversity. I believe we were able to see one of "everything" (plant/animal) including the ever illusive sloth.

I was the eldest of my college companions, married with a home life that none of them could relate to. I was left alone by them for most of the trip, however Donald and Xinia were the most loving, caring, compassionate individuals anyone could ask for. I was homesick and missed my husband greatly. Donald took me (and some of the other students) into town to use the internet resources there so I could communicate back home. Xinia took me under her wing and allowed me to help her in the kitchen. Towards the end of the trip, the most touching and heartfelt thing happened to me... Xinia wrote a poem down for me that was near to her heart. She used the poem to console her when Donald was out of the country.

This farm and family are amazing to experience. The views are spectacular, the culture is amazing, and you'll never want to leave.
Written January 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alaina K
Florence, Italy21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2015 • Friends
I'm not exaggerating when I say that the week I spent at La Gran Vista was the best week of my life. I went here on an alternative spring break trip with 20 or so other students, from both my university, Elon, as well as Drexel U. I don't know how someone could not enjoy their time in this amazing place. Donald, the owner of the farm and house, spent the first day teaching us about agroecological farming through a slideshow in the classroom and then the rest of the day touring us around the farm, introducing us to the animals, previous projects, and delicious crops. I don't think I've ever eaten as much fruit in one day as I did in those few hours. We spent our days doing numerous activities including digging trenches, raking, helping to rebuild the stable, picking California Red Worms, fertilizing, etc. etc. the list goes on. I even spent time helping out Xenia, Donald's wife, in the kitchen, which, even though I know zero Spanish and was unable to verbally communicate with her, was a rewarding and lovely experience. Food was also DELICIOUS and very accommodating to dietary restrictions.

The environment is incredible, the way of life is magnificent, the people are always smiling.

Highlight of my week (and my life) was getting close with Chumecca, the very pregnant cow, and then when Donald let me help him and his son DELIVER the baby cow. He named her Holly after one of our friends. The puppies are also cuddly and friendly and sure to bring smiles to your faces.

Donald even brought a couple of the students to his parent's house for his mom's birthday party. Seriously, these are some of the greatest people you will ever meet and most amazing experiences you will ever have.

Prepare for stunning views.
Written January 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travis P
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Family
I stayed for a week last spring with Donald his wife and family at their beautiful farm in Costa Rica. I was an advisor for the university that I work for on an alternative spring break trip. It was myself another advisor and 15 college students all females but 1. It was an amazing time for myself and the students a week that we all enjoyed and wanted to last longer. Immediately you are welcomed as family and feel at home. I will be returning again this March and hopefully many more times. I highly recommend this place to everyone you learn what Puda Vida is all about!!!!
Written January 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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LA GRAN VISTA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)