Rancho Margot

The other reason for our return to La Fortuna was a visit to Rancho Margot a self-sufficient 400 acre organic farm which generates its own electricity from a small hydro electric plant, heats the outdoor pool with a biodigester - converting animal waste to energy - and supplies most of the food for the restaurant from their own produce. Since they can accommodate up to 70 guests and 20 volunteers along with numerous day visitors this is a substantial - and impressive - undertaking. An inspiring example of ecotourism at work.

The accommodation in separate bungalows

is very comfortable - if a little damp during our visit due to heavy rain - and there are a wide range of activities to take part in - along with yoga twice a day and of course the aforementioned heated pool.

The guided tour of the farm on our first morning was more than a little damp - we were again thankful for the umbrellas we bought in Mindo - $5 each well spent.
The property which was purchased in 2004, was originally a cattle farm of which about 60% has been reforested, while the remainder has been given over to the farm and the lodge.

In addition to the hydroelectric plant and the biodigester which also supplies cooking gas for the kitchen, they have a flock of dairy cows producing milk, from which they make their own butter, cheese, yoghurt etc , about a dozen sows and probably 60 -70 piglets ranging from a few days

to 6months, and of course a flock of laying hens and table birds too.
They also have a wormery to produce some of  their compost, and farm micro-organisms harvested from the forest floor to produce deterrents for many of the diseases that would otherwise affect their crops.

All the buildings have 'growing' roofs - an unintentional result from having clay tiles in this environment upon which all the usual colonising plants settled and developed. The result is that the buildings are exceptionally well insulated.

All-in-all an impressive operation which includes a carpentry shop to produce all the furniture for the lodge and a pottery and kiln producing some unique ceramics. The kitchen produced some excellent food - a surprising array of salads and of course roast pork, chicken and even some beef - while the bar was well stocked - if a little pricey.

Unfortunately the rain showers continued for most of our stay  which was a little limiting although we did manage the hike to the Mirador looking over Lake Arenal and a volcano still wreathed in cloud. Linda made it to all 5 yoga classes during our stay and even managed to drag me along to 4 of them - think that's more than I have done ever before. Linda also learned a new skill

Despite the rainfall - their annual average is 2.8m which is more than twice that of  County Clare - it has been a great visit and well worth the journey despite the  20km of unmade road - which we will travel again in the morning as we start a 6 hour journey to Playa Samara - back to the beach where it is reported to be around 35C and definitely not raining.