A Hidden Gem for Travelers: Rancho Mastatal

While you’re looking for the best countries for LGBTQ expats, you should really get to know the local culture of Costa Rica as well as the natural beauty of the place. And in order to accomplish that goal, there’s an amazing destination that should be on your itinerary. 

What is Rancho Mastatal?

Instagram has shown me quite a few hidden gems here in CR, but none have shined as brightly as Rancho Mastatal. For a few months, the place has been appearing on my feed as a sustainable rainforest getaway or a place to attend a permaculture or natural building workshop. When I saw that they offered a family-friendly workshop, I jumped at the opportunity to learn a thing or two about permaculture and natural building. Little did I know, the experience would be one of my favorites in Costa Rica.

Rancho Mastatal is located in a small village near Puriscal, Costa Rica. You can simply book a stay for three nights or more in one of their natural buildings, or you can opt to attend one of their courses. Either way, the place offers quite the experience. The natural beauty of the grounds is stunning, and the food and company is equally incredible.

Guests come from all over the world and bask in the serenity of the property. There’s not much cell service available and there's no internet on the property, but you can walk to the nearby internet cafe if you have to plug back in. In a world where there’s always an email or message coming in, the ability to unplug is invaluable. You can spend your time hiking to the river or waterfall, reading a book from their library, and getting to bond with other guests.

A True Treasure

I arrived at the workshop the afternoon before it began, which was graciously included in the course fee. When I pulled up, I was astonished by the small size of the village. There was a tiny bar next to the farm, a vibrant community center, a soccer field, and a rural school. Everything was within walking distance of where I was staying.

I was greeted by a passionate staff member and given a quick tour of the place. My room was simple, but warm. There was a large library full of books of all types - I found everything from children’s mythology  to natural buildings to agroforestry books. All the books were well-loved and full of information. 

One of the buildings we helped build at the workshop

After my tour, it was time for dinner. The food was absolutely incredible. They source everything from the property or from local small businesses and they cook everything with love. Even the salad dressings were homemade and something to write home about. They go so far as to source the table salt from a Tico who makes sea salt. Every night, dinner started with a brief gratitude circle. In such a unique and amazing place, gratitude is in abundance. 

Reconnecting with Nature

You can truly feel at one with nature at Rancho Mastatal, and maybe this is why the positive energy of the whole place was palpable. There’s something about earth buildings that feels so right. One of my favorite spaces there is aptly named the ceiba - it’s a circular seating area for meetings and classes. The design was inspired by the ceiba tree, and feels like a portal to the rainforest. While at Mastatal, I spent my mornings drinking coffee in the ceiba and watch the hummingbirds fly around.

Perhaps the highlight of the trip was watching my daughter connect with nature. She’s never shared my enthusiasm for playing in the mud or looking for bugs. Yet she somehow was inspired to get dirty and disconnect from her tablet. Because I was there for a family workshop, there were other kids running around and keeping her entertained. The kids shared a special bond and seemed to forget about screen time. 

In our free time, we listened to birds and looked for poison dart frogs. We took a few hikes to magical spots on the property, like the waterfall. With well over 200 acres, the property has so many areas to explore. I’m sure I only scratched the surface of what Rancho Mastatal has to offer.

Finding People That Care

There are a lot of places that call themselves sustainable. But this one truly embodies that sentiment at the core. The owners were so passionate about their mission to waste less and give back more to the environment, and their passion was contagious. 

They also genuinely care about integrating with the local culture. The owners built the community center and routinely give so much back to the locals. They’ve bought things for the local school, replaced roofs for community members, and have purchased solar arrays for those without power. It’s beyond satisfying to know that my money was going to a great cause, and it gives me inspiration for what Rainbow Refuge is attempting. 

This isn’t a place that just gives lip service to the environment and then hopes to profit from that. Instead, it’s a haven that aims to make the world a better place and to preserve what we have. I left the property with a strong desire to do my part to appreciate and respect nature more than before.

Experiencing One of the Best Countries for LGBTQ Expats

For me, there's a lot to love about Costa Rica. One of the most special things about this country is the sense of community. People tend to help each other and put community before self. At Rancho Mastatal, you can see that in action. If you aren’t already in love with Costa Rica, a stay at the Rancho might make you fall head over heels.

Here at Rainbow Refuge, we value community. We also very much admire places like Rancho Mastatal for their commitment to community and the planet. So, if you’re planning your next trip to Costa Rica, make sure you take the time to visit Rancho Mastatal after staying with us. It’s under three hours away and it won’t be a trip you’ll forget. It may just convince you that Costa Rica is one of the best countries for LGBTQ expats.