I rose to the darkening backdrop of gigantic palms and the humming orchestra of a thousand living creatures: little birds provided the beat while grasshoppers shook their tambourines. It was 5:30am at Finca Chinchilla, the air was soft and warm… and the animals were calling!

First it was off to the chickens - around 400 of them - in various enclosures who would cluck and swarm toward you as their food approached. Next were the fish flying out the water to catch their grub and the quails whose tiny pale blue eggs were spattered with little black splashes. Last, came the pigs. They would snuffle and snort, invariably escaping out their pen at some point during the day! This was Finca Chinchilla -an organic farm based on sustainable processes such as the complex composting system and the conversion of pig poo to methane gas to fuel the stove.

After the feeding of the animals volunteers would sit around the cosy kitchen table enjoying one of Luz’s spectacular breakfasts with the rest of the family -fried plantains, pancakes, eggs (in various shapes and forms), rice, french toast…

Then it was off to work until midday: collecting and cleaning around 580 eggs, weeding, raking leaves for the compost and not to forget cleaning the toilets! By 12 the stomachs are growling!

Situated along the beautiful Rio Pacuare in the Southern Highlands of Costa Rica the temperature averages 23.3 Degrees Celsius*. So, after a hearty lunch the afternoon usually revolves around plunging into the refreshing waters and walking the many forested tracks that wind their way over the vibrant green hills. Coffee plantations, banana palms and sugar cane dot the forested valley whilst cattle graze peacefully on the open hillsides. This is the heart of true Tico farmland and their is no better way to experience it than by becoming part of their daily life.

So, after a final egg collection at 5:30pm everybody sits down for a plentiful dinner of eggs, rice, exquisite vegetables, beans and fresh home-squeezed fruit juice ...Mmmmmm!

In the last of the dwindling light cards are played, stories are shared and laughter can be heard dancing its way through the gently swaying forest… This is Finca Chinchilla!

*Average yearly temperature of nearby San Isidro De El General
(Climate data. org)