WHERE IS LA IGUANA CHOCOLATE?
La Iguana Chocolate is situated towards pacific coast, about 3 hours by bus to the South-West of
San Jose in a village called Mastatal (population around 200). The farm sits at about 1000 meters
above sea level in the lush and rugged tropical environment, within walking distance of La Cangreja
National Park, and many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT?
The quickest and easiest way to get from the airport is by taxi, you can either catch one from
straight outside, or if you are arriving late at night and plan on staying the night in San Jose, many
hostels offer a shuttle to and from the airport, which you can book ahead of time so that someone is
there to meet you.
Some examples are: Hostel Pangea, Gaudy’s and Costa Rica Backpackers, however there are many
more.
HOW DO I GET TO THE FARM BY CAR?
FROM SAN JOSE
Take Paseo Colon, towards Sabana Park, follow signs towards Cuidad Colon and Santiago de
Puriscal.
Puriscal is about 40 minutes from Cuidad Colon.
In Puriscal you need to follow signs towards Parrita & Quepos, continue driving for another
hour/hour and a half (the second half of this journey is on unpaved roads), until you reach an
intersection at Santa Rosa.
There are black and yellow signs to La Cangreja National Park and Mastatal - make sure to turn left
here.
Mastatal is roughly 6km from this turning.
When you arrive in town you should see signs to La Iguana, which is a further 1km ahead.
FROM THE PACIFIC COAST
Roughly 5km West of Parrita, take road towards Puriscal. At fork in road, continue straight ahead,
you will go through a series of small villages, about half an hour after La Gloria, until you reach an
intersection at Santa Rosa.
There are black and yellow signs to La Cangreja National Park and Mastatal - make sure to turn left
here.
Mastatal is roughly 6km from this turning.
When you arrive in town you should see signs to La Iguana, which is a further 1km ahead.
HOW DO I GET TO THE FARM BY BUS?
**PLEASE NOTE**
There is one bus a day to Mastatal from Puriscal.
It leaves at 3pm Monday – Friday, 4pm Sunday.
(If you cannot make this bus, we recommended you stay in San Jose until the following day)
FROM SAN JOSE
San Jose – Puriscal
Take a bus to Puriscal (Santiago de Puriscal)
Buses leave from Terminal Comtrasuli located on Calle 20 between Avenidas 3 and 5.
(ask your taxi driver to take you to the terminal de buses a Puriscal)
Buses leave every hour from 5:30am to 10:30pm.
You will arrive more quickly if you take of the buses marked “Servicio Rapido” or “Servicio
Directo.”
It costs about 910 colones ($2).
The trip takes about an hour
Puriscal – Mastatal
There is only one bus each day to Mastatal from Puriscal.
The bus leaves from in front of the Soda La Choza de Dona Tona, located across the street from the
large SuperMora, one block from the large central park.
Monday through Saturday it departs at 3:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm.
The costs about 1300 colones ($2.60). The driver may charge 500 ($1) extra for large bags.
You should try to arrive a bit early to be sure you get a seat.
The trip takes about 2 hours, road conditions permitting.
You will need to get off the bus when you arrive in Mastatal, you can then switch to the school bus
for free, which will drop you outside La Iguana, or you can follow the signs to La Iguana Chocolate
and walk the last 1 km.
FROM THE CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST
There are two buses leaving the coast from Quepos to San Jose via Puriscal each day at 4:30am or
1pm.
They leave from the central bus station.
You need to get off the bus at Santa Rosa.
**PLEASE NOTE**
Be sure to tell the driver you will get off at Santa Rosa, and make sure you are on the bus that goes
through Puriscal.
The fare is about 1000 colones ($2). - Prices have recently changed so expect to pay a little bit more
- we will update as soon as we know the new price.
Once in Santa Rosa, you can either walk to Mastatal, which takes about an hour, or you can wait for
the afternoon bus that comes through Santa Rosa on its way to Mastatal. It will pass through
between 4:30 and 5:00.
The fare will be around 500 colones ($1) - Again prices have increased a little.
HOW DO I GET TO THE FARM BY TAXI?
Some people choose to take a taxi the entire route from either the coast or from San Jose.
This will cost around 50,000 colones ($100) but will be the most direct. Not all taxi drivers will
know where Mastatal is located, so we recommend you have some directions with you.
Alternatively you can take the bus to Puriscal and then a taxi to Mastatal from there.
This will cost about 30,000 colones ($60).
The cheapest way to travel, however, is always by bus.
WHAT ACCOMMODATION DO WE OFFER?
We have nine dorm-style beds, and 6 private double rooms.
There is a normal toilet as well as a compost one, and a shower with a beautiful view.
Accommodation is in a variety of rustic buildings just away from the family home.
We will provide you with a bed, pillow, sheets & blanket, and mosquito net.
We do not provide towels.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
We provide three full home-cooked meals a day eaten with the family.
Standard Costa Rican fare:
Rice and beans are the staple foods, served with eggs, cheese, soups, salad from the garden and a
variety of fresh fruit. Plus a range of fresh baked breads, cakes and brownies, and of course
chocolate!
Meat is occasionally available – vegetarians and vegans are easily accommodated.
HOW MUCH DO WE CHARGE?
We ask our volunteers for 5 hours work each morning Monday to Saturday, with afternoons and
Sundays free.
Under 1 week – ₡7500 per day ($15)
Under 3 weeks - ₡6000 per day ($12)
Under 3 months - ₡5000 per day ($10)
Over 3 months - ₡4000 per day ($8)
Prices include three delicious and filling homemade meals a day using ingredients from our farm,
garden and neighbouring farms plus accommodation and free chocolate everyday!
WHY DO WE CHARGE FOR OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
Basic living costs in Costa Rica (food, water, electricity) are relatively high, so it is simply to cover
these basic costs. The only profit the family makes from having volunteers is the 5 hours work they
do during the mornings.
WHAT MONEY SHOULD I BRING FOR TRAVELLING IN COSTA RICA?
Cash and credit and debit cards are best.
Travellers Checks are not recommended.
A combination of US Dollars and Colones is best.
US Dollars should be changed at a bank in Costa Rica (you will need to have your passport with you
to do this). DO NOT change money at the airport, as the exchange rate is highly unfavourable.
Dollars are accepted by many tourist businesses, but you shouldn't count on it - always have
Colones with you.
Visa is widely accepted, and Mastercard less so.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY STAY?
La Iguana accepts CASH ONLY in the form of Colones or U.S. dollars.
Please keep in mind that the nearest banks are in Puriscal!
IS IT OK IF I DON’T SPEAK SPANISH?
Yes. Any Spanish you can speak will obviously make your stay more interesting, as the family that
runs the farm speaks Spanish, but one member of the family and almost all volunteers and guests
speak English.
Spanish classes are available at a neighbouring farm, and can be arranged once you arrive.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Tropical. We are about 1000m above sea level surrounded by jungle, we have two seasons, wet and
dry.
The wet season is from May – November, and the dry is from December – April.
Peak rainfall is during September and October in comparison to January and February when there
is hardly any at all.
Temperatures are fairly constant all year round with average lows of about 17°C (62°F) and highs of
around 28°C (82°F).
**PLEASE NOTE**
During the rainy season the high level of moisture can be harmful to electronic devices, and clothes
and suitcases can quickly become moldy.
Also keep in mind that transportation during this period is not reliable. La Iguana Chocolate is
located in a rugged environment only accessible by rough dirt roads, and intense rains often cause
landslides that temporarily close the roads, making travel unpredictable. That said, we gladly
accept guests and volunteers during all months, but suggest avoiding September and October in
order to make the most of your visit.
WHAT KIND OF WORK WILL WE BE DOING?
Work at the farm is always varied, and there is never a shortage of things to do, although some jobs
are seasonal, such as harvesting (June-October) and Pruning/Caring for Cacao trees (NovemberJune) there will always be the opportunity to help make chocolate. There is also always work to be
done in our organic permaculture garden, which is starting to provide the majority of our salad and
vegetables.
We encourage volunteers to help out in the kitchen as much as possible as all our meals are made
from scratch – and the more time you put in the better meals we have! There is usually a long list of
potential projects and volunteers are encouraged to come up with ideas and suggestions of their
own. So please let us know if you have particular skills or areas of interest or
expertise.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Aside from the essentials for travelling and being outside, here are a few things that will come in
handy at La Iguana Chocolate:
A good bright flashlight (this is essential), a watch with alarm, boots or study shoes (rubber boots if
you can, we do have some spares), flip flops or sandals, raingear, sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuit,
and a variety of lightweight layers (white does not stay white for long), clothes you are happy to get
dirty including a pair of long pants (keep in mind that blue jeans may take days to dry during the
rainy season). Ziploc bags or Tupperware are essential if you bring in food - to prevent ants and
other insects from being attracted to your goodies. At least one sweater, it can feel cool in the
evenings after the heat of the day.
CAN I DO LAUNDRY THERE?
Yes. We have a washing machine, and can wash your clothes for $6 per load.
We have a spinner to “dry” the clothes in, but they will ultimately be line dried.
We also have a sink in one of the dorm rooms if you would prefer to wash your clothes by hand.
IS THERE INTERNET/PHONE ACCESS AT THE FARM?
Yes, although not always reliable.
There are also two payphones within walking distance of the farm, both require a Costa Rican
CHIP phone card (of at least 3000 colones to connect to North America.) These are generally
available for purchase in the village, however you might want to buy one in Puriscal to be sure.
It is also now possible to buy Kolbi SIM Cards for 3000 colones ($6), which you can use in your
phone, or if bought in conjunction with a Data Card (USB for internet) can be plugged into your
laptop in order to access the internet. Data Cards do not work with IPads.
*PLEASE NOTE*
Wifi is available in most other areas of Costa Rica, including hostels and bus stations, however
Mastatal is still relatively remote, so we generally recommend that you do not expect to have
regular internet whilst you are here.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE VILLAGE?
Very few services are available locally.
La Iguana Chocolate is located about half way between two villages - Mastatal and San Miguel.
Both villages have a bar, payphone, internet, church, community hall, and small pulperias
(convenience stores), which offer some of the basics, such as toothpaste, soap, and basic food items
(chips, and cookies).
If you need to go to a bank, pharmacy or grocery store, you will need to take a trip into Puriscal.
There is one bus each morning to Puriscal, and one return bus in the afternoon.
The trip is 2 hours each way, and gives you 7 hours in Puriscal.
We highly recommend that you stock up with anything you might need including money before you
arrive in Mastatal.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO NEARBY?
There are a number of waterfalls and swimming holes to explore on you afternoons off. La Cangreja
National Park and the San Miguel waterfalls are both day trips from the farm. You can also visit the
indigenous village in Zapaton, take horse rides, or Spanish classes at a neighbouring farm.
There are 3 other volunteer farms within and around Mastatal, so there are usually many other
volunteers around too.
It is also possible to explore the Pacific coast including Manuel Antonio at the weekends, or you can
join the village when they pile into the back of a cow truck and go to watch the football in a
neighbouring town on Sundays.
Alternatively you might just like to relax in a hammock and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Costa Rica is famous for it’s biodiversity, this does however include a number of poisonous snakes,
frogs, spiders and scorpions – not something to be scared of but it is important to be aware. We
strongly recommend that you always have a flashlight with you at night. The family are always
close by if ever you need help, you just have to shout!
LEAVE NO TRACE
Due to the fact that we are located in a remote area we have no formal garbage disposal system
here, which means that we work hard to recycle and reuse as much as we possible can (we are
always looking for imaginative ways to reuse things - so all ideas are welcome!) It also means that
we strongly encourage our volunteers to be aware of what they bring in to the farm, whether it is
something that can be recycled, and if not we ask it to take it away with them at the end of their
stay.
WISH LIST
People often ask us if we would like them to bring us anything - It can be quite difficult for us to
reliably or cheaply source a lot of items here in Costa Rica.
Here is our ongoing Wish List . . .
NEEM (available in Nicaragua)
Seeds for plants that will grow in the tropics
Nuts for our chocolate (In particular Pistachio)
Lighters
Headlamps and flashlights
Essential Oils (to use in our soaps)
Books – we are always looking for more books about permaculture/sustainable agriculture, solar
power systems, Spanish, alternative medicine, plant identification – some good fiction would also
be great to refresh our library!
Art supplies – Paper, scissors, sharpies, paint brushes, paint, hemp string, beads for jewelry
Ziploc bags
Gardening Gloves
We are of course always open to donations of larger items as well, such as:
Stereos and speakers, especially for ipods
Cutlery, cookware
Computers, printers, scanners, software, etc.
Musical instruments
Tarps
Extension cords
Hammocks, mattresses, chairs, stools
Tools
Thanks for your interest in Visiting our beautiful farm – we look
forward to meeting you soon!