Talamanca Chocolate Farm, nestled in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, is a family-run organic farm that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the rich tradition of chocolate-making, from cacao cultivation to the final product. Through guided tours, visitors can learn about indigenous methods and the farm’s commitment to organic practices, while also discovering the vibrant biodiversity that surrounds it. Talamanca Chocolate Farm also has a fruit tree nursery and homestead. Classes on permaculture gardening, homesteading, medicinal plants, fermentation, soap making, and chocolate are available to farm visitors. If you are interested in chocolate making and organic farming, this work exchange opportunity is the perfect choice!

About the work exchange program

Words from your host

“An average day starts around 7 a.m., beginning with feeding and watering the birds, dogs, and preparing breakfast. Often, there’s a class at 10 a.m., which involves getting the kitchen ready and welcoming guests. Garden work includes harvesting, weeding, and closely observing plant growth.

The farm is a well-established fruit and cacao operation with three full-time workers, along with a thriving fruit tree nursery and homestead. The farm assistant will mainly help in the homestead, with occasional involvement in cacao harvesting throughout the larger farm. A diverse range of food crops and medicinal plants is grown here, and daily tasks vary between tending to plants and preparing them into food or herbal remedies.

Occasionally, there may be a construction project using materials from the farm, such as wood, bamboo, or cob.

It could also be time to harvest the nutrient-rich compost from the composting toilets.

And of course, there’s always time to show some love to the farm’s dogs.

The farm features a well-stocked library with books on topics like mushrooms, natural history, plants, fermentation, cacao, and permaculture—plenty to keep any avid learner busy for a month or more. The farm is located near the beach, with the surrounding forest providing a serene backdrop.

There are four cozy living spaces, built from wood or bamboo, alongside two composting toilets, a rain shower, and a fully equipped kitchen that also has a standard toilet and shower. Lunch is shared, while breakfast is either solo or with others depending on the day. Dinner is often eaten together as well, though the farm assistant typically has free time in the afternoons and evenings. Staying overnight on the farm is required, but not everyone eats dinner at home. The farm follows a strictly plant-based diet, with no dairy, though a second fridge is available for those who wish to store cheese.

Your responsibilities

The primary responsibility is caring for the animals, and you will be expected to be involved in all aspects of farm life. The best experiences are had by those eager to learn and fully engage in the rhythms of tropical farm life. Life on the farm doesn’t follow strict hours but revolves around completing tasks. Ideally, the farm assistant will be fully committed to learning and embracing this vibrant environment.

What’s in it for You?

There’s plenty of encouragement for developing fermentation and cooking skills, along with opportunities for forest walks and meditation. The farm is located near a small town offering restaurants, yoga, surfing, and more, just 400 meters from the beach.”

Accommodation and food are provided in exchange for 25-30 hours of work per week.

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Accomodation offer

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