My wife and I just got back after a 4 day stay and I can't possibly say enough good things about this place. Getting there is easy, fun and incredibly scenic. Finca Bellavista itself is peaceful and beautiful. There's so much to do and see and the staff couldn't possibly be more friendly and helpful. It really is a paradise. We hadn't even left yet and we were already planning for our next trip when we could bring our son.

Our favorite activity was definitely the river hike. One of their volunteers will take you on a hike up to a waterfall and then down the Rio Bellavista a couple miles to another swimming hole. It's a really fun experience and the scenery the whole way down is amazing. The zipline was fun too, and we really enjoyed just hiking around the property and exploring. They have huge amount of land and while the base camp is beautifully landscaped, most of the property consists of small trails through the rainforest. It's just a cool place to explore.

One of the coolest aspects of Finca Bellavista is the community. Everyone comes together for 3 meals a day (which are awesome by the way, thanks to the head chef Rob), and there's also a happy hour before dinner. These are all great times to get to know some of the other guests and the staff. Everyone is incredibly friendly, everyone has an interesting story, and you'll feel like family almost immediately.

I would definitely recommend bringing long socks (almost up to your knees) that will make the tall rubber boots they give you much more comfortable. Other than that, bring comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty/sweaty and a sense of adventure.

I can't speak highly enough of this place. Matt and Erica and the rest of the staff have built a truly special place and we can't wait till we have the opportunity to go back.

Pura Vida!

We (a young couple) had make a reservation to this beautiful oasis of peace for 2 nights on December 14th and 15th. Once there we were quite impressed with the view that our little treehouse (Mis Ojos) was offering but once in the complete dark it was a totally different story. This particular treehouse is very open so we got food stolen by what we think is a little jerboa and something like a raccoon. Don't forget animals in the jungle lives mostly at night. The next morning the jerboa had pissed and defecate all over our stuff so we packed and left. Don't get me wrong if you are nature lovers you will love this place. Matt, Erika and the cook are amazing people but it wasn't for us. It's also very far from any town so bring lots of food if you're not vegetarian cause all that's offered are vegetarian meals such as rice, beans, salad for dinner. Breakfast was pretty amazing though. Also bring books and games cause it can be quite long with no electricity.

Finca Bellavista is an amazing experience, off the beaten path, still wild and profoundly magical. There is time and stillness by which to experience being part of nature. Life is everywhere at the Finca and unfurls before your eyes with fleeting butterfly sightings, bird sounds, flowers and vines and animal calls. The treehouses, river walks and waterfalls are straight out of a dream and the owners, Erica and Matt embody the special place they have created.

Amazing!! Visit here!! It's a must. I volunteered here last summer and was blown away. The entire experience was unreal. Absolutely stunning place, amazing people, unbelievable treehouses! It can be a little difficult to get here, but if a young woman traveling alone in Costa Rica for the first time can do it, anyone can. Make sure you check out the waterfalls (bathing in them is the best), as well as the canopy tour, the gardens, La Punta hike, and the night hike with Chico. I had the opportunity to check out Mis Ojos and Casa Mariposa during my stay (when I wasn't in the volunteer bunkhouse) and they were both incredible. Highly recommend checking out FBV.