# Finca Tierra: permaculture courses on a farm near Playa Cocles

> Finca Tierra is an off-grid, 9-acre permaculture farm and education center in the hills above Playa Cocles, near Puerto Viejo. It's no longer a general eco lodge: you stay in its bamboo cabins as part of a course or retreat, so it suits travelers who want to learn, not just visit.

Source: https://www.travelincostarica.net/finca-tierra-organic-permaculture-farm-eco-lodge/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Playa Cocles, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
Type: course, eco lodge
Official website: https://www.fincatierra.com
Best for: Permaculture students, sustainability learners, small farm and food retreats
Programs: Two-week Permaculture Design Certificate course (up to 12 students), plus a small Plant, Harvest, Cook retreat
Setting: Off-grid 9-acre working farm, running since 2008
Stays: Bamboo cabins for course and retreat guests
Distance: About 2.8 km up Calle Ole Caribe from Playa Cocles
Fits a route: A 1 or 2 week learning stay on the Caribbean coast

## What it is now

When we first wrote about Finca Tierra in 2014, it was a permaculture farm with eco lodge cabins that anyone could book. In 2026 it's a permaculture education center. Its cabins are for course and retreat participants rather than general travelers. Its calendar listed courses for September, October and November 2026 when we checked.

The farm is an off-grid, 9-acre working property in the hills above Playa Cocles, near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and it's been running since 2008. It's a living example of the methods it teaches: food forests, vegetable gardens, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy and natural bamboo buildings. Costa Rica Journeys also has a [profile of Finca Tierra](https://costaricajourneys.com/finca-tierra-organic-permaculture-farm-eco-lodge/) from its eco lodge days.

## The programs

- **Permaculture Design Certificate.** A two-week, on-site course limited to 12 students, with accommodation in bamboo cabins on the farm.
- **Plant, Harvest, Cook.** A small nature and food retreat, limited to 8 cabins a week, with farm-to-table meals.

Check the course calendar for current dates, and read the logistics page before you book. It covers packing, arrival and what to expect from off-grid living.

## Where it fits in a trip

If you're coming to Costa Rica to learn, Finca Tierra can be the center of your trip, with a few days on either side for the Caribbean coast. Before or after a course, you can visit [Cahuita National Park](/cahuita-national-park/), the beaches at Cocles and Punta Uva, and Puerto Viejo. Our [Caribbean coast guide](/caribbean-coast/) has more ideas.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It suits people interested in permaculture, regenerative farming, sustainable living and cooking from the garden. It isn't a hotel, so it won't work for a quick overnight stay.

## Getting there

Fly into San José (SJO), then travel about 4 to 5 hours to Puerto Viejo by shared shuttle such as Caribe Shuttle or Interbus, or by MEPE public bus. From town, it's about 15 to 20 minutes by 4x4 taxi to the farm. The farm is roughly 1.5 miles from the beach, 2.8 km up Calle Ole Caribe from Playa Cocles. The last 300 m of road is rough: 4x4 vehicles can drive in, while ordinary cars should park at the upper lot.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I book a night at Finca Tierra without taking a course?
Its cabins are now for course and retreat participants. Check the website for current options.

### How long is the permaculture course?
The Permaculture Design Certificate course runs for two weeks on site.

### How many people are on a course?
Up to 12 students.

### How do I get there from San José?
Take a shuttle or public bus to Puerto Viejo, about 4 to 5 hours, then a 4x4 taxi of about 15 to 20 minutes.