Upala Central Park

My 2 kids (9yo, 11yo) and I went to Rancho Margot for 5 days seeking an immersive experience at a sustainable working farm in the rainforest, near Arenal. It’s about 30 min from La Fortuna. And we got it! We loved it. We experienced what a circular economy looks like, and how it can work. We enjoyed their fascinating workshops on how to make soap, chocolate, and cheese (queso fresco). We swam in their lovely pool. We also did zip lining and thermal springs off-site. Their food is so good and fresh and healthy and grown on the farm, or locally sourced. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner can be purchased their which we HIGHLY recommend. More importantly, we made friends for life. If you choose Rancho Margot, you must manage expectations: - There will be a few bugs in your room. - There will be mosquitos so buy natural repellants with eucalyptus oil, and then learn how to crush the farm’s citronella leaves to then apply the oil on your skin - it works! We found out like a day too late LOL). - It does rain quite a bit. - It is warm and can be humid. - Things can stay damp. - Rooms are made from lovely wood and have what you need but there is no TV or ac. There is WiFi. - They will show you how to use the thick curtains to sleep at night and can provide mosquito nets upon request. This is NOT a resort or an American style hotel if that is what you want or seek. This is a working farm that is energy self-sufficient, fed by almost pure water. It is a treasure.