Hidden deep in the lush green heart of northern Costa Rica, on the shores of Lake Arenal and in the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano, lies one of the country’s most inspiring examples of true sustainability: Rancho Margot. More than just an eco-lodge, Rancho Margot is a fully self-sustainable, self-sufficient community and working organic farm that demonstrates how humans can live in harmony with nature—without exploiting it.
This is not a place built simply to impress visitors with luxury or excess. Instead, Rancho Margot offers something far more meaningful: a living, breathing model of conservation, responsibility, and balance. It is a destination for travelers who want to reconnect with nature, understand where their food comes from, slow down, and experience Costa Rica in its most authentic form.
A Personal Experience at Rancho Margot
I spent one unforgettable week at Rancho Margot with my husband Ken, and during that time I had the privilege of getting to know Juan Sostheim, the visionary founder behind this remarkable project. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was not an ordinary lodge. The air felt different—cleaner, calmer, filled with birdsong and the soft hum of jungle life.
We stayed in a lovely, comfortable bungalow surrounded by lush tropical flowers. The bungalow featured a spacious porch where we spent many quiet mornings and peaceful evenings, watching butterflies flutter by and listening to howler monkeys calling from the treetops. There was no television, no artificial noise, and no distractions—only nature, fresh air, and time.
Each morning we woke to the sounds of singing birds and monkeys playing in the trees. Breakfast, like every meal we enjoyed there, was made with organic ingredients grown directly on the farm. Juan’s chef prepared meals that were simple, nourishing, and incredibly delicious. Everything tasted fresh—because it was. The vegetables had often been harvested just hours before reaching our plates.
Our days were filled with gentle adventure and deep relaxation. We hiked around the property, rode horses through jungle trails, and took a guided tour of the organic farm to learn how the entire system works. And most importantly—we rested. Rancho Margot has a way of reminding you that rest is not laziness, but a vital part of living well.
What Makes Rancho Margot Truly Unique
Rancho Margot is 100% off-grid. It produces its own electricity, manages its own water systems, and grows nearly all the food served to guests and staff. The meat, eggs, cheese, fruits, and vegetables are all produced right on the farm using organic and regenerative methods.
Nothing here is wasted. Kitchen scraps are composted. Animal waste is converted into biogas. Solar energy and hydroelectric systems provide power. Even construction methods are designed to minimize environmental impact. Sustainability is not a marketing concept at Rancho Margot—it is a way of life.
Guests quickly realize that they are not simply staying at a hotel; they are temporarily becoming part of a functioning ecosystem.
Activities and Experiences at Rancho Margot
While Rancho Margot is a perfect place to slow down, rest, and reflect, there is no shortage of activities for those who want to explore and learn.
On the property itself, guests can:
- Take guided tours of the organic farm
- Learn about renewable energy systems and permaculture
- Go horseback riding through jungle trails
- Swim in the beautiful pool overlooking the forest
- Relax by the wild river that runs through the property near the restaurant
- Participate in yoga classes led by an on-site yoga instructor
- Hike through the surrounding rainforest and observe wildlife
For guests seeking more adrenaline, some of Costa Rica’s best adventure experiences are located just a short drive away. Sky Adventures, widely considered the best zip-line experience in Costa Rica, is only a few miles up the road. From there, visitors can soar above the rainforest canopy with breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and the volcano.
Despite these options, many guests find that the greatest luxury at Rancho Margot is simply time—time to breathe, to think, to disconnect from modern pressures, and to reconnect with what truly matters.
Juan’s Story: A Vision Becomes Reality
The story of Rancho Margot is inseparable from the story of Juan Sostheim himself.
In 2004, Juan’s family purchased 400 acres of land on the shores of Lake Arenal. At that time, the land was mostly pasture and grass, with little biodiversity. A beautiful wild river ran through the property, hinting at the potential hidden beneath the surface.
Rather than developing the land in a conventional way, Juan envisioned something radically different. He imagined a place where humans could live comfortably without damaging the environment—where farming, hospitality, education, and conservation could exist together.
Over the course of nine years, Juan transformed the land into a thriving tropical garden and working organic farm. Trees were planted, soil was restored, wildlife returned, and sustainable systems were built from the ground up. What emerged was not just an eco-lodge, but a living classroom—a place where visitors, students, and researchers can learn how to live off the land without destroying it.
Today, Rancho Margot features nine comfortable guest bungalows, as well as a bunkhouse with bunk beds for students, volunteers, and groups. It welcomes travelers, families, eco-tourists, researchers, and anyone interested in sustainability and conservation.
A Place to Learn, Explore, and Rejuvenate
Rancho Margot is many things at once. It is a destination for eco-travelers, a retreat for those seeking peace, an educational center for sustainability, and a model for responsible living. Guests leave not only relaxed, but inspired—often carrying new ideas about how to reduce waste, consume more responsibly, and live more intentionally back home.
It is a place where children can learn where food really comes from, where adults can rediscover the joy of simplicity, and where everyone can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
I could never tell the story of this extraordinary place as powerfully as Juan himself does. He has created a video that explains the philosophy, systems, and vision behind Rancho Margot in his own words. I invite you to take ten minutes of your valuable time to watch it—you will learn a great deal and likely feel inspired to rethink what sustainability truly means.
Why Rancho Margot Matters
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, resource depletion, and environmental damage, places like Rancho Margot are more important than ever. They show us that another way is possible—one that respects the earth while still allowing people to live comfortably and joyfully.
Rancho Margot is not about perfection. It is about commitment, learning, and constant improvement. It proves that sustainability is not a sacrifice, but a gain: healthier food, cleaner air, stronger communities, and a deeper sense of connection.
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica and want an experience that goes beyond beaches and resorts—one that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit—Rancho Margot deserves a place at the top of your list.
This is not just a destination.
It is an experience.
It is an education.
And for many, it is truly life-changing.