Experience Zapotal – authentic rural Costa Rica

Rural encounter in Zapotal

Rural life up close: stay overnight with a farming family

Far from the typical tourist trails and nestled in the green hills of Costa Rica lies Zapotal – a peaceful village where time seems to stand still and hospitality is not just a word, but a lived reality.

Here, you stay with a host family, share home-cooked meals, help with everyday agricultural tasks such as harvesting, gardening or making natural products – and exchange stories with your hosts by candlelight.

This encounter has been developed together with our partner VSocial and directly supports families committed to community-driven, respectful and fair tourism.

It is not a performance – but a genuine meeting. A glimpse into a way of life that is simple, resilient and full of warmth.

Spend a night with a rural host family in Costa Rica

Take part in everyday agricultural activities

Directly support a community-based tourism initiative

An exclusive experience with Viventura

Genuine encounters – far from the usual tourist routes

Our tours featuring a homestay experience

Zapotal - Peninsula Osa Community Exchange: Group Picture

Zapotal: Where tradition and community spirit come together

Zapotal is a small rural community in Costa Rica, nestled within rolling green hills. Long untouched by tourism, the residents chose to develop an alternative form of hospitality – one rooted in their knowledge, their way of life and their strong culture of solidarity. Supported by our partner organisation, VSocial, this initiative enables families to host travellers in their homes and involve them in everyday agricultural or craft activities.

It is a balanced, meaningful exchange: travellers experience a simple yet enriching daily life, while host families gain additional income – all while strengthening their culture and reinforcing their autonomy.

In this way, Zapotal has become a model for fair, human and sustainable rural tourism – and Viventura is currently the only tour operator offering this special experience as part of its itineraries.

Upcoming departures featuring a homestay experience

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