Finca Bellavista Sustainable Treehouse Community

                Located in the mountains of the Southern Zone of Costa Rica is a truly unique tree-top getaway. In one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth sits the Finca Bellavista Treehouse Community of Finca Tortuga (“Tortuga” means turtle). In 2006 Erica and Matt Hogan bought 600 acres of 2^nd growth rainforest and saved the area from deforestation. Erica’s idea of building a treehouse sparked the creation of one of the most beautiful Utopias today.

A hands-on process between Matt and homeowners has allowed for numerous beautiful buildings; no two are the same. Building takes anywhere from a few months to a year; however, due to the rainy season, most building is limited to 4-6 months at a time. Because no trees are allowed to be cut down or altered, buildings must be constructed of the ground as a true treehouse (there are 5) or as a treehouse/stilts combo.

There are currently 25 structures in Finca Tortuga, consisting of a dining hall, boathouse, campfire ring, café/restaurant, wedding garden, a Wi-Fi zone and an open air lounge as well as residential buildings. Community meals and happy hours are offered in the dining hall and meal delivery to your home is also an option. Cell service is available, though due to its spotty-ness it is not a reliable connection. As stated, a 3G Wi-Fi connection is available, though only at certain times and there is a fee. The closest “city” is 1.5 miles away and is the base camp of Finca Bellavista. Built on a reclaimed gravel pit, the city of Finca Bellavista is small; a school, church, bus stop, a soccer field, a pulperia (grocery store-pub combo), and a few houses are all there is.

The residents of Finca Tortuga are quite diverse. There is some tourism as well as families who build a property to use as a summer getaway and have for retirement later on. Some will build the property and then rent it out; though Erica and Matt were hesitant at first, but upon residents showing interest decided to go along with it. So far they have sold 51 plots that are between ½ an acre to 4 acres.

The community is also very concerned with sustainability and having a small economic footprint; hence, there are rules against any tree clearing. There are a number of guidelines which have been set out for not only Erica and Matt but also any residents and tourists who visit. There are also a number of other efforts to reduce the environmental impact. All waste must go through a bio-digester, and all electricity sources must be alternative and approved by the Environmental Review Board (E.R.B.). Many of the buildings utilize Solar Photovoltaics (PV) and solar heating systems. There is fully functional plumbing throughout the community and filtered water as well, sourced from the waterfalls upstream and the 2 white water rivers of the area.

Travel throughout Finca Tortuga is the dream of every adventure seeker. A series of zip lines and old-school wooden bridges connect each structure, as well as travel via ground. The only road in and out of the community is used for construction and emergencies only. There is, however, a shuttle/ delivery service for those who are visiting the community, provided the weather permits.

There are a ton of amazing things to do in Finca Tortuga, including zip line tours, e-bike tours, hiking, night hiking, 2 happy hours, yoga classes, a spa, multiple waterfalls, and numerous birds and other species to watch and experience. From cacao, mangoes, bananas, and other crops, Finca Bellavista’s grocery store is right in its backyard.

If you’re into renewable energy and sustainability like me then I definitely suggest you check this out!

You can learn more at https://www.fincabellavista.com/