Finca Papillon in La Fortuna - Project Overview

When we first set foot on this farm, about six months ago now, the potential was obvious. This property is located 10 minutes from the very popular tourist destination La fortuna. Its so fun to be so close to good restaurants, discos, shopping.. then in ten minutes, to be in tranquil paradise on the farm. 

Its quite amazing, this half hectare farm we found. It has a view of the Arenal Volcano, is connected with the protected old growth riparian forest of the Arenal National Park, along one of Costa Rica's most beautiful rivers, Rio la Fortuna. 

This amazing river is full of fish, flowing big enough to swim, perfect temperature, totally clear, cascading at the pace of a relaxed breaststroke. 

Down river, a ten minute walk, El Salto: the popular swimming hole where locals and tourists sun themselves, diving into emerald green waters turned by numerous waterfalls.  

Our property, just up river, is so secluded and private.. it is another world, only 10 minutes away. 

The spot has a second spring fed river, privately flowing through the property, large enough to create a beautiful little waterfall and swimming hole of our own. This spring fed stream has enough flow to supply the farm with fresh spring water and fill the air with the sound of flowing water. 

By the private river, we have frog ponds, an example of Leonardo Devinchi's bridge across the river, champas gardens to demonstrate the amazing system of Aztec agriculture that was so sustainable and effective. The three sisters you know? Beans Corn and Squash grown on raised beds above swampy soil. 

We are so fortunate to have topography on the farm, riparian to open grassland. Soon it will be a jungle of fruit trees and rehabilitated habitat. 

We are restoring 20 percent of the property to its original riparian habitat, planting the rest in a variety of sustainable agriculture. 

We immediately planted the farm with Cacao, Coffee, Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mango, Banana, Platano, Yuka (Casaba), Star Fruit, Leche nut, star fruit, Macadamia.. and tropical spices like Nutmeg, Cardamom, Allspice, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Ginger, Turmeric, Star Anise, and a variety of unusual tropical fruit trees. 

Nearly 95 percent success, tells me, the soil is just amazing, and the habitat is a tree's dream. the soil is a little acidic, but easily managed with some calcium.. the worms tell me, its a happy soil system farm wide. We are so fortunate to live in La Foruna, as the name of the town comes from this rich soil.

We also planted some vegetables, more as an experiment to see what would work without a greenhouse or cover to protect from the heavy rainfall we get. The jury is out on what we will grow out in the open, as the greenhouse goes in next month or so. 

The idea, is to create La Fortuna's only Spice Farm. Of course will will have to ride the chocolate train, as most tourist are interested in coffee and chocolate. 

But we figure, a vanilla and tropical spice farm will set us apart from the other Cacao farms locally. 

We hope to offer farm tours, sell some of the products from the farm, Coffee, Chocolate, Spices... Guide some night tours, Build a cabin for farm stays, and grow a sustainable amount of food for all the employees and residence of the farm. 

Should be a doable plan, especially because the location of absolutely ideal; its located on the route from La fortuna up to the most famous waterfall in central america the la fortuna waterfall. 

So, the farm is perfectly located to offer tours to tourist, and a quick stop along the busy agenda of zip lining, walking the hanging bridges and viewing the waterfall. 

As far as the habitat restoration, we are on the border of the completely ancient jungle.. so the wildlife simply spills out of the forest into our farm. Monkeys, Sloths, no less than five kinds of Tucans, Macaw, Green Parrots, Hummingbirds.. and more butterflies than you have ever seen in your life. 

We are planting a butterfly garden and talapia aquiculture pond. 

The plan is to build a greenhouse, farm product processing area, and a small production kitchen with and outdoor BBQ setup. 

In just a few years, this farm will transition into an open area seemingly proud of its deforestation, to a absolute jem of a productive and sustainable spice farm. Those who watch the process, will be amazed at how quickly the farm will develop. Farms here dramatically change in just a few years, due to the 24/7 365 great growing conditions and ample water.