About Us
Our Story
Welcome to Finca Las Hormigas, a permaculture farm and nature reserve nestled in the heart of the Caribbean jungle in Costa Rica. Our 46-hectare property is a haven for biodiversity, with 70% of the land dedicated to preserving the natural environment, including ancient, thousand-year-old trees and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Founded on principles of sustainability, regeneration, and community, Finca Las Hormigas is more than just a farm—it’s a way of life.
Mission
Our mission is to create a living example of regenerative agriculture and sustainable living. We aim to cultivate a harmonious space where people and nature can thrive together, while educating and inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly practices. Through hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and community initiatives, we strive to empower individuals to reconnect with the earth and contribute to a healthier planet.
Vision
Our vision is to be a leading hub for education and innovation in sustainable agriculture and holistic living. We aspire to transform Finca Las Hormigas into a globally recognized model for regenerative farming, soil health, and biodiversity conservation. By sharing our knowledge and practices, we seek to inspire positive change, support ecological balance, and build a future where sustainable living is accessible to all.
Our Team
At the heart of Finca Las Hormigas is a thriving community of people who share a passion for sustainable living and permaculture. Our team, residents, and visitors come together to create a unique space where knowledge is shared, skills are developed, and lifelong connections are made. We embrace diversity and welcome people from all walks of life to contribute their energy and ideas.
Manuel Pinto
Owner / Founder
Manuel moved to Costa Rica and has lived in the area for over 20 years. He has run several successful businesses in tourism and real estate. Gardening and farming are two of his passions that have landed him to this chapter of his life. Manuel is a Theme Camp organizer at Burning Man, where creating new projects, organizing communities and practicing radical self-reliance have influenced his vision at Finca Las Hormigas. Finca Las Hormigas is in large part an expression of Manuel passions painted on a hyper tropical canvas.
Monica Montero
Agriculture Operations Manager
A visionary agronomist and permaculture designer, passionate about transforming landscapes into thriving ecosystems that serve both people and the planet. A proud graduate of EARTH University, Costa Rica, Mónica has dedicated her time to cultivating a deep understanding of regenerative agriculture, holistic land management and sustainable farm operations. Her diverse career journey has taken her across various fields, from managing buffalo dairy production in Laos, to consulting on marketing and communications, and even working in hospitality and tourism; as
well as, designing regenerative landscapes in Costa Rica. This blend of agricultural expertise and hospitality experience has uniquely positioned Mónica to design and manage spaces that are not only productive but also inviting and educational.​
A visionary agronomist and permaculture designer, passionate about transforming landscapes into thriving ecosystems that serve both people and the planet. A proud graduate of EARTH University, Costa Rica, Mónica has dedicated her time to cultivating a deep understanding of regenerative agriculture, holistic land management and sustainable farm operations. Her diverse career journey has taken her across various fields, from managing buffalo dairy production in Laos, to consulting on marketing and communications, and even working in hospitality and tourism; as well as, designing regenerative landscapes in Costa Rica. This blend of agricultural expertise and hospitality experience has uniquely positioned Mónica to design and manage spaces that are not only productive but also inviting and educational.
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Michelle
Systems Program Coordinator
Michelle grew up between Switzerland and the Philippines, where she was exposed to two vastly different cultures, broadening their understanding of social, economic, and cultural values. Her travels through Central America, India, and Southeast Asia deepened their environmental awareness, prompting them to question the impact of everyday actions on the planet. These reflections became especially vivid during motorbike rides through jungles or while diving in coral reefs, where she observed the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Their journey with permaculture began at a water temple in Indonesia, sparking a passion that has guided their approach to sustainable living. Michelle believes that permaculture principles extend beyond agriculture, applying to social and economic systems and emphasizing the interdependence of all aspects of life.
A pivotal moment was her apprenticeship at Rancho Mastatal, where they gained hands-on experience in natural building, agroforestry systems, food processing, and social permaculture. This comprehensive training deepened their understanding of regenerative practices and reinforced their commitment to creating resilient, eco-friendly communities.
With years of experience as a social worker, Michelle has gained deep insights into human behavior and community dynamics. She is dedicated to integrating social and ecological elements into their teachings, focusing on regenerative agriculture and sustainable human culture. She is passionate about sharing knowledge, fostering resilient communities, and helping others develop a deeper connection with the Earth.
Chris Montero
Bio-Inputs Production Coordinator
Chris is passionate about soil and regenerative agriculture because he understands how vital it is for life. His interest began when he faced health issues as a vegetarian, which made him realize the importance of knowing where food comes from and how it’s grown. He grew up learning from his grandmother’s medicinal garden and later studied bio-inputs at INA in 2016.
When the pandemic hit, Chris moved back to Puerto Viejo and started making compost for people in the area. His time at Punta Mona was a turning point, where he learned about sustainable
practices like water management, soil health, and herbal medicine. This experience deepened his love for soil and led him to work on farms across Costa Rica, focusing on creating natural, chemical-free farming systems.
Now, at Finca Las Hormigas, Chris is dedicated to improving soil health through composting, worm farming, and fertilizer production. He also shares his knowledge with others through GIVE, aiming to make a positive impact on Costa Rican agriculture. Chris believes that taking care of the soil is essential for a healthy, sustainable future.
Maya Soleil
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Maya has called Costa Rica home since she was three years old, growing up immersed in the natural beauty of the Caribbean. Her childhood was spent exploring the outdoors, which sparked a lifelong love for nature. After spending time in the U.S. and San José for her education, Maya couldn’t resist the pull of the Caribbean, always finding her way back to the place she truly belongs.
With eight years of experience in the hospitality industry, running a successful vacation rental business, Maya knows how to make people feel at home. Her passion for sustainable living has only
deepened in recent years, driving her to learn and implement practices that protect the environment she loves.Now, as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Finca Las Hormigas, Maya is the force connecting the outside world to the farm. She’s here to guide you, ensuring your experience at the farm is not just memorable but transformative. She’s got the vision, the drive, and the heart to make your visit something truly special.