Rio Muchacho Organic Farm, Canoa

Our family of 10 had a wonderful 6-day stay at Rio Muchacho. We participated in the three-day tour, volunteered at a local school, and learned about farm life/permaculture. Coming from city/suburban life to this peaceful, rustic setting was an inspirational, transformative experience. We made meaningful connections with Nicola, Dario, and the staff, who were very attentive and accommodating to the needs of our large family (children ranging from 2-18). Our kids enjoyed feeding the animals, riding horses to watch monkeys, harvesting from the gardens, and much more. There were many charming qualities of the farm, like how they play classical music in the morning while feeding the pigs:) The food was wholesome and delicious--the best we had during our 2 week stay in Ecuador. One of our sons had a birthday the day we left, and the staff had decorated his place with flowers and leaves and even made him a special birthday cake! Though it was nice to get back to warm showers and certain other conveniences, we will miss the special simplicity and connection to nature we experienced at Rio Muchacho. We hope to be able to apply some of the ideas relating to sustainability as we return home--composting and perhaps some chickens to add to our backyard garden! We cherish the memories we made here and would highly recommend the experience!

I lived here and took permaculture courses with Dario and Nicola several years ago. Still to this day, I think of the time at Finca Rio Muchacho as some some of the most enjoyable and informative times of my life. I am truly grateful to Nicola and Dario for everything that they gave to me. I couldn't recommend a stay at their farm more.