Save Villas Mastatal & Juco Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica

A Family’s Legacy. A Forest’s Future.

Two years ago, my wife and I took a random turn down a dirt road while exploring Costa Rica. That turn led us to a waterfall—and to Javier, a kind-hearted man who welcomed us onto his land with a smile and a simple offer: hike to the falls for 5,000 colones. We didn’t know it then, but that moment would spark a deep friendship and a mission we now feel called to share.

Javier, his wife Raquel, and their children Andrés (13) and Ainara (9) are the heart behind Villas Mastatal, a permaculture retreat center, and Juco Wildlife Refuge, a thriving sanctuary home to over 300 bird species, monkeys, sloths, and countless other creatures. These places aren’t just beautiful—they’re vital. They represent decades of stewardship, education, and sustainable living.

But now, they’re at risk.

Why We’re Raising $200,000cdn

Due to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on ecotourism, Javier’s bookings dried up. University programs stopped. Retreats vanished. And now, the bank is threatening to take Villas Mastatal. If that happens, not only does the family lose their home and livelihood—but the land could be sold to developers or tour companies with no regard for conservation.

Your support will help:

• Save Villas Mastatal from foreclosure ($110,000cdn to pay outright)

• Protect Juco Wildlife Refuge from development

• Build a greenhouse for food and sustainability education

• Upgrade the family’s living conditions

• Restore eco-retreat programs and permaculture workshops

• Improve and maintain the steep 1.5km trail to the waterfall, making it safer and more accessible

Why This Matters

This land backs onto La Cangreja National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most ecologically rich areas. The water that feeds Juco’s waterfalls flows directly from the park—supporting not only the wildlife corridor but also surrounding communities. Losing this land would mean losing a vital link in Costa Rica’s conservation network.

Right now, the family’s only income comes from visitors who pay a small fee to hike to the waterfall, and from Raquel’s homemade Costa Rican lunches. But the trail is rugged and steep, requiring constant maintenance. With your help, we can make it safer and more inclusive for all visitors.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy Worth Building

While the immediate goal is to save Villas Mastatal from foreclosure, Javier is also dreaming forward—toward a future that’s sustainable, welcoming, and deeply rooted in nature.

He hopes to build:

• Raised platform tents overlooking the valley, offering guests a magical experience of sleeping among the trees

• A private cabin for couples seeking a peaceful weekend getaway

• A thriving eco-tourism model that creates jobs, supports conservation, and gives his children something to carry forward with pride

But right now, Villas Mastatal is in a state of disrepair. The lodge needs maintenance—roofing, plumbing, painting, and more. Without steady tourism, Javier hasn’t been able to afford help from local workers. It’s simply too much for one man and his family to manage alone.

Your support doesn’t just preserve what exists—it helps build what’s next. A place where guests can reconnect with nature, where locals can find meaningful work, and where Javier’s children can grow up proud of the legacy their father built.

How You Can Help

• Donate whatever you can—every dollar helps.

• Share this campaign with your network.

• Follow our journey and help spread the word.

Let’s keep this land wild. Let’s keep this family rooted. Let’s make sure the next generation can learn from Javier’s passion.

Thank you for being part of this story.

Pura Vida,

Andrea & Paul