Explore the Ecovilla Lifestyle in San Mateo, Costa Rica’s Alajuela Province
San Mateo de Alajuela, located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, offers a sustainable escape. Known for its eco-friendly communities like La Ecovilla, the town of San Mateo is a hub for regenerative living and vacation rentals in Alajuela Province. Whether you’re looking for a break from city life or new tourist experiences, San Mateo offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and sustainability.
Embracing the Ecovilla Lifestyle in San Mateo
In the town of San Mateo, intentional communities like the original La Ecovilla and Alegría Village promote off-grid living. Situated between San José and the beaches of the Central Pacific coast, these communities focus on ecological practices like rainwater harvesting and solar energy. Visitors can experience Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability while enjoying activities such as hiking and organic farming. San Mateo’s location near the sea level and coastal attractions makes it a unique destination for eco-conscious travelers.
San Mateo: A Blend of Tradition and Sustainability
San Mateo de Alajuela sits within the Central Pacific canton of Alajuela Province, blending Costa Rican traditions with modern sustainability. Vacation rentals in San Mateo emphasize amenities like solar-powered cabins and accommodations designed for off-grid living. The area is surrounded by nature, offering rich vegetation and popular activities like kayaking, wildlife tours, and surfing at nearby beaches such as Jacó. San Mateo’s proximity to major tourist destinations like Orotina and Atenas makes it perfect for day trips.
Location and Accessibility: How to Reach San Mateo
Located just 45 minutes from downtown San José and one hour from Puntarenas, San Mateo offers convenient access to the Central Pacific coast. Travelers can reach the town from SJO via daily buses or by renting a car for a scenic drive through the city of Alajuela. The town’s location, bordered by lush vegetation and located inside the tropical hills, makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Caldera and Punta Leona.
Vacation Rentals and Eco-Friendly Stays in San Mateo
San Mateo offers various high-end vacation rentals, such as The PAD at Buen Camino Bike Park and The Retreat Costa Rica. These off-grid accommodations, surrounded by tropical forest and featuring indoor and outdoor living spaces, allow guests to regenerate while enjoying sunset views. Vacation rentals in this area focus on eco-friendly amenities like organic produce and sustainable energy, making them perfect for travelers seeking both luxury and responsibility.
Casa La Raíz 
- Alegria Eco Village - Costa Rica
Casa La Raíz
- Alegria Eco Village - Costa Rica
Casita at Casa del Cielo
- Alegria Eco Village - Costa Rica
Casita at Casa del Cielo
- Alegria Village
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives in San Mateo
The town of San Mateo leads the way in Costa Rica’s sustainability efforts, with communities like Ecovilla and Alegría Village offering project-based learning opportunities. These initiatives focus on regenerative agriculture, using hectare-sized organic farms to cultivate fruit trees and vegetables. San Mateo’s proximity to national parks and the Central Pacific coast positions it as a leader in sustainable tourism, supported by Costa Rica’s dedication to protecting its natural environment.
Outdoor Activities and Nature Exploration in San Mateo
San Mateo is home to natural attractions like Catarata El Encanto and the Rio Machuca, where tourists can engage in activities like mountain biking at Buen Camino Bike Park or kayaking in pristine rivers. Whether hiking through tropical forests or visiting the coastline of the Central Pacific, visitors can immerse themselves in nature while staying eco-conscious. These attractions make San Mateo a must-visit destination in Costa Rica.
| Tour Name | Location (Starting Point) | Distance from San Mateo | Estimated Travel Time | Tour Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tortuga Island Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch | Puntarenas | 45 km | 45 minutes | Full-day (8-10 hours) | Snorkeling, kayaking, beachside lunch |
| Carara National Park and Tarcoles River Tour | San José | 50 km | 1 hour | Half-day (4-6 hours) | Wildlife spotting, boat tour, nature walks |
| San José: Central Market Bites and Sights Tour | San José | 50 km | 1 hour | 3-4 hours | Local food, history, walking tour |
| La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Rainforest Tour | Alajuela Province | 60-70 km | 1 hour 15 minutes | Half-day (5-7 hours) | Rainforest hiking, waterfall viewing, wildlife exhibits |
| Poás Volcano, Coffee Tour, and La Paz Waterfall | San José | 70 km | 1 hour 15 minutes | Full-day (8-10 hours) | Coffee tasting, hiking, waterfall visit, volcano viewing |
| Zipline and Canopy Adventure Tour | Braulio Carrillo National Park | 80 km | 1.5 hours | 2.5 hours | Ziplining, canopy walk |
| Manuel Antonio National Park Tour | Quepos | 100 km | 1.5 hours | 2-3 hours | Wildlife spotting, beach time, guided walking |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike | Monteverde | 120 km | 2 hours | Full-day (8-10 hours) | Hiking, wildlife spotting, birdwatching |
| Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour | La Fortuna | 150 km | 2 hours 15 minutes | Full-day (8-10 hours) | Hiking, hot springs, wildlife watching |
| Uvita: Whale Watching Tour | Uvita | 135 km | 2 hours | 3.5 hours | Whale watching, boat ride, drinks and snacks provided |
Local Culture and Community Experiences
San Mateo’s expatriate community adds a dynamic cultural aspect to the town, offering a new challenge for visitors who want to engage with local residents and learn about Costa Rican traditions. The area also hosts events such as tree-planting days and farm-to-table cooking classes, offering a chance to participate in local sustainability projects. Visitors staying in San Mateo can connect with hosts and get involved in eco-conscious community initiatives.
Dining and Sustainable Cuisine in San Mateo
San Mateo offers sustainable dining options like Soda Aurora and Love Organic Market & Kitchen, where tourists can savor local Costa Rican dishes made from organic produce. Many restaurants in the area, such as Restaurante Frenesí, focus on fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding tropical countryside. Dining in San Mateo gives visitors a true taste of Costa Rica’s farm-to-table movement.
Travel Tips: Sustainable Travel in San Mateo
When visiting San Mateo, travelers should embrace sustainable practices such as staying in eco-friendly accommodations like Casa de la Tierra. Participating in local environmental projects, like river clean-ups and organic farming, helps visitors reduce their carbon footprint. The dry season, from December to April, is the perfect time to explore San Mateo’s outdoor attractions, with popular activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking available minutes away from vacation rentals.
Conclusion: Explore San Mateo and Beyond
San Mateo de Alajuela is one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems, offering a gateway to the Central Pacific’s most breathtaking natural attractions. From its eco-villages to its pristine beaches, San Mateo is the perfect place to regenerate and reconnect with nature. Come visit this warm and sunny town, located in the hills of Alajuela Province, and experience sustainability in action.
