Casa del Mundo: Puerto Rico Rainforest Retreat

Like a hawk's nest perched on a high mountain ledge, this Jibaro farm house was lovingly renovated for modern use (solar powered) while retaining its original rustic feel. Located on Finca Monte Esplendor dedicated to ecological farming, yoga/meditation and habitat regeneration. Explore the extensive trail system winding through the forest. Bathe in the pure healing waters of the Quebrada Lucia flowing through the farm ( private swimming ) "..sprinkled with perfume and spread with flowers.." The space Warm days (75-82F), cool nights (60-70F) of the tropical mountain jungle with virtually no mosquitos (no screens necessary) to hinder your commune with nature. No air conditioning necessary. It really is a perfect climate! One of the 2 cleanest rivers left on the island, a branch of the Guayanes River, flows through the property. The principal reason for the extensive pollution of the rivers here on the island are the use of conventional toilets that not only waste hundreds of gallons of clean water, an endangered resource on the island, but the run off from septic systems overflows into the aquifers hence polluting the rivers and springs. Papo has been mastering the construction of composting toilets to the point where architects on the island have traveled to this remote spot to study his design which reveals an esthetic, state of the art eco-toilet that is bug less and odorless and that, once fully composted, produces a natural pathogen free, odorless fertilizer. Explore the extensive trail system that meanders throughout the forest perhaps to the edges of the Guilarte Forest Reserve or journey to the undiscovered beaches of Guanica a pleasant drive down the mountain (1 hour) then return to your mountain retreat to take a dip in the pure refreshing waters of the finca's river just in time to see the moon rise above the mountains immersed in a symphony of jungle night sounds. The best of both Caribbean worlds! This eco cottage is totally sun powered with solar hot showers, state-of-the-art eco/composting toilets and fully equipped kitchen. Cell service is excellent. Privacy is prioritized. The Peace Pavilion-- a large roofed meditation/yoga pavilion-- is available for guests (when not being used for special events/retreats). Daily 9:00 am Meditation/yoga classes are available (Available Dec. - August) when guests request for a $10/person/class. Subsequent classes $5/person/class that goes towards the establishment of a Meditation Center in Ponce. The hosts are fully qualified Kadampa meditation instructors. Private meditation instruction is offered for both beginner and experienced meditators. For those who sign up for the meditation/yoga class, we offer a wood-fired sauna by-the-river experience for $25/person (minimum of 2 guests) Please make a reservation at least 12 hours in advance. Session is from 5pm to 6pm. (Available Dec. - August) When available our local friend and cook Daly will prepare and serve you in Casa del Mundo, traditional, local food using Papo's organic produce. She does offer one Vegan/vegetarian curried platter. Daly's meals feature Sana's Frituritas de Guineo with curry sauce- Papo's organic green bananas pan fried and served with a tomato based onion curry sauce. Daly drives up the mountain with all of her supplies and prepares for you an In-house meal. Most folks love to put in an order for their arrival meal. All of Daly's meals are $25 per person. Please make meal reservations at least 48 hours in advance Copy Sana on all correspondences from your personal email address Be sure to bring cash for miscellaneous costs such as meditation classes, or purchasing fresh organic produce from Papo Guest access Private swimming holes, extensive system of well- maintained hiking trails to explore the many views and environs of the forest. Other things to note IMPORTANT: Your flight (arriving at SJU) must arrive by 12:00 noon on your check in day in order to have sufficient time for car rental, food shopping and making the journey up the mountain to the Finca before dark (6pm). We cannot receive guests after 6pm. Please book your stay with this consideration in mind. Thank you Guests must purchase in town all the food (we provide organic coffee, sugar, salt & pepper) they will need for their stay prior to arrival, but if your booking an extended stay you can journey down the mountain to Peñuelas (30 minutes) for more supplies or to eat out in Ponce (1 hour) or elsewhere. We highly recommend guests bring flip flops and a warm shirt or sweater for the sometimes cool mountain breezes Please note: this space is appropriate for children ages 6 and up.