Tacotal is a small intentional community located in the mountains of San Mateo, Alajuela, Costa Rica, focused on ecological living, cooperation, and connection with nature. The project began as a collectively purchased property where residents share responsibility for the land while maintaining private homes and personal space.
The community sits at approximately 600 meters above sea level, giving it a comfortable climate with warm days, cooler evenings, and a balance between the dry and rainy seasons typical of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region.
Tacotal is known for its relaxed, low-impact lifestyle and attracts people interested in permaculture, off-grid living, and intentional community life.
Tacotal is located in the hills near San Mateo, positioned between Costa Rica’s Central Valley and the Pacific coast. This makes it possible to reach San José, Orotina, Atenas, and the beaches within about an hour depending on traffic.
The area is popular with expats and locals looking for rural land with easy access to town services while still being surrounded by forest and mountains.
Nearby towns include:
San Mateo
Orotina
Atenas
San Ramón
Jacó (Pacific Coast)
Tacotal operates as a consensus-based intentional community, where residents participate in decisions affecting the land and shared infrastructure.
The community values include:
Permaculture and regenerative agriculture
Non-violence and cooperation
Simple living
Environmental responsibility
Creative expression and cultural gatherings
Residents are a mix of Costa Ricans and international members who share an interest in sustainable living and community-focused lifestyles.
Tacotal is smaller and more informal than many eco-developments, which makes it appealing to people looking for a less structured environment.
The Tacotal property covers roughly 50+ acres of forest and farmland, with river access and fertile land suitable for gardening and food production.
Natural features include:
Jungle and secondary forest
River and creek access
Trails and open land
Fruit trees and gardens
Wildlife habitat
The setting is quiet and rural, with a strong emphasis on living close to nature.
Homes in Tacotal are individually built and vary widely in style.
You may find:
Cabins
Natural building homes
Owner-built structures
Small eco houses
Off-grid or hybrid homes
There is no single architectural style, but most homes follow the general philosophy of low-impact living.
Availability changes often, as homes are privately owned.
Tacotal places strong emphasis on sustainable living practices, including:
Organic gardening
Composting systems
Rainwater collection
Food forests
Low-impact construction
Many residents are actively involved in regenerative projects and aim to live with minimal environmental impact.
This makes Tacotal attractive to people interested in:
Off-grid living
Homesteading
Intentional communities
Permaculture
Alternative lifestyles
Tacotal is not a commercial resort community, and visits are usually arranged through residents or by invitation.
At times, you may find:
Rooms for rent
Volunteer opportunities
Workshops or events
Long-term stays
Availability depends on the current residents and projects happening in the community.
Tacotal may be a good fit if you are looking for:
A quiet rural lifestyle
Sustainable or off-grid living
A cooperative community
Simple living in Costa Rica
A small intentional community
It may not be ideal if you prefer:
Luxury developments
Formal neighborhoods
HOA-style communities
High-speed infrastructure everywhere
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