“GP Network helps you experience a permaculture community in El Castillo – one that welcomes visitors and locals to connect and experience a meaningful way of life beyond the grind. Through events, workshops, and grassroots action, we are shaping a resilient community that thrives with nature, not against it.”
Book Your Stay with a Network Member – Experience El Castillo Eco Tours Today
Connect with nature in El Castillo, Costa Rica right by Arenal Volcano through our eco-experiences and join our welcoming community for your next visit.
Named after Gavilana, the revered “queen” of Costa Rica’s medicinal plants, we are a community-driven organization dedicated to Permaculture Design—a holistic approach to crafting sustainable homes, workspaces, and landscapes that honour natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Our Story
Gavilana Permaculture began with a simple vision: to create spaces where people reconnect with nature and one another. Inspired by the resilience of the Gavilana plant and the principles of Permaculture Design, we started by gathering friends and neighbors to share knowledge, resources, and meaningful connections. Today, these humble beginnings have blossomed into the GP Network, a vibrant community of individuals united by their commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and decentralized living. For us, Permaculture Design is more than a philosophy—it’s a way of life fostering joy, health, and collective resilience.
Our Difference
Gavilana Permaculture gatherings are transformative experiences—participants often describe them as “quenching a deep thirst” left by modern society. These events spark spontaneous exchanges of knowledge, gifts, and ideas, empowering every attendee. Rooted in the lush biodiversity of Arenal, Costa Rica, and the vibrant spirit of El Castillo, we are a 100% grassroots movement—unaffiliated with institutions or agencies. Our authenticity, deep ties to the land, and commitment to community-driven solutions define us.
Volunteering Opportunities
Join our team to make a difference, connect with nature, and be part of our community
Meet our team
Our welcoming team consists of network members and volunteers
Noah, Tomas, and Hannah
Founders of Gavilana
Anne
Network Co-Founder
Mikey
Permacultural Pathways Director
Franz and Jen
Asiatica Lodge
Wendy and Roger
Pura Vista Glamping
Walter
El Castillo Welcome Center
Michael
Nursery and Landscaping
Juan
Santuario Juan Tortugo
FAQs
What is permaculture?
Permaculture is a design philosophy and set of practices for creating sustainable, self-sufficient systems that mimic natural ecosystems. At Gavilana, we integrate agriculture, land use, and community planning to meet human needs—food, water, shelter, energy—while enhancing environmental health. Core principles include observing and working with nature, using renewable resources, minimizing waste, and fostering biodiversity. Permaculture emphasizes long-term resilience, ethical land stewardship, and holistic approaches, often applied in farming, gardening, or community development.
How do we plan a visit and stay at Gavilana?
Contact us using your preferred method. We will reach out to you to coordinate your stay. We have multiple AirBnB units for places to stay and many tours that will be tailored to you.
How long can we stay?
It all depends on you! Some stay for a day to months at a time.
Which airport is closest to El Castillo?
There are two. The closest one is Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. The second one is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose which is the country’s main international airport.
Experience Gavilana Permaculture
- Eco-Tours & Nature Experiences.
- El Castillo AirBnB’s & Glamping.
- Connect with nature and others.