Permaculture Design Course – Costa Rica

Thank you for your interest in our Permaculture Design Course (PDC)!

We’re excited that you’re considering joining this immersive learning experience. This course is designed to inspire, empower, and equip you with practical tools to design regenerative systems for land, communities, and livelihoods.

During the program, participants will stay on-site at Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm, allowing for a full-immersion experience in a living permaculture landscape, with shared learning, meals, and daily connection to the surrounding cloud forest ecosystem.  Accommodation during the course is in shared rooms. This helps foster community, reduce costs, and support the immersive learning experience.

WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE UNIQUE

This Permaculture Design Course offers more than a traditional learning experience. While it is designed primarily for international participants, the course also serves a broader mission. The tuition helps support our Spanish-language PDC offered throughout the year for local and national participants who would otherwise have limited access to this type of education in Costa Rica. This program provides greater access to scholarships and even offers free childcare, ensuring that families with children can also participate in permaculture education. By joining this course, students are not only investing in their own learning, but also helping expand access to regenerative education within the local community.

As a nonprofit organization, our work goes beyond the classroom. Through our social outreach efforts, students participate in real-world design experiences by engaging with local projects and community members. We visit nearby farms and initiatives where permaculture principles are actively practiced, allowing participants to learn from diverse perspectives while building meaningful connections with the region. This hands-on, community-based approach ensures that the course creates tangible impact—both for students and for the communities we work with. By taking part in this PDC, you become part of a larger mission to make regenerative education more accessible and to support meaningful change in the region.

DATE: May 20–June 5, 2026

 Participants should plan to arrive on May 20 (check-in). The course runs from May 21 to June 4, with departure on June 5 (check-out).

LOCATION: Monteverde, Costa Rica

THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation for the full duration of the program
• Three daily meals and refreshments
• All course materials and learning resources
• Hands-on activities and site visits
• A Permaculture Design Certificate upon completion

THE COURSE FEE DOES NO INCLUDE:

• International or domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Transportation to and from Monteverde
• Personal expenses

This is an intensive, full-participation course that combines classroom sessions, group work, and outdoor practical activities in a tropical climate. Participants should be prepared for hands-on learning, variable weather, and active engagement throughout the two weeks.

The course will be conducted in English, within an international learning environment that encourages collaboration, exchange, and shared experience.

To ensure a high-quality learning environment and meaningful group experience, spaces are limited and participation is confirmed through this application form.

Interested in joining the Permaculture Design Course but still have questions?

We invite prospective participants to schedule a short call with one of our instructors to address any questions about the Permaculture Design Course. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the curriculum, the experience at Valle Escondido, and how the course may support your goals.

Please use the link below to select a time that works for you:
https://calendly.com/allanpcampbell/30min

After you submit the form, we will contact you to confirm receipt of your application. You will then be notified of your application status (accepted or waitlisted) once the review process is completed.

We look forward to learning more about you and your interest in permaculture!