Reviews
Learn why past participants are raving about their tour experience.
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.
— Adam Bates
It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.
— Edward Bryce
Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.
—Megan Zimmerman
Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.
— Nathan Oxenfeld
I joined the Costa Rica Ecovillage Tour hoping to visit communities I otherwise could not have. I did that but I also met so many wonderful people. I don't know anywhere else I could go on a vacation and learn so much and grow in so many ways.
— Marek Pierepiekarz
Are you looking at the itinerary and thinking, "This is too good to be true."? Well, I can assure you, it's all true and more! Nara will guide you on a magical journey through Slovenia showing you all his favorite places found over years of exploration. From the pastel-tinged coast to the awe-inspiring mountains and caves, you will experience the hidden gem of "sLOVEnia" not possible with any other tour. Whether your focus is on the inspiration of budding ecovillages, the diversity of natural beauty, or finding the finest food and wine locales, this trip will exceed your wildest dreams.
—Jess Moore
I had an amazing time on the tour! It gave me an opportunity to experience things that I could have never done on my own. We were able to see so many sides of Slovenia and so many unique villages. The guides, my tourmates, and the people who opened up their ecovillages to us, were all so friendly and welcoming. It was more than I could have imagined, and I am so grateful to have been a part of this trip!
—Mallorie Sulaski
The Ecovillage Tour in Slovenia in 2023 was a magical experience. Our hosts at our main base at Sunny Hill Community were magnificent, and our guides were excellent at sharing their knowledge and experiences. The group added to the great time I had. And Slovenia is truly a picturesque country, and we were welcomed by all of our project hosts in such a warm and open way. I could do nothing but recommend this tour!
—Kate Schummer
This was a one-of-a-kind experience. We were able to visit communities and see parts of Slovenia that would never be possible on a regular vacation. Our guides provided an incredible immersion into both Slovenia and ecovillage culture, and it really changed my perspective on how I want to travel and interact with the places I visit in the future. It was a moving experience with a wonderful group, and I am so glad that I took this trip. A thousand thanks for all the planning and preparation that went into creating it, and to the group for being so open-hearted.
—Whitney Purdum
WOW WOW WOW, blew away all my expectations. Was the journey of a lifetime. Expertly curated through the Costa Rican terrain, giving us ample insight into communities and the beauty of the culture and natural landscapes. Thank you. Can not recommend enough!!!
— Timothy B.
My trip to Costa Rica was inspiring, eye-opening and educational. Our guides were kind, great listeners, knowledgeable, and receptive to group feedback. The country was beautiful and the nature around us was healing. The diversity of communities we visited were very interesting and thought provoking. I'd recommend the tour for people interested in new ways of being.
— Lex Silvie
Ecovillage Tours delivered far more than a sightseeing trip – they curated an experience that widened my view of what’s possible when vision, community, and land meet. Every stop resonated deeply: from the sun-baked innovation at Traditional Dream Factory to the seasoned wisdom of Tamera, the defiant green oasis of Terra Sintrópica, and the majestic reinvention happening in Vale das Lobas, and many more. Each project showed a different facet of regenerative living, and together they formed a powerful mosaic of hope. But it was the people who made the week unforgettable. Our guides – Catarina and Mikey – their passion was contagious; their candour, grounding. Equally inspiring were my fellow travellers. In vans, over communal meals, and even while dancing in dusty parking lots, we opened our hearts, wrestled with big questions, and held space for each other’s tears and laughter. I came away feeling part of a growing tribe determined to heal our planet and our relationships. I’m returning home encouraged, tender, and grateful, committed to weaving the love, courage, and practical wisdom I witnessed into my own community work. If you long for authentic connection and tangible examples of a better future, give yourself the gift of this tour. It will stay with you long after your bags are unpacked.
—Jeppe L.
The tour was exceptionally well planned, with a perfect balance between structured activities and free time for reflection and integration. This allowed participants to absorb and appreciate the experiences fully, while also providing opportunities for meaningful group discussions and reviews. The food was simply fantastic, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences, which greatly added to the overall enjoyment of the tour. The accommodations were not only comfortable but also perfectly aligned with the nature of our journey, ensuring that everyone felt at ease and well-cared for. One of the most remarkable aspects of the tour was the seamless blend of personalities among the participants. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds and places, everyone meshed wonderfully, creating a harmonious and enjoyable group dynamic. This is often a challenge in such settings, but it was handled beautifully. The hosts, Cynthia, Nathan, and Katrina, were outstanding in their roles. They set clear expectations in a gracious and accommodating manner, ensuring that everyone felt included and informed. Their leadership and hospitality significantly contributed to the success and positive atmosphere of the tour. In summary, the tour was an unforgettable experience, marked by thoughtful planning, excellent food, comfortable accommodations, and a wonderful group of people. The hosts' efforts and the participants' camaraderie made it a truly memorable journey.
—Jo Eastus E.
Our trip with Caterina and Mikey, the guides, was an unforgettable experience. Their professionalism, sensitivity, and human warmth created an amazing group, and the diverse and successful selection of the places we visited allowed us all to learn and enjoy every moment. Special thanks to Eco Village Tours and Cynthia for the perfect organization and for addressing every request.
— Hagai A.
The trip was amazing. The tour guides, Catarina and Mikey were exceptional and you could feel their love and care for the purpose of the tour and our group. We saw a huge variety of places that ranged from new to established ecovillages and other places of community and methods of taking care of the earth. The food we had throughout the trip was amazing and opened up an entire world to my eyes of delicious vegan and vegetarian food. Catarina organized two meals that were real VIP level of attention and cuisine, but all with the feelings of family and joy! Our lodging throughout the trip was exceptional. When we weren't staying at the community we were visiting for the day, we stayed at lovely local places. Two beautiful farmhouses and another place that was renovated into exceptional rooms! No one can control the people that go along on a trip, but our group was full of amazing souls and the energy between us all was supportive, fun, and caring! We definitely felt like our own community and family soon after we started our journey. I can't rave enough about Catarina and her energy and spirit throughout the trip! Her enthusiasm, knowledge an love of her country shown through every day. You could tell that everyone we met that she had known for many years or only a few months, appreciated her and the joy she brings with her! I would recommend this trip 100% to people!
— Melanie S.
I had an experience I will never forget. I really enjoyed meeting all the villagers. The fellow travelers were great, too. Our Tour guide did such a great job I'm thinking about taking another Tour next summer. Thank you for a great time.
— Fred O.
**A Transformative Journey Through Italy’s Eco-Villages** This eco-village trip was nothing short of a fantastic journey through some of the most beautiful Italian landscapes I’ve ever encountered. Over the course of our travels, we discovered more than 10 different eco-villages, each one revealing the wonderful differences that make these communities unique, while also highlighting the beautiful commonalities that unite them in their vision for sustainable, intentional living. The trip was exceptionally well-organized, who curated experiences that went far beyond simple tourism. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, from our accommodations to our daily activities. The food alone was worth the journey – we were treated to wonderful, organic local Italian cuisine that celebrated the regions we visited. Each meal felt like a gift, connecting us to the land and the people who nurture it. What made this experience truly special was how the organizers created space for our small group to transform into a temporary living community. Rather than remaining mere observers, we became participants in something meaningful. We shared meals, conversations, and experiences that fostered genuine connections among travelers who started as strangers. This trip was profoundly inspirational. In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, witnessing these thriving eco-villages and being part of our own micro-community gave me renewed hope in humanity. It reminded me that people are actively building alternatives, creating spaces where sustainability, cooperation, and mindful living aren’t just ideals – they’re everyday realities. I would highly recommend this journey to anyone seeking not just a travel experience, but a transformative one that nourishes both the soul and the spirit.
—Orsi N.
Fabulous experience! Knowledgeable and welcoming inside look at a variety of Intentional Communities in Costa Rica. The whole team is wicked smart and so kind, and I was immensely fulfilled and inspired. My quest for Community is enlightened and moving forward because of this tour and everybody involved!
— Joyce T.
Ecovillage Tours allowed our family of four to have an intimate peek into what is happening in ecovillage projects around Costa Rica. The welcome we received at each location was so genuine and the sharing truly inspiring. From compost toilets to waterfalls, what we observed and lived in 9 days was unprecedented. Knowing that my teenage girls now have this new perspective on life’s possibilities is a tremendous gift. Besides the epic itinerary, the 14 other people that made up our tour group are now precious to us. This goes for our 3 guides as well. What a blessing this has been. I highly recommend this experience and hope that all my friends and family will have the opportunity to join an Ecovillage tour in the coming years.
— Bryn M.
I loved my experience with EcoVillage Tours! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodations were fantastic. The food was amazing. I learned so much about eco village life. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone curious about intentional communities.
— Erin T.