Our Story
Rancho Margot is a family enterprise focused on sustainable business operation and living. With a staff of 45 people, an average of 8 to 10 rotating volunteers and upwards of 10,000 annual visitors, Rancho Margot is a remote and dynamic place. We are located in a lush lakeside valley between rain and cloud forests in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. In addition to providing a peaceful place that facilitates connection with nature, Rancho Margot strives to inspire each visitor to relax, enjoy and explore ways in which they can incorporate the concept of sustainability into their own lives.
In 2004, the Sostheim family bought 400 acres (162 hectares) and chose the name Rancho Margot, in honor of Juan Sostheim’s mother. At that time, the valley was an over-grazed cattle ranch, barren of trees and wildlife. Today, thanks to reforestation and efforts to propagate indigenous species of plants, the Ranch is alive and teeming with hummingbirds, butterflies and is home to one of the largest varieties and densities of birds in Costa Rica. At Rancho Margot, we recognize that education is the key to progress. By preserving and expanding the rainforest, we live what we teach everyday. At Rancho Margot, students in our Eco-Literacy Program, guests, volunteers, residents and staff are constantly planting. In sync with the seasons and our changing environment, we continue to paint on an ever-changing living canvas. We especially enjoy experiencing this landscape through the eyes of our returning guests who come back year after year to experience our growth…and to renew.
For many people, a Guided Tour of Rancho Margot is an awakening experience. Our website allows you to read about our reforestation efforts, creative recycling, chemical-free gardening and farming, protection of animals, low carbon impact, sustainability and green entrepreneurial initiatives. But no written word can compare to experiencing the complex, dynamic ecosystem of the Ranch with your own sensibilities.
Our community is growing! We’ve built and sold our first home to our first resident yoga instructor. We envision this foundation expanding into an intentional, small community of active, like-inspired folks. We invite you to visit and enjoy for yourself.
