Located in Ecuador's cloud forest — South America's western Andes — La Hesperia has shown since 1971 that conservation and human activity can coexist.
The name La Hesperia means "Western Lands", a place shaped by generations who came here with the intention of building something of their own. In the early days, the focus was on working the land, raising cattle, and growing sugarcane and coffee.
Over time, that perspective began to change. With each new generation came a deeper appreciation for what was already here, the forest, its biodiversity, its unique species, and everything it quietly provides.
What started as an effort to transform the land gradually became something else. Today, La Hesperia is about caring for the forest and learning how to live alongside it, not above it, for our family and for everything beyond it.
Read Our Full StoryLa Hesperia protects over 700 hectares of forest within the Toachi-Chiriboga Key Biodiversity Area. The reserve lies where the Tropical Andes and the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena regions meet, two of the most important and threatened ecosystems in the world.
This location makes it a refuge for a wide range of species, including the Ecuadorian capuchin monkey and the clouded tiger cat, among others.
Guided by Holistic Management, organic agriculture, and permaculture, the farm has become a diverse and dynamic landscape. From shade-grown coffee, cacao, and bananas to bamboo and vegetable gardens, everything is connected. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and pigs are all integrated into the land in a way that helps keep it healthy and productive.
It is a way of farming that shows it is possible to produce while still allowing nature to thrive.
To conserve and restore the Ecuadorian cloud forest through a model that brings together scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable production, creating a real and lasting positive impact for both nature and people.
To become a national and international reference in private conservation and sustainable development — demonstrating that it is possible to protect high-value ecosystems while creating meaningful experiences, applicable knowledge, and real opportunities for communities and future generations.
Whether you come to research, learn, work, or explore with your family — there is a place for you here.
Join ongoing long-term research projects at La Hesperia, or design and develop your own. The reserve offers the ecological complexity, infrastructure, and forest access that serious fieldwork requires — from ornithology and primatology to botany and ecosystem monitoring.
From $880/month · Limited spots
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Give your children an experience that goes far beyond a traditional classroom, with real, hands-on time in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Led by Alexandra Hoeneisen, a mother who homeschooled her own children for over 20 years, with a background in Montessori and Positive Discipline, the program is organized but flexible, adapting to each child.
At La Hesperia, families don't just learn about nature, they spend time in it. Children explore the cloud forest, take part in daily farm life, and learn through experience, from harvesting to simply being present in the land.
From $800/week (family of 4) · Limited spots
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Whether you're finishing a thesis, working on a project, or just need to step away from the city, La Hesperia offers the space and quiet needed to focus. The forest is right outside your door.
From $880/month · Limited spots
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Join us for a hands-on experience that brings together forest conservation and sustainable farming. It's a chance to support one of the most biodiverse places on the planet while learning practical skills in ecology and permaculture.
Working alongside our team and volunteers from different parts of the world, you'll be part of daily life on the reserve, with time to learn, reflect, and connect with the land.
Contact us for details · Limited spots
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Whether it's a university field course, a corporate retreat, a school trip, or a specialized workshop — we design custom programs that use the reserve and farm as your classroom, workspace, or base.
Every group program is built from scratch based on your goals, group size, and schedule. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Custom pricing · Contact us to design your program
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Stories from researchers, families, volunteers, and remote workers who have spent time at La Hesperia.
“I was going to stay for one month, but in the end I stayed for almost four. My experience was one of the best of my life. I met amazing people from all over the world and learned things that are very practical for life.”
“For the kids, it was incredible. They didn't feel like they were 'in school' but they were constantly learning, asking questions, and being part of something that actually matters. We left very inspired.”
“La Hesperia allowed me to focus on work while the kids enjoyed learning and playing on the farm. The team were super flexible. The internet and power supply were flawless — something I don't take for granted after a year of remote work and travel.”
Want to hear directly from someone who has been here?
Connect With a Past Participant
Socio Bosque
Corp. Bosques y Reservas
Red Bio
Pampas Cat Working Group
Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative
In Partnership With
Fundación Tangaré
Conservation is a shared responsibility. While La Hesperia works toward being self-sustaining, this is not something we can do alone.
We collaborate with the Tangaré Foundation to support environmental education in local schools and to carry out research projects. Donations are managed through the Foundation, helping ensure that each contribution directly supports this work in the cloud forest.
Our online store offers carefully made, sustainable products inspired by the reserve and its biodiversity. Every purchase directly supports our conservation and reforestation work.
When you buy from La Hesperia, you're not just taking something home, you're helping protect the forest behind it.
Take a piece of the cloud forest with you.
La Hesperia sits in the transition zone between the Andes highlands and the coastal lowlands — one of the most biologically rich corridors on Earth. The reserve is part of the Puma Biological Corridor, a regional initiative to maintain ecological connectivity across the western Andes. Transport from the highway to the reserve is included. We can also help organize transportation from Quito or the airport for an additional cost.
Have questions or ready to apply? Fill out the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.
Whether you come to research, to learn, to work in silence, or simply to be somewhere that feels real — the conversation starts here.
Not sure which program fits? Reach out — we'll help you figure it out.