One page that directs you to all the resources in the Valley.
1 Answers
Welcome to the Machuca Valley! This is a welcome guide that helps you to quickly navigate life here and points to the many resources we have already. The main digital resources are:
- This Site! The idea here is to have a collection of common questions and answers. The site only works if you post answers and update them as new information becomes available. Answering your own question is one of the best ways to help others in future. All questions and answers are community maintained.
- https://www.sanmateo.love/ - a static site with some helpful pages on the basics. Eventually we'll probably migrate content here, but for now it can be helpful to find restaurants and grocery stores. This site also contains directory of local service providers, everything from Massage Therapists to Mechanics.
- Machhuca Elements Newsletter - a weekly(ish) newsletter focusing on life here with ranging topics. Contributions from community members are welcome, got an idea? Please reach out to Anton.
- Finca Vida Verde Podcast - a podcast by Human where you can meet the many different people that live in the area and get a sense of their stories.
- WhatsApp Group Chats - we have many(too many?) group chats that you can join, this answer contains a good starting point.
In-Person Meeting Opportunities
There are many ways to meet locals and connect, here are just a few:
- Every Eco-Village/community that exists in the valley, mainly La Ecovilla, Alegria, Tacotal & EcoVilla San Mateo has its own active life, with its own set of group chats and its own set of activities. One of the best ways to experience is to join one of the communities by renting a home there for a bit. There are plenty of people who live outside of these communities as well as it is usually more affordable.
- Real World School - this is the main and only ex-pat centric school at the moment. If you have kids, joining the school will also enable you to meet the many parents that go there.
- Sunday ESM Market and Monthly Alegria Market - these are the most attended local events where you'll easily meet most of the people that live in the area.
- Surfing, Volleyball, Boxing, Paddle, Hiking, etc - we have lots of sports and outdoor groups where you can participate at any level, just ask in the Neighbors group chat.