About Us

Who We Are

Tierra Madre was born from a spark — a moment of wonder experienced by two young Belgians traveling through Central America in 2008. Moved by the pure beauty of this hidden corner of the world, they decided to put down roots and build something lasting: a place where human beings live in harmony with nature.

What began as a shared dream has evolved over the years. Today, Adrien continues the adventure, surrounded by friends and a small community of caretakers who believe in the same vision: to live simply, regenerate the land, and share this oasis with those seeking meaning and connection.

Over time, Tierra Madre has been transformed. More than 35 hectares have been reforested, and 25 of them are now fully protected. What was once degraded pasture has become a thriving tropical forest, alive with wildlife and rich biodiversity. The land breathes again — and with it, a microclimate has been reborn, offering coolness, shade, and life.

The original idea of a traditional farm gave way to something deeper. In the face of challenges — hurricanes, droughts, and the limits of conventional models — we embraced change. Today, Tierra Madre is rooted in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. It is a living experiment in resilience, guided by observation, adaptation, and respect for natural cycles.

Every tree planted, every trail reopened, every animal that returns tells a story of hope. We are honored to welcome you to this sanctuary — where nature heals, and where together, we learn to live in a different way.

Tierra Madre was initially founded in 2008 by a Belgian family in search of a traditional lifestyle closer to nature. Approximately 60 hectares of land, then mostly dedicated to cattle farming and neighbouring the Costa Rica -Nicaragua border, were purchased.

Tierra Madre's reforestation zones and protected area.

Isla Ometepe view

Tierra Madre Ecolodge

We patiently fanned our dreams into life and built our farm and our lodge with our own hands, in the traditional way.

Respect for our luxuriant environment guided all our choices,.

Between 2008 and 2018, in addition to conserving the 8 hectares of primary rainforest forest subsisting on the land, Tierra Madre reforested more than 18 hectares (180.000sq meters) on the slopes adjacent to it.

Tierra Madre actual forest

With the forest spreading again, a rich and diverse fauna came back to occupy the land and after less than 7 years the first big predators appeared.

Thermal cameras, as well as biologists from our NGO FAWN partners, opened our eyes to the exceptional potential of our geographical location, at the crossroad of three different climate zones and offering a cool, humid "retreat" to the fauna of the nearby reserve during the dry season.

All this led us to consolidate our conservation project to turn 50 of the 60 hectares into a sanctuary by reestablishing an endemic jungle.

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