While San Juan del Sur is a popular destination due to its beaches, surfing, restaurants, and expat community, there are several factors that make Cardenas, and Harmonia in particular, a more sustainable and affordable choice for a permaculture project:
Land Availability and Pricing
- San Juan del Sur: Land in parcels over 10 acres is scarce, and farmland prices range between $10K and $20K per acre. Acquiring significant acreage comes with a much higher upfront cost.
- Cardenas: At Harmonia, land costs are more reasonable, and you can secure a larger, more sustainable piece of property for a fraction of the cost.
Water and Soil
- San Juan del Sur: The area faces significant water issues, with many wells running dry during drought years. The soil is more alkaline, and the underlying rock is often shale, limiting agricultural possibilities.
- Cardenas: Harmonia benefits from fertile soil and a more reliable water supply, making it an ideal location for diverse agricultural projects, from permaculture farming to reforestation.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
- San Juan del Sur: The region has less biodiversity, fewer varieties of trees, and wildlife is not as abundant due to more extensive development.
- Cardenas: Harmonia is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, from jaguarundi to pumas, and a wealth of plant species, offering residents a deeper connection to nature.
Cost of Living and Property Taxes
- San Juan del Sur: The cost of living is significantly higher. Property taxes for 10 acres can exceed $1,500 per year, and those costs increase with infrastructure development like wells and structures.
- Cardenas: Taxes for Harmonia are extremely low, with $400 paid annually for over 260 acres. This translates to much lower carrying costs for residents.
Noise and Development
- San Juan del Sur: Even in the more remote areas, there’s often noise pollution from trucks, cars, and music, which can detract from the peacefulness sought by those interested in permaculture.
- Cardenas: Harmonia offers tranquility, surrounded by nature, without the intrusion of urban or tourist-driven noise.
Legal and Title Risks
- San Juan del Sur: Due to sketchy land titles, there’s a risk that property could be reclaimed by other parties or the government. Many large properties in San Juan del Sur are also already owned by developers, limiting access to land.
- Cardenas: The land titles at Harmonia are secure, with no risk of government reclamation. This provides peace of mind for investors and future residents.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
- San Juan del Sur: A permaculture farm is much harder to sustain here due to the water and soil challenges, higher taxes, and labor-intensive maintenance. The isolation during storms and high infrastructure costs make commercial agriculture difficult.
- Cardenas: Harmonia’s fertile land and well-planned infrastructure make it far more suitable for a self-sustaining, profitable permaculture farm. The focus is on communal living and agriculture that supports both the environment and the residents, with much less reliance on expensive infrastructure.