Aerial view of a sustainable community with eco-friendly buildings surrounded by lush greenery.

Las Aguas Risas - Laughing Waters Vegan Community

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Forming
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2018

What we do

Veganic Permaculture Fruit Forest Intentional Community and Forest Reserve in the High Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador.

Our goal is to protect and nurture Pachamama with minimal invasive impact. We are transforming degraded pastureland, restoring native forest and productive fruit forest.

The property is 100 hectares (approximately 250 acres), with many springs and streams and waterfalls, roughly 40% forest, 10% homestead and cultivated or ready to cultivate, and 50% pasture. We are a fully vegan environmentally-conscious eco-community. Members must be vegan, in accordance with the vegan society definition of veganism and understand what that means (not just plant-based, raw, fruitarian, flexitarian, or any other -tarian). Residents, volunteers, guests, and visitors, must understand and adhere to vegan principles at all times (on and off property) while staying at the community.

Priorities:
Pachamama, inclusivity (non-discrimination based on race, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity), species

Goals/Visions:
Peaceful, simple, minimalist, non-exploitative living, Preservation (forever), Conservation, respect, non-violence. Reforest with fruit trees and native species

7th Generation Principle:
The 7th Generation Principle is based on an ancient Iroquois philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world 7 generations into the future. Las Aguas Risas adheres to this principle in all decision making.

Population Growth:
Non-wildlife population growth – human, companion animal and “livestock” – is out of control globally, with immense negative impacts on wildlife and Pachamama. Las Aguas Risas is committed to reducing and reversing non-wildlife population growth. To this end, within the community we strongly discourage breeding, both human and non-human.

Our Mission

Las Aguas Risas goal is to protect and nurture Pachamama with minimal invasive impact. Peaceful, simple, vegan, minimalist, non-exploitative living, preservation (forever), conservation, respect, non-violence. Reforest with fruit trees and native species.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • Coliving
  • Ecovillage
  • Sustainability practices
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Waste reduction / composting
  • Permaculture design
  • Activities
  • Property management
  • Farming
  • Experiences
  • Networking

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2018
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2022
  • Started living together
  • 2 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
2

How to join

We expect to have a membership application/questionnaire available soon. In the meantime, interested prospective members can contact us directly.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

At this time we can be contacted by email or Facebook. We currently accept volunteers through WorkAway.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Small Leadership Group

A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.

Decision-making process

  • Leadership Decides

A single person, couple, or small group makes most major decisions.

Governance structure

  • Founder/Leader-led

Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).

Conflict resolution approach

Currently only two founding members, Terry and Michael, are invested and share decisions. As the community expands we expect to transition to a form of sociocracy structure for community decisions. For the land, we expect to establish a non-profit foundation, or land trust, to hold and govern land issues.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Yes (20 hrs/week)
Members are expected to support themselves. Small enterprises, conforming to community standards, may be considered.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • Approximately all meals

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Locally sourced
  • Livestock / Animal Husbandry

Dietary type

  • Vegan Only

Dietary restriction

  • These restrictions are throughout the community

Community activities and engagement

  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association
  • Organization, Resource, or Network
  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming

Substance use culture

  • Substance use appears in public spaces but no pressure
  • Substance use is prohibited in the community

Gender composition

  • Roughly balanced (no group over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Mixed adults (few or no children)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a single individual, couple, or Family Trust

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Community type

  • Cohousing

    Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
    interaction while maintaining independence.

  • Coliving

    Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
    kitchens, dining, and social areas.

  • Ecovillage

    Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.

Sustainability approach

  • Renewable energy systems
  • Waste reduction / composting
  • Permaculture design

Land practices in our community

  • The community practices permaculture

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Energy sources used

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Food forest
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics

Water conservation practices

  • Composting toilets

Waste management practices

  • Composting
  • Waste-to-energy or biochar
  • Land area size
    100 hectares

Guest Book

Written reviews are available for plus members. Click here to upgrade.

Location

  • Morona-Santiago, Ecuador

Las Aguas Risas - Laughing Waters Vegan Community

Needs and Offers

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  • Promoted
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  • Real Estate For Sale
1 month ago

Home For Sale at Cobb Hill CoHousing in Hartland, VT on 270 Beautiful Rural Acres

Dreaming of more community in your life? Rural and ecological living? There is a home for sale in Cobb Hill Cohousing in Hartland, Vermont, a community of 23 homes on 270 shared acres. This is a well loved and beautifully maintained three-story, passive solar house with triple paned windows, radiant floor heat, rich woodwork and custom touches throughout, and pastoral views. 36 Linden Rd, Hartland, VT 05048 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 3 floors, 2073 sqft Built in 2001 “This house feels like it was dipped in honey,” according to one neighbor! Be the lucky third owner of this beautiful, lovingly maintained, sunfilled home and dive into life at Cobb Hill. This home enjoys the same general layout (3 floors and many windows) and eco features as the other Cobb Hill homes, like extra thick walls, triple paned windows, passive solar heat, composting toilets, solar hot water, and more. Some highlights of this home include: -Cherry floors, kitchen cabinets, doors, and stairs -Radiant floor heating (basement and main floor) -Cold weather heat pumps/mini splits added in 2021 on each floor (used mainly for summer cooling and dehumidification) -Granite counters and window sills -Three hand-thrown pottery bathroom sinks -Custom-built wood features like the bar in the kitchen and counter in half bath -Natural wool carpeting upstairs -An over-sized primary bedroom with walk-in closet, plus a second closet -Large bay windows on lower and main levels -Custom Bali blinds on (almost) all windows -A more private location with no immediate neighbor to the west -Gorgeous pastoral views in all seasons to the south (see photos!) -Side deck, covered front porch, and attached shed -Mature blueberries, raspberries, flower and other garden space around the house Please explore the Cobb Hill Cohousing website (cobbhill.org) to understand what it means to buy a home and be a part of this vibrant, close-knit, agricultural, and mu
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located Just
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
3 months ago

Home available in Evans Oaks

Join a small co-housing community in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Silverton offers a rural lifestyle just a half hour from Salem and an hour from Portland. Step into an open-concept living area where natural light meets the warmth of a sleek gas fireplace. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly over premium flooring selections tailored for both beauty and durability: Living Areas: Warm, rich wood floors extend through the living room and bedrooms. Entry & Baths: Durable, elegant tile flooring greets you at the door and lines the bathrooms. Kitchen & Laundry: Eco-friendly, resilient marmoleum flooring makes clean-up a breeze. Windows: Double-pane vinyl windows throughout ensure maximum insulation and quiet comfort, along with custom high end window coverings. High-tech keyless entry at the front door for ultimate convenience. Year-Round Climate Control: Stay perfectly comfortable with a high-efficiency mini-split heating and cooling system. Luxury Touches: Retreat to bathrooms featuring heated tile floors for those crisp Oregon mornings. Universal Design: Thoughtfully crafted for longevity and ease, the home features zero-entry access and 32-inch wide doors throughout. The exterior is equally impressive, featuring: Garden Patio: A serene space perfect for alfresco dining or quiet morning coffee. Professional Landscaping: Beautifully maintained grounds connected by elegant flagstone walkways. Detached garage with one parking space and extr

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