Quick Facts
Program code
CR-FS101
Category
Volunteer Work, Farm Stay
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Paraíso de Cartago, Province of Cartago
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
If you aspire to live a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature, then this volunteer project in Costa Rica on an organic Finca is perfect for you. Located on a hill overlooking the Orosi valley near Paraíso, this non-profit association works towards the goal of educating visitors and local communities to live sustainably and develop responsible habits regarding their natural resources. The founder’s vision is to practice organic agriculture, use medicinal plants, and maintain a diverse ecosystem for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
The international team offers various projects, which encourage a lifestyle and subsistence strategy that preserves the natural resources and establishes a new mindset towards nature.
Some of the projects are:
- Reforestation of agricultural land
- Permaculture
- Ecological plant cultivation
- Cultivation of medical plants
- Goat grazing
- Organic food production
- Yoga and meditation
- Bio construction
- Holistic lifestyle
- Dance projects
- Bee-keeping
The projects all come down to the same four principles:
- Natural resources (own cultivation, composting, etc.)
- Sustainability (solar cooking, recycling, woodworking, utilizing energy efficiently, etc.)
- Health (vegetarian diet from herbal and vegetable garden, balance of body, mind and spirit through yoga, tai chi, etc.)
- Culture and education (cultural exchange and learning from each other)
The project can accommodate up to 35 visitors at a time. During their free time, volunteers have the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings, such as Costa Rica’s highest volcano, the Tapanti national park, and hot springs. Volunteers can even take a day trip to the country’s capital, San José.
The project also offers some excursions in the surrounding area where you can participate for a reduced price. This includes, among others, white water rafting and hiking tours to waterfalls or archaeological sites.
Tasks
As a volunteer at the organic farm, you will be able to support the team in several different working areas. Some of your tasks may include:
- Organic agriculture
- Botanical garden and forest
- Taking care of domestic animals (goats, horses, chicken)
- Working in the medical garden
- Environmental education
- Assisting in the kitchen
Many volunteers are well integrated into this project and play an important role on the team. If you would like, you are welcome to make suggestions and utilize your talents during the project. The team is always open to new ideas for improvement.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
During your stay abroad in Costa Rica, you will live in a volunteer house at the finca. You will share a dormitory and bathroom with other volunteers (single rooms might be available as well). Furthermore, you will share three vegetarian meals a day.
A 45-minute bus ride brings you to the next biggest city, Cartago, where you can enjoy shopping and entertainment. Furthermore, you can visit the nearby botanical garden of Lankester or natural hot springs. You can also go horse-back riding, rafting, and enjoy other guided tours.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
The volunteer project is located in La Flor near the town of Paraiso de Cartago. San José, the country’s capital, is about 2 hours by bus. At Paraiso de Cartago, the word “paraíso” literally applies. This heavenly city lies in the southeast of the province of Cartago and is known for its idyllic landscape and dream beaches. In the Cartago region, you can find more than just beaches, the hinterland amazes visitors with lush nature and perfectly formed volcanoes. There are many ways to explore this beautiful area such as hiking, outdoor sports or cultural activities.
There is a subtropical climate and due to the higher altitude of the project site, the temperatures are pleasantly warm throughout the year with an average of 25 °C a day. At night it cools down. The rainiest months are March, April and May.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Costa Rica, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Costa Rica directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Costa Rica!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us in case of emergency on 7 days a week around the clock.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project at an Ecological Finca in Costa Rica includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 675 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 215
Additionally, you can book:
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All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
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If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!