Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN106
Category
Volunteer Work, Nature Protection
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Provinz Limon
Program start
Always on mondays, year round
Minimum duration
3 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
At this volunteer project in Costa Rica, you can actively help run an Eco-lodge in the rainforest, not far from the beautiful Caribbean coast. In addition to ecotourism, our partners also run a nature conservation program on 850 hectares of land. The area of the lodge borders on the famous La Amistad National Park, which is known for its breathtaking biodiversity.
This volunteer project is supervised by a German family living in Costa Rica. The eco-lodge welcomes guests from all over the world and offers accommodation in cozy guest houses, as well as excursions to the rainforest (on horseback or on foot).
The main objective of this project is the preservation of the rainforest. Since the founders of the lodge devote themselves to the ongoing protection of the nature and animals, the terrain of the lodge could be considered a private natural reserve.
Thanks to the water conservation project they also operate, approximately 70,000 people around LimĂłn receive clean drinking water. As a volunteer, you will learn about the primary rainforest, which is the basis of your work. The rainforest is the natural habitat of thousands of exotic animals and plants.
Tasks
While volunteering at the Eco-lodge, you will help with different tasks. You will support the "guardabosques" (park rangers) in their work. This includes clearing the forest paths of growths and garbage, along with the creation of new hiking trails. It is also important that all paths are well signposted and maintained. The park rangers also regularly patrol the forest to observe the plants and animals. On these patrols, they collect important data on a wide variety of different plants and animals, often observing some of the most exotic mammals and birds in their natural habitat. A large part of the area is primary forest, but some places still need to be reforested. The help of volunteers is greatly needed here.
Volunteers will also work in tourism, which means assisting guests and accompany the employees, either as an assistant or as a translator, to a variety of activities and excursions in the rainforest. The lodge also has its own horses that are fed and cared for by volunteers, so work in the horse barn is also one of the many tasks you may engage in during your time as a volunteer at the lodge.
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
Volunteers will live in the staff section of the Eco-Lodge. These are small, cosy houses (cabañas) that can accommodate up to 4 people. Each cabaña has a bathroom. The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special diatry requirements can be taken care of.
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 approximately 35 km southwest of the city of Limon and approximately 4 hours from the capital of San Jose.
Due to the lush vegetation and large biodiversity that can be found in this region, large areas of land are under nature protection. The rainforest is home to a breathtaking wildlife, such as river otters, jaguars and ocelots. However, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, pizotes and raccoons are most frequently sighted. Bird watchers can observe colorful birds, including toucans, macaws, herons and kingfishers. A true paradise for nature- and animal lovers!
The Limon region has become an important location for tourism in Costa Rica, in particular due to the ecotourism and the wide range of adventure sports that can be practiced in the middle of evergreen landscapes there. The numerous rapids of the Pacuare river are ideal for rafting.
The climate is constant all year round with a daily average temperature of 27 °C, it cools down a bit at night. The rainiest months are June to October.
Language skills
In our Wildlife & Nature projects, our volunteers get along well with English language skills.
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Costa Rica (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Costa Rica directly with us!
Requirements
- English skills. Basic 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 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff, you will be supported by our partner organization in Costa Rica located in Samara as well as the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in the area of Rainforest Protection 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$ 1,370 (minimum stay 3 weeks*)
Each additional week*: US$ 255
(*periods of full weeks, meaning 7 days, will be charged)
Additionally, you can book:
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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.
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