Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN118
Category
Volunteer Work, Nature Protection, Community Work
Country
Costa Rica
Location
La Amistad International Park, Altamira de Biolley, Provinz Puntarenas
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year round
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
In this volunteer program, you will assist a nonprofit organization that supports local community projects. The volunteer program is located in the buffer zone of La Amistad International Park in the border area with Panama. This area has been declared a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
As a volunteer, you will be involved in various areas of ecotourism, nature conservation and community work. This volunteer position is part of the “Sustainable Tourism” sub-program. This program was created in 2011 to protect nature in one of the most biologically intensive places in the world and to provide the local population with an economic income away from hunting and poaching.
Local communities have great potential for rural tourism. Today they offer visitors an insight into their way of life and economy, offer overnight stays and short tours and sell their locally and sustainably produced products.
The nonprofit organization promotes training of community members and local small businesses on “best practices for sustainable tourism.” This will reduce poverty and minimize human environmental impact, making responsible and sustainable economic development possible in Costa Rica.
In this project you will not only be immersed in stunning nature, but you will also do your part to protect the habitat of thousands of animal species.
A small “warning”: If you want to work here, you should be able to walk well, because long distances on impassable terrain are part of the work. Adaptability is also required: the way of life is rustic and very spontaneous. But the warmth of the people and the exceptional biodiversity in the area more than make up for it.
Tasks
In addition to working in small businesses in local communities, volunteers take part in various activities, ranging from the preparation and cleaning of communities, communal works such as helping to paint schools, building, recycling stations, helping with community events and fundraising activities. We always like to know if volunteers have any special skills so that we can put them to good use. So, if you are a teacher, carpenter, NASA scientist, juggler or acrobat, please let us know.
It is important to note that, in addition to the preset program, other tasks will arise daily in response to changing needs, weather conditions and the availability of materials or labor.
Typically, each volunteer will be assigned a workload that would be about 4-6 hours of work per day. Of course, there is always more work available, so if you ever get bored, you can only ask a coordinator how you can help.
Volunteers have at least one day off per week. You can then either relax, do something on your own, or take part in one of the excursions organized by the project.
Possible tasks may include:
- Labeling (hiking) paths
- Accompaniment on nature trails and hiking trails
- Garbage collection campaigns
- Maintaining trails
- Maintain and improve the website and social networks
- Collecting and drying coffee
- Gardening
- Assisting in the production of organic vegetables on local family farms
- Ceramic works for sale to tourists
- Murals in schools and other places
- Help local families grow fruit and vegetables
- Preparation of jam and chocolate for sale
- Making jewelry from local seeds
- Establish a community database to monitor biodiversity
- Biodiversity monitoring in the forests near La Amistad International Park
- Assisting with community events
- Fundraising
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
You will live in a local homestay; contact with the country and its people couldn't be more direct. This will boost your Spanish skills and you will also be right at the source for the best excursion tips.
In a homestay in the local communities, you are not just a visitor, you are part of it. You will have a single room while the bathroom is shared.
Accommodation includes full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with local dishes. If you need special food (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy-friendly), please let us know in advance.
The accommodations sometimes have internet access, which can be weak in some places. We recommend you to get a local cell sim card (e.g. at the airport or supermarkets) to have internet access.
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 project site itself is about five hours' drive south of San José. It is located in the idyllic area of Biolley, Buenos Aires in the Puntarenas province, not far from the border with Panama.
The main attraction of this area is the Parque Internacional La Amistad (shared between Costa Rica and Panama). Due to its huge extent across two countries, the dense cloud forests and diverse terrain at different altitudes, this protected area has immense biological diversity.
In addition to mammals such as puma, jaguar, ocelot, coati, tapir, sloths and lots of monkey species, more than 263 species of amphibians and reptiles have been observed. On the other hand, the colorful bird world is represented with 400 species, including the rare quetzal, eagles, hummingbirds, parrots, etc.
Possible leisure activities are as diverse as the area itself. Various types of outdoor sports are available, visits to local communities and even trips to beaches along the Pacific coast.
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. At least 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 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 our partner organization in Costa Rica located in San José as well as the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
The volunteer project in Community Work in Costa Rica includes:
- Single room in a local homestay
- 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$ 830 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 290
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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