VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is a country where you can encounter nature, get to know its culture and have that experience you have always been looking for through volunteering in Costa Rica.
We collaborate with several volunteer programmes in Costa Rica, each one focused on a specific need. Your collaboration in one of these projects is of great help.
ANIMAL CARE IN COSTA RICA
Many of the animals that live in the centres have arrived injured, malnourished and orphaned; therefore, the wild animal centres in Costa Rica carry out healing treatments, both on a corporal and energetic level, generating the recovery and autonomy of all their inhabitants, in order to achieve their integration back into the natural habitat.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION IN COSTA RICA
We support the protection of the different species of sea turtles that nest on the beaches where we work. With the aim of reducing the negative impact created by natural and human factors. Depending on your needs and the season, you can go to the Caribbean or the Pacific.
TEACHING AND CHILDCARE IN COSTA RICA
We support the development and personal growth of children and young people, strengthening their social and personal skills in a different, creative and dynamic environment. Many of the children are on scholarship and are disadvantaged.
MUSIC SCHOOL IN TORTUGUERO
Helps children and young people to get to know and learn music. Music programme where children from the community are attended to and values are instilled in them through music.
RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN TORTUGUERO
Enjoy a magical place among the fauna and flora of Tortuguero. Get to know, learn and investigate everything about maintaining and conserving the environment.
How can I volunteer in Costa Rica?
Anyone wishing to be part of a volunteer programme in Costa Rica, in most cases, does not need any specific training, but only a degree:
- 18 years of age or older
- Willingness to carry out various activities
- Be a communicative, participative and committed person.
- Have a good conduct and be respectful of the people you work with.
- Respect the culture and customs of the country.
- Ability to work in a team
- You must be able to adapt easily
You can consult the requirements of each project in their links.
Where can I volunteer in Costa Rica?
The projects take place in the country of Costa Rica.
- In the Teaching and Care programmes you will sleep in Alajuela, while with the Animals project you will sleep in San Carlos, where the project is located.
- In the Turtle programmes, you will be on the same beach where the project takes place, so for this programme you will have to spend the night in Costa Rica the day you arrive, the beaches where we collaborate are in the area of Matina Limón, Corcovado, Quepos, Samará, Montezuma.
- In the programmes in Tortuguero, in the music school programme you sleep in a hostel, while in the environmental education and research programme you sleep in the volunteer’s house in the same project.
For more information, questions or assistance with a colleague of our team you can contact us via phone or Whatsapp here.
The steps to follow to register are as follows:
- Fill out the form to reserve your volunteering.
- Wait for our confirmation of availability.
- Make a 1st donation for the registration to the Adventure Volunteer association.
- You will receive an email with the volunteer agreement to be completed by you.
- You will return to us by email all the requested information and you will be able to purchase the flight.
- A few weeks before you start you will receive information from the local organization.
- Now you only have to pack your suitcase, you have a whole team that will make everything easier for you and you will be in contact at all times, so you don’t have to worry.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
To be part of the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, it is not necessary any specific training and it is only required:
- To be of legal age (possibility minor with guardian or parents).
- To be a participative and committed person.
- Be respectful of people, culture and customs.
- To know how to adapt and work in a team.
- Criminal record certificate for social work.
- Sign cooperation agreement and interview with our team.
- Appropriate clothing for the destination.
- Knowledge of English or Spanish.
LODGING IN TORTUGUERO
- Accommodation in the Music School program will be in a hostel very close to the project. It has common areas and offers breakfast.
- Lodging in the Environmental Education and Research program is in the same project in the volunteer’s house with shared rooms and shared bathrooms. It includes 3 meals a day.
What does the project housing offer?
- Beds, in a room shared with other volunteers.
- Use of common bathrooms.
- Use of common areas.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your stay as a volunteer.
ANIMAL PROJECT HOUSING
- Volunteers stay in homestays. The homestays are humble, where you will share and live like a local, sharing rooms with other volunteers, as well as sharing common spaces and bathrooms.
What does the project housing offer?
- Beds, in a room shared with other volunteers.
- Use of common bathrooms.
- Use of common areas.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your stay as a volunteer.
- Wifi (internet) connection.
HOUSING IN TEACHING PROJECT
- Volunteers who are part of the volunteer teaching or care project live in a family home or in a volunteer’s home.
What does the project housing offer?
- Beds, in a room shared with other volunteers.
- Use of common bathrooms.
- Use of common areas.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your stay as a volunteer.
- Wifi (internet) connection.
ACCOMMODATION IN TURTLE PROJECT
If you go to the turtle project, you will stay in the house that is available for volunteers at the project facilities (beach). We have several accommodations since you will go to the project that has the most nesting needs at any given time.
What does lodging at the turtle project offer?
- Bunk beds in a room shared with other volunteers.
- Use of common areas.
- 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your volunteering.
WHAT WILL THE ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION BE LIKE?
Once at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica, located 17 kms from downtown San Jose, you will be welcomed by one of the transporters or coordinator of the local organization (depending on the selected program and if you have arranged a low cost pick up with them).
Depending on the time of arrival in the country and facilities of the volunteer project in Costa Rica, you will be oriented to the house, project and activities to be carried out. At that time the coordinator responsible for the project or area where you will be assigned will tell you the norms, rules and procedures to follow during your volunteering.
Important information to keep in mind when arriving in Costa Rica
- If you arrive and pass the immigration controls and you do not find the cab driver or local coordinator (if you have included the pick up or if you have arranged it at low cost with the local coordinator), do not move from the airport. You can also write to us at the numbers we have provided for inquiries.
- If you do not have local currency (money), you can change when you arrive at the airport, or withdraw money from an ATM.
- If you want to have data to be connected at all times, you can buy a local SIM card (Kolbi, Movistar, Claro) and activate a plan for the time you will be volunteering.
VISA IN COSTA RICA
Not all people traveling to volunteer in Costa Rica need to present a visa, it will depend on your nationality.
Spanish nationals are not required to have a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days, but you do need the following documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Round trip tickets.
SECURITY IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is considered one of the most developed countries in Latin America, but as in any country in the world there are areas or zones that are not recommended for a person who is not from there.
Usually in San Jose you can find people who approach you and between laughter and kindness ask you for something to eat or money, avoid these situations, as it often happens that without realizing you lose something from your purse.
The tourist areas of Costa Rica are generally safe, but we recommend you to take into account the following:
- Let your coordinator know where you will be going, in case you are going on an excursion, so that he/she can warn you about the places.
- Keep your coordinator’s phone number and the address where you are staying handy for YOUR safety.
- Avoid giving out information about the house, the work sites and the rest of the volunteers for safety.
- Do not bring anyone from outside the organization to the volunteer’s home.
- Recognize and avoid risk areas in every place you visit.
- Travel in austerity in your daily transfers and excursions.
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself by wearing very revealing or expensive clothing (jewelry and accessories).
- Do not take out your cell phone in public or leave it on the table somewhere.
- Try to use safe transportation services in the country or services such as Uber or safe cabs.
- Avoid walking alone on the street at night.
- Never take someone you do not know in an unfamiliar vehicle or in your own vehicle.
- Do not drink any beverage whose origin you do not know.
The financial contribution is divided into two parts:
- The registration fee, which you will donate to the Adventure Volunteer association. This contribution has a tax benefit of 80% which you can deduct in your income tax return.
- The remaining part of the cost of the programme will go to the partner organisation that we will send on your behalf as a substitute or you can hand it in directly to the project.
| WEEKS | ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL | TURTLES | TEACHING CHILDREN | LITTLE MUSIC SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 495€ | 495€ | – | – |
| 2 | 670€ | 670€ | 670€ | 490€ |
| 3 | 860€ | 860€ | 860€ | 655€ |
| Additional | 240€ | 240€ | 240€ | 210€ |
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN COSTA RICA OFFER?
- Accommodation during your stay as a volunteer
- Airport pick-up (teaching children)
- Meals during your volunteer placement (music school breakfast only)
- 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
- Programme monitoring and evaluation
- Orientation and induction to the programme
- Certificate of completed weeks of volunteering
- RC insurance
- Tax certificate
- Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the programme
WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN COSTA RICA?
- Flight to Costa Rica
- Airport pick-up (except for children’s tuition)
- Visa if required
- Vaccinations, if required
- Internal transportation or excursions
- Travel within or outside the country
- Hostel accommodation
- Travel medical insurance
- Beverages, diets or special meals
- Bottled water
How to get involved in volunteering in Costa Rica?
STEP 1
Once you have filled in the programme form, we will verify everything and confirm your place.
STEP 2
The registration fee must be paid within 7 days, then your place will be guaranteed and you will be part of the family.
STEP 3
We send you the volunteer guide, compulsory insurances and the international volunteer agreement.
Costa Rica, a country with great biodiversity in flora and fauna. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with well known provinces and unique characteristics such as:
- Limón
- Puntarenas
- Guanacaste
- And its capital, San José.
It offers a wide variety of activities such as:
- Tours to natural parks
- Climbing volcanoes
- Sea turtle sightings
- And many experiences surrounded by nature.
Due to its very welcoming and friendly people, it is considered one of the happiest countries in Latin America.
CLIMATE
- The summer season (dry season): Between December and April is where you find the sunniest days with temperatures that reach 31º C (87.8º F).
- Winter season (wet season): It occurs between May and November, where it usually rains more, with temperatures that can vary from 18ºC – 26ºC (64ºF – 78ºF).
CURRENCY
The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colón. Convert it.
Example of costs in Costa Rica: 585 colones = 1€ (April 2023).
- A 1500 colones cappuccino coffee (2,37€).
- A menu of the day, in economic places 4500 colones (7,12€).
- A bottle of water 760 colones (1,20€).
- Bus transport 420 colones (€0.66). This may vary depending on the route.
You can also use dollars, they tend to accept it in more touristic places. Its value depends on the current exchange rate. If you do not have dollars in your country of origin you can change before coming to your bank or withdraw money by credit card in Costa Rica.
Tip: Try not to bring 50 or 100 dollar bills, you run the risk that in some places you will not be accepted.
FLIGHT
For your volunteer work in Costa Rica, the flight must have as its final destination the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where you will be picked up and transferred by the taxi driver to the project or accommodation depending on the chosen program.
- You can find flights from 600€ and 800€ approximately (round trip).
- You can find good flight offers on google flights or skyscaner.
TOURIST SITES
CELESTIAL RIVER
Located in the Guatuso district of Alajuela, within the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Its main attraction is its blue waters, as the name suggests.
It is a recommended tour, not only for the color of the water, but for its natural environment and the feeling of total relaxation.
You must take into account the schedules of income (which are usually from 8am to 2pm) at a price of approximately €15.
THE FORTUNE
In a very quiet and easily accessible part of a small town in Costa Rica, it connects with the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Forest.
It is considered one of the most visited places in Costa Rica. The town has many activities and attractions that you can enjoy in your free time as a volunteer.
Some of these activities are:
- Visit and swim in the La Fortuna Waterfall
- Rafting
- Walking
- Kayak or Canoeing
- Exploring the Canopy
- Visits to the hot springs
- Suspension bridges
ARENAL NATIONAL PARK
Home to two very attractive volcanoes in Costa Rica. Although one is better known, as it bears the name of the park, Cerro Chato. It is also very picturesque and the view of the landscape is incredibly unique.
Within the Arenal National Park area, you can also enjoy other attractions such as:
- Lake Arenal
- Hiking
- Suspension bridges
- Going to the waterfalls
- Visiting the spa
PORT OLD
If you like water sports like surfing, be sure to go to black beach. As its name indicates, the sand has a dark color. It is close to another beautiful beach which is “Cahuita”. Nearby you can find hotels, restaurants and inexpensive places to spend the day. You can also:
- Kayak
- Dive
- Snorkel
There is a road next to the beach, where buses pass by on a regular schedule. Bus routes also pass through places like: Bri Bri, Manzanillo, which take you to Punta Uva beach. This same route also goes to the Panamanian border through Sixaola.
Another alternative to get around these beaches is by bicycle, as many locals offer the service. The cost can be between 6 to 10 dollars per day.
TORTUGUERO
Located 80 kilometers north of Limón, with beautiful rivers and forests, you also have the chance to witness one of the most beautiful acts of nature as is the nesting of sea turtles.
You can also appreciate the great diversity of birds such as:
- Parrots
- Toucans
- Falcons
- Other
Do I need to have travel insurance for volunteering?
Yes, all volunteers who volunteer with Adventure Volunteer are required to have travel (medical) insurance.
What vaccinations are required for travel to Costa Rica?
Currently in Costa Rica it is not compulsory to have any vaccinations, except if you have been to a country on the risk list.
You will have to fill in a QR health form and have an insurance that covers hospitals 50,000$ and accommodation in case of Covid 2000$. They do not ask for PCR or Antigens.
We recommend all our volunteers to check with the Costa Rican Embassy in their country and then with their doctor before travelling. However the vaccinations that are always recommended are: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid.
Where can I exchange money in Costa Rica?
You can change money at the airport by showing your passport. You can also change money by credit card at ATMs. Make sure that the money you bring in dollars is not 50 or 100 dollar notes, as many places don’t like to receive them.
Will I have free time during my volunteering in Costa Rica?
Depending on the volunteer program you choose, you may have afternoons or weekends to get to know the country.
Volunteers usually take the weekends to go on excursions and get to know Costa Rica a little better. The local coordinator will provide you with information about places to visit and reference prices. Also in the volunteer guide that we send you, you will find information about places that may be of interest to you.
How many hours should I devote to volunteer work?
Volunteers generally work 4 to 6 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
The schedule will depend on the program chosen. Volunteering should also be flexible and comprehensive, as hours and work may vary from program to program.
