Overview
Como voluntario del Programa de Conservación de Tortugas y Perezosos en Costa Rica, trabajarás junto con el personal local que ya está comprometido a salvar las vidas de estos animales. En los últimos años, ha habido una disminución masiva en el número de tortugas y ahora están en la lista de especies en peligro de extinción. Si no actuamos ahora, podríamos perder a estos animales para siempre.
Este increíble proyecto está ubicado a una distancia de aproximadamente 30 minutos al sur de la pequeña ciudad de Quepos, en la costa central del Pacífico de Costa Rica, aproximadamente a 1 hora al sur de Playa Hermosa y Playa Jaco y a 2 horas y media de San José. Esta playa, que ofrece una extensión relativamente remota y en gran parte libre de ruido y luz, es un lugar de anidación popular para miles de tortugas marinas cada año. Las especies más comunes incluyen la tortuga golfina, la tortuga verde del Pacífico, la tortuga laúd y la tortuga carey.
Los voluntarios protegerán y cuidarán los huevos de tortuga que se ponen en la playa durante la temporada de anidación, que va de agosto a febrero. Además, los voluntarios apoyarán el trabajo de investigación y conservación, que incluye contar tortugas, medir nidos, recopilar información científica y realizar patrullas nocturnas en la playa. También ayudarán a proteger los nidos de tortugas de los cazadores furtivos, ayudarán en los programas de recolección de huevos y ayudarán en los criaderos. ¡Los voluntarios también tendrán la fantástica oportunidad de participar en la posterior liberación de las crías al mar!
Además, los voluntarios también podrán monitorear las poblaciones locales de perezosos para proteger y conservar esta especie. No hace falta decir que será una oportunidad increíble para adquirir experiencia única en proyectos de conservación, aprender más sobre la gente y la cultura costarricenses y viajar a lugares hermosos.
Horario de trabajo voluntario
Horario de trabajo voluntario
Los voluntarios deberán tomar un vuelo a San José, desde donde serán trasladados a un alojamiento con una familia anfitriona en Santa Bárbara de Heredia, a 40 minutos al norte de San José. (La llegada es el sábado)
El domingo, el equipo local organizará su recogida en la casa de la familia anfitriona y su traslado al lugar del proyecto en autobús público. Un representante del equipo local del proyecto lo recibirá a su llegada a la estación de autobuses y lo acompañará al alojamiento para que se instale.
Lunes: Lo llevarán al sitio de su proyecto y lo presentarán al líder del proyecto, quien le brindará información específica sobre su función.
Los voluntarios deben ser flexibles para trabajar en este programa, ya que los horarios dependen en gran medida de la temporada y de las actividades de cría que se realicen. Sin embargo, un día normal sería algo así:
4:30 am - Patrulla de playa
Esta es una actividad que se realiza durante todo el año, incluso en temporada baja (de marzo a julio). Los voluntarios deben realizar una patrulla matutina por la playa para monitorear y proteger las zonas de reproducción de las tortugas.
8:00 am - Desayuno en el alojamiento
Los voluntarios suelen estar libres después del desayuno y pueden aprovechar este tiempo para leer, explorar la zona, nadar o relajarse en la playa.
13:00 horas – Almuerzo en el alojamiento
Tareas de voluntariado por la tarde Después del almuerzo, a los voluntarios se les asignarán diversas tareas que, en su mayoría, varían según la temporada. Por lo general, los voluntarios pueden esperar trabajar de 2 a 3 horas cada tarde de un día laborable completando tareas para monitorear, preservar y cuidar a las tortugas marinas y la vida silvestre (como perezosos, loros, guacamayos, caimanes y más) en el área local.
Tardes/Noches Tiempo libre/Patrullas nocturnas
Durante el período de anidación (de agosto a febrero) los voluntarios participarán en patrullas nocturnas en la playa para proteger a las tortugas, recolectar huevos y, en general, monitorear las zonas de reproducción.
Rol y responsabilidades del voluntario
Rol y responsabilidades del voluntario
Como voluntario del programa de conservación en Costa Rica, tus principales tareas serían:
Limpieza de playas, patrullaje nocturno, monitoreo de huevos de tortuga.
Preparación y mantenimiento de los criaderos de tortugas
Ayudar al personal local y trabajar en proyectos para mejorar el entorno de los nidos y hacer más seguro el viaje de las crías al Océano Pacífico.
Actividades de reforestación y mantenimiento del hábitat natural de los perezosos
Educar a la población local sobre el tráfico de tortugas y sus consecuencias.
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
Los voluntarios deben tener 18 años o más al momento de unirse al proyecto. Necesitas tener una mente abierta y una actitud flexible para trabajar en un entorno nuevo y diferente. El voluntario debe aportar energía y entusiasmo para marcar la diferencia. Los participantes deben estar en forma y saludables al momento de unirse al programa y deben estar preparados para trabajar al aire libre y ensuciarse las manos. Los participantes en el programa deben tener un gran interés y amor por el trabajo de conservación de animales. Los participantes no deben tener condenas penales y deben proporcionar un informe limpio de verificación de antecedentes penales.
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Living
Living
Al ser una organización internacional, tratamos de asegurarnos de que nuestros voluntarios reciban el tipo de comodidad y flexibilidad que buscan. En términos de recogida en el aeropuerto, estadía, viajes locales o de trabajo e incluso recorridos por la ciudad, ayudamos a nuestros voluntarios y les facilitamos todo.
Transferencia de aeropuerto
Los voluntarios son recogidos en el Aeropuerto Internacional de San José por el coordinador o representante local y trasladados al alojamiento de la familia anfitriona en Santa Bárbara de Heredia para pasar la primera noche.
Alojamiento
A su llegada a Costa Rica, se proporciona alojamiento en una familia anfitriona por una noche. En el sitio del proyecto, los participantes se hospedan en la casa de voluntarios en Matapalo, donde las habitaciones son estilo dormitorio, compartidas entre cuatro voluntarios. La casa cuenta con todas las comodidades básicas, incluidos baños de estilo occidental, electricidad, duchas de agua fría, wifi, áreas comunes y una cocina bien equipada. Se proporciona ropa de cama, por lo que los voluntarios solo necesitan traer artículos de tocador y una toalla.
Orientación
Todos los voluntarios reciben una Orientación a partir de la fecha de inicio de su proyecto.La orientación la lleva a cabo el personal local del proyecto y cubre temas como la descripción general del proyecto, las reglas y expectativas, la seguridad y la introducción a su proyecto y ubicación.
Comidas
En la familia de acogida se proporcionan dos comidas al día. Mientras esté en el proyecto, el desayuno y el almuerzo se proporcionan diariamente en el programa. La cena también se puede organizar con el sitio del proyecto por una pequeña tarifa o los voluntarios pueden disfrutar de una cena en el área local junto con otros participantes.
Durante tu tiempo libre
Los voluntarios pueden visitar y ver lugares durante su tiempo libre o los fines de semana. El país ofrece una belleza natural incomparable, volcanes activos, selvas tropicales y una amplia gama de parques nacionales y ecoturismo. Además, Costa Rica tiene más de 1,000 millas de hermosas playas de arena blanca y negra.
Dates
Dates
November
18
December
02
January
12
26
February
02
16
March
02
16
30
April
06
20
May
04
18
June
01
15
July
06
20
August
03
17
September
07
21
October
05
19
November
02
16
December
07
21
Available
Filling Fast
Booked Out
Costs
Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
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---|---|---|
2 Weeks | $945 | |
3 Weeks | $1315 | |
4 Weeks | $1650 | |
5 Weeks | $2040 | |
6 Weeks | $2410 | |
7 Weeks | $2790 | |
8 Weeks | $3180 | |
Extra Week | $395 |
Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
¿Qué estás pagando?
- Asistencia y soporte las 24 horas del personal de VS
- Información completa previa a la salida
- Recogida en el Aeropuerto Internacional de San José y traslado al alojamiento.
- Traslado en autobús a Playa Matapolo y recogida en la estación de autobuses.
- Orientación a la llegada al Proyecto
- Alojamiento estilo dormitorio en el proyecto.
- Comidas
¿Qué NO está incluido?
- Pasaje aéreo
- Visa
- vacunas
- Viajes y excursiones de fin de semana
- Cualquier gasto personal
- Seguro de viaje (disponible a un costo nominal)
- Estancia posterior al proyecto en San José
- Viaje de regreso a San José
FAQ's
Application and Program Details
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Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Costa Rica volunteer programs?
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Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Costa Rica volunteer projects:
Volunteers must be 17 years or older for Teaching, Childcare, and Spanish Immersion at the beginning of the program. For all other programs, you need to be 18 years or older.
Volunteers joining the medical volunteer project must be either Pre-Medical, Medical or Nursing student or possess other qualifications related to medical and nursing field. Medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are also welcome to join the program.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health.
Knowledge of Spanish (basic to intermediate) is necessary for all the programs. -
When do I need to arrive in Costa Rica for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Costa Rica?
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All volunteers have to arrive one day before their program start date. You can view your arrival dates here. Volunteers are picked up from the Juan Santamaria Airport by the local coordinator or representative and taken to the respective host family accommodations. On the next day, i.e. Monday, there will be an orientation session which will cover the program highlights and provide you details about the city. You will get to know about the local culture, marketplaces, ATMs, internet cafes and where to shop for your daily essentials. On Monday, volunteers would also be required to take a Spanish test to assess their Spanish knowledge.
To add to the project experience, you can also join the Spanish Immersion Week which gives you a crash course in Spanish and even tests your current Spanish skills which would help you in volunteering, and you would also get a chance to experience Costa Rican culture, learn cooking and Latino dancing before beginning the program.
Note: Host accommodation is located in suburbs of San Jose in the Heredia and Santa Barbara areas, along with your projects placements. -
Can I volunteer as part of a group?
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Yes, you are welcome to take part in Costa Rica Volunteer Programs as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Costa Rica volunteer programs.
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What are the Program locations in Costa Rica?
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The Childcare, Teaching and the Medical Healthcare projects are located near San Jose, primarily in the areas of Heredia and Santa Barbara.
The Turtle Conservation project is located in both Pacific and the Caribbean coasts.The Wildlife and Animal Rescue Center is located 4km away from Puerto Viejo and 220km from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital.
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When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Costa Rica?
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It is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. The application fee is valid for one full year and can be sent earlier than the desired period of volunteering, for timely confirmation of the seat. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you to apply for the program and hold your spot. We abide by the first come first serve policy.
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I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?
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Yes, most definitely you can, as we believe that every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
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How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
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Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your My Account and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
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Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?
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Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
Health and Safety
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How safe is Costa Rica in general?
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Costa Rica is a tourist friendly and safe destination. Volunteering Solutions is very particular about the safety of its international volunteers. We have stringent selection criteria for host family accommodation. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by the local coordinator team during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant. Apart from that, we advise volunteers to consult their in-country coordinators before embarking on a weekend trip or going on a night out.
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Do I need to buy health insurance?
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Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip. -
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
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All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Costa Rica. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Costa Rica, click">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/costa-rica">cli… here.
Accommodation and Living
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Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program?
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Depending on your project placement, you will get evenings and the weekends free to travel and explore the place. In the evenings, volunteers usually get together and go out for social gatherings, eat out or just relax at the volunteer house. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips. There’s actually so much to do in Costa Rica. Visit Nicoya Peninsula, Arenal Volcano, Corcovado National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Tabacón Hot Springs, San José, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero National Park and much more.
The local coordinators will be happy to help you with more information. -
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Costa Rica?
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Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $70-$80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you choose to go on weekend trips out of town.
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Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
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Volunteers working in Turtle Conservation Project stay in ranger house, host family or volunteer house accommodations close to the project near the beach. Dorm-style accommodation is provided where you will be sharing rooms with other volunteers (same gender basis). Upon arrival in Costa Rica, volunteers are provided lodging in a host family accommodation in Heredia or Santa Barbara. After completing the orientation and project introduction on the first days, volunteers join their respective Turtle Conservation Project in either Pacific or Caribbean Coast.
For all other projects, volunteers will be staying with host families. More details about the host families would be provided after you apply for the program. Volunteers would be provided meals 2 times a day.
Volunteers working in the animal rescue center project in Puerto Viejo are provided accommodation in a hostel in San Jose on arrival. While at the project volunteers stay at a dorm style hostel accommodation. Meals are not included but volunteers cook their own meals at a fully equipped kitchen. -
What if I have my own accommodation. Can I still volunteer for the project?
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Unfortunately, the entire volunteering experience is as much about volunteering on your project, as it is about the cross-cultural exchange and community building. A lot of that happens through the accommodation that we have set up, where one can enjoy by being with like-minded people. Additionally, for safety reasons, all volunteers must live in the allotted accommodation.
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For how many hours do I have to volunteer in a day?
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Volunteers usually work for 4 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekends off so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
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Can vegetarians be accommodated?
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Yes, however, you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.
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Where can I change my money in Costa Rica? Are there ATMs in the city?
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You can change money upon your arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport or from the bank. There is a good network of ATMs as well.
Connect with Past Volunteers
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How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Costa Rica alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?
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We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Costa Rica program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit ?the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Flights and Visa
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Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
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Participants (most nationalities) require a Tourist Visa to travel to Costa Rica. Travelers from most countries can get a 90-day permit stamped on their passport on arrival.We advise you to check with your nearest Costa Rican embassy as well.
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What are the recommended airlines to fly to Costa Rica?
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Juan Santamaría International Airport is well connected with direct flights coming in from different destinations in the US and South America. For volunteers coming from North America, following Airlines are recommended:
US Airways
Delta
For those flying in from Europe, direct flights are available, and the recommended airlines are:
Condor
Iberia