Volunteering Solutions offers 6 amazing & affordable volunteering programs in Costa Rica, located in and around the capital city, San Jose. Costa Rica attracts more than a million tourists every year with its beautiful beaches, wildlife, forests and mainly for Eco-tourism. VolSol has volunteer work opportunities at the Wildlife and Rescue Center for animals, as well as the Childcare Centers. You can also opt for the Teaching English Program or join the Turtle Conservation Project available around the Pacific or Caribbean beaches. Most of our volunteers in this location are high school students and college graduates, followed by gap year travelers, young adults, backpackers and families. We also have a specially curated 2 Weeks Voluntour Project, which combines the best of travel & volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, apt for those who have a time crunch.
Would you wanna experience the goodness of living in this country & gain some new skills?
Apply Now- Start Dates : All Year Round
- Duration : 1-24 Weeks
- Program Locations : Caribbean Coast, Puerto Viejo, Puntarenas Province, Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara De Heredia & Various
- Minimum Age : 17 years+
- Certificate - Offered after Program completion
Costa Rica - Quick Facts
Program: Childcare
I loved my project and it was definitely worth it! I'm really missing it now and I don't think it could have been better. I think one of the best moments was in my first project where we played pantomime to teach the children the animals in English.The overall living experience was excellent. It was very comfortable and homely stay with all the facilities I could have asked for. The in-country staff was very friendly and supportive. They made the program easier and smooth. I would recommend VolSol to anyone I know is willing to volunteer abroad mostly because of the variety of programs
Projects available in Costa Rica
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Volunteering Solutions provides a thrilling opportunity to do a 2-week volunteer trip along with weekend excursions for the volunteers with a...
Volunteer in the Teaching English Program to teach English to primary and middle school students in schools, assist the local teachers to improve...
In Childcare Volunteer Program in Costa Rica, work in local childcare centers, community centers, take care of children, make meals for them,...
Join the exciting Sea Turtle and Sloth Conservation Volunteer Program in Costa Rica and work to help conserve their habitat and their receding...
Volunteer work with rescued, mistreated and injured animals on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline, where reggae music fills the air and surfers line...
Volunteer at a Turtle Rescue project located at a beautiful isolated beach on Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica is undoubtedly a beach lovers paradise and when you are there in the country, you'll surely spend most of your time by the beaches. Try out several water sports, go for the sunset cruise, and savor the taste of the cuisine at the beachside shacks while exploring on the weekends. The country has a huge span of forested area and you can take tours of the Tortuguero National Park, The Corcovado National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park. If you are an adventure junkie, then you'll get ample options here - including zip-lining through forests and cave explorations. There is so much to do in Costa Rica, that your weekends might not just be enough! Make your checklist and we'll help you in ticking them off!
Doka Coffee Plantation La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Deep thrills for Coffee Lovers! Visit the Doka Coffee Estate first because it is an authentic Costa Rican coffee plantation and a Costa Rican trademark. Over here, you will get to enjoy creating some of the world’s best coffee from start to finish and then even sample it! After this, you can continue to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The best way to enjoy these waterfalls is to listen for hummingbirds butterflies, and marvel at the rainforest, orchids, and the tropical flowers!
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation
Can’t get enough of Coffee? This plantation has the hard bean Costa Rican coffee spread over 30 acres. Here you will learn how organic coffee is really grown, harvested, dried, and finally processed. If you visit here in the harvest season – from October to January – then you can even participate in picking the coffee! You will go through the steps of coffee preparation and also learn how experts test and rate coffee.
Highlands Tour to Barva and Heredia
The mask makers of Barva are famous for still creating their art for various community festivals and making giant puppets that can dance in the streets. In Heredia, visit the colonial-styled Spanish landmarks including the El Fortin, the Guard Tower, the main cathedral, and the Casa de la Cultura. And if you want to see a recreation of Spanish colonial Costa Rica, then visit the Museo de Cultura Popular on your way back.
Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley, Lankester Gardens 
From starting your tour from the Panamerican Highway, as you wind upward, you’ll be able to get a view of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Explore the Virgin of the Angels Basilica before heading to the Lankester Gardens upon your descent. In the Lankester Gardens, you’ll see 800 different species of orchids, bromeliads, and hundreds of other plants. Then, continue to Orosi Valley to visit a colonial church before lunch.
If you have anything else in your bucket list or planning to go explore any of the above-mentioned places, you can simply get in touch with our Travel Experts, who can guide you better in planning your weekend tours. Drop us a mail at [email protected] mentioning your choice of weekend adventures, and we shall cater your needs.
Volunteer in Costa Rica - Faq's
FAQ's - Costa Rica
FAQ's Application and Program Details
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?
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.
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.
Flights and Visa
US Airways
Delta
For those flying in from Europe, direct flights are available, and the recommended airlines are:
Condor
Iberia
Health and Safety
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.
Connect with Past Volunteers
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit ?the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Accommodation and Living
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.
The local coordinators will be happy to help you with more information.
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