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Head to Costa Rica for a trip that makes a positive environmental impact. Sign up as an eco-volunteer in a national park. See all the volunteering programmes in Costa Rica here.
In a national park at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula
Volunteering in a national park in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a country that impresses its visitors with its astonishing biodiversity and exotic wildlife. Numerous national parks and private reserves have been established to protect nature and wildlife. This eco-volunteering trip takes place in a national park (nature reserve) at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful nature reserves
This nature reserve is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The reserve protects a semi-dry tropical forest and serves as a refuge for a wide variety of animals, such as white-tailed deer, pacas, armadillos, anteaters, howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons and coatis. There are also wild cats such as ocelots, jaguarundis and margays, but it is almost impossible to spot them in the wild. The greatest wealth of wildlife lies in the abundance of seabirds and marine mammals, including orcas.
The reserve is home to various species of fish, crabs and molluscs found in the reserve’s coastal waters. The park is also home to a population of brown boobies and pelicans found on the island, as well as a population of conch found in the park’s waters.
The role of volunteers in the national park
Your tasks will be decided on site and discussed with you. Eco-volunteers generally work outdoors in the park. The main aim of this eco-volunteering programme is to involve volunteers in the conservation and protection of natural resources, through work such as maintenance, ecotourism, monitoring, environmental education, labelling, etc., to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability for future generations.
Expected to work around 6 hours a day
Working hours are around 6 hours a day (depending on the number of volunteers and the park’s current needs). Weekends are free so that volunteers can enjoy the beaches, explore Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural surroundings and rich culture, visit Montezuma or Santa Teresa, go surfing or simply relax with a book.
The tasks may include the following
- Cleaning and maintenance of footpaths
- Beach clean-ups
- Park maintenance
- Environmental protection projects
- Monitoring of the animal population
- Administrative work at the Parks Office
- Projects with local communities
- Environmental education
Please note: the tasks you will be assigned may vary. They depend on various factors, such as the number of volunteers, the time of year, the season, the project’s current needs, and your personal motivation. Not all eco-volunteers can be fully involved in all these tasks.
Dates
- Minimum 2 weeks, all year round
Prices
- Application fee: €150
- Cost of the programme: €920 (for a minimum stay of 2 weeks)
- Extra week: €285
Included in the price
- Shared room in the volunteers’ house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Meet and greet at San José Airport, followed by 2 nights’ accommodation in San José
- Transfer from your accommodation in San José to the bus station for the journey to the project site (*bus ticket not included)
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents for the eco-volunteering trip to Costa Rica
- English-speaking support within the country
- A guide to Costa Rica
- Intercultural Guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of attendance
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets and travel insurance
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in shared rooms in the volunteers’ house, situated in a beautiful setting right by the beach, surrounded by lush tropical forest and beaches. Each room is equipped with bunk beds. There are showers and toilets with running water. The library has books in several languages and there is a book-lending scheme. An observation hut is available for volunteers to relax in. The volunteer house has electricity, drinking water, Wi-Fi and good mobile phone reception.
The programme includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local chefs prepare local dishes, and there are also vegetarian and vegan options.
Location
The park is situated at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a fascinating region of Costa Rica. The distance to San José, the capital, is around 300 km, but due to the condition of the roads, the journey takes at least 5 hours. In any case, the long journey is well worth it!
Weekends are free so that eco-volunteers can enjoy the beaches, explore Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural scenery and rich culture, visit Montezuma or Santa Teresa, go surfing or simply relax with a book. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for walks and hikes in the park to observe the flora and fauna, including monkeys and exotic birds…
Beaches, restaurants and activities
Not only is the park a true paradise, but the neighbouring beaches are also exceptionally beautiful. Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are just a few of the nearby beaches. These three beaches attract tourists from all over the world, who come here to surf or simply relax. In Montezuma and Santa Teresa, you’ll find restaurants, bars and tour operators offering various types of outdoor activities.
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The partner agency
The partner is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German national living in Chile. Marion specialises in organising solidarity-based and participatory trips, eco-volunteering placements, as well as language courses and educational programmes throughout Latin America. This agency offers placements in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador and more. Whether you are a student, a professional or a retiree, these trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a way that goes beyond simply being a tourist.
