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Take part in an active ecotourism trip to Costa Rica. The project takes place at a wildlife rescue centre in the heart of the ‘Pura Vida’ country. The centre takes in injured animals, abandoned babies and animals that have been confiscated. See all projects in Costa Rica here
A sanctuary that takes in injured wild animals
The mission takes place at a wildlife rescue centre in Costa Rica. The centre takes in injured animals, abandoned babies and animals that have been confiscated. Here, the animals are safe and can recover from their trauma and injuries. In most cases, the animals cannot be released back into their natural habitat. Indeed, releasing them into the wild is a very risky operation as they could be injured again. Most of the sick or orphaned animals treated in the centre’s infirmary are direct or indirect victims of human activities.
Monkeys, sloths, possums
As well as the infirmary, the sanctuary has areas set aside for exotic birds, sloths and monkeys, as well as a large house for volunteers. The wildlife sanctuary is surrounded by tropical forest vegetation so that the animals can live in a natural environment as close as possible to their natural habitat. The animal population at the rescue centre includes, amongst others, monkeys, sloths, anteaters, possums, birds and many more – in fact, anything that needs help! (Please note: the animal population is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed).
The role of volunteers at the sanctuary
The main role of eco-volunteers is to look after the animals at the centre: preparing food, feeding the animals, cleaning and enriching the enclosures, repairing and extending the enclosures, and caring for sick or baby animals. Volunteers also help maintain the paths leading to the enclosures. The animals, particularly the monkeys, love to play. One of the volunteers’ favourite tasks is designing and making toys for the animals. This helps the animals to overcome their traumatic experiences and reminds the volunteers just how important the work of an animal sanctuary is in protecting wildlife.
You are expected to work 6 hours a day
Eco-volunteers work for around 6 hours a day, from Monday to Friday. The most enthusiastic volunteers are encouraged to help out on Saturday mornings to feed the animals. After all, the animals don’t have weekends. As the sanctuary is open to visitors, volunteers may also be asked to act as guides, informing visitors about the centre’s work and the dangers the animals face in their natural habitat. It is worth noting that admission fees and donations are a significant source of income for funding the work currently underway.
Please note: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, the time of year, the season, the project’s current needs, and personal motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all of these tasks.
Dates
- Minimum 2 weeks, all year round
Prices
- Application fee: €150
- Cost of the programme: €965 (for a minimum stay of 2 weeks)
- Extra week: €330
Included in the price
- Shared room in the volunteers’ house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Meet and greet at San José Airport, followed by a one-night stay 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
- Volunteering placement in Costa Rica
- English-speaking support within the country
- Costa Rica Handbook
- Intercultural Guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of attendance
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets and insurance
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in shared rooms in the volunteers’ house, set in beautiful natural surroundings. Each room is equipped with bunk beds. There are showers and toilets with running water. The house has a spacious terrace which serves as a dining area and a meeting place for volunteers.
The programme includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local cooks prepare delicious meals, mainly local dishes, and there are also vegetarian and vegan options. The volunteer house has electricity, running water, Wi-Fi and good mobile phone reception. The washing machine can be used for an additional fee.
Location
The animal rescue centre is situated in central Costa Rica, in the Alajuela region. San José, the country’s capital, is just an hour’s drive away. This region is characterised by rivers, tropical forests, vast grasslands, hills and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Thanks to this central location, volunteers can spend their days travelling and exploring the beautiful surrounding area. Trips to Costa Rica’s idyllic beaches are also possible, as the Pacific coast is not far away.
- Leisure and activities incur additional costs
Tous les avis sur les missions South America Inside
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.
