Go to Costa Rica for a trip with a positive environmental impact. Get involved as an ecovolunteer in a national park. All the volunteer programs in Costa Rica here.
In a national park at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula
Volunteer in a national park in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a country that impresses visitors with its astonishing biodiversity and exotic wildlife. Numerous national parks and private reserves have been created to protect nature and wildlife. This ecovolunteering 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 known as one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The reserve protects a semi-dry tropical forest and is home to a wide variety of animals including white-tailed deer, pacas, armadillos, anteaters, howler and capuchin monkeys, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons and coatis. There are also wild cats such as ocelots, jaguarundis and margay cats, but it's almost impossible to see 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 conchs found in the park's waters.
The volunteer's role in the national park
Your tasks are determined on site and discussed with you. Ecovolunteers generally work outdoors in the park. The main aim of this ecovolunteer program is to involve volunteers in the conservation and protection of natural resources, by carrying out maintenance work, ecotourism, monitoring, environmental education, labeling, etc., to ensure the sustainability of the park for future generations.
Approximately 6 hours of work per day expected
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 nature and rich culture, visit Montezuma or Santa Teresa, go surfing or simply relax with a book.
Tasks may include
- Cleaning and maintenance of hiking trails
- Beach clean-up
- Park maintenance
- Environmental protection projects
- Animal population monitoring
- Administrative work in the parks office
- Projects with local communities
- Environmental education
Please note: the tasks assigned to you may vary. They depend on various factors such as the number of volunteers, the weather, the season, the project's current needs and personal motivation. Not all ecovolunteers can be fully involved in all these tasks.
Dates
- Minimum 2 weeks, all year round
Fees
- Application fee: €150
- Program cost: €825 (for a minimum 2-week stay)
- Additional week: €280
Included in price
- Shared room in the volunteer house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Pick-up at San José airport with 2 overnight stays in San José
- Transfer from accommodation in San José to bus terminal for journey to project site (*bus ticket not included)
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents for your volunteering trip to Costa Rica
- English-speaking support in the country
- Manual about Costa Rica
- Intercultural guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Not included in price
- Airline tickets and travel insurance
Accomodation
Volunteers live in shared rooms in the volunteer house, located in a beautiful beachfront setting, surrounded by lush rainforest 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 pick-up system. An observation hut is available for volunteers to relax in. The volunteer house has electricity, drinking water, WIFI internet access and a good signal for cell phones.
The program includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local cooks prepare local dishes, and there are also vegetarian and vegan options.
Location
The park is located at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a fascinating region of Costa Rica. The distance to the capital, San José, is around 300 km, but due to road conditions, it's at least a 5-hour drive. In any case, the long drive is well worth it!
Weekends are free for ecovolunteers to enjoy the beaches, explore Costa Rica's breathtaking nature and rich culture, visit Montezuma or Santa Teresa, go surfing or simply relax with a book. You'll have plenty of opportunities to walk and hike in the park to observe the flora and fauna - species of monkeys, exotic birds...
Beaches, restaurants and activities
Not only is the park a true paradise, but the surrounding beaches are also exceptionally beautiful. Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are just some of the nearby beaches. These three beaches attract tourists from all over the world, who come to surf or relax. In Montezuma and Santa Teresa, you'll find restaurants, bars and tour operators offering a wide range of outdoor activities.
Partner agency
Le partenaire is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German living in Chile. Marion specializes in organizing solidarity and participatory trips, ecovolunteer programs, language stays and educational programs throughout Latin America. This agency offers missions in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador... Whether you're a student, professional or retired, its trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a different way from that of a simple tourist. All stays with South America Inside