Volunteer Costa Rica Program Locations
Tilaran
Tilaran is about 2 miles away from the largest inland body of water in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal. Tilaran attracts many tourists, due to its laid back attitude, and perfect temperature for walking around town. The city is also known for the hiking trail, where sometimes you can catch a glimpse of Volcano Arenal.
Various National Parks
These projects are located in various National Parks in Costa Rica.
Pacific and Caribbean Coasts
The Sea Turtle Conservation Projects are located on the Caribbean & Pacific Coasts of Costa Rica.
CahuitaCahuita is located on the South Eastern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica in the canton of Talamanca. Located in the Limon province, Cahuita is of vital importance to the national economy and ecology. The area contains a variety of the country's most important and diverse tropical forest ecosystems. Cahuita is the only location in Costa Rica where there is healthy coral reef. The climate is hot, humid, and rainy, and the vibe is laid-back with an unhurried feel to it.
GandocaGandoca is located in the South Eastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limon Province. The climate is humid and tropical with periods of heavy rain. This tranquil habitat is the nesting area for several species of turtles, manatees, crocodiles, caimans, tarpons and dolphins. Gandoca is full of a diverse ecosystem concentrated with: a mangrove swamp, coral reef, tropical rainforest, and beautiful beaches.
TortugueroThis Turtle Conservation Project is located on the Northern Caribbean beachside of Costa Rica, 1 km north of the mouth of the Pacuare River. The area is not only unique in every way, but is also famous as being the site where the four largest species of Marine turtles (Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and the Green Turtle) come to lay their eggs. The project site has incredible biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. You will see monkeys, fish, crocodiles, 145 species of birds, iguanas, turtles and our own dogs for sure. You may also see dolphins, sloths, foxes and wild cats.
MatapaloThe Sea Turtle Conservation Project of Playa Matapalo is situated in the district of Quepos, in the Province of Punta Arenas. Matapalo has a slow pace and a beautiful, long sandy beach, perfect for swimming and watching sunsets. Because of the town's small human population, there are still many types of wildlife right in the center of town; sloth, iguanas, monkeys, toucans and even some of the regions small, wild cats can still be regularly seen in the town. The project site is located 3KM from the town of Matapalo.
Buena VistaThe Sea Turtle Conservation Project of Playa Buena Vista is situated in the northeastern Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste. It is located about 4.5 kilometers north from the town of Samara. Playa Buena Vista is a black sand beach approximately 2.8 kilometers long. At one end is the river Buena Vista (with crocodiles) and the other end is covered by cliffs. There are no other buildings on the beach apart from the conservation project camp site. Playa Buena Vista has a steep angle giving it strong currents and making it ideal for surfing but not too safe for swimming.
OstionalOstional National Wildlife Refuge is located in Guanacaste in the Nicoya Peninsula. The refuge is one of the world's most important sea turtle hatcheries and is a protected area. The natural beauty of the Pacific Coast provides an amazing backdrop for the wildlife found in the area such as: birds, iguanas, lizards, parrots, frogs, turtles, and monkeys.
OsaThe Osa peninsula is located in the southern pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Puntarenas Province. The Osa peninsula is very humid. The area is considered one of the last truly wild places in the Americas. There area is full of tropical wildlife such as: four species of monkeys (howler, white-faced capuchin, spider and squirrel), macaws, raccoons, agoutis, three-toed sloths, boa constrictors, blue morph butterflies, anteaters, ghost crabs, toucans, coatis, hawks, iguanas, frogs, etc.
Talamanca
The farm is located in the Talamanca Mountains in the Limon province, on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Situated 5km from the town of Bribri, the farm is set in a secluded area amongst 10 to 15 other farms. The indigenous reserve that is homeland to the Bri Bri indigenous tribe is about 12km away and the town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is 10KM away.
San Ramon
San Ramón is one of the larger Central Valley coffee towns and set in a scenic basin enclosed by rolling mountains. It is a very unique and close knit town. National Geographic Magazine referred to San Ramon as having "the best climate in the world." Located in the Alajuela province, San Ramón is about an hour away from the capital city of San José and Pacific coast beaches. Just south of Costa Rica's cloud forest belt and east of Lake Arenal, San Ramón is the ideal location for travel around Costa Rica. Apart from its weather and central location, the people of San Ramón shine as the friendliest people you will meet in Costa Rica. The proud people of San Ramón are genuinely welcoming to all travellers and are eager to make everyone feel welcome. The University of Costa Rica campus in the town ensures that Sam Ramón has vibrant night life.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and is a very sophisticated city filled with many attractions in and around the city. It is also very close to beaches, national parks, and volcanoes. They have a variety of shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars. In the center, you will find the only outdoor market in Costa Rica. Here you can find unique souvenir items such as hammocks and jewelry at a very inexpensive price. It is home to many universities which make for a very crazy nightlife scene.
Samara
Samara is a small beach town located in Costa Rica's North-Eastern Pacific Coast, in the Guanacaste province. Because of its laid-back culture, the town is a popular destination for Costa Ricans on holiday. Apart from vacation periods such as Christmas, Easter, public holidays etc., the town is somewhat quiet. However, because of the Spanish language school, there are always a number of foreign students in the area giving Samará the feel of a small university town.
Monteverde
Monteverde is in the Tilarán Mountains of Costa Rica. It also neighbors the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children's International Rainforest. Many people find Monteverde a dynamic and interesting place in which to live and work. The diverse cultural mixture, conservation efforts and ongoing biological research provide a stimulating environment.
Caletas-Ario
Caletas-Arío is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area and is located in the South Pacific Coast, in the Nicoya Peninsula. It is surrounded by the River Bongo, a mangrove swamp, and an abundance of wildlife, not to mention the beautiful beaches and ocean.
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