Our National Parks project is a wonderful opportunity to work within some of the most beautiful National Parks in Costa Rica. You have the chance of working in endangered habitats while learning about tropical conservation. Because ecotourism has skyrocketed in Costa Rica over the past few years, the locals work hard to keep these parks and their natural resources beautiful. With your help in this project you are enabling these Parks to preserve their natural beauty.
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Where will I be volunteering?
You can choose from 11 different National Parks:
- Carara National Park
- Corcovado National Park
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Piedras Blancas National Park
- Tortuguero National Park
- Volcán Arenal National Park
- Volcán Tenorio National Park
- Barra Honda National Park
- Palo Verde National Park
- Cabo Blanco National Park
- Marino Ballena National Park
Project Testimonial: Anne Ashford, USA
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What will I be doing?
Your role as a volunteer in this project is to protect endangered environments within Costa Rica that are rich with diversity. This objective will be carried out through projects such as trail construction and maintenance, bridge construction, cleaning and maintenance of facilities, pick up of beaches, support in research projects, collaboration with the environmental education program, attention of tourists and helping in the kitchen.
What is required to volunteer on this project?
- Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
If you are interested in learning more Spanish, we offer Spanish Language Courses that can be taken prior to project placement.
- Must be 18 years or older.
What will my schedule be like?
Please keep in mind that the schedule may change depending on the work load you choose and the needs of the project. The daily schedule usually runs six days a week 8:00am – 3:00pm. You can also combine this project with the turtle conservation projects based on the Pacific Coast.
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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?
All locations are within approximately 1 hour away from internet cafes and 30 minutes from a public phone. Depending on your location, some places may have internet and public phones just around the corner.
What can I do in my free time?
Every volunteer has one day off per week, which is negotiable with the park’s management. During your free time you are allowed to enjoy the amenities of the park as well as leave the property to tour surrounding areas. Please keep in mind that some parks are located in very secluded areas making it near impossible to leave the premises during your free time.
- Program Name: Volunteer Costa Rica
- Project Name: Volunteer in the National Parks and Reserves of Costa Rica
- Project Category: Conservation
- Project Location: Various National Parks
- Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $850; add $140 for each additional week
- Program fees include:
- Airport Pickup Service
- Welcome Orientation and debriefing
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- In-country coordination support
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa costs, personal expenses, and any other expense not listed above
- Project Transport Arrangements: Public bus, taxi or sometimes within walking distance
- Suggested transportation budget: 10$ per week (does not including weekend travel expense)
- Working Schedule: Monday through Saturday; 6 to 8 hours per day
- Project Closed Dates:
- Open year round Plus local national holidays as shown in your Volunteer Handbook
- Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
- Accommodation Type: Home Stay
- Meals: 3 Meals Daily
- Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
- Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
- Minimum age: 18
- Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
- Maximum project length: 26 Weeks
- Maximum number of volunteers: 15
- Resume or CV required: No
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