Sebastian’s unforgettable encounter in Costa Rica

“One moment I think back on very fondly is my jump into the waterfall. Not only was the cool water great, but especially the thrill associated with it. In addition, there was the untouched nature and the sounds of the jungle, which made this day unique.”

Sebastian traveled to Costa Rica with WanderWorld. There he supported the Wildlife Rescue Center in Cabuya for one month. Read this report to find out more about what he experienced during his time there and what impressions he was able to take home with him.

I was slightly overwhelmed and it took me a few days to arrive with all my senses. Costa Rica is a wonderful country. Of my three-month trip, I spent the first two weeks traveling with my parents and sister. We had booked a vacation home right on the Caribbean Sea. The sound of waves, tropical warmth, sloths and the sound of howler monkeys characterized the days. After they left, I had already gotten to know the country a bit and wasn’t quite as excited.

I was slightly overwhelmed and it took me a few days to arrive with all my senses. Costa Rica is a wonderful country. Of my three-month trip, I spent the first two weeks traveling with my parents and sister. We had booked a vacation home right on the Caribbean Sea. The sound of waves, tropical warmth, sloths and the sound of howler monkeys characterized the days. After they left, I had already gotten to know the country a bit and wasn’t quite as excited.

Among other things, the Wildlife Rescue Center cares for monkeys and parrots that are injured or have lost their parents. Volunteers are divided into shifts and tasks. They work 6 days a week, with one day off. The work with the monkeys consisted mainly of food preparation, feeding, cleaning/repairing the enclosures or other tasks that may arise all around. So you had your basic routine that you followed, but you could still learn something new every day. Three times a day you took a break to rest a bit and to eat. The volunteers all ate together, the meals brought to the project by very nice women from the adjacent village or it was cooked on site.

Working together every day, eating as a group and sharing accommodations quickly developed friendships with the other volunteers. Often we went for a hike to the beach or hitchhiked to the next town. With good music, campfires and a cold beer, we had many great moments together. My personal highlight was the hike to a waterfall. Here we could jump after a very adventurous hike, from over 10 meters into the depth.

One encounter that really stuck in my mind was when we met a Costa Rican man living on the beach. He has given up his old life to start over here. He described his daily life with a lot of simplicity, calmness and serenity. We spent many evenings together around the campfire and I admired this man very much. But also all other encounters with the people I have found very friendly and open-hearted.

Since I was in Costa Rica for a longer time, I can speak mainly for this country. This small country has so much to offer that you could never describe it in a few sentences. All the more I want to get to know more countries in Latin America in the future.

I had many beautiful moments, whether alone or with the other volunteers. Each of these moments was unforgettable in its own way. However, one moment that I think back on very fondly is my jump into the waterfall. Not only was the cool water great, but especially the thrill that came with it. In addition, the untouched nature and the sounds of the jungle made this day unique.

The beach has always fascinated me anew. There’s just something special about living so close to the beach for a period of time. Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts were breathtaking.

My tip is not to plan the trips and free time too detailed in advance, because often things turn out differently than expected and other opportunities arise. The spontaneous experiences were often my favorite. In addition, I can only advise not to pack too much when packing, because large luggage can be a hindrance in the long run. A small, additional backpack is always recommended.

The stay in Costa Rica has marked me with serenity, openness, contentment and with gratitude. I will not explain to you what “PURA VIDA” means, but it is worth finding out for yourself.