VOLUNTEERING IN COSTA RICA
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So instead of the next package tour, how about a real vacation for a change? Adventures in Costa Rica? The Latin American country offers Fantastic nature, extremely friendly inhabitants and a unique lifestyle. At the same time, you have the opportunity to do something good: With our program Volunteering we offer you the opportunity to do effective voluntary service. As a Longer stays abroad often require a lot of organization connected many people are put off from volunteering. That's why we take care of this part for you: You simply decide on your travel destination and enter the Entrusting the entire planning to us - our local project coordinators and supervisors will take care of the rest!
By the way: If you'd prefer to participate in a Work and Travel program instead of volunteering in Costa Rica, then check out our programs Work and Travel in Costa Rica .
- WanderWorld Travel Community
- Contact persons in Costa Rica and Germany
- No visa required
- Welcome Days with our local guide
- Accommodation included
- Flight booking on request
- Broadening your own horizons and changing your perspective
- Exchange of intercultural knowledge and skills
- Exchange of intercultural knowledge and skills
- Out of the European bubble
- International experience for volunteers and project
- Support a good cause
Our volunteer projects in Costa Rica
Animal welfare projects
The increasing pollution of the oceans, deforestation, growing tourism, and advancing climate change are factors necessitating the protection of nature and wildlife in Costa Rica. There are more and more incidents of wildlife injuries due to contact with civilization, and sea turtles are facing extinction. If you would like to get involved locally and are seeking a unique experience, WanderWorld Travel offers you the exceptional opportunity to take action.
More about our animal welfare projects:
Animal welfare in costa rica
For the Costa Rican government, in addition to humanitarian aid, environmental and wildlife conservation plays a central role. The population is also increasingly valuing sustainability. For this reason, there are many exciting projects addressing the country's issues that rely on your help.
In our Wildlife Sanctuary Project in Costa Rica, you have the opportunity to get up close with native animals like the Jaguar, Tapir, or Sloth. Unlike in zoos, these animals are not exhibits. Through your work in the sanctuary, you make your own personal contribution to species conservation.
Another heartfelt project of our founder Sophia is Turtle Protection in Costa Rica: In Sámara or Montezuma, you will work daily at the turtle rescue station, caring for the endangered turtles.
By helping at our sanctuaries, you will help to prevent the extinction of rare animal species and support the aid projects directly on site. You will learn about the success of our local projects with the help of our volunteers and broaden your horizons enormously. Want to help? We look forward to hearing from you!
Nature and environmental protection projects
The The majority of Costa Rica's land surface is with tropical rainforest overdrawn and provides a home for a Large number of rare animal and plant species. Although 26 % of the area is protected is, are one third in the 20th century of the area fallen victim to deforestation and cattle grazing. Large national parks and environmental protection projects have an Deforestation against. Through your Working in nature reserves and national parks, you fight for against climate change and supports the aid projects directly on site.
More about our nature and environmental protection projects:
Nature & environmental protection in Costa Rica
In travel magazines and vacation brochures, Costa Rica is often described as a natural paradise. However, this wasn't always the case. From the mid-20th century onwards, a significant portion of the forest cover was cleared. This was done for both timber extraction and to make space for livestock farming and agriculture. At its lowest point, the forest cover dropped to just under one-fifth of the total land area. In the mid-1990s, the Costa Rican government passed legislation that heavily restricted deforestation. Landowners were also incentivized with bonuses for preserving and expanding forest cover on their properties. By 2030, the goal is to achieve a reforestation of 60 percent of the land area.
You too can support social projects in Costa Rica through your volunteer service: here's your chance to make a difference on-site—whether through your work in a rainforest reserve or by assisting a national park!
Through your support, you will experience nature conservation up close and witness the impacts of the climate crisis on Costa Rica's wildlife and environment.
Children's aid projects
In Costa Rica, many children still lack access to education. Therefore, institutions and social projects are crucial, supplementing school lessons with courses and providing recreational activities for children. Collaborating with numerous volunteers, these organizations educate the youngest residents of the country, aiming to pave the way towards a better future, including raising awareness about the importance of conservation efforts.
More about our children's aid projects:
Social projects in Costa rica
Unfortunately, these valuable social projects in Costa Rica do not receive any government funding and therefore rely heavily on donations and volunteer work. The deforestation has a significant impact on the regional climate as well as the flora and fauna in Costa Rica. To raise awareness about these issues among the population, educational efforts have become crucial.
You can as well support social projects in Costa Rica through your volunteer service: Whether you want to teach children in our Teaching Project or are interested in adult and environmental education in Central America - all projects look forward to your participation!
Volunteering in Costa Rica
Volunteering in Costa Rica gives you the unique opportunity to do an activity that you would probably otherwise rarely come into contact with. Whether you are interested in the Species protectionwork in a nature reserve or teaching - a stay abroad in combination with supporting a social project is guaranteed to broaden your world view. You will also learn a true NatureParadise between the Pacific and the Caribbean and dive into the tropical rainforests and biodiversity in. You can you from the "Pura Vida" lifestyle inspired by the Costa Ricans and your free time on the most beautiful beaches in the world spend. See for yourself, we will of course be happy to help you choose the perfect project for your volunteer work in Costa Rica!
Pura Vida
Pura Vida! Literally translated, this means pure life. But it means much more than that and is more of a Awareness of life than just two words. Costa Ricans use this term very frequently and he has an equally diverse meaning. You can use "Pura Vida" and mean: Hello, I'm fine, Thank you, here you go, everything is easy, all runs good, Life is good, doesn't matter, no problem, Goodbye. You will "Pura Vida" during your Stay so hear it very often. But it also means enjoying life and appreciating the things you have. Not taking everything so seriouslybut focus on the Positive in life to concentrate. From the Ticos we can Joie de vivre, Lightnessserenity and the Enjoyment of life learn.
Biodiversity
Costa Rica accommodates estimated 6 % the global biodiversity and is therefore a Biodiversity hotspot. About 87 000 Aare represented and the Osa-peninsula in the south of the country as one of the most biodiverse regions on our planet. Smore rare exotics like sloth, puma, tapir, Anteater, Ocelot or Aguti still occur here. All the more reason tose breathtaking nature to discover the numerous Protected areas and national parks is to thank. The country is a pioneer inn things nature conservation and since 1990 many measures have been taken to stop the deforestation of the rainforests and to protect the Habitat back to the animals and plants. With success, because today around 25 % of the Nationalarea protected and the unique rainforests preserved or regenerated.
The most beautiful beaches
Costa Rica boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches! This isn't just our opinion; international travel magazines consistently rank this small country at the top. With both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica offers countless beaches, each more stunning than the last. What sets Costa Rican beaches apart is their natural beauty—unspoiled by massive hotel complexes that can obstruct views. Picture yourself relaxing under a palm tree, listening to the soothing sounds of the sea. Isn't that the essence of Pura Vida? These untouched beaches feature golden-brown sands, lush green palm trees, and crystal-clear blue waters, attracting various wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot magnificent macaws, toucans, iguanas, monkeys, or sloths nestled in the treetops.
Outdoor activities and water sports
Do you prefer to spend the whole day outside? You love Outdoor activities and Water sports? Then Costa Rica is exactly thein destination! The tropical country has a mild climate all year round, with a Average temperature from 29 degrees on the coasts, it invites you to swim in the sea every day. All you need for your stay is summer clothes and now and then a rain jacket in the rainy season from May to November. You spend most of your time outdoors and our Volunteer projects are very close to nature. It is the perfect placein order to Hiking in national parks, watching animals, boat trips to undertake, Swimming and Snorkeling to go and of course for surfing. There are znumerous excellent surf spots for beginners and professionals.
Depending on the project, you have various options available. In most volunteer projects, you'll live right in the midst of nature on the project site in a volunteer house. Volunteers typically stay together in dormitory-style rooms within the project's house, while local organization staff also live on the premises. The accommodations are very basic, but you'll quickly get used to it and learn how little you really need to live. In these shared accommodations, there's a family-like atmosphere, and you can share both work and leisure time with other volunteers. Depending on the program, three Costa Rican meals a day may be provided, or a communal kitchen may be available for your use. Some projects offer single rooms for an additional fee.
In the animal and environmental conservation projects, accommodations are located in the heart of nature, with the beach or rainforest right at your doorstep, allowing you to spend the entire day outdoors.
In the children's aid projects, you have the opportunity to live with a Costa Rican host family and experience the culture up close. In the host family, you will be provided with breakfast and dinner, allowing you to taste the traditional cuisine. You will stay in a private single room for privacy but will be integrated into the family's daily life.
No matter where your chosen program is located, we assist you with your arrival. Depending on the location in Costa Rica, you can reach your destination by public transportation or shuttle. We offer optional arrival packages where we take care of the organization of your arrival completely.
Why volunteering in Costa Rica makes sense
With your Volunteering you have the unique opportunity to do a job that you would probably otherwise rarely come into contact with and is a wonderful opportunity to gain an insight into the world of work. Thinking outside the box to throw. Whether you are passionate about teaching, species conservation or working in a nature reserve - a stay abroad combined with supporting a social project is guaranteed to make your life easier. Expanding the world view.
Especially nature and wildlife conservation are crucial in Costa Rica to protect rainforests and species from extinction. Local projects cannot manage this extensive workload alone and lack the necessary resources or government support to hire enough staff. This underscores the immense importance of volunteer work, as many goals could not be achieved without the helping hands of volunteers.
We at WanderWorld Travel have extensive expertise in traveling to Costa Rica and collaborating with NGOs. Part of our team lives locally and possesses excellent knowledge of the country's conditions. We personally visit our projects to ensure that volunteers' tasks meaningfully contribute to the project and support a good cause. With extensive personal contact before and during the trip, we provide individual support to our participants, thereby contributing to a positive travel experience.
OUR PROJECT LOCATIONS IN COSTA RICA
YOUR CONTACT PERSON
IN COSTA RICA
In Costa Rica you will be accompanied by our Contact person Helena is in charge. She was born and grew up in the capital San José. She attended the German Humboldt School there and learned German. As a proud Latina, it is very important to her to show travelers her beautiful home country. As a local and experienced tour guide, she can tell you all about the Countrywhich Culturewhich History and the Nature tell. During the Introductory event she welcomes you to San José and gives you an introduction to the concept that Costa Rica is known for: Pura Vida. Throughout your stay, you can contact her via WhatsApp if you have any questions or concerns. She will also be happy to give you travel tips and recommendations for your free travel time.
YOUR FREE TIME IN COSTA RICA
Discover the incomparable variety of leisure activities. From breathtaking Beaches over lush Rainforests up to the Sunset surfing - experience the best of what this fascinating country has to offer.
Costa Rica is a surfing paradise! You'll find the best surf spots in Santa Teresawhere you can surf the fantastic waves or learn your first steps on the board - all in first-class conditions.
Hiking in one of the 26 national parks is definitely on the bucket list! The unique cloud forest in Monteverde offers kilometers of hiking trails through the dense forest to beautiful viewpoints.
In the Corcovado National Park In the south of the country, you can embark on an exciting discovery tour and meet many animal species, including rare exotic species such as agouti, coati, tapir and puma.
Delicious gallo pinto for breakfast and casado for lunch. Sample regional delicacies at reasonable prices in the traditional "sodas" and get to know the diverse cuisine.
Experience the small village Puerto Viejo the Caribbean vibes and the Afro culture of Costa Rica. The Caribbean coast has a special flair due to the Afro-American influences on the culture and regional cuisine.
Embark on an unforgettable journey, accompany the cute baby turtles on their way into the sea and admire the fascinating variety of marine life along the beach of Tortuguero.
Do you dare to jump from the rock into the waterfall? After a 20-minute hike up the mountain, the breathtaking waterfalls of Montezuma - the perfect opportunity to cool off.
Along a coastline of almost 1300 kilometers, you have the opportunity to discover the pristine beauty of countless beaches. Relax under shady palm trees and enjoy the picturesque beaches of Uvita.
WITH WANDERWORLD YOU HAVE MANY OPTIONS.
Work and Travel
Language trip
FARM EXPERIENCE
Would you like to know how you can combine your projects with us?
Find out how it works here!
EXPERIENCE REPORTS
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING IN COSTA RICA
VOLUNTEERING IN COSTA RICA AND YOU ARE A PERFECT MATCH?
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