Volunteering in Costa Rica
Volunteering is a fantastic way to experience a new side of Costa Rica. As a volunteer, you’ll have an inside look at some of the most unique (and vulnerable) parts of the country. You’ll also meet interesting people and learn important skills — in fact, these projects are perfect for travelers who want to learn more about an area of interest while traveling in Costa Rica. You can protect sea turtles along the Nicoya Peninsula, or work on an organic farm in the South Pacific. You might teach environmental issues in elementary schools or help reforest rural areas. The following volunteer options are a few ways that you can give back to the people and places of Costa Rica.
How can we help?
Click and read long-form guides
Turtle Conservation Intern on the Pacific Coast
Are you eager to protect endangered species and the environment? Would you like to gain professional experience for your studies or career? Or would you just like to help at a great project? If so, the turtle internship might be the right for you!
Explore TourProyecto Asis Half Day Tour with Volunteering
Take a tour and volunteer at Proyecto Asis wildlife rescue center just 30 minutes from La Fortuna in the northern lowlands region of Costa Rica.
Explore TourWaterfall Rapelling and Rafting Tour
Combining two of the country’s most adrenalin-packed activities, this tour will have you rappelling down waterfalls and surging over white-water rapids! Set in Costa Rica’s Northern Lowlands near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the scenery for this tour couldn’t be any more beautiful.
Explore TourBuena Vista Mega Combo Adventure
This expedition at the Buena Vista Lodge allows tour members to enjoy canopy tours and horseback rides, and hot springs all in one day. Oh right and then there is that 400-meter waterslide through the forest.
Explore TourCorcovado National Park Day Tour
Hike through the lush rainforests of Corcovado National Park and spot an incredible amount of biodiversity on this exciting all day tour.
Explore TourLake Arenal and El Castillo - Road Cycling Tour
On this road biking trip around Lake Arenal, riders will coast along rolling hills and enjoy stunning scenery. This wonderful excursion is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders.
Explore TourLa Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour
Sleep in before being transported to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an all-day tour at one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The excursion is designed to start later than most tours so you are rested when you experience what the Waterfall Gardens boasts as the essence of Costa Rica on a guided hike through the reserve.
Explore TourCosta Rica Pura Vida Experience
This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.
Explore TourPure Trek Canyoning Costa Rica
This family friendly excursion, will begin with a 30-minute 4x4 trek through tropical rain forest while beneath the shadow of the Arenal Volcano.
Explore TourRafting on the Savegre River
The Savegre River, one of the most pristine rivers in the country and surrounded by lush vegetation and meandering waters, features class II and III rapids that are perfect for beginner rafters.
Explore TourTalamanca Indigenous Village Half Day
Get a peek into the extraordinary lives of the Indigenous on one of the largest indigenous communities in central America. The Bribri family are extremely proud to share their heritage.
Explore TourPlaya del Coco Catamaran
The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.
Explore TourOcean Kayak and Snorkel Isla Chora
Enjoy an ocean kayak paddle to Isla Chora for some snorkeling and beach relaxation off the coast of Sámara in the Nicoya Peninsula region.
Explore TourTreetop Climbing
Ascend to the top of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this tree climbing adventure. Ficus trees (or fig trees) have a hollow trunk, forming a tube with natural footholds for you to climb. Once you reach the top, you can step out onto a viewing platform for an unforgettable view of the surrounding forest.
Explore TourRainforest Birdwatching Tour
This three-hour tour will take you into the rainforest to see an incredible variety of birds. This is an early-morning tour that begins at 5:00 am.
Explore TourSensoria Tour of Rincón de la Vieja
This tour of the Rincón de la Vieja forest is an idyllic hike past waterfalls and pools of bright blue water. It begins with a drive through the fields of Guanacaste, and then the landscape will suddenly transform into a lush forest.
Explore TourJungle Spa Adventure Horseback
This horseback tour will lead you into some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural settings.
Explore TourCafe de Monteverde Coffee Tour
This coffee plantation doesn’t just produce an incredible cup of coffee, it’s also a vitally important part of the community. Learn how family, sustainability, and attention to detail all combine to nurture coffee from cherry, to bean, to brew on this educational tour that’s part local history and part culture. Yes, you will enjoy samples!
Explore TourSky Tram and Sky Trek Monteverde
The Sky Trek Canopy Tour in Monteverde is located 3.7 miles (6 km) from the town of Santa Elena and about 1.8 miles (3 km) from the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Flying across the misty cloud forest of Monteverde is one of Costa Rica's signature experiences.
Explore TourMistico Hanging Bridges
You can choose a self-guided or guided tour of Místico Park’s carefully preserved forest. This nature walk lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and can be guided or self-guided.
Explore TourEducational
Home Stay
Volunteering
Are you eager to protect endangered species and the environment? Would you like to gain professional experience for your studies or career? Or would you just like to help at a great project? If so, the turtle internship might be the right for you!
