Costa Rica Volunteer Programs & Adventure Travel Tours

ISV Costa Rica provides several volunteer opportunities and adventure tours to this tropical paradise that will take your breath away!

ISV has many Volunteer Projects including:

• Sea turtle and manatee conservation
• Community construction projects
• Wildlife conservation of endangered species
• Rainforest regeneration  
• Sustainable farming and education programs
• Research on spotted dolphins

Then, go on an adventure of a lifetime!

• Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
• White water rafting on the Pacuare River
• Treks through several ecological reserves, including the cloud forests of Monteverde
• Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
• Horseback riding through a private forest with views of the Pacific Coast
• Zip lining in cloud forests
• Observe Costa Rica's most active volcano and bathe in geothermal hot springs
• Rappelling in La Fortuna
• Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

You'll also have the option to leave early for ISV's awesome Spanish language and salsa dance course.

The ISV Costa Rica Program is four weeks in length and consists of a two-week Volunteer Project and a two-week Adventure Tour within Costa Rica. 

You can travel to Costa Rica and also choose a Customized ISV Program and select an additional Volunteer Project within Costa Rica, extending your program to six or more weeks.

The Customized ISV Program also gives you the option to travel to a second or third country for additional Volunteer Projects and/or Adventure Tours as outlined in the Customized Program Options under “Terms and Conditions”.  Please click on the Terms and Conditions link on this website for specific dates, costs and policies.

*** Spanish lessons: ISV is pleased to provide you with a wonderful opportunity to enhance your experience in Costa Rica with Spanish language and Latin dance lessons while living with a local host family prior to the beginning of your ISV program (please see “Optional Spanish Lessons” link under Costa Rica page).

Programs run between May 15 to August 21, 2009

Immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich countries in the world!

"I find myself at a loss for words when trying to describe an experience that I feel truly left a visible impact on me. After spending four weeks in Costa Rica, first performing service for a community and then later travelling around to discover the true beauty that this country embodies, I feel that I have accomplished more in a wealth of lessons, experiences, and friendships than some can say they have accomplished in a lifetime." - Illana Hearshen, University of Michigan

About ISV's Costa Rica Projects

As a developing nation dependent on agriculture and tourism; environmental protection and community initiatives are essential components for the sustainable development of Costa Rica. The majority of ISV’s projects are grassroots initiatives, created in direct consultation with local communities for the benefit of the local people. Many community-based projects are a marriage between conservation and community development. If conservation research is your passion, you can volunteer alongside ISV’s selected private researchers and NGOs to gather scientific data on species and ecosystems. With ISV, you have a multitude of options that will enable you to make a difference in this unique country! Whether you choose to work in one of the communities or conservation projects, you'll no doubt meet new friends for life and really enjoy getting to know what life is really like in a typical Costa Rican community.

Key achievement for 2008: Over 2,223 hrs of wildlife surveying, research and monitoring efforts, 34 community facilities built or repaired and more than 1500 people involved in ISV's Conservation Projects

ISV's Projects

ISV has projects spread across the continent. By volunteering with ISV in Costa Rica you could find yourself assisting in any of these areas:

• Animals, Buffer Zones and Natural Reserves: Work alongside community members trying to preserve and protect natural resources and native species!
  ISV volunteers will help local residents to protect natural areas such as National Parks, beaches and reserves. Primary tasks can include: trail building, cleaning and maintenance, monitoring of flora and fauna, supporting recycling start-up programs, organic farming, reforestation, waste campaigns, signage, building and painting, English classes with children and community members and other community initiatives regarding rural tourism.



• Community Support Projects: Get 'Hands-on' and Volunteer in a Costa Rican village!
  If you volunteer in one of ISV’s selected Costa Rican communities you will become part of realizing the community’s vision for their sustainable development. All community support projects involve home-stays which provides for amazing cultural exchanges between you and your host family. All community volunteer projects play an important role by assisting with many tasks such as: organic farming, painting murals at schools or local buildings, supporting local product initiatives (such as bananas, medicinal plants, coffee and oranges). Education, conservation and economic development are highly related in Costa Rica, as these are some of the basic building blocks of sustainable development. You will also take part in teaching English classes and sports, assist local schools, organize river and beach clean ups and reforestation efforts, help the elderly with farming tasks, plant trees, help out in locally owned plant nurseries, trail building, maintenance and construction.



• Art in Communities: Engage, Educate and Inspire Costa Rican kids through dance, music and theatre!
  ISV realises that children are the heartbeat of our communities. This new program will allow local kids and volunteers to explore, learn, and have fun through theatre, music and dance. These activities will provide an extended and creative way to increase children’s skills, values and basic understanding of concepts such as: recycling, water-use, conservation, friendship, respect, motivation and self confidence. Volunteers will creatively use recycled materials to produce instruments, rhythms and dances, teaching kids along the way. This is an amazing opportunity to engage, educate and inspire children and help them reach their potential within their local communities.
  
  You will also take part in teaching English classes and sports, assist local schools, organize river and beach clean ups and reforestation efforts, help the elderly with farming tasks, plant trees, help out in locally owned plant nurseries, trail building, maintenance and construction.



• Animal Conservation, Research and Scientific Monitoring: Be part of researching, data collection and monitoring endangered species!
  Costa Rica is known as a country of outstanding biodiversity and natural beauty; Costa Ricans desire to keep their country this way. Scientists, biologists and locals are combining their efforts to try to protect the environment. By volunteering in Costa Rica you will be part of important research which is critical to the success of long term conservation management strategies. The primary goal of these projects is to obtain scientific data that can then be interpreted and shared with the wider scientific community plus local authorities who manage natural resources. Tasks will include: monitoring dolphin, monkey and frog populations, beach patrols to protect the nests of leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, recording and analysing data from beach surveys, construction and monitoring of hatcheries where endangered nests are relocated and beach cleaning. ISV volunteers also help support alternative tourism by participating in family home stays and providing English classes to local Costa Ricans.

Project Locations

Projects are located from the Caribbean side of the country to the Pacific Coast at the Osa Peninsula.

Please note: Depending on your assigned departure date, only certain projects will be available. Please be flexible in your project preferences; these are ALL great projects with significant conservation/community development and educational value in phenomenal locations.

More on ISV's Projects

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established organizations including government and non government organisations (NGOs), private reserves and farms, and local grassroots community groups. Projects are based in a variety of locations, from the Caribbean coast to urban hubs. Each volunteer team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer team will consist of around 8 - 14 people, depending on the project.

Please note: certain projects only operate on specific program dates.

No prior experience or expertise in community development or environmentally-related fields of study is required in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from National Park huts, dormitory style accommodations or home-stays with local families. All your meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project and will reflect the local cuisine.

Project Locations:

Community Development Host Organizations :

Alianza Garabito is an alliance formed by members of Garabito de Aguas Zarcas, a village in the Northern region of Costa Rica whose main objective is to establish a sustainable income for the community, while protecting the local environment, in particular, the water resources of the area. The long-term goal of the community is to become an example of a successful, sustainable-developed community, in which all the families enjoy healthy lifestyles and employment opportunities.

APROSAMA, San Marcos The Association of Agro-forestry Producers and Environmental Management, located in San Marcos de Cutris, was legally constituted as a non-profit association in 1992 with the mission to improve people’s quality of life in the Northern Region of Costa Rica. In order to achieve that, APROSAMA has created and implemented projects in three strategic areas: sustainable production; environmental management and education; and agro-ecotourism maintaining the local culture.

APECH, San Jerónimo is located in the slopes of Chirripó National Park, unites local producers to provide agricultural and social development alternatives for the surrounding community. Their main activity and source of income is the production of citrus fruits. APECH is helping to design and implement an agro-ecological program to enhance the Association's organic agriculture, environmental education, and reforestation programs.

ASOMOBI, Biolley The Organized Women’s Association of Biolley (ASOMOBI) was established in 1996 by a group of 15 women from Biolley, a community located in the slopes of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. ASOMOBI was created to generate productive options that would allow its members to make their living in an environmentally and culturally sustainable manner. Thus, the organization serves as an employment alternative for locals who would otherwise leave the community due to the lack of jobs in the area. Currently, the main income-generating activities of ASOMOBI are: 1) coffee production and marketing and 2) ecotourism.

ASOPROLA, Altamira The Association of Producers, La Amistad (ASOPROLA) develops projects that allow the region’s inhabitants to make their living in an environmentally and culturally sustainable manner. They develop environmental education programs to promote natural resource conservation in the area, as well as sustainable community development. They are very concerned about their production practices and the products they consume, which reflects on their excellent organic coffee production, management procedures and everyday living.

Canaan de Pérez Zeledon is nestled in the slopes of Chirripó Mount (the highest in the country) and is surrounded by pristine torrents and gorgeous canyons covered with rain forest.  The Development Association members pursue to provide agricultural and social development alternatives to dairy communities of Canaan and Los Angeles. The association has worked alongside governmental offices to build public infrastructure for their community such as schools, phone service, roads, and a soccer field.

Ecomuseo San Vicente is located in Nicoya, Guacaste, this project was created in order to promote art crafts made in an environmentally and culturally sustainable manner, as well as rescue the cultural heritage of an activity developed since pre-Colombian times through ancient ceramic replicas. Currently visitors can admire and participate in the process of making ceramics while learning more about the community history. Their vision is to strengthen the ceramic cultural heritage and stop migration of young people.

El Yüe, Organic Farmers, the Association of Producer Families El Yüe was established by 12 women from three small communities in the Province of Limon, who were concerned about the unsustainable use of the natural resources in this region. Their goals include increasing the number of families working as organic farmers in the region, the development of alternatives to improve their quality of life through sustainable and environmentally friendly means, and improving the health of their communities by producing pesticide-free products.

Las Orquídeas was created in order to generate alternatives that would allow local women from the Zapotal community in Miramar, Puntarenas province to make their living in an environmentally and culturally sustainable manner, as well as to protect the integrity of the local forests while offering accommodation and food to visitors in their cabins in the woods. The association integrates 12 families and their main four initiatives are: a cheese factory, development and maintenance of green houses, community bank and the protection of the Zapotal Reserve.

Por la Mar Tárcoles is surrounded by tropical mangrove forest and plenty of wildlife, this project has the vision of supporting the community of Tárcoles and the associated responsible local fishery cooperative (CoopeTárcoles. R.L) group which contributes to the biological and cultural conservation of coastal and marine resources of this area, as a benefit to local families and future generations. Their vision is to share experiences and knowledge concerning responsible artisanal fishing while at the same time demonstrating to national and foreign visitors that fishers work with honour and responsibility.

PROTURCO, Santa Cruz, San José, is nestled in the high lands of Los Santos Zone. The group develops projects and programs related with agriculture-tourism as another source of revenue, avoiding the high dependency of the marketing of gourmet coffee and avocado. One of their focuses is to contribute to the improvement of the socioeconomic level of the inhabitants through the execution of projects and training, and believe in hands on work to achieve any stated goal.

Quizarrá Forest Conservation Committee, (Cocoforest), located in the village of Quizarrá, in Pérez Zeledón County, the organization’s mission is to protect areas surrounding Los Cusingos Sanctuary for Neotropical Birds, and the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor. This will help to counter the loss of forests due to logging and farming, enhance the remaining areas of evergreen tropical rain forest, promote environmental education, and develop environmentally sustainable employment opportunities in the community.

Santa Elena de Pital. The Asociación de Mujeres Amigas (The Association of Women Friends) was founded in June 1995 by a group of women in the community of Santa Elena de Pital who were looking to improve their educational opportunities and provide a more just income for their families as well as encourage the development of their community through various projects. Their mission is “Constant improvement, protection of the remaining patch of forest, and the conservation of flora and fauna”, and their vision is to achieve an improved standard of living for themselves and their families. 

Please note: Projects are available on specific dates only. Hence, depending on each participant’s assigned departure date, only certain projects will be available. Participants are asked to please be flexible in their project preferences; these are ALL great projects in amazing locations with significant social/developmental and educational value.

Then, go on an adventure of a lifetime!

ISV's Two Week Adventure Tour

Participants will travel throughout Costa Rica including the Pacific and Carribean coasts, discovering primary rainforests, plentiful varieties of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, reefs, national parks, private reserves while stay in some of the best eco-lodges in the country. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

• Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
• White water rafting on the Pacuare River
• Treks through several ecological reserves
• Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
• Horseback riding through a typical Costa Rican farm and a private secondary forest with views of the Pacific Coast
• Zip-lining and Rappelling in La Fortuna
• Observing two of Costa Rica's many volcanoes
• Tubing Adventure on Negro River
• Get personalized surfing instruction in Samara
• Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

 

"ISV deserves a standing ovation. Everything was planned very well. I’m so blessed to have had a chance to participate in this wonderful experience. Thank you"
Jenny Celin
University of North Carolina Greensboro

Adventure Tour

DAY 1 – Arrive in Heredia
Say goodbye to your volunteer project and return to the city of Heredia. After the ISV Adventure Tour Orientation which will take place in the afternoon, relax and explore the city.

DAY 2 – Heredia to Rio Pacuare
Get ready for high-adrenaline whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, Class III and IV rapids (ISV Included Activity). The Pacuare is rated one of the top five rivers in the world to raft. Along the way, we will stop to swim in secluded, natural swimming holes. Overnight in the incredible Rios Tropicales Jungle Lodge and experience a traditional Costa Rican meal prepared by the local river guides.

DAY 3 – Rio Pacuare
Awake to the sounds of the rushing river. Early risers can enjoy some phenomenal bird-watching and get ready for the best-ever waterfall hike. Relax in the evening and enjoy the tranquility of the river; this is truly one of the country’s most scenic locations!

DAY 4 – Rio Pacuare to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then more exhilarating white water rafting. This afternoon we will travel south east to the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. For two amazing nights you will stay in a unique environmentally-friendly lodge while enjoying the Caribbean Sea, golden sand, coconuts and the reggae-vibe of paradise!

DAY 5 – Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Experience the rain forest, and be awakening by the howler monkeys. Toda'’s eco-adventure will involve a hike into Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and relaxing bike ride (ISV included Activity).

DAY 6 – Southern Caribbean to Tortuguero
Travel to Tortuguero. Getting there is half the experience as we must take a motorboat from Caño Blanco and travel along the canals for 1 ½ hrs to reach our final destination. Tortuguero is famous for its sea turtles and National Park. In the afternoon we will explore Tortuguero Village and visit the sea-turtle information centre, the CCC.

DAY 7 – Tortuguero
Get ready for another amazing day for wildlife viewing. Watch for sloths and monkeys in the forest while exploring the amazing canals and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park by kayak and also in motor boat (ISV Included Activity).

DAY 8 – Tortuguero to La Fortuna (Volcan Arenal)
Travel to Volcan Arenal near the small town of La Fortuna. Volcan Arenal is the most active volcano in all of Costa Rica. In the evening, those with the ISV Optional Activity Package can relax in natural thermal springs and watch out for nature’s fireworks.

DAY 9 – La Fortuna
Discover Arenal Mundo Aventura, an ecological adventure park like no other in Costa Rica. Enjoy the fantastic zip-lines and learn about the indigenous "Maleku" culture through a visit to their mystical village (ISV Included Activity). If you have the ISV Optional Activity Package, test your courage on the largest rappel in Costa Rica! Descend 30m (90ft) free-rappel followed by 50 m down Pino Blanco waterfall.

DAY 10 – Volcano Arenal to Samara Beach
Travel to the beautiful Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Samara Beach is a long, beautiful beach, considered one of the safest in Costa Rica because of the coral reef that protects it and makes it an ideal place for snorkeling, swimming and water sports.

DAY 11 – Samara Beach
If you have the ISV Optional Activity Package, this is a full day of activities. You will kayak to Isla Chora and snorkeling into the beautiful clear waters and experience tropical marine life of Costa Rica. Participants will also have the opportunity to scuba diving at an additional cost. Also, today you will enjoy two hours of surf lessons on this beautiful beach. It is a perfect day to relax, enjoy the beach and the magnificent sunset.

DAY 12 – Samara Beach to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Travel to the beautiful Rincón de la Vieja National Park. In this park you will find a volcano which is composed of nine volcanic craters. Stay for two-nights at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in one of the best Costa Rican ecotourism lodges for adventure travel and nature lovers. As soon as you get to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to go and take a bath into Rio Negro Thermals Waters (ISV Included Activity).

DAY 13 – Rincon de la Vieja National Park
For those who have the ISV Optional Activity Package, this is an action-packed day. You will start with a horseback ride through dry forest and scenic trails until we stop at Oropendola Waterfall, a 25 m waterfall with emerald-green water. After this, get ready for the Rio Negro Tubing Adventure! Ride the rapids for 1 & ½ in your own inflatable inner-tube. Following lunch, take a 2 & ½ hr hike along the Las Pailas Trail, where you can observe steam vents, boiling mud and water and a very diverse vegetation. Finish this fantastic day at the unique Simbiosis Mud Spa.

DAY 14 – Pacific Coast to Heredia
Rise early and help the local workers to feed the horses and milk the cows at the local farm house. After breakfast, you will return to the Central Valley, stopping on the way at the El Jardín Restaurant and Souvenirs shop. This is a great place to obtain well-made Costa Rican souvenirs, particularly woodcraft, jewelry and masks. Enjoy a farewell dinner during the final night with the group.

DAY 15 – Departure
The adventure ends, travel home, Hasta Pronto!

Accommodations
All accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from nice tourist class hotels to jungle lodges.

Meals
Most meals are provided by ISV. Meals during times of sightseeing will be the responsibility of participants.

Activities
ISV includes a minimum of five amazing activities to make your experience unforgettable. Activities are subject to change but may include activities such as white water rafting, zip lining and jungle kayaking, to waterfall rappelling and zip lining in the cloud forest.

Disclaimer
Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.

Optional Activity Package (OAP)