Voluntary work in Costa Rica
Information & guidance about volunteering projects in Costa Rica
One of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Costa Rica is located in the heart of the Americas between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, home to half a million species of animals and plants – it also protects one-quarter of its wildlife through law. Considered the world’s most sustainable country, the Spanish-speaking nation is renowned for its progressive environmental and social policies. A recent study showed that many Costa Ricans live longer, healthier lives than other nationalities and it all comes down to pura vida (pure life), so if you’d like to do good work surrounded in the happiest people in the world and a beautiful landscape and vibrant culture, then voluntary work in Costa Rica is perfect for you.
Where to volunteer in Costa Rica
Home to 4.5 million citizens, Costa Rica is a small Central American nation sharing borders with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Despite occupying less than 0.1% of the planet’s landmass, Costa Rica contains a full 5% of the planet’s biodiversity, which gives an insight into the country’s incredible flourishing wildlife.
San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital and most populated city, making it one of the most popular destinations for voluntary work in Costa Rica. Home to around one quarter of the country’s population, San Jose is the major transportation hub, so all those visiting Costa Rica tend to spend some time at the cultural and economic center of the country.
Other popular places for voluntary work in Costa Rica includes the beach town of Tamarindo, the coastal Guanacaste and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Volunteer projects are also available in more rural destination, which offer an insight into the different lifestyle Costa Rican villages offer.
Volunteering projects in Costa Rica
There are a range of opportunities to undertake voluntary work in Costa Rica that can suit your interests and location desires. Many volunteer projects in Costa Rica are environmentally-focused, such as tree planting, trail building and ecotourism, that all contribute to keeping the country’s status as one of the most sustainable countries on the planet!
Community development offers a great opportunity for volunteers to help in fields such as childcare, healthcare, education and human rights, and really make a positive impact on the citizens of Costa Rica. As an international participant, it’s largely left to you to decide how long you will volunteer abroad in Costa Rica; some stays can last a few weeks, whereas others require a commitment of a year. It’s a good idea to plan time for exploring either side of your volunteering placement, as you should be sure to take advantage of the incredible travelling experience through Central America.
