Costa Rica – Environmental Sustainability Projects

At environmental conservation projects located throughout Costa Rica, volunteers work to preserve conservation land, flora, fauna, and water resources. Projects may be located along river basins, in rural areas or forests, or on eco-farms. Be prepared for very physical but rewarding work – tasks may include maintaining trails and gardens, helping with reforestation projects, planting trees and gardening, and maintaining infrastructure. Depending on placement, volunteers will stay with host families or in basic cabins at their project.

Available Dates: Quests start every Monday – Friday, year-round.
Minimum Stay: 1 week; 2 weeks highly recommended
Requirements: At least 18 years old, basic Spanish

Volunteers will work at an ecological project in Paraiso de Cartago that focuses on the conservation of tropical plans. Possible tasks include general maintenance of the garden, clearing paths, and caring for the collections of plants outside and inside the greenhouses.

Available Dates: Quests start every Monday – Thursday, year-round.
Minimum Stay: 1 week
Requirements: At least 18 years old, basic Spanish

Volunteers will work at a butterfly farm located just outside the center of San José, with the main goals of reproducing, conserving, and exporting 20 different species of butterflies unique to Costa Rica. Possible volunteers tasks include gardening, assisting in the lab, or working as a guide for tourists and visitors. Volunteers will stay with host families during their time in Costa Rica.

Available Dates: Quests start every Monday – Friday, year-round.
Minimum Stay: 1 week
Requirements: At least 18 years old, basic Spanish

Volunteers work at sea turtle conservation projects around Costa Rica, which protect sea turtle nesting grounds from human poachers and more recently, from beach erosion. This helps to promote long-term survival of this endangered species. Possible tasks for the volunteer include patrolling beaches at night, building hatcheries, supervising hatcheries, counting and releasing baby turtles, assisting in the collecting of scientific data, and maintaining infrastructure. Volunteers will live in basic cabins and participate in physically taxing labor, so be prepared!

Available Dates: Quests start every Monday or Tuesday, year-round.
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
Requirements: At least 18 years old, basic Spanish, previous international experience recommended

*Please note: you must enroll 90 days in advance for this Quest.

• Lodging at a local homestay or volunteer cabin
• Three home-cooked meals per day
• 2-day orientation in San José
• 6 hours of Spanish lessons
• City tour of San José and trip to Poás Volcano National Park
• Online pre-departure training with our Boston staff
• In-country airport transportation
• Emergency medical and travel insurance
• 24/7 in-country support and supervision
• A United Planet t-shirt

United Planet provides emergency travel and medical insurance for all volunteers. All Costa Rica staff members participate in extensive health and safety training, and are available at all times by 24-hour phone line. Upon enrollment, you will receive a full emergency contact list. In addition, we register all of our volunteers with US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). We recommend booking a doctor’s appointment or visiting a travel health clinic a few months out to update your vaccinations.  Read more about health and safety.

Due to varying airline prices, United Planet does not arrange or cover the cost of flights to and from Costa Rica. However, we arrange all ground transportation to and from the airport in Costa Rica and will ensure that you arrive safely at orientation in San José and at your accommodations. Public transportation between your accommodations and your project will depend on the location of your host family and the project. You can usually commute by walking or by bus, which is cheap and easy. Daily commuting costs are covered by volunteers.