Quick facts:

What is the minimum stay?  2 weeks

Where exactly is it? La Tigra, Alajuela, Costa Rica

What exactly will I be doing?  Working at the national park you will be maintaining trails, making signage, doing light infrastructure projects, reforestation, and environmental education projects.

Overview:

This wildlife refuge is one of the largest in Costa Rica and was started by donations from schools from around the world.  Founded in 1986 this refuge has grown little by little and today consists of almost 20,000 hectares.  The conservation of this refuge is crucial because rainforests do so much for the planet such as removing carbon dioxide from the air and providing many medicines to combat illnesses.

Highlights:

• Living in a real, live rainforest!
• Seeing exotic rainforest plants and animals
• Exploring Costa Rica
• Learning just as much Spanish and culture from the locals as they learn from you in helping them conserving the rainforest.
• Three day weekends!
• Opportunities to make many new local and international friends

Details:

This rainforest is one of the few remaining tropical rainforests on the planet and is home to many unique species, some which are only found in this part of the world.  Do your part by helping the park rangers in their daily tasks such as maintaining trails, making/repairing signage, and helping educate other park visitors about the importance of conserving the rainforest.  Other projects involve working in the organic orchard and tree nursery.

Starting Dates:

Start dates are on Mondays year round, except during Christmas, New Years and Holy week.  Volunteer should plan on arriving to Costa Rica on a Sunday.

Accommodations:

Volunteers will have the option to stay in a shared dorm at the biological station in the heart of the rainforest, or with host families.  At the biological station they will be provided three meals a day at the on-site cafeteria.  Volunteers with a host family will receive three meals a day as well.

Note: Lodging options depend on project choice.  Some projects only have host family option while others only have biological station option.

Requirements:

Ages 18 and up.  Volunteer must come with the right attitude and enthusiasm for their work.  They need to be open and outgoing in order to get the most out of their experience.

Basic Spanish is required.  The park rangers and host families do not speak English.  There is the option to take Spanish classes before starting the project.

When Can I apply?

Placements are available throughout the year, however there may be a limited number available depending on the time of year.  It is advised to apply at least a couple months in advance to ensure availability.

Tasks as a volunteer:

• Assist park rangers with their daily tasks
• Maintain trails and signage
• Participate in projects and initiatives as they arise/develop

Services included:

• Volunteer placement: Follow-up, assistance throughout the placement
• Pre departure manual
• In country orientation
• Accommodation
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Assistance 24/7 from local staff

Excluded:

Flights, visas (if necessary), passports, vaccines, and travel medical insurance (required) are not included.  However we are able to help in arranging flight and insurance.

Optional Activities:

• Spanish lessons before your placement