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 14 and August 20, 2010

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 community development is your passion, then you can be immerse in the everyday living of a rural Costa Rican community, you will be part of a local family and experience the culture while living like a local. It’s a great chance to become Costa Rican for two weeks, while supporting important developmental efforts needed and selected by the communities themselves. If you are motivated by conservation, 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.

Last year's key achievements:

• 34 community facilities built or repaired
• Over 2,223 hrs of wildlife surveying
• Research and monitoring effort
• More than 1500 people involved in ISV's Costa Rica 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:

• Conservation: Be part of researching, data collection and monitoring endangered habitats and 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 that 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, in addition to 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 analyzing 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.
  
  Please note that on July 23, August 6 and August 20th, no sea turtle conservation projects are offered due to the completion of the sea turtle nesting season.



• 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 sustainable development. All community- support projects involve home-stays, which provide for amazing cultural exchanges between you and your host family. You will 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 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 may also 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.

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 will be accompanied by 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.

ISV's Two Week Adventure Tour

Travel throughout Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast discovering primary tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, coral reefs, national parks, and plenty of exotic wildlife. Stay in some of the best eco-lodges in the country as you explore and experience the natural wonders in the jewel of Central America. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

• A two-day white water rafting adventure on the Pacuare River
• Treks through several ecological reserves
• Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
• Horseback riding through an authentic Costa Rican cattle ranch
• Bathing in geothermal hot springs in two different locations
• Zip-lining and Rappelling in La Fortuna
• Discovering the geothermal wonders of Arenal Volcano and Rincon de la Viega  National Park
• Tubing Adventure on Negro River
• Personalized surfing instruction in Samara Beach
• Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

Adventure Tour Itinerary (Caribbean Bound) Note: Depending on your departure date and allocated volunteer project, you may participate on the Pacific Bound (Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast) tour itinerary which operates in the opposite direction with minor variations.

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 to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then more exhilarating white water rafting. This afternoon we will travel southeast 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 4 – Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Experience the rain forest, and be awakening by the howler monkeys. Today's eco-adventure will involve a hike into Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge (ISV included Activity) and relaxing free afternoon. Day 5 – 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 1/2 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 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 50m down Pino Blanco waterfall. Day 9 – Volcano Arenal to Rincon de la Vieja 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 10 – 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 25m waterfall with emerald-green water. After this, get ready for the Rio Negro Tubing Adventure! Ride the rapids for 1 & 1/2 hours in your own inflatable inner tube. Following lunch, take a hike for 2 & 1/2 hours 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 11 – Rincon de la Vieja to Samara Beach Rise early and help the local workers to feed the horses and milk the cows at the local farmhouse. 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 ocean kayaking, swimming and water sports. Day 12 – Samara Beach If you have the ISV Optional Activity Package, this is a full day of activities. You will sea kayak to Isla Chora where fish, rays and marine turtles can be found in the surroundings waters. In addition, today you will enjoy two hours of surf lessons on this beautiful beach (ISV Optional Activity Package). It is a perfect day to relax, enjoy the beach and the magnificent sunset. Day 13 – Pacific Coast to Heredia After breakfast, you will return to the Central Valley, stopping on the way at the El Jardín Restaurant and Souvenir 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 14 – 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)

"All activities were healthy, active and eco-friendly. The hotels and excursion operators and guides were amazing. The tour is so great because you are given the opportunity to try something new and thrilling each day. What a great experience! Thank you!"

Wakefield Dominique, Brigham Young University