The Conservation Program
OPEN NOW!
Costa Rica has reopened to international arrivals. See the additional info. section for COVID-19 requirements.
This inspiring conservation program works to promote and encourage sustainable agriculture practices in the Sarapiquí rainforest. The program is open to all international volunteers who enjoy working in nature and with rural communities, those who like to spend time preserving and helping the environment and all of its components.
Participants will also have the chance to become immersed with the local people and culture. Volunteers who are hard-working, ecologically sensitive, willing to learn about new cultures, enthusiastic and ready to get stuck in and help should apply today. Join us in beautiful Costa Rica and put your eco-warrior skills to the test!
Goals of this Project:
- Protect Costa Rica’s natural heritage
- Promote sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica's rural rainforest communities
- Provide essential labor on projects to safeguard the environment and its natural inhabitants
- Enable inter-cultural exchange between all parties and teach international visitors more about environmental practices and Costa Rica
How You Can Help
This amazing conservation program allows volunteers to take part in vital conservation work to preserve the natural environment in stunning the tropical rainforest of Sarapiquí.
The project centres on eco-farming and conservation with volunteers working on sustainable farms to assist with horticultural and animal husbandry duties. In addition volunteers can expect to be engaged with the community here, primarily thought the provision of English language lessons.
Volunteers will gain important experience in environmental practices and learn about Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna. Participants on this project play an important role by supplying free labor in often labor-intensive projects, allowing the initiatives to continue their great work.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Agricultural duties such as planting, harvesting and delivery of sustainable food items
- Feeding and caring for farm animals
- General farm maintenance as required
- Community language classes.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years (17 with parental consent) and over who wish to give their time and energy to help protect the natural environment of Costa Rica. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in conservation/environmental studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
This amazing program is based in Sarapiquí, a tropical rainforest area roughly 2 hours north of San Jose.
Sarapiquí one of only two certified sustainable destinations in Latin American and particularly well known for its waterfalls, rivers, and rich biodiversity.
Adventure awaits for nature lovers in this region with zip-lining, white-water rafting, hiking in national parks and biological stations to explore.
The nearby town of Puerto Viejo Sarapiquí is a gateway to stunning Caribbean beaches including Puero Viejo (Limón), Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo - touted as as the best beaches in the country by our local Costa Rican Program Director - and believe us, she would know!
A hidden treasure in this beautiful country, Sarapiquí is a nature lovers paradise!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected upon arrival into San Jose and accommodated with a trusted host family in Santa Barbara de Heredia (40mins north of San Jose) on Saturday night.
Host families are experienced at caring for volunteers and will be happy to assist with information on the local area and advice on purchasing a SIM card and other essentials.
On Sunday the local team arrange pick-up and transfer to the project site where volunteers are warmly welcomed by local staff.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica (Code: SJO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers are hosted in Volunteer House accommodations in Sarapiqui.
Rooms are dormitory style and may be shared by up to 4 volunteers depending on the time of year and the number of volunteers onsite. The houses are basic but comfortable and have all the standard amenities. Bed linen is provided so you need only bring a towel and personal toiletries. Easy!
Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner daily throughout the placement.
Fees
That’s just USD 40 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Costa Rica entry requirements:
- All visitors must complete an Online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica.
- Vaccinated arrivals, fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson can enter the country without mandatory travel insurance. The last dose of the vaccine must have been applied at least 14 days before arrival in Costa Rica and vaccination proof must be provided on your health pass.
- All arrivals who do not meet the vaccination requirement must provide proof of travel insurance and include the details on their Health Pass.
International Insurers are accepted provided they can provide a certificate in English or Spanish stating:
1. Name of the person traveling.
2. Validity of the policy for the duration of stay
3. Minimum coverage of $50,000 for COVID related medical expenses
4. Minimum coverage of $2,000 for lodging expenses for quarantine or trip interruption. -
Costa Rican policies: The following providers are accepted and the medical coverage minimum is reduced to $20,000:
- INS: https://www.grupoins.com/seguros-para-viajero/seguro-viajero-ingreso-costa-rica/
- Sagicor: https://tiendasagicor.com/en/
- BlueCross BlueShield: https://www.bluecrossblueshieldcr.com/rod - Please check with your airline as they may require you to have a negative COVID-19 test result.