This experience was truly unforgettable. I had never traveled internationally on my own before, so I was nervous not only about being in a foreign country alone but also about staying in someone else's home. However, from the moment I arrived in Costa Rica, I was welcomed with open arms at my homestay, and the local team was incredibly supportive. Volunteering abroad has always been a dream of mine because I’m passionate about social justice and helping others, and I feel so fortunate that IVHQ made this dream come true in such a remarkable way. This trip is something I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I definitely look forward to volunteering with IVHQ again.
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Discover International Volunteer HQ’s popular Costa Rica volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Costa Rica volunteer projects, including Teaching, Healthcare, Childcare, Construction, Animal Care and Sea Turtle Conservation. Volunteer work in Costa Rica is based in San Jose and Manuel Antonio, as well as the beautiful Central Highlands and nearby coastal locations. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 144,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in Costa Rica.
Highlights:
- 15 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from AU$937 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and dinner and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in homestays or dormitory-style lodging
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Incredible add-ons available, including volcano treks, coffee plantation tours, adventure sports and a popular mini adventure
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2120
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at animal shelters
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Support local animal welfare organizations in Costa Rica's coastal areas. Care for stray dogs and cats and help nurse them back to health.
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$937
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based around Costa Rica’s capital city
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Support local animal welfare organizations to provide hands-on care and companionship to abandoned dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2120
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at after-school programs, daycares & schools
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Assist in after school centers, daycares & schools to provide education, fun and support to many children who would otherwise be left to their own devices.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$937
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in and around San José
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help with crowded community centers for preschoolers and school-aged children outside of lesson time. Assist with education and games, encouraging fun and socialising.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1098
- Duration: 1 - 2 weeks
- Only available the weeks of Christmas and New Years
- Based around the neighborhoods of San José
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
For those wanting to volunteer over Christmas, this is a wide-ranging project that targets those who need help over the Christmas period. Get a great mix of worthwhile volunteer work and a cultural Latin American festive experience.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1098
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based around San José - Costa Rica’s capital
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Assist a locally run organisation that helps under-funded construction projects through to completion. Projects include childcare facilities, community spaces and local clinics.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1098
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in various San José neighborhoods
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer in dental clinics or community centers to provide access to essential dental care to underserved communities in San José, Costa Rica.
Conserves the environment
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1766
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist local coffee farmers in an immersive experience in the Costa Rican Highlands. Suitable for hands-on volunteers wanting to help implement sustainable farming practices.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2602
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in community care facilities & nursing homes
- Volunteers aged 18+
Based in a beautiful national park on the Pacific coast, volunteers help in community care facilities such as elderly homes, clinics and ambulance services, assisting local staff with day-to-day tasks.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1098
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in various San José neighborhoods
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer in clinics, the homeless or the elderly, as well as on ambulance rounds. Qualified volunteers who speak Spanish can take larger roles, while inexperienced volunteers can assist local staff.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Set Program Fee of AU$1580
- Set duration of 1 week
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in and around San José
- Volunteers aged 18+
A project designed for volunteers travelling in groups of 8 or more, involving roving outreach campaigns delivering basic healthcare in local communities. Campaigns are customizable to your experience and specialty and aim to bring health services to locals in the comfort of their own neighbourhoods.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2120
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in the community of Manuel Antonio
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Many locals in Manuel Antonio work in the booming tourism industry, but often need to speak English to qualify. Help adults and children to learn the language in schools, homes and community centers.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$937
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in and around San José
- Volunteers aged 16+
Help with in-demand English lessons for children and adults, enabling more locals to get access to the expertise of a fluent English speaker.
Protects animals
4-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1766
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on the Nicoya Peninsula or Caribbean Coast
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help to preserve endangered sea turtle numbers by protecting hatcheries, conserving the environment and assisting with nesting in rural coastal locations.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$4047
- Duration: 1 - 3 weeks
- Available during summer
- Based in San José & Manuel Antonio
- Volunteers aged 16 and 17
This is an amazing opportunity for 16 and 17 year olds wanting to volunteer in Costa Rica during the summer. The Teen Volunteer Summer Camp is fully chaperoned and includes an exciting fusion of community volunteering, cultural activities, sports, and tourism activities.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Maya Gomez-Gribben
07 Oct 2024
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Jaclyn Fisher
14 Aug 2024
I learned so many things from this experience. I learned about the beautiful culture in Costa Rica, I practiced my Spanish speaking skills, I learned more about sea turtles and about conservation and creating sustainable resources for sea turtle conservation. I would return to our program in the future and I would stay as long as possible. It was amazing!!!
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Nelson Martinez
13 Aug 2024
What I gained from this experience was how kind people are here in Costa Rica. I could easily live here because they enjoy and live the simple life with animals that are free and about.
My advice to anyone that shows interest in this program is they should follow their heart and instincts. If you are curious to know about different lifestyles, cultures, a different way of living and volunteering with passion behind it, then this opportunity is right here. Volunteer and apply for an adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to make a huge impact. Volunteering also looks great on any resume. Hiring managers are looking for things like this where not many applicants have volunteered.
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Alyn Spector
13 Aug 2024
The Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing. If I could give you any advice, it would be that you should come prepared to work. This is a serious conservation program run by people who have dedicated her life to the protection and preservation of sea turtles. If you are approaching this as a vacation, you will be coming from the wrong headspace. Treat this like a job. Come to the project for the right reasons and take it seriously, and you will feel wonderful. The effort is absolutely worth it, and the local team is a joy to work with. And of course, enjoy the natural beauty and wonder of this project and region.
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Lucy Row
24 Jul 2024
I've now done two IVHQ programs (Morroco and Costa Rica) and I reccomend it to everyone. I still talk to my Morrocan host family from over a year ago, I had such an amazing experience with both countries and its a fantastic, affordable way to both see the world, and make a differene in it.
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Beatriz Sam
11 Jul 2024
From my experience I would say I’ve grown a lot in the past two weeks. Although it was a short time, it felt like I’ve been there for too much and I didn’t wanted to end. I’ve had the greatest time in Costa Rica, I’ve made so many friends from around the world and gained experience and tools that would help me for my professional and personal life. Advice that I’ll give to someone is that don’t hesitate just go for it, you’ll not regret it, it’s once in a life experience and you’ll get a lot from it. Also it’s a really fun and nice way to help the community and environment and to spend time doing something completely different and exciting.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Costa Rica with IVHQ
Considering volunteering abroad in Costa Rica? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Costa Rica
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Costa Rica program.
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
AU$1558
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.
AU$375
Mini Adventure - San Jose
Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.
AU$2124
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
AU$1558
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.
AU$375
Mini Adventure - San Jose
Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.
AU$2124
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
FAQs
If you’re wondering where you can volunteer in Costa Rica, there are numerous volunteer opportunities across the country. Here are some popular destinations for volunteering in Costa Rica:
- San Jose: As the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities. You can find projects focused on Teaching, Childcare, Construction.
- Manuel Antonio: This coastal town is known for its stunning beaches and national park. Volunteer projects here focus on Teaching English, Childcare, Healthcare, Dentistry, Construction and Renovation, Animal Care and more.
- Monteverde: Located in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a hub for environmental and conservation initiatives. IVHQ has Eco-Agriculture Conservation placements in the area, where volunteers work in sustainable coffee farming communities.
- Nicoya Peninsula: As home to some of the country’s best surf beaches, this location attracts volunteers interested in marine conservation and sea turtle protection. This is one of the placement sites for IVHQ’s Turtle Conservation project.
- Caribbean Coast: Known for its beautiful untouched white sand beaches, this is another popular location for volunteers wanting to contribute to marine conservation efforts. Volunteers on the Sea Turtle Conservation projects may also be placed on the Caribbean Coast.
In Costa Rica, there are a wide range of volunteer opportunities available for those looking to make a positive impact. From education to conservation, here are some popular volunteer projects in Costa Rica:
- Teaching English
- Childcare
- Healthcare
- Dentistry
- Construction and Renovation
- Animal Care
- Sea Turtle Conservation
- Eco-Agriculture Conservation
The general eligibility criteria for volunteer in Costa Rica are:
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, with some opportunities for under 18s
- Basic English skills are typically required
Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement for volunteering in Costa Rica, however it is beneficial to have an understanding of basic greetings and phrases to support your communications with the local community. Spanish language lessons are available through IVHQ’s local team in Costa Rica. You can sign up for these Spanish classes after you have registered to volunteer with IVHQ.
To apply to volunteer in Costa Rica, follow these steps:
- Choose your program from the IVHQ website
- Review program details, requirements, and fees
- Complete the application form on the IVHQ website
- Await confirmation of your acceptance
- Confirm your placement by paying the registration fee
- Follow pre-departure instructions
- Prepare for your volunteer experience
The duration of volunteer programs in Costa Rica varies, offering options for 1 to 24 weeks. The specific program durations may vary depending on the project. For example, the Turtle Conservation project requires a minimum duration of 2 weeks. Consider your availability and objectives when choosing the program length that best suits your goals.
Costa Rica is considered a safe country for volunteers and IVHQ has been safely hosting volunteers here since 2009. It has a stable political environment and a strong commitment to tourism and volunteer programs. As with any international travel destination, it’s important to take necessary precautions and be mindful of your personal safety.
During your volunteer experience in Costa Rica, the specific accommodation arrangements will vary depending on the program and location. All accommodation is vetted to ensure it is safe and comfortable for volunteers. Here are some common types of accommodation options provided in Costa Rica:
- Volunteer House: These houses typically have dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds. Common areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are shared among volunteers.
- Homestays: Some programs offer the opportunity to stay with a local host family. Homestays provide an immersive cultural experience, allowing volunteers to live with a local family and experience the local way of life.
While volunteering in Costa Rica, you will receive 24/7 support from the local team. They are your first point of contact once you have departed for Costa Rica. Prior to your trip, your IVHQ Program Manager is your primary support person and they will guide you through the preparation process.
Free volunteer programs in Costa Rica don’t really exist for international volunteers as you will always have to pay for your plane ticket and other travel-related expenses. Legitimate volunteer organizations like IVHQ have associated fees which cover the costs of accommodations, meals, coordination, local support, and other expenses involved in hosting international volunteers.
Volunteer program fees in Costa Rica start from $445 for 1 week. This cost includes your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
As a volunteer with IVHQ in Costa Rica, you will have free time to explore and experience the country and culture outside of your volunteering hours. You can even combine your volunteer program with Spanish language lessons offered through IVHQ’s local team in Costa Rica. The exact amount of free time can vary depending on the project you are participating in. During your free time, you will have the opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty, cultural attractions, and engage in various activities. Some popular options for exploration in Costa Rica include:
- Sightseeing: Visit iconic destinations such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, or explore the stunning beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
- Outdoor Adventures: Engage in adrenaline activities like zip-lining, hiking, white-water rafting, surfing, snorkeling, or diving. Costa Rica offers abundant opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Encounters: Take part in wildlife-focused excursions, such as bird-watching trips, or visiting wildlife rescue centers and sanctuaries.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore local markets, museums, historic sites, and immerse yourself in Costa Rican traditions, music, dance, and cuisine.
- Language Lessons: Sign up for the affordable Spanish language lessons available through IVHQ’s local team in Costa Rica.
By volunteering in Costa Rica, your work can contribute to community development, environmental conservation, increasing access to education and healthcare, empowering locally-driven initiatives, and cultural exchange. Your efforts can help improve the quality of life for community members, protect natural habitats, support sustainable practices, empower local projects, and foster cross-cultural understanding.
The visa requirements for volunteering in Costa Rica depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. If you have a US passport, you do not require a visa to volunteer in Costa Rica. For other nationalities, please check the visa requirement checking tool above.
