Volunteer in Costa Rica | Projects Abroad

Volunteer in Costa Rica with Projects Abroad and help a community in need, or help protect the environment. You’ll get to immerse in a rich, diverse culture by living and working in central America.

We offer different types of volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, so you can choose something that you’re passionate about. You can work in childhood development, teach English, or help conserve wildlife.

Our volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica are based in either Liberia or Barra Honda National Park. In both locations, our local staff will be available 24/7 to help with anything you need.

More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected in national parks, so it’s a nature lover’s paradise. It has everything from volcanoes to tropical rainforests, and amazing waterfalls to beautiful sandy beaches. This small country is also famous for its biodiversity and diverse wildlife.

Can't find what you're looking for?

We have the expertise and staff on the ground to create a custom project for you, or simply help you find the best option.

Speak to one of our Costa Rica experts on:

(+1) 917 810 4744

or email:

Get in Touch

to start planning your project

Safety and staff support

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Find out more about safety and backup.

Meet the team in Costa Rica

Meicel Gomez

Conservation Project Cook

Oscar Rosales

Conservation Coordinator

Marcela Esquivel

Volunteer Coordinator

Jessica Brenes

Interlocutor

Daniel Segura

Project Supervisor

Luis Arguedas

Country Director

Where we are based in Costa Rica

During your voluntary work in Costa Rica, you’ll be living in either Liberia or Barra Honda National Park. We have dedicated full-time staff in both locations, so you’ll have plenty of support no matter where you’re based.

Barra Honda

Our Conservation Project in Costa Rica is based in Barra Honda National Park. You’ll be working at the wildlife reserve, which is about a 25-minute drive from the nearest town.

This location is ideal for you if you’re a nature lover looking to take a break from fast-paced daily life. Your free time will be filled with scenic hikes and board games with your fellow volunteers, with the lush forest as your backdrop. For the more adventurous, the network of underground caves and caverns is a highlight.

You'll find plenty of family volunteer opportunities in Barra Honda. Among young children arriving in Costa Rica with their parents, Conservation Volunteer Projects are the most popular. Being home to birds, monkeys and many other exotic species, this is a safe way for kids to get involved and help protect these important creatures.

Liberia

Most of our projects are based in the vibrant city of Liberia, capital of the Guanacaste province. A striking mix of old and new, Liberia retains a rich colonial history, as well as being home to an array of modern tech companies and shopping centres.

Liberia is also a fantastic starting point for weekend excursions. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll be able to explore the nearby Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks. There are also many beaches nearby, which you can easily reach by bus.

Be sure to ask locals about the concept of "pura vida" or "pure living": the unofficial motto of Costa Rica. Our volunteer abroad programmes are a chance to embrace a new lifestyle and there are few better opportunities to do this than in Liberia. Being a city, you'll have some of the luxuries you're used to, but expect to embrace a slower, more relaxed pace when arriving in Costa Rica.

Airport pickup, flights and visas costa rica

When volunteering in Costa Rica, you will be met at the airport by a Projects Abroad staff member. You can find more detailed information on flights, arrival airports, orientation, and visas, on our Costa Rica Arrival Procedures page.