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 127,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Costa Rica.
Highlights:
- 16 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $445 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 $1165
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in vet clinics and animal shelters in Manuel Antonio
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Care for stray dogs and cats and help nurse them back to health by supporting local vets and animal welfare organizations in Costa Rica's coastal areas.
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $445
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based around Costa Rica’s capital city
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Support local vet clinics and 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 $1165
- 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 $445
- 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 socializing.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $530
- 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 organization 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 $530
- 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 $905
- 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 $1420
- 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 $530
- 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.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $530
- 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.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Set Program Fee of $815
- Set duration of 1 week
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in and around San José
- Volunteers aged 18+
A project designed for volunteers traveling 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 neighborhoods.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $445
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in Costa Rica’s capital, San José
- Volunteers aged 18+
Contribute to special needs homes by helping in-demand local staff with all aspects of care, education and attention for people living with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1165
- 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 $445
- 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.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1820
- Duration: 1 - 3 weeks
- Only available in July
- 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, Spanish language lessons, and tourism activities.
Protects animals
4-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $905
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based on the Nicoya Peninsula or Carribean 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.
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