Childcare Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San Jose
Excited to do Childcare volunteering in Costa Rica - San José? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to help in community centres, daycares, and schools that care for and entertain children outside of school hours. This is an important service in Costa Rica where many schools are overcrowded and only run in either the morning or afternoon. Volunteers will gain childcare experience while assisting local staff to provide a safe, structured and fun environment where kids can grow and learn.
Highlights:
- Programs start every Monday
- Affordable fees from AU$699 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
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Care for children before and after their short school day
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Enjoy Costa Rica’s warm and beautiful beaches
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Learn about life in San Jose by staying with a local family
Key information
This program is ideal for:
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Overcrowded classrooms in low-income parts of Costa Rica mean students often only attend school in either the morning or afternoon and are generally left to their own devices for the rest of the day. Community centres aim to fill this gap with further education and games so that children have a safe, stimulating and structured learning environment for a longer period of time. This gives children the opportunity to build skills and support networks and increase their chances of continuing education to later gain employment.
As a Childcare volunteer you’ll assist local staff with their efforts to care for and entertain a large number of children up to the age of 11. Yours will be a hands-on role providing much-needed support in general activities. Much of the time is spent outside, as classrooms are often small and crowded. Childcare volunteer work can vary but usually involves:
- Setting up games and activities
- Helping with homework
- One-on-one interaction with children
- Teaching basic hygiene skills
- Assisting with meals
Why do Childcare volunteering in San Jose with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with children in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to education for children in San José
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare experience
- Immersing yourself fully in Costa Rican culture
- Exploring San José, Costa Rica’s lively capital
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
- Volunteers aged 16-18 volunteering without a parent or guardian can volunteer for a maximum duration of 12 weeks.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course credit
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified online”If you're still deciding if you should volunteer abroad, I'd say do it! It’s the best emotional roller coaster. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. Mission accomplished! I had the chance to bond with my fellow volunteers. Although I was 40 years older than them, they let me hang out and explore the city with them. So many memories were made. ”
Debbie, American, 62
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Location
San José is Costa Rica’s modern, metropolitan, cultural hub. The capital city has been hailed as one of the most visited destinations in Central America and is the central point for tourists arriving in Costa Rica. It’s got excellent eateries, an interesting variety of museums, markets, shops, parks and nightlife and is only a short trip to any of the numerous natural attractions and adventures in the region.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José on the Sunday before your start date.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in San José. This is included in your Program Fee.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are travelling in Costa Rica prior to your program, the local team will pick you up at your San José accommodation the day before your orientation.
Your check out is at 11am on the last Saturday of your program.
The compulsory program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in San José on Sunday or Monday.
Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in but a typical morning schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 6:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with the host family. |
Weekends
Whether you want to explore or relax on your weekends in San José , there’s plenty of opportunity to do both. Stroll down the bustling Central Avenue in downtown San José and take in a museum, listen to street performers or do some shopping. Then check out the stunning architecture of the National Theater of Costa Rica, taste-test the city’s fabulous coffee or sample a brew from San José ’s blossoming craft-beer industry.
It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit. Many of these are only a short trip from San José .
Most IVHQ volunteers choose to take advantage of our Costa Rica - Travel and tour add-ons in their free time. Please note that volunteers on more remote projects such as Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture Conservation will only be able to join these activities before or after their program.
Accommodation and WiFi
In San Jose volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Costa Rican way of life. You will find living conditions are comfortable and you can expect your accomodation to have electricity, drinkable running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with up to six other volunteers of the same gender in most homestays It is possible for volunteers to upgrade to a private room (double bed, shared washroom) for $62 per person, per week.
If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a separate homestay to ensure all family members are accommodated together.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
WiFi is available in the majority of homestays and you will have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in San José.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, rice and beans accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat (typically chicken), starches and vegetables. Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto, is made of rice and beans and served with nearly every meal. Lunches are not provided to San José -based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. Budget between AU$7 and AU$15 per day to buy lunch.
If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
Pricing
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | AU$699 Equivalent to AU$100/day |
| 2 weeks | AU$1155 Equivalent to AU$83/day |
| 3 weeks | AU$1595 Equivalent to AU$76/day |
| 4 weeks | AU$1980 Equivalent to AU$71/day |
| 5 weeks | AU$2302 Equivalent to AU$66/day |
| 6 weeks | AU$2624 Equivalent to AU$62/day |
| 8 weeks | AU$3268 Equivalent to AU$58/day |
| 10 weeks | AU$3913 Equivalent to AU$56/day |
| 12 weeks | AU$4557 Equivalent to AU$54/day |
| 16 weeks | AU$5846 Equivalent to AU$52/day |
| 20 weeks | AU$7134 Equivalent to AU$51/day |
| 24 weeks | AU$8423 Equivalent to AU$50/day |
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$517) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Costa Rica generally find US$150 - US$200 per week to be sufficient for expenses. For Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture projects, volunteers can bring less spending money as the location is remote and all meals will be provided.
Recommended activities and tour add-ons
We believe that no volunteer adventure would be complete without experiencing the natural wonders of your host country. That’s why we offer volcano and coffee plantation tours, surfing lessons, mini adventures and more, exclusively available to IVHQ volunteers in Costa Rica as affordable add-ons.
Please note that volunteers on the Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture projects are only able to do the following add ons before or after their program, not during.
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to book or get more information about any of the following activities and tours.
Arenal Volcano is one of the youngest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Located in the small pueblo of La Fortuna, the entire area is a paradise for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Activities include canopy tours, aerial trams, white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking, ATV tours, hot springs, and more.
Transportation, bilingual guide, lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2 included.
Sail the Pacific coast and spot sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales (seasonal). You will enjoy fee-flowing drinks and snacks at the onboard bar.
Bilingual guide, life vest, snorkel gear, drinks, and lunch included.
Visit Manuel Antonio rainforest after the sun sets, when the jungle takes on a totally different character. This is the best time to observe and photograph beautiful tree frogs, colorful insects, and other rainforest creatures that only come out at night.
Professional guide and transport included.
The tour begins with a drive along the Pan-American Highway and passes by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria, and the famous Mango Park. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature park and wildlife sanctuary where participants hike along natural and manmade trails in the rainforest, trekking from waterfall to waterfall. In the wildlife sanctuary, participants visit the largest butterfly observatory in Costa Rica, an impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and see monkeys, birds, and big cats.
Transportation and lunch included.
You will make a short hike into the jungle and from there can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or trek through the park’s trails. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths.
Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks included.
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! You visit beaches and coral reefs amid the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths.
Includes 1 night of lodging, a catamaran boat cruise on the first day with lunch or dinner included. Walking tour of Manuel Antonio National Park on the second day.
The tour begins with a 1-hour drive, followed by a 4.8 km (3 mile) hike back to Nauyaca. At Nauyaca Falls, most hikers love to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Time and weather permitting, the hike may also include a stop at Portalón Waterfall. On the way back to Manuel Antonio, participants enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rica lunch. This is a scenery-rich tour and participants always take amazing photos!
Bilingual guide and lunch included.
Tour of the capital city of San Jose, including Democracy Plaza, Supreme Court building, Spanish Fountain, the National University campus, San Pedro Mall, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the National Gymnasium, and the home of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Oscar Arias Sanchez. Along the way, the tour passes through the neighborhoods of Los Yoses, La Sabana, Rohrmoser, and Nunciatura, among others. This excursion includes guided tour of the Gold Museum and an outside view of the National Theater. The tour ends at the souvenir market.
The Scuba Discovery Weekend takes place in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The course includes 1 day of safety and equipment training in a swimming pool and a 1-day supervised ocean dive. Transportation to/from San Jose/Manuel Antonio, and housing for 2 nights with breakfast and dinner included.
Just 90 minutes from San Jose on the beautiful Pacific coastline, participants enjoy a day pass to a famous local resort. Swim in the huge maze pool, enjoy drinks and lunch, and indulge in a 1-hour professional massage at the resort’s onsite spa. Spa treatments include therapeutic, Pura Vida, Reflexology, Body Scrub, Rain Facial, and Express Facial. Transport included.
The Surf School is based in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, and is an exciting week-long opportunity for you to learn how to surf at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Transportation to/from San Jose/Manuel Antonio, and housing for 2 nights with breakfast and dinner included.
Admire panoramic views of the Central Valley at nightfall and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican dinner, while watching and participating in traditional dances and marimba music. Transportation and dinner are included.
Tortuga Island has located 22.2 km (12 miles) off Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and is recognized as an “Ecological Blue Flag site” due to it’s pollution-free, crystal clear waters that are free of pollution. On the trip out to the island, participants may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and aquatic birds. On the island, participants bask on the white sand beaches, take a swim in the ocean, hike the nature trails, and enjoy lunch. Optional snorkeling and other water sports are available. Transport, breakfast, and lunch are included.
Learn what it takes to run a premier wildlife rescue center and listen to the unique stories of rescued toucans and sloths, as well as a large variety of parrots, macaws, owls, monkeys, weasels, and more!
Enjoy a half-day whitewater rafting experience alongside an expert guide and experience class II to IV rapids. To join this excursion you must know how to swim and must be comfortable around swift-flowing water. Your rafting guide will provide a brief safety orientation and information about navigating the river. The activity includes snacks and a typical Costa Rican meal after the tour.
Learn about winemaking in the tropics, tour the vineyard, the berry farm, and finish with a tasting of both wines and the local berry liqueur ‘Golden Rush.’ A very unique experience! Bilingual guide, lunch, and wine tasting included. PLEASE NOTE: there is a minimum of 2 people required for this tour to run.
The San Luis canopy tour takes participants on an exhilarating, zipline adventure through lush, green canopy and across the majestic Cataratitas River. The tour also includes the “Tarzan Swing,” “Superman Cable,” and the “Elevator” – thrilling features that provide added adrenaline and panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is a safety orientation by expert, bilingual guides before setting out and participants quickly gain confidence on the course of 12 different zip lines and 18 tree platforms. Transport, bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included. PLEASE NOTE: there is a minimum of 2 people required for this tour to run.
Fast and fun ziplining just outside of San Jose at Hacienda La Chimba. ‘La Chimba’ is a magical place surrounded by mountains and Costa Rica’s exotic flora and fauna. Transport, zipline guide, and lunch included
Your half day Volcano Tour will take you to either Poas or Irazu volcano, depending on the weather. Both are active volcanoes with exciting thermal activity and stunning scenic views. There are short walks to the volcanoes, so it’s not strenuous, but we do encourage sturdy, closed toed shoes for the journey.
Arenal Volcano is one of the youngest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Located in the small pueblo of La Fortuna, the entire area is a paradise for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. On the way to La Fortuna, the tour stops in a visit to the artisan pueblo of Sarchi. At Arenal, participants have 3 hours of free time to enjoy the hot springs. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, lunch, and dinner included. Pick up at accommodations at 7:00 AM. This tour is 15 hours long. Note, this tour ends at 10:00 PM.
Volunteers spend a full day exploring La Paz Waterfall and gardens and an expansive animal sanctuary, followed by a Paos Volcano Tour and Coffee Plantation Tour. This full day includes breakfast, lunch, private transportation, a local bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.
The Mini Adventure combines the major hot spots into a 1-week excursion that can be added at the beginning or end of your volunteer program. You will be accompanied by a certified bilingual tour guide for each trip, using San Jose as your home base between tours.
This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience, without the stress of trip planning! It will begin on Sunday and finish the following Saturday morning, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins. Please note that your meals are not included on this trip.
This Mini Adventure includes:
ARENAL VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS Arenal is a majestic active volcano in the northern part of Costa Rica. En route, you stop at Sarchi, a town known for its beautiful and intricate Costa Rican arts and crafts, and souvenirs. You enjoy a typical lunch overlooking Arenal volcano at La Fortuna before relaxing at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Wade and swim in mineral pools filled with naturally hot water from volcanic springs. After a delicious buffet dinner, you head back to San Jose.
BRITT COFFEE TOUR Learn how Café Britt changed the course of history and coffee beans in Costa Rica! This tour shares the story behind Costa Rica’s most famous gourmet coffee. The guided tour lets you trace the process of coffee production from bean to cup and discover how Costa Rica’s unique micro climates and fertile soils create the ideal conditions for growing the world’s best coffee beans. You also learn from the experts how to prepare coffee using traditional methods. Of course, the tour culminates in a coffee tasting! Bilingual guide and entrance fees included.
ZIPLINING This canopy tour takes you on an exhilarating, zipline adventure through lush, green canopy and across the majestic Cataratitas River. The tour also includes the “Tarzan Swing,” “Superman Cable,” and the “Elevator” — thrilling features that provide added adrenaline and panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is a safety orientation by expert, bilingual guides before setting out and participants quickly gain confidence on the course of 12 different zip lines and 18 tree platforms. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.
ANIMAL SANCTUARY & LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDEN The tour begins with a drive along the Panamerican Highway and passes by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria, and the famous Mango Park. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature park and wildlife sanctuary where participants hike along natural and manmade trails in the rainforest, trekking from waterfall to waterfall. In the wildlife sanctuary, participants visit the largest butterfly observatory in Costa Rica, an impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and see monkeys, birds, and big cats. The tour ends with a delicious buffet lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.
WHITEWATER RAFTING The Pacuare River is a truly memorable whitewater rafting adventure! This tour combines nature, wilderness, and excitement. Rio Pacuare runs through a true river gorge and is flanked by steep rock and filled with wildlife and cascading waterfalls along the route. The whitewater includes Class III, IV, and V rapids and it is an exciting descent! Along the way, there is a buffet lunch served on the river bank. Before starting the adventure, there is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! During the route, professional photographers take pictures and shoot videos, which can be purchased at the end of the trip. All equipment is provided, including helmet, paddle, and lifevest. Expert bilingual river guide and lunch included.
TORTUGA ISLAND Tortuga Island is located 22.2 km (12 miles) off Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The island is a 48.5-hectare (120-acre) protected nature reserve It has an area of 120 acres, as it remains a protected forest; and is recognized as an “Ecological Blue Flag site” due to its pollution-free, crystal clear waters that are free of pollution. On the trip out to the island, participants may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and aquatic birds. On the island, participants bask on the white sand beaches, take a swim in the ocean, hike the nature trails, and enjoy lunch. Breakfast and lunch included.
If you would like to add a Mini Adventure to your trip, you can arrange this directly with your Program Manager once you are registered for the program.
The Beach & Jungle Mini Adventure combines the major hot spots into a 1-week excursion that can be added at the beginning or end of your volunteer program. You will be accompanied by a certified bilingual tour guide for each trip, using Manuel Antonio as your home base between tours.
The Beach & Jungle Adventure week allows volunteers based in Manuel Antonio to really explore the beauty of this stunning part of Costa Rica. This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience without the hassle of arranging your own trips and accommodations. It begins on Sunday and finishes on Friday, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins.
This Mini Adventure includes:
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! You visit pristine beaches and coral reefs amid the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. You make a short hike into the jungle and from there can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or trek through the park’s trails. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks included.
RAINMAKER JUNGLE TOUR Rainmaker Park is a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The Park is located approximately 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects, and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit, there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal forest impact, while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. The tour ends with a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.
CANOPY ZIP-LINE A beautiful zipline adventure in Costa Rica! The tour begins with a short 20-minute drive to Santuario Park, which is an extensive primary rainforest. The zip lines are long and fast and Santuario Park Canopy has the third-longest cable in the world–approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The tour has over 3.6 km (2.2 miles) of total zip line across 10 lines and 14 tree platforms. Other activities include nature walks, hanging bridges, and a rappelling activity. Bilingual guide and lunch included.
JUNGLE NIGHT TOUR The most beautiful concert, led by the orchestra of nature, begins when the sun goes down. Walking on safe trails, this guided tour, takes you on a magical experience through the nocturnal forest in search of the night-active fauna characteristic of the area, and learn about the flora that sustains the forest life. Take advantage of your guide’s experience spotting the hidden wonders of the forest and take beautiful photographs aided by the UV light and flashlights included.
WHITE WATER RAFTING The tour begins with a 1-hour drive from Manuel Antonio past rural villages and palm tree plantations. The Savegre River is considered the cleanest river in all of Central America–the river originates at the top of the San Gerardo Dota mountains and runs super-cold. The trip is filled with the incredible landscapes and natural waterfalls of the rainforest. Class II and III rapids. There is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! All rafting equipment, an expert river guide, and snacks are included. The activity includes snacks and a typical Costa Rican meal after the tour.
NAUYACA WATERFALL Nauyaca Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions! The tour begins with a 1-hour drive, followed by a 4.8 km (3 miles) hike back to Nauyaca. At Nauyaca Falls, most hikers love to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Time and weather permitting, the hike may also include a stop at Portalón Waterfall. On the way back to Manuel Antonio, participants enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rica lunch. This is a scenery-rich tour and participants always take amazing photos! Bilingual guide and lunch included.
SUNSET SAIL TOUR This is an amazing ocean tour sailing along Manuel Antonio’s gorgeous Pacific coast. Participants enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks at the onboard bar during the cruise to Biesanz Beach. Along the way, participants may be able to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales (seasonal). At the beach, participants can swim, snorkel and explore. Bilingual guide, lifevest, snorkel gear, drinks, and lunch included.
If you would like to add a Mini Adventure to your trip, you can arrange this directly with your Program Manager once you are registered for the program.
Enjoy a half-day tour of the Britt Coffee Plantation, a working coffee farm, led by your own expert guide. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the coffee production from plant to cup, and enjoy a coffee tasting at the end of your tour.
The Scuba Certification program takes place in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Spend the week learning how to scuba dive with PADI certified instructors on the beaches of Costa Rica. The price is inclusive of your pick-up in San Jose and transportation to and from Manuel Antonio, along with your housing for 6 nights in a private room with a host family who will provide you with breakfast and dinner.
The Surf program is based in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and is an exciting week-long opportunity for you to learn how to surf some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Your price includes your pick-up in San Jose and transportation to and from Manuel Antonio, along with your housing for 6 nights in a private room with a host family. This is also inclusive of breakfast and dinner.
Enjoy a day white water rafting alongside an expert guide along the Savegre or Naranjo river, and experience class I, II, III, and IV rapids. To join this excursion you must know how to swim and must be comfortable around swift-flowing water. Your rafting guide will provide a brief safety orientation and information about navigating the river, and all rafts will be followed in the river by safety guides in kayaks.
Spend a half-day zipping your way through the jungle on a zipline tour led by professional guides. You’ll have the chance to glide over raging rivers, jungle canopy, and interact with wildlife throughout your journey. Participants must be comfortable with heights and please note that meals are not included.
How to book IVHQ’s recommended add-ons:
When you apply for an IVHQ volunteer program, make a note of which tours and add-ons you’re interested in on your application form so we can check availability and prices for you.
Once you’ve paid your registration fee, your IVHQ Program Manager will be able to book your place on the tour(s) you have chosen and help you organize your trip.
Spanish language lessons
Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Costa Rica program, however, learning basic conversational Spanish will help you maximise the benefit of your program. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. Please note these lessons are not available on the Holiday Experience, Eco-Agriculture or Turtle Conservation projects.
San Jose Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$145 (approximately AU$227) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$225 (approximately AU$353) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: US$455 (approximately AU$715) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
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Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
| Capital | San Jose |
| Population | 5 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San Jose stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).
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