Holiday Experience Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San Jose

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.