VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA

PURA VIDA! Green countryside and breathtaking sights are what Costa Rica is all about.  One of the most biodiverse and ecologically rich countries, Costa Rica is home to lush rainforests and a wide array of flora and fauna. The country has gone to great lengths to preserve these natural habitats.

Costa Rica is also one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the region with diverse cultural heritage and traditions drawing from many countries all over Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The country is considered an advanced developing country, one of the most stable democracies in Latin America, and a leader in environmental sustainability. However, like any emerging economy, opportunities are not always evenly distributed and many of the smaller villages and more remote regions of the country are much less developed. 

You have the opportunity to make a very real and immediate impact working in Costa Rica, actively fostering new development in their towns, schools, & coffee plantations!

Our region of focus is called Dota (known locally as Los Santos). Dota is a mountainous, lush, tropical environment full of wildlife and foliage, approximately three hours south of San Jose. The chief source of income throughout the region is coffee. Our service work will focus on sustainable development and social entrepreneurship. As part of our service work, we’ll learn about the entire supply chain of the coffee business from seed to plant to factory to cup. We’ll learn about the farmers, the pickers, the cooperatives, the roasters all the way to the baristas. We’ll also learn about local entrepreneurs who are developing low-impact eco-tourism as well as ecological and sustainable farming programs.

Trip Experience

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What You Will Remember

pura vida

“Pura vida” is so much more than a greeting, though often heard as such. It is an optimism embraced wholeheartedly. It is the belief that life is short, and generally good. No matter how much or how little we have in life, we can all choose to embrace the moment and live life fully. There is a reason Costa Rica is the most peaceful country on the planet!

natural beauty

Colorful birds, noisy monkeys, prowling cats, exotic frogs, sedentary sloths and so much more! The striking landscapes include dense tropical jungles, high mountainous cloud forests, active volcanoes, rich reefs, and expansive coastlines along the Pacific and the Caribbean. A highlight is zip-lining through the rain forest on a canopy tour, getting a monkey’s eye view!

your impact

The remote village of Providencia makes do with what they have out of economic & environmental necessity. Creative ingenuity and the hard work of many have generated viable businesses in organic coffee, natural foods, and ecotourism as well as a successful recycling center. You’ll help the community grow these projects, ensuring an even brighter future.

“Green construction” in the recycling center

Recess play at the local school

Maintaining trails in the cloud forest

Feeding a rich organic compost

Paving a road to enable sustainable farming

A long day’s work at the coffee farm

Building a school bench from re-used plastic

Costa Rica Travel Highlights

In addition to volunteering, you will have time to travel and explore some of the many highlights the country has to offer.

Bienvenidos! Welcome dinner on the first night

Waterfall in Providencia de Dota

A curious observer in Manuel Antonio Nat. Park

Rafting in River Pacuare

Learning to make tortillas

Ziplining through the rain forest

Surfing at Dominical

Enjoying a picnic lunch with host families

Making traditional vegetable soup for group dinner

Ecolodge in Providencia de Dota

Cloud forest in Providencia

An outcome worth the hike!

Testimonials

“I felt immersed in the town of Providencia and with my host family. I was warmly welcomed by the Young Dreamers and their families. I learned so much while exploring the area.“

Mia

Student, Costa Rica

“This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was amazing to be immersed in the culture and meet such wonderful people. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. It was also great to know that I was making an impact on something important.“

Christina

Student, Costa Rica

“This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was amazing to be immersed in the culture and meet such wonderful people. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. It was also great to know that I was making an impact on something important.“

Pierce

Student, Costa Rica

Questions? Let us help! Contact Dream Volunteers