Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Adventure

Renowned for its world-class abundance of wildlife and for being the “happiest country on earth”, Costa Rica is unrivaled in its natural beauty. From the lush rainforests teeming with monkeys, sloths and toucans to its splendid palm-fringed beaches, there are many sides of Costa Rica to explore.

While Costa Rica has an excellent reputation as a leader in sustainability, environmental pressures are rising due to a growing population and increased deforestation. To achieve our purpose and combat these threats, plant trees with a rural community in the highlands, and learn about their traditional way of life. Volunteer at a wildlife rescue center preparing food for sloths, monkeys, and marmosets.

(Volunteer Time = 6 hours, or 2 mornings)

As a family, experience rural Costa Rican life by helping to plant trees for a morning, then learn how to cook a typical meal from a local señora. Enjoy a hands-on workshop at an organic chocolate farm that takes you from harvesting to processing and eventually savoring a delicious treat! Spend a day volunteering at a wildlife rescue center and get up close to sloths, spider monkeys, marmosets, and many more species.

More adventurous travelers can add on our optional Adventure Package, which includes a rainforest zipline experience and a half-day whitewater rafting trip.

Over half of all land in Costa Rica is forested, creating the ideal playground for families and wildlife lovers alike. This family trip through Costa Rica is action packed and allows you to experience a wide range of the country.

We’ll hike through some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, view active volcanoes, and soak in rejuvenating thermal hot springs. Meander along a series of hanging bridges to experience life in the treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Then, travel to the pristine Pacific coast to explore its oceanfront rainforest teeming with wildlife.

Start the journey in La Fortuna located at the base of the towering Arenal Volcano. Our charming hotel boasts a pool and is the perfect place to unwind after the journey to Costa Rica. The next two nights are spent at a mountainside hotel in the Monteverde Cloud Reserve. The hotel is surrounded by cozy gardens and lush green landscapes. End the trip with 3 nights at a locally-owned boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio. Surrounded by rainforest and not far from the Pacific coast beaches, this will be the perfect way to end the journey!