Volunteering is a great way to get a very unique vacation experience. While backpacking and traveling cross country can be fun, some want a little more meaning out of their travel time. If this sounds like something you are looking for, you can find plenty of it in Costa Rica. there is a wide selection of volunteer jobs and opportunities all over the country. No matter what sort of work you are looking to do, you can probably find it here in Costa Rica.

Often, volunteering can be much cheaper than actually vacationing on your own. While you might not have as much free time as you would if you were simply traveling, that isn’t really the point of volunteer work. However, many of these volunteer programs give you plenty of free time to explore the country on your own or with you fellow volunteers. Vacationing via volunteer work is also nice because it takes care of a lot of the logistics for you. Some programs will setup ground transportation for you, feed you, house you, and much more.

Here are some of the most popular volunteer programs in Costa Rica:

Marine Conservation in Puntarenas (Pacific Coast)

GeoVisions offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of creatures at a local Marine Rescue Center. Located in Puntarenas, two hours from the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, the center offers volunteers a chance to learn about, treat and care for injured animals that have been rescued from both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Participate in the release of healthy animals and assist in maintaining the 22 fish tanks that hold an assortment of creatures that help educate visitors to the facility. Helping to care for the outdoor exhibits housing crocodiles, turtles and pelicans are also part of the volunteer experience. Programs last from two to eight weeks and a moderate knowledge of Spanish is recommended. Contact: GeoVisions, 63 Whitfield St. Guilford, CT 06437 USA
Phone: 1 203 453 5838 Fax: 1 203 738 1024

Sea Turtle Conservation in Coast Rica

Leatherback turtles are an endangered species and this is your opportunity to help these creatures in their fight for survival. Nesting seasons in the Caribbean are mid March to July and on the Pacific coast from July to December. Volunteers work with research organization in a number of roles, including clearing beaches for nesting season and day and night beach patrols. Those with a love of the outdoors and comfortable in a more rustic environment will find this a fascinating, unforgettable experience. Programs typically run from two to four weeks, but there are some assignments of up to twelve weeks. Knowledge of Spanish helpful, but is not necessary. Contact: i-to-i Meaningful Travel, United Kingdom
Phone: 44 870 333 2332, Ireland Phone: 353 58 40050

Build Homes for Underprivileged Families in Costa Rica

If you prefer your volunteering efforts to be on dry land, opportunities exist for helping to build homes for local families. If you are easy going, enjoy people and don’t mind working outside in all types of weather, this might be the project for you. No building experience is necessary but any special skills are enthusiastically welcomed. Currently opportunities exist on the Nicoya Peninsula and San Ramon in the North Western Region, Cartago on the Central Pacific Coast and in Monteverde. Most assignments run two to four weeks, but programs can last up to twelve weeks. Knowledge of Spanish is not essential, but helpful. . Contact: i-to-i Meaningful Travel, United Kingdom Office Phone: 44 870 333 2332, Ireland Office Phone: 353 58 40050

Costa Rica- Paramedical Internship

Volunteers with an interest in medicine can work with a paramedical team, responding to emergency calls, transporting patients between hospitals and hosting local health and safety fairs. No prior experience is needed; paramedical and CPR training will be provided by local staff. This is a great way to both gain first hand medical experience and to work with the Costa Rican people. Assignments are normally five to eight weeks, but programs lasting up to a year are available. Spanish or English language skills are needed, as is a BA Degree in a related field. The current areas of need are in San Jose or in Heredia. Contact: AIDE, 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Ste 100, Austin, TX USA
Phone: 1 888 6-ABROAD, Fax: 1 512 857 1108

Painting Murals and Encouraging Creativity in Costa Rica

Help create an art school in the Longo Mai region of Costa Rica. The goal is to establish the Universidad Alternativa del Sur (Alternative University of the South). Volunteers are invited to participate in an art project in the town of Finca el Soñador. Encourage local youth in developing their artistic talents by helping them create murals, participating in creative workshops and working together painting the community house at Longo Mai. Participation is open to American and Canadian residents with either Spanish or English language skills. Programs run from two to four weeks.
Contact: CADIP – Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects,
129-1271 Howe St Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 1R3 Canada
Phone: 1 604 628 7400 Fax: 1 604 628 7401

Designing a Sustainable Organic Farm

Would you enjoy the experience of living in primitive structures in a rainforest and on the beach? Do you have an interest in organic farming? Help create a sustainable organic farm in tropical Gaia Vista. Living quarters, including tree houses in the recently created Ewok Village will be constructed on previously cleared rainforest lands to minimize the environmental footprint. Organic chefs with experience in preparing vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are encouraged to apply, as are people who enjoy building primitive huts, maintaining trails and have a general interest in construction. English or Spanish language skills are needed. Programs typically run for one to two weeks, but are available for up to a two year stay. Contact: Gaia Vista, 423 San Juan Drive, El Granada, CA, USA Phone: 1 650 440 2030

Original article can be found here: Coolest Places to Volunteer in Costa Rica

The Asis Project Costa Rica is interestingly place to visit for vacation in or to perform environmental based volunteer work, relax, or learn about Costa Rican culture. There are not many places in the world where you can experience life with a local family, learn the language from native speakers, and see local wild animals. People of all ages can come and experience the paid tours and learn from the Costa Rican people.

There is a special wildlife preservation area, at the Asis Project Costa Rica that visitors can visit and contribute to with their volunteer work. The purpose of the Asis project is to work with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy and with the Monteverde Conservation League. This is a non profit that maintains to the 54,000 Children’s Eternal Rain Forest.

What to Expect

The wild animal rescue experience was designed with MINAE’s purpose of preserving the wildlife and participating in environmental conservation programs. With an increasing number of people living in modern cities and towns, it may be at once in a lifetime chance to experience this type of natural forest environment. This Asis Project has animals on display that have been rescued from harmful situations in the wild.

Volunteers that arrive are able to help with animal medical treatments, food, and introducing new animals to their new natural habitat home. Each volunteer has the ability to clean out cages, build cages, and interact closely with some of the animals.

In other areas of the Asis project volunteers can also help with local recycling ongoing projects, plant tree seedlings, participate in construction in the local community, and the assist the local rural English teacher. The voice of a naive English speaker helps the glass immensely.

Learn Spanish

Learning another language is a goal that many people have. However, there are not always abundant opportunities to learn a language from an authentic Spanish speaker. There is a Spanish institute that operates for four hours each day. This is plenty of time to practice of authentic Spanish while in Costa Rica. Spanish students are able to practice their language skills immediately. It is not always possible to hear, speak, and practice a new language around native speakers. The four hour study format leaves enough time during working hours for visitors to experience the rest of the Asis Projects tours. Touring programs are held Monday through Friday during the business week. There is an Animal Science program that helps explain details of raising cattle and acquiring dairy products. There are touring programs for entire families to come and experience Costa Rica together as a group.

Live with a Host Family

Host families open up their home so that visitors can experience daily Costa Rican family life. Visitors are allowed to become one of the family and live in their homes for an additional charge. A visitor can expect clothes to be laundered for them, prepared meals, private room for sleeping, access to the family bathroom, and hospitality. The house that the visitors stay is is similar to a modest middle class home.

While visiting all visitors have the option of exploring eight acres of the ecological reserve. In the reserve there are wild boars, monkeys, parrots, and many other animals native to Costa Rica.

Whos it For?

Touring the Asis Project Costa Rica is available for children as well as adults. There are programs for families, college students, groups on tour, professional corporate groups, and high school students. All visitors are encouraged to contact the Centers for Disease control to find out which vaccines they need to acquire if any, before traveling. A valid passport will be needed for travel and to exchange money once arriving in Costa Rica. It will be helpful for visitors to bring their own supply of bug repellent in travel size containers that are allowed in carry on luggage for travel. Use these travel tips when planning a family, corporate, or school trip to the Asis Project Costa Rica.

Original article can be found here: The Asis Project Costa Rica

With all the bars, prostitutes, and surfing in Jaco; there is certainly plenty to do. But, should you feel the need to purge yourself from the town for a day, you will be happy to know there are a wealth of things to do in nearby areas. Because Jaco is a straight shot from San Jose, it is easy to find organized tours that go all over central Costa Rica.

In case you are visiting other areas of Costa Rica as well, here are some other suggested day trips:
Day Trips from Manuel Antonio
Day Trips from San Jose

Crocodile Safari

Home of one of the World’s largest crocodile populations can be found on the Tarcoles River, which is one of four rivers that flow into the Nicoya Peninsula. A perfect day trip safari while in Jaco Costa Rica.

View crocodiles and their habitat up close while crusing down the river. Some of these magnificent reptiles are up to 15 feet long. In addition, professional tour guides will explain the difficult ecosystem of the Guacalillo Estuary that is home to more than 50 different species of birds with the red macaw among them.

And excellent day trip for the whole family and is safe for children. The main receiving hall is fully handicapped accessible and can house up to 200 people at a time. The tour is a two hour boat trip that will accommodate anywhere from 20 to 60 passengers so be sure to get your cameras and video recorders ready to take hundreds of pictures. Transportation, professional guides and a boat ride are all included in this trip package.

Any vacationer needs to include this safari trip in their plans while in Costa Rica. Crocodiles slithering effortlessly through the water in a lushly beautiful landscape makes for a unique and fun trip indeed.

>>Check out our review of the Jungle Crocodile Safari

Costa Rica Café Britt Coffee Tour

Coffee drinkers will enjoy this favorite day tour. The Costa Rica Cafe Britt Coffee Tour leads the visitor from the beginning of the coffee bean to the processing plant that will eventually make the gourmet cup of coffee that all coffee drinkers crave.

In addiiton to the coffee processing facilities, the tour also includes six acres of coffee fields and tropical gardens. The visitor will discover what a typical day is like and learn how a turn of the century coffee processing business operates and visitors can even purchase dried coffee beans in order to plant their own coffee. Visitors will also be able to create their own groumet coffee if desired.

The visitor will also be able to watch the roasting of the coffee beans and the packaging process which ends in a wonderfully tasting cup of coffee.

A professional acting troupe will guide the visitors in a play of the history and importance of the coffee industry and it’s foundation to the local culture. Dressed in traditional clothing of the area, the play is a wonderful experience for adults and kids alike.

The whole family will have a wonderful time on the Coffee tour and will be a time long remembered as one of the favorite highlights of your vacation.

Buena Vista Rainforest Combo

Looking to spend a day in the rainforest? Take a Buena Vista Rainforest tour. While visiting Jaco Costa Rica, taking this 8 hour tour will guide you through the lush landscape of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a rainforest with several species of monkeys darting through the trees and birds chirping in the air.

There are 3 species of monkey that includes the spider monkey, white faced monkey and the howling monkey. With over 250 species of birds, a tour through this natural paradise is the ideal day trip. Other wildlife that is native to the rainforest are also certain to be seen.

Enjoy the sulphur springs for relaxation and a mud bath facial to experience the health benefits that are available deep in the rainforest. Taking a walk on a bridge or experiencing a canopy ride is a must for the traveller as they wander through ravines, rivers and volcanic springs.

Cameras are allowed so the visitors can take pictures of the natural beauty of the tropical rainforest and preserve memories of a unique vacation day.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Rainforest tour, reservations are required at least 5 days in advance. Book yours today.

Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

Visiting Jaco Costa Rica cannot be complete without visiting Arenal Volcano. Listed as one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal Volcano has hot ash belching from the top with hot lava rocks flowing down the hillside virtually on a daily basis.

While visiting the volcano in the town of Zarcero, visitors can enjoy relaxing in thermal hot springs that are naturally heated by the close proximity of the volcano. While there, be sure to consider staying until after dark to see the spectacular views of the volcano at night.

Other activities can be found around Arenal, so if you are not sure what type of tour you would like to take or would like to take several day trips, Arenal is the place to go. Tours for everything from rafting, horseback tours, agricultural tours, caves and canopy tours can be found. Visitors will be sure to find something for everyone in their party to do.

Rappeling will be a unique experience as you feel the rumblings of the volcano or walking across hanging bridges.

Costa Rica offers a wide, unique experience for any traveller and needs to be anyone’s list as a new vacation destination.

Original article can be found here: Day Trips from Jaco

Tranquillo Backpackers – Check Dates

Most hostels in the San Jose area fall under one of these categories: party hostel or laid back hostel. Tranquillo Backpackers is a nice combination of the two. The building itself is a huge, old building, in the San Jose area about 20 minutes from the airport.

Because Tranquillo Backpackers is such a large facility, there are a number of common areas to party in, relax in, or just mingle in. The size of the hostel also means its very easy to get a room far away from the louder common areas. Should you not manage to get a room far enough away from the louder areas, Tranquillo Backpackers offers free ear plugs.

I cant say enough good things about the staff here. They are willing to go the extra mile to help you out. No matter if you just need directions to the bus stop or help ordering a pizza delivery, they will do it all.

Tranquillo Backpackers has all the basic hostel facilities such as skype, high speed internet, a kitchen and more. They also have a free movie night every evening around 8:00. From time to time they also have “meal night” where they cook hamburgers, hot dogs, or some other meal at a discounted rate.

Contact Information

Where: San Jose
Cost: $12 – $26
Reservations: Yes
Phone Number:
Website: Tranquillo Backpackers

Amenities

• Breakfast Included
• Car Parking Available
• Internet Access
• Security Lockers
• Luggage Storage
• Guest Kitchen
• Telephone/Fax Facilities
• 24 hour reception
• Travel Desk/Travel Info
• Common Room
• No Curfew
• No Lockout
• BBQ Area
• Free Carpark
• Free Internet Access
• Pets Accepted
• 24 Hour Check In

Original article can be found here: Tranquillo Backpackers – San Jose