One month of volunteering and adventure in Costa Rica

Your adventure starts in San José, where you'll be picked up from the airport so you don't need to hassle with taxis. You'll get transferred to your hostel in the city center, which will also be your base for the first night of the trip. Take the time to get to know San José at your own pace.

The next morning your transfer to Santa Teresa is waiting for you! Get ready for 2 weeks of Spanish lessons and volunteering in this little gem of a place on the Pacific coast. Learning Spanish will not only come in handy during your volunteering, but also when and if you travel elsewhere in Costa Rica and Central/South America. In addition to the Spanish lessons, you will participate in volunteer projects designed to conserve and respect local natural resources. Project work is varied and priorities are seasonal and weather dependent, but the work generally focuses around beach conservation, recycling and supporting the local community. During these weeks, you can also choose an extra activity to enjoy in your free time: surfing or yoga. Whether you want to catch some waves on the Pacific coast or slow things down with a yoga session, you can pick the activity that suits you best.

If you're also interested in volunteering with turtles, extend your stay in Santa Teresa to 3-4 weeks and you'll get the chance to participate in a turtle conservation project. You can also opt in for some surf or yoga lessons while in Santa Teresa.

After 2 intense weeks of learning and physical labor, it is time to kick back a bit and enjoy the country's amazing nature in a more relaxed way. Our suggestion is that from Santa Teresa you make your way up to the mountainous and lush area of Rincón de la Vieja. While heading there, use a few days to jump from beach to beach, boost your surf skills and speak Spanish to the locals. Once you've reached Liberia, hire a taxi driver who can take you to Rincón de la Vieja.

From Rincón de la Vieja, there is a long way down to the capital, so why not travel slowly and stop in few places on your way. Go rafting on the Tenorio River or horse back riding in La Fortuna* and then step on a local bus to San José and enjoy the sights and the music playing on the bus.

*These are suggested experiences and not included in the package price.

Travel from San Jose through banana plantations to the Caribbean Coast where you'll catch a boat to the remote Tortuguero National Park. Here you will spend a couple of days exploring the canals, beaches and jungles of this pristine nature reserve in search of turtles, birds, caiman, and, if you are lucky, the famous "Jesus Lizard." In your downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach.

Next it's time to travel down south to the amazing beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Instead of taking the bus there, you could try out other alternatives and in the meantime go more local. Take the ferry from Tortuguero to Limón. In Limón you should walk into any Soda (a small local eatery) to taste the more spicy and different gallo pinto! Grab a few patís to eat for your bus ride to Puerto Viejo.

We've included a 3 nights stay in a hostel in Puerto Viejo but it's totally up to you how long you want to stay here. When you feel like it's time to move on, head back to San José for a return flight home OR continue your adventures elsewhere in Costa Rica or Central America. Whatever you choose, we'll help you arrange it.