Costa Rica – Rainforest, Wildlife & Volcanoes for Teenagers

Join us on a transformative journey with our two-week Teen Program in Costa Rica. This unique experience combines educational projects, cultural immersion, and recreational activities. With a group size of 8 to 13 participants aged 15-17, this program offers a blend of adventure and conservation efforts in the picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica.

 

Program Highlights:

  • Join a meaningful program designed for teens aged 15-17 years
  • Explore San José through a scenic hike
  • Venture to the enchanting Volcan Poas
  • Contribute to tropical rainforest conservation
  • Experience a boat excursion
  • Dive into thrilling underwater activities
  • Immerse in local culture through tastings
  • Engage in snorkeling at Cahuita National Park

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (Two-week commitment):

  • Day 1 – Friday: Touch-down in San Jose – Arrive in San Jose, be warmly welcomed, and settle into your accommodation. Spend time with your Tour Leader, explore the small yet vibrant city by foot, and consider a visit to the colorful Mercado Central. In the evening, experience typical Costa Rican entertainment by visiting a local restaurant for refreshments and ‘bocas’ (local snacks).
  • Day 2 – Saturday: San Jose City Tour – Embark on a guided walking tour through San Jose, delving into its markets, landmarks, and parks. Interact with the city, tasting local treats, exploring the Metropolitan Cathedral, and learning about Costa Rican culture from a local guide.
  • Day 3 – Sunday: Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Embark on a full-day tour to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Witness the diverse fauna and flora, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch, and experience a coffee tour on the Hacienda Alsace. Return in the late afternoon.
  • Day 4 – Monday: Onwards to the Rainforest Conservation Project – Leave San Jose for the Rainforest Conservation Project in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands. Stay in a volunteer house, surrounded by tropical gardens and rainforest. Begin understanding the project’s goals and engage in volunteer work.
  • Day 5 – Tuesday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Receive an introduction from the Project Coordinator, focusing on biodiversity, reforestation, and sustainable living. Engage in volunteer work, starting with a hike into the tropical rainforest reserve and various projects.
  • Day 6 – Wednesday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Continue volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project. After work, enjoy relaxation in the community house, play games, or participate in organized activities like night tours or yoga.
  • Day 7 – Thursday: Pacuare River Nature and Wildlife Boat tour – Experience the nature and wildlife of the Caribbean by boat on the Pacuare River. Glide through navigable canals surrounded by rainforest, spotting diverse wildlife. Immerse in the ‘Central America’s Amazon’ experience.
  • Day 8 – Friday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Continue your volunteer efforts at the Rainforest Conservation Project, contributing to the ongoing conservation and research activities.
  • Day 9 – Saturday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Engage in another day of volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project, immersing yourself in the diverse tropical environment.
  • Day 10 – Sunday: Calypso in the Caribbean – Leave the Rainforest Conservation Project for Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. Explore the town, relax on the beaches, and embrace the diverse cultural atmosphere.
  • Day 11 – Monday: Cahuita Boating and Nature Hike – Embark on a day trip to Cahuita National Marine & Nature Park for snorkeling and hiking. Encounter coral reefs, diverse marine life, and tropical rainforest. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
  • Day 12 – Tuesday Animal Wildlife Rescue Center & Cooking Class – Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center to meet resident wildlife. Participate in a Caribbean cooking class, utilizing regional ingredients and enjoying your culinary creations.
  • Day 13 – Wednesday: Traveling to San Jose – Return to San Jose with free time to explore the city’s attractions, museums, or indulge in last-minute souvenir shopping. Consider visiting the Mercado de Artesania and enjoy a farewell evening in the city.
  • Day 14 – Thursday: Homeward Bound – Depart from San Jose. Transfer to the San Jose International Airport for your journey home, bidding farewell to Costa Rica with memories of a unique and enriching experience.

 

Note: The schedule is flexible, subject to weather conditions and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.

Note for Parents: This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program. GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to assist in coordinating participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.

 

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Nestled in the Caribbean lowlands, our project spans 140 hectares near San Miguel village in District Limon.

Project length Project length: 14 days, 13 nights

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work:  Rainforest conservation with a focus on biodiversity, reforestation, and community involvement.

Age Age:  15 – 17

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: 8 to 13 participants

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared single-gender dorm room in a volunteer house.

Food Food: Three meals per day, except lunch on specific tour days.

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers:  Round trip airport transfers are included on the arrival day and departure day.

Support Support: Teen groups benefit from designated support staff for itinerary support and chaperoning, comprehensive pre-departure travel guidance, a 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, and an experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, five lunches on specific tour days.

Nestled within the Costa Rican Caribbean lowlands, our expansive conservation initiative encompasses 140 hectares. Positioned strategically between Barbilla National Park, the quaint San Miguel village, and sprawling banana plantations, this region is a verdant sanctuary for ecological exploration. The lush tropical rainforest that envelops the area provides an ideal backdrop for our project.

Situated approximately 3 hours from the bustling city of San Jose and a mere 2 hours from the vibrant Puerto Viejo, our private reserve stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving biodiversity. This haven in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands is bordered by Barbilla National Park, an Indian reservation, the village of San Miguel, and thriving banana plantations.

Immersed in the midst of a stunning tropical rainforest, the reserve offers tranquility and natural beauty. While the surrounding area is characterized by its remote charm, there is a small town nearby providing essential amenities—a mini-supermarket, a modest local school, a church, and a soccer field.

 

Participants delve into a 14-day adventure with a focus on three main pillars: biodiversity mapping, reforestation efforts, and fostering sustainable living practices.
As stewards of a 230-hectare wildlife reserve, volunteers actively engage in diverse activities, including mapping out the rich biodiversity of the project area, analyzing data from camera traps to monitor wildlife, and contributing to the creation of pathways through the lush reserve with informative signage for visitors.

In the heart of the Caribbean lowlands, our project stands as a beacon of eco-conscious initiatives. From monitoring the growth of germinated sprouts to hands-on involvement in the permaculture organic garden, volunteers play a crucial role in understanding, preserving, and expanding the rainforest. Beyond these vital tasks, participants support English lessons at the local school, contribute to garbage cleanup along the river, and undertake day-to-day operational duties that keep the project running smoothly. The program provides a holistic experience, promoting personal and professional development through immersive engagement with the environment and local communities.

A typical day as a volunteer involves around 8 hours of work daily, five days a week, with weekends free for relaxation and exploration. From early morning hikes into the tropical rainforest to afternoons spent processing data and enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere, volunteers gain a comprehensive understanding of rainforest conservation. This program is designed for responsible, disciplined, and hardworking individuals who are motivated to contribute to the well-being of the ecosystem and the local community. While the work can be physically demanding, the varied and impactful tasks ensure that no two days are the same, fostering a dynamic and enriching volunteer experience.

Types of Volunteer Tasks:

  • Biodiversity mapping
  • Camera trap data analysis
  • Trail creation and signage
  • Tree growth monitoring
  • Permaculture gardening
  • English lessons support
  • River cleanup

Internet icon Internet: Wifi is provided, however the connection is limited in remote areas. Parents are connected with our staff 24/7 however.

Laundry icon Laundry: Facilities are provided

Accommodations icon Accommodations: While doing tours teens will be in a dedicated single gender dorm room in a hostel in San Jose. While volunteering, teens will have a shared dormitory-style rooms for up to 4 participants of the same gender. The volunteer house is surrounded by a tropical garden, offering a unique living experience.

Food icon Food: Three meals during the project and two meals outside, featuring Costa Rican cuisine.

 

 

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Interview with GoEco Advisor
  • Parental consent is required
  • Two Character Reference Letters
  • Age 15-17
  • Moderate to good level of physical fitness
  • Desire to contribute to the project goals
  • Good level of English

Explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from urban San José to the Caribbean’s Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Engage in activities like snorkeling, wildlife refuge visits, and cultural experiences.

Volunteer Experiences

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