Costa Rica
Join ethical Costa Rica volunteer programs that combine meaningful service, cultural immersion, and responsible travel. Support local communities, conservation efforts, and regenerative agriculture while exploring jungles, beaches, and vibrant culture.Costa Rica
12 Days: Puerto Viejo • Gandoca • Pacuare
Enter the lush and diverse landscape of Costa Rica, and embrace “pura vida”: the pure life. This adventure takes you through the rich highland jungles of primary forest to the culturally diverse Caribbean seaside beaches. Live on a jungle farm, immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Southeast Costa Rica. And, you’ll leave a lasting impact on the communities and ecosystems you connect with.
Combine & Save $400:
Nicaragua Volunteer Program I Costa Rica Volunteer Program
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- No unstructured “drop-in” volunteering or disingenuous projects
- No replacing local jobs. Instead, we create additional employment opportunities for local community members
- Projects are designed for cultural exchange, learning, and meaningful long-term impact. When you join our Costa Rica volunteer experience, you become part of a model that values.
- Community members are employed year-round to support projects when trips are not running.
- Purposeful projects that create meaningful impact
- Deep cultural immersion with local community members
- Epic adventures through Costa Rica’s rainforests, rivers, and coastlines
- Swim beneath hidden jungle waterfalls and soar through the treetops on canopy zip lines
- Venture deep into the rainforest surrounded by Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity
- Embark on an overnight river rafting expedition on the Pacuare River, one of the world’s most iconic river journeys in one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems
- See the direct results of your efforts
- Build genuine relationships with local community members
- Return home knowing your contribution was part of something bigger
- 2-week Costa Rica trip rooted in impact, culture, and adventure
- 4-week Costa Rica + Nicaragua package for a multi-country journey
- Weekly immersion for added flexibility and trips up to 5 weeks that fit your schedule
- Pre-departure support with flights, flexible payment plans, fundraising, packing, and more
- Dedicated GIVE guides and local guides throughout your trip
- Built-in community of like-minded travelers and local community members
- 4.9/5 stars from travelers across third-party review platforms, with reviews highlighting connection, immersion, and life-changing impact
- A top-rated travel and volunteer provider known for experiences that feel deeper and more immersive than traditional programs
- Many traveler's reviews describe it as one of the most meaningful, immersive, and life-changing experiences of their lives—and the most connected they’ve felt to the people, place, and impact
Costa Rica Itinerary
Trip Length: 12 Days (Winter & Summer Break)
See our 8-day Spring Break itinerary here.
Day 1
Welcome to Pura Vida
Touch down in the vibrant heart of Costa Rica, where “Pura Vida” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. Get ready to embrace the rhythm of the tropics, connect with your travel crew, and kick off the journey of a lifetime. We can’t wait to meet you!
Day 2
Waterfalls & Canopy Flights
Start your day with a refreshing swim in hidden jungle waterfalls, then soar through the treetops on some of Costa Rica’s most exhilarating zip lines. It’s the perfect blend of tranquility and thrill.
Days 3-5
Deep Jungle Living
Venture deep into the rainforest to your new jungle home, surrounded by howler monkeys, dart frogs, and the permaculture lifestyle. Support local food sovereignty by working alongside indigenous communities and learning sustainable farming techniques rooted in harmony with the land.
Day 6
Wildlife Rescue Center
Spend the day at an ethical animal rescue center in Caribbean Costa Rica, where sloths, big cats, and dazzling tropical birds are being rehabilitated for release. Your hands-on help makes a real difference in protecting Costa Rica’s precious wildlife.
Days 7-10
Community Immersion
Become part of the Gandoca community, where your impact will go beyond the surface. From conservation work to cultural exchange, you’ll roll up your sleeves and contribute to meaningful local projects—building connections and leaving a legacy of responsible travel.
Days 11-12
Pacuare River Expedition
End your journey with an unforgettable overnight rafting trip on the world-renowned Pacuare River. Navigate thrilling Class III & IV rapids by day and fall asleep riverside under the stars. This is Costa Rica at its most wild and wonderful.
What's Included
When you travel with GIVE, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees upon arrival. Dive into all that’s included in our all-in-one trip prices.
- All accommodations
- Transportation (not including flights)
- 3 meals per day & clean drinking water
- 24/7 guide support
- All adventures and cultural experiences
- Funding for volunteer projects & sustainability initiatives
- Pre-trip & in-transit support from GIVE’s Travel Specialists
- Access to your personalized GIVE Profile
- Access to GIVE’s preferred insurance & flight partners
- Trip preparation tools, guides and checklists
- Access to GIVE’s Ambassador Community post-trip
Simply put: we care. GIVE goes above and beyond for our travelers before, during and after your trip. See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
What's Not Included
Pretty much everything except your flights, insurance and travel documents, but GIVE will help you organize it all! Dive into what’s included here.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), & vaccinations (if required)
- Personal souvenirs, snacks and refreshments (drinking water is included 24/7)
- See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
* GIVE reserves the right to change program dates
* Winter trips are slightly shorter due to school/holiday breaks
Trip dates and packages
Mix & match trips, travel for 2 or more weeks, and save big when you combine trips! Secure your spot with flexible payment options that let you pay now, set up automatic installments, or Book Now, Pay Later to even pay after your trip.
Nicaragua Volunteer Trip I 12-days
$2,895
Costa Rica Volunteer Trip I 12-days
$2,995
Costa Rica Spring Break Trip I 8-days
$1,995
Nicaragua + Costa Rica I 23-days
$5,990 $5,590 Combine & save $400
Costa Rica Volunteer Trip I 12-days
$2,995
Nicaragua + Costa Rica I 23-days
$5,990 $5,490 Combine & save $400
Flexible Payment Options
Planning your GIVE trip should be exciting—not stressful! That's why we offer payment options to make it easy. Whether you’re ready to pay now or spread payments into smaller, manageable installments, we've got you covered. Choose to secure your spot with a deposit, set up automatic recurring payments, or use Book Now, Pay Later (even after your trip)— all designed to keep budgeting simple and stress-free.
How to Book a Trip
Lock in your spot with a $595 USD trip deposit in your GIVE Profile. For add-ons or multi-trip packages, it's just $295 more per trip. Your deposit counts toward your total cost, never expires, and can be transferred if plans change.
Pay the rest on your own schedule by your payment deadline or set up a payment plan to extend payments, even after your trip! Need more time? We’ve got you. [Terms & conditions apply.]
No Hidden Fees
Your GIVE trip includes everything you need—from meals, guides, and accommodations to local transport, epic adventures, cultural experiences, and funding for the volunteer projects you’ll help bring to life. Just show up ready to make an impact—we’ll handle the rest.
Worry-Free Booking
Plans change—we get it. Your deposit is fully transferable, never expires, and lets you switch trips or dates for free. Total flexibility, zero stress. [Learn more about our worry-free booking policy.]
We Got Your Back
We’ve got your back—every step of the way. Before your trip, we’ll help you book flights, secure travel insurance, and handle passport or visa needs without the headache. On the road, our team’s on call 24/7 to help with anything that comes up.[Learn more about our 360° travel support.]
Small Groups, Big Vibes
Travel with a tight-knit crew, guided by a team of local and international GIVE guides. With an average group size of 16-20 people, a 5:1 traveler-to-guide ratio, and 24/7 support, you’ll never feel lost in the crowd.
Don’t see your preferred trip combination or dates? Contact us.
Hear what recent travelers have to say
Voices from the ground
Hear from the locals and leaders who bring GIVE to life:
The Heart of Your GIVE Experience
Volunteer Projects
Adventure Activities
Cultural Immersion
Ready to make your Costa Rica trip a reality?
Apply now for an experience built around real impact, culture, and adventure. There’s no commitment until you’re ready!
Quick FAQ’s about Volunteering in Costa Rica:
Do I need experience to volunteer in Costa Rica?
No experience is required. Our Costa Rica volunteer programs are open to anyone with a positive attitude and desire to make an impact.
How long are the Costa Rica service trips?
Trips typically range from 8 to 12 days, with options to combine programs for a longer experience. To travel across two countries in one unforgettable experience, combine our Nicaragua and Costa Rica trips to travel for up to 3-weeks!
Are accommodations included?
Yes, all of our trips include accommodation, meals, dedicated guides, and in-country transportation, along with adventures, cultural immersion activities, and meaningful projects.
Is it safe to travel in Costa Rica?
Safety is always our top priority. You’ll have trained trip leaders, local guides, and 24/7 support throughout your trip.
Who can join these Costa Rica volunteer programs?
These trips are ideal for young adults, students, gap year travelers, and anyone looking for meaningful, guided travel.