Itinerary

Monday and Thursday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Surf Lesson or Yoga Session
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Spanish Class

Tuesday and Friday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Volunteering Session
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Spanish Class

Wednesday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - All Day Hike
12:00-13:00 - Picnic
14:00-16:00 - Interactive Spanish Class

Wednesday is a full day out, the hike is about 7-10 kms walking (depending which hike we are doing ) and everyone can do it. It's not just hiking; we stop along the way to swim and picnic on a secret beach. In the late afternoon or evening, there is a group Interactive Spanish class. This interactive class can be cooking, games, or cultural activities. It will be either on the beach or back at the Jakera camp in the evening.

Evenings
In the evenings, we provide budget-friendly dinner choices (approximately $15), and multiple times a week we host various complimentary events such as dance classes, cooking sessions, game nights, karaoke and more.

Saturday
Morning - Little Breakfast
11:00-12:00 - Brunch
12:00-16:00 - Free day. If you want, you can try the additional weekend activities (not included)*.

*Additional weekend activities are available for an extra charge between $40 to $100. These includes horse riding, fishing, waterfalls and island tours.

Sunday
Brunch. The day is free for you to spend as you like!

Monday
Departure to Turtle Placement

In your third week, you'll spend 4 days in a Turtle Conservation Sanctuary engaging with Permaculture, Reforestation and activities aimed at protecting the ecosystem. In the high season (August to November), the primary focus is on Turtle Conservation, where efforts are concentrated on safeguarding the eggs and hatchlings of Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback species. This involves protecting adult female turtles and their nests from various threats, including human predators, wildlife, beach erosion and flooding caused by high rainfall. Depending on the season, there may be a shift to work more in other sectors such as Permaculture.

Weekend
Your stay at the Turtle Conservation Sanctuary for 4 days, you'll return to the Jakera Jungle Camp to enjoy the weekend.

During week 4 you’ll embark on an overland adventure to explore Monteverde’s unique cloud forest, discover her rich biodiversity and experience high adrenaline activities. We have two accommodation options for our groups in Monteverde, Santa Elena Hostel right in the heart of the village and the other is Catleya Hostel 20 minutes walking from town, both very cozy and secure.

Monday - Breakfast / Travel to Monteverde/ Lunch in Monteverde/ Welcome walk, Ficus tree & Sunset Hike. (The welcome walk takes about an hour and the sunset hike activity around 2 hours.)

Tuesday - Breakfast / Finca Lantana - Cloud Forest Exploration with nature guide* / Lunch /Extra activity not included (Zipline- Bungee- Horse riding)

Wednesday - Breakfast / Valle Escondido Guided Exploration (this is a 3-hour hike with beautiful waterfalls, jungle and incredible views/ Lunch / Extra activity not included (Zipline- Bungee- Horse riding)

Thursday - Breakfast / Reforestation Project in Finca Lantana* / Lunch / Transfer back to Jakera.

Friday plus Weekend - You will stay in Monteverde for 4 days, then you will return to the Camp.

Cloud Forest Reforestation in Monteverde*
We have joined forces with Finca Lantana for our new project that all our students in the All in Program will participate in. The preparation of soil, tree planting and maintanance of sapplings. Our goal is to reforest this land previously clear for cattle to its original glorious cloud forest state over the coming years.

Travel to Finca Las Hormigas:
After completing the first four weeks, you will travel back to Hotel Rosa de America in San José on Sunday, staying overnight. On Monday, you will take an approximately six-hour transfer to Puerto Viejo, Limón, arriving at Finca Las Hormigas around 13:00, where you will be welcomed with a meal.

In weeks 5 and 6 you will be living on the Caribbean Coast, rooted in the jungle, you will spend two weeks at Finca Las Hormigas.

Finca Las Hormigas is more than a farm, it’s a living experiment in regeneration, community, & education. What started over 5 years ago as a humble off-grid homestead has evolved into a vibrant center for soil health, composting, and sustainable food systems. Through hands-on learning, workshops, and daily practice, we teach how to build soil, grow food, and live with the land. Whether you’re here to learn, work, stay, or just explore, this is a space for deep connection with nature, with others and yourself. The Finca is a 45-hectare organic permaculture farm and private nature reserve near Puerto Viejo, focused on regenerative agriculture, sustainable living, and community. It provides immersive experiences through a Work & Learn program, farm stays, tours, and workshops, with about 80% of the land dedicated to a private reserve of jungle trails and creeks, and the remaining 20% for permaculture systems. The fully off-grid farm relies on solar energy and rainwater, offering guests the chance to connect with nature, learn about regenerative practices, and enjoy farm-to-table meals.

Your time will be split between fieldwork and time to rest or do creative activities.

On the property are multiple trails surrounded by forest, ideal for exploring nature, breathing fresh air, and connecting with the environment. There is also a natural spa on the creek: Certain areas of the creek offer blue clay for natural exfoliation and small pools where you can relax and enjoy the refreshing water. We have a Yoga Shala, with a clay floor, a cozy space for personal yoga practice or dance. It's also possible to explore your creativity by painting or engaging in other artistic activities indoors, according to your interests. There are movie screenings, a library and board games, so there are plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself. Outside the farm there are opportunities to hike in the Cahuita National park, visit a wildlife refuge, snorkel, kayak and enjoy this very unique area.

All meals are included.

Travel to Natuwa:
Following your two weeks at Finca Las Hormigas, participants will travel back to Hotel Rosa de America for an overnight stay on Sunday. On Monday, you will transfer to Natuwa Wildlife Conservation project, where you will stay until Sunday.

This week will be exclusively dedicated to Animal Conservation at Natuwa, a sanctuary with over 500 animals requiring daily care. Our schedule is intense, demanding a passion for animal care and conservation. More details will be provided upon your arrival.

Monday - Friday
This week you will spend at Natuwa. You’ll be helping in the sanctuary to take care of animals and their homes.

All meals are included.

Weekends
Free time to explore the area.

Animal Conservation Activities
Some of the activities you might be involved in at Natuwa include:
Feeding Baby Animals
Cleaning Animal Enclosures
Assisting during tours at the Sanctuary
General maintenance of the Sanctuary
Assisting animals for medication
Gardening

Travel to Jakera:
Depart Natuwa at 07:00, our driver will pick up again and take you straight to the ferry, this is 1 and a half ride to Paquera to begin the last one hour drive to Santa Teresa to finish your 8th Week Program in Jakera.

Weeks 1, 2 and 8 in your program include 2 x 45 minute Spanish lessons from Monday to Friday (usually between 14:00-16:00 with breaks but subject to change depending on surf conditions). Tuition is delivered by accredited and licensed teachers and on the first day you will receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. These lessons will be tailored to suit all levels from beginner to intermediate and are designed to help you interact and immerse with the local community and enjoy being in a Spanish speaking country.

*On Wednesdays during Weeks 1, 2 and 8, regular Spanish classes will be replaced with Interactive Spanish classes in the afternoons.

During weeks 1, 2 and 8 you enjoy a surfing OR yoga lesson.

6 surf lessons (approx. 2 hours each) are delivered by a local professional surf instructor. As well as showing you the basics - or taking you to the next level - you learn basic safety principles taking into account local issues such as rip tides. Boards are provided for surf lessons (guided/supervised surfing). Additional lessons are available on request as well as board rental.

Alternatively, you can enjoy 12 professional yoga sessions. For a long time now, this magical place has been a destination for yogis from all around the world. What better place to learn or practice yoga than on a wild beach with the sound of waves crashing on the soft white sand, or in our jungle lodge surrounded by lush foliage to the sounds of the river and birds? Many people come here every year to practice and teach yoga so there is a class to for every level from absolute beginner to advanced yogi.

Popular classes include Yoga for all, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Ashtanga, Hatha, Deep Restorative, Relaxing & Mediation. You are invited to try a variety of forms of yoga during your time with us. Each class is 90 minutes - a combination of group and private classes depending your needs. Yoga provides mental balance, body control and it will help you to relax and enjoy every part of your journey in Costa Rica. Enjoy the mantras and discover a new way to relax and be in tune with your body (and nature) by doing yoga and living the pura vida lifestyle.

Our weekly nature hikes aim to explore the natural wonders of the Nicoya Peninsula. Delve into the lush tropical forest during our Jungle River Trek, uncovering diverse flora with medicinal applications and gaining insights intricate ecosystem. We also enjoy a beach hikes to exposed rock pools during low tide, revealing a vibrant array of sea life.

During weeks 1, 2 and 8 (2-3 hours per day), you participate in volunteer projects designed to conserve and respect local natural resources. Project work is varied and priorities are seasonal and weather dependent.

However, most of our eﬀorts are focused on the following areas:
Recycling & Bionics
We are leading the charge in our local community to create as many recycle stations and collection points for plastic waste in particular so that Bionics can easily collect it all once a week from main road. We have built two recycle stations on our street and this has reduced the normal garbage by 30 % or more. As a result on our street alone we collect a huge amount of plastic for Bionics each month. We clean the beaches of plastic once a week at least and participate in community clean ups on a monthly bases and this month collected close to a ton of recyclable rubbish in one day with the help of about 100 volunteers. We go once a week to the Bionics Depo 30 mins away in Cobano to help them clean, organise and package the plastic for shipment to the USA where they turn it into shoes, T-shirts, building blocks and a whole variety of consumer goods , hence giving real value to this recycled material. This is the future and this is what may just save the planet or make a difference at least. Once this "rubbish" has value people will start to take notice and collect it and turn it into something useful. This way we show our students the full cycle of events, how plastic gets into the eco system, how hard it is to take it out once it's in there, and finally the light at the end of the tunnel, what we can do with it once we collect it.

Beach Conservation
Here we work alongside the ‘Santa Teresa Lifeguards’. Having seen the amazing beaches of Santa Teresa, and adjoining Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen, the recreational opportunities are clear. However, beaches need to be maintained to keep them clear of debris that not only looks unsightly but can cause harm to people and wildlife. Work includes promoting Lifeguard issues with regard to beach safety and etiquette (through signage, presentations and speaking to visitors), organizing clean ups with focus on recycling. We also invented a “Public Microplastic Collection” where we encourage beach walkers to collect some microplastic whilst they walk the beautiful beaches of Santa Teresa.

Reforestation
Our main focus is the forests' most important resource - water! You help with the maintenance and supply of our tree nursery; planting carefully selected saplings, gathered seeds and ongoing support of recently planted trees to ensure their success. We support the local Waterkeepers who patrol the river systems of Santa Teresa and neighboring tropical forest resources by helping to report any contamination, clear forest debris and litter from streams before it is washed out to sea and can cause further damage to wildlife, and by maintaining walking/hiking trails that allow visitors to access this beautiful area. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of flora and fauna in this special part of the world.

You will spend 4 days at Cirenas Playa Ario and depending on the season, youmight also be working on our Sanctuary close by.

You’ll be protecting the eggs and hatchlings of Olive Ridley, Black Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback species, who visit local ‘semi intensive’ nesting beaches at night to nest. The principle objective of the project is to protect adult female turtles that frequent beaches along this coastline, and their nests, from human predators and wildlife, natural events such as beach erosion and flooding due to high amounts of rainfall in nesting season.

This is achieved by maintenance of infrastructure and surroundings, beach cleaning, night patrols to look for nesting female turtles (in season), transport of food and water, collection of data and releasing baby turtles into the ocean (in season) and the construction of a ‘hatchery’.

Seasonal Support
It is important to note that although turtles nest frequently in peak nesting season (July to November), there will be times where turtle activity is very low. We still need help during most of the year for the construction and maintenance of the hatchery, critical for the upcoming season.

Besides the Turtle conservation you will do in Cirenas, there will be some other works you will do:

Caletas-Ario Mixed National Wildlife Refuge
- Maintenance and Hikes on the trails
- Bird watching
- Monitoring of Wild Fauna through camera traps
- Identification of native trees

Permaculture and Healthy Eating
- Sowing and planting
- Composting
- Biomass
- Irrigation installation for plants
- Prune fruit trees and harvesting
- Hen house

Forestry Reforestation
- Collection of seeds of native trees by dry season
- Sowing in seedbeds
- Reforestation of native tree species on and off campus

During the weekends, there are a lot of opportunities to explore the area and try out different activities. If you're into yoga, try a beach session on Sunday mornings: get up a little earlier than usual to enjoy a pre-breakfast yoga session on the beach. Yoga is very popular in this part of the world and 45 mins costs around $15. You can also try white water rafting, horse riding, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, a jungle canopy tour etc. There is always something to do and if it all sounds to active, you can just enjoy the beach or pool.

Please note: Travel on the weekends, or any of the extra activities is at your own expense and risk. We cannot be responsible but, if anything happens, we will of course be there to assist. Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance before you carry out any activity.

Police Clearance Certificate

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Summary

55 nights accommodation in shared dorm included.

Weeks 1, 2 & 8 - Jakera Jungle Surf Camp
Accommodation is shared dorms with separate toilet and shower facilities (hot and cold water!). Breakfast and lunch are provided but the daily routine will be structured to accommodate quality of the surf (generally better in the mornings) as we try to create opportunities for the beach in between our priorities of Spanish lessons and volunteering. There is a laundry service in the local town for getting your clothes washed at a very reasonable price. Wifi is available for free.

Week 3 - Cirenas
During week 3, you will be based at Cirenas. Sleeping arrangements are separated into groups by gender. Accommodation is in a nice wooden house with 6 rooms, each with a couple of bunks up to 4 per room, a maximum of 16 guests. Open air showers and toilets, all rustic but clean and nice. Sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided and all the rooms have fans. All 3 meals are served up at the main lodge and are good healthy Costa Rican dishes. There is no WiFi at Cirenas. Your stay at the Turtle Conservation Sanctuary for 4 days, you'll return to the Jakera Jungle Camp to enjoy the weekend.

Week 4 - Monteverde
Your stay in Monteverde for 4 days, then you will return to the Camp. While in Monteverde, breakfast and lunch are provided while dinner is available in town (at own cost).

Weeks 5-6 - Finca Las Hormigas
Weeks 5-6 will be based at Finca Ganadito Ecological Community Project located in Punta Ganadito - a hidden secret corner of Drake Bay, off-the-beaten-track, with a stellar sunset beach, and surrounded by primary forest reserves, mangroves, sea turtle nesting beaches and waterfalls. The accommodation is shared bungalow, accommodating up to four people in twin side beds. These simple yet comfortable spaces offer a social environment while still providing a quiet place to rest. An off-grid solar system powers the essentials, and spring and rainwater provide clean, fresh water for drinking and everyday use. We use compost dry toilets and simple cold-water showers sourced from the nearby creek: a refreshing and grounding way to cool off in the tropics. Bathrooms, compost toilets, and showers are shared and located nearby. There is no electricity in the bungalows, but charging stations are available at the main house. Starlink WiFi is available for those who need to stay connected. Residents in our educational programs can use a washer during sunny hours, as our off-grid power is limited. We don’t offer laundry for guests in short stays.

Week 7 - Animal Conservation
During week 7, you will be based in Natuwa. Everyone is expected to share communal duties, including cleaning the living areas and bathrooms, and washing pots after meals. You will need to bring a light weight sleeping bag, travel pillow, mosquito net and your own towel. Accommodations consist of modified shipping containers, each with three rooms. Each room accommodates up to four people and includes two bunk beds, a fan and storage space. Bathrooms and showers are in a separate building, without hot water. Laundry facilities include a machine and clothesline. WiFi is accessible in volunteer housing.

Arrival Package
The arrival package includes airport transfer to the hostel in San Jose, one night in San Jose in dorm accommodation, and transfer the following day from San Jose to Playa Santa Teresa.

When you book the arrival package with us, this will include a night in the beautiful hotel La Rosa de America near the Airport. Surrounded by nature and swimming pool close to the most typical restaurants of the area.

You can either get to the project on your own, or make your arrival smoother by booking a transfer or an arrival package.

Transfer to Santa Teresa if not booking pre-night with Jakera
If you choose this option it includes a transfer from San Jose (accommodation not booked with Jakera) to Santa Teresa. It will be very early, so we recommend the arrival package.

Arrival Package
This includes an airport transfer on Saturday, 1 night’s accommodation in San Jose and a transfer the following day by shuttle and ferry to Santa Teresa departing from your hotel in San Jose at 06:40 am. We create a WhatsApp chat group privious days to your arrival, so we can garantee your safety at all times.

Other Transportation
Local transportation during the program is at your own cost.

Departure Transfer
Shuttle buses can be booked locally for a transfer back from Santa Teresa to San Jose airport. The journey takes approximately 5½-6 hours. Alternatively, a domestic flight can be booked from Cobano to San Jose, the domestic flight is a 10-minute walk from the international airport.

Weeks 1-2 & 8 - Jakera Jungle Surf Camp
Breakfast, lunch, and brunch on weekends are included. Our camp exclusively serves organic meals sourced from local farmers and fishermen, with garden-fresh garnishes. While our menu is mostly vegetarian, we also offer locally sourced meat and fish. Each meal includes, tea, coffee and natural soft drinks (beers and sodas not included). Enjoy popular choices like salads, soups, tortillas, sweet plantains and local dishes.

There is a kitchen at the camp where you can make your own food. You will need to help with cleaning dishes and keep your room and public areas tidy.

There are also social nights arranged at camp - pizza night, burger night, Mexican night, etc. where dinner costs approximately USD 15 (not included).

Week 3 - Cirenas
While at the Turtle Conservation Sanctuary, all three meals are provided during your stay.

Week 4 - Monteverde
While in Monteverde, breakfast and lunch are provided while dinner is available in town (at own cost).

Weeks 5-6 - Finca Las Hormigas
All three meals are provided during your stay at Finca Las Hormigas. All meals are freshly prepared, and primarily vegetarian, using ingredients grown on the farm. Meal times are structured, and personal food storage in the fridge is not available.

Week 7 - Animal Sanctuary Natuwa
During your stay at Natuwa, all three meals are provided.

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The 8 Week Costa Rica Adventure

The 8 Week Costa Rica Adventure

Weeks 1 and 2 - Learn Spanish & Surf, Yoga or Volunteer in Santa Teresa

Week 3 - Turtle Conservation Week Cirenas

Week 4 - Adventure in Monteverde Adventure

Weeks 5 and 6 - Finca Las Hormigas

Week 7 - Animal Conservation

Week 8 - Surf or Yoga, Volunteering & Spanish

Spanish Lessons

Surf or Yoga Lessons

Exploring

Volunteering

Turtle Conservation Volunteering

Free Time

Mandatory Volunteer Requirements

What Makes a Good Volunteer?

What’s included?

Accommodation

Local transport

Meals