For two weeks we will explore the unparalleled beauty of Osa and The Corcovado National Park, learn about regenerative farming practices, produce organic foods, and engage in vital community and environmental awareness efforts, including turtle conservation. This is a one-of-a-kind travel experience that deeply connects you with Costa Rica's natural wonders and remote communities. The turtle season is short on Playa Ganadito and only about 200 mothers come to nest each year with July to November seeing the most activity. For the months with less or no turtle activity we will offer night walks to see nocturnal wildlife, enjoy the moon and the stars and make beach bonfires.
Week 1
Book your flights for Saturday arrival. We'll handle your airport pickup, overnight stay, and Sunday transport to Drake Bay. After breakfast on Sunday, we set off on a 6-hour very scenic drive to Sierpe, stopping for lunch (not included). At 16:00, catch a boat ride through Sierpe River Mangrove Park to Drake Bay, landing wet on the shore (sandals recommended). You will be met by Rob, who will drive you to Finca Ganaldito, your home away from home for the next two weeks.
Sunday
08:30 Departure to Osa
16:00 Boat trip from Sierpe to Bay Drake
20:00 Ice breaker game
Monday
08:00 Breakfast and Yoga
09:00 Orientation and farm tour
10:00 Beach workshop
14:00 Spanish
20:00 Sea turtle talk
Tuesday
06:00 Biodiversity jungle survey
09:00 Regenerative farming (making soil, fertilizer, boxes, planting food etc)
14:00 Optional rural tour opportunity
20:00 *Seasonal activity : night sea turtle patrol
Wednesday
09:00 Regenerative farming (making soil, fertilizer, boxes, planting food etc)
14:00 Free time rural tour opportunity
Thursday
09:00 Yoga
14:00 Coconut workshop G1 Sopa workshop G2
16:00 Spanish class
20:00 Sea turtle night patrol
Friday
09:00 Optional full day tour opportunity
14:00 Free time
Saturday
06:00 Full Day - Corcovado National Park Tour* (optional). If you don't go on the tour, the free day includes meals and beach volleyball
13:00 Lunch at the Sirena Ranger Station (included)
Week 2
In addition, you'll engage in meaningful environmental conservation efforts. Collaborating on community work and recycling initiatives, you'll contribute positively to the local ecosystem. This leg of the trip isn't just about enjoying the natural beauty and cultural richness of Osa Peninsula; it's also about giving back and ensuring that this paradise remains vibrant for generations to come.
Sunday
Tortilla making workshop.
Soap workshop
Monday
09:00 Yoga
10:00 Orientation Farm tour Beach workshop
14:00 Spanish
Tuesday
09:00 Biodiversity survey
10:00 Beach clean up
14:00 Optional rural tour opportunity
20:00 Sea turtle night patrol
Wednesday
09:00 Regenerative farming using bamboo, prepping mushroom project.
14:00 Optional rural tour opportunity
Thursday
08:00 Yoga
09:00 Regenerative farming using bamboo, prepping mushroom project.
14:00 Spanish Class
20:00 Sea Turtle night patrol
Friday
09:00 Optional full day tour opportunity
14:00 Free time
10:00 Sunset chillout
Saturday
06:00 Free time
15:00 PACKING TIME
Sunday - Part 1
07:00 Departure to Jakera Camp for the 4-weekers and departure to the airport for the 2-weekers.
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Itinerary
The Blue Zone Experience
Weeks 1 and 2 - Osa Peninsula Drake Bay
2-week logistics back to the airport
After hopping on a small boat back to Sierpe (a 1-hour boat ride), we'll drive up the coast to San Jose (approx. 6-hour drive) to the Juan Santamaria Airport, arriving around 14:00. Please book your departure flight after 16:00.
4-week logistics to Jakera Santa Teresa
Hop on a small boat back to Sierpe (a 1-hour boat ride). Pick up from Sierpe River at 08:30 to drive to Puntarenas, stopping for a nice lunch then continue to connect with the 15:00 ferry to get to Nicoya Peninsula (1 hour scenic ferry trip). Begin the last one hour drive to Santa Teresa and your new home for the next two weeks, Jakera. The entire journey will take all day, blending scenic views with exhilarating travel experiences. There will be plenty of stops to freshen up and places to purchase snacks along the way. Estimated arrival time at the camp 18:00.
Weeks 3 and 4 - Jakera Camp
The second leg of the 4-week experience unfolds in the vibrant town of Santa Teresa, located on the Nicoya Peninsula. Known for its stunning sunsets, exceptional surfing spots, and a thriving yoga scene, Santa Teresa truly lives up to its vibrant and energetic reputation. Here, you will be gaining surf experience, and we include 2 classes in the program. Furthermore, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your experience according to your interests, whether they lean more towards yoga or Spanish language immersion. In addition, you'll engage in meaningful environmental conservation efforts. Collaborating on community work and recycling initiatives, you'll contribute positively to the local ecosystem. This leg of the trip isn't just about enjoying the natural beauty and cultural richness of Santa Teresa; it's also about giving back and ensuring that this paradise remains vibrant for generations to come.
Week 3
Sunday - Part 2
18:00 Arrival at Camp, time to settle in
Introduction meeting / choose if you want to focus on Spanish or Yoga for next two weeks.
19:00 Welcome
Monday
08:30 Welcome walk and Villager tour/ pool time.
Spanish assessment exam
14:00 Spanish lesson or Yoga Class
Tuesday
08:30 Surf class
14:00 Yoga or Spanish Lesson
Wednesday
08:30 Full Day Hike
15:00 Walk back from Playa Suecos
17:00 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.
Thursday
08:30 Volunteering activity
14:00 Yoga or Spanish Lesson
20:00 Dance Class
Friday
08:30 Volunteering Activity
14:00 Yoga or Spanish Lesson
Saturday and Sunday
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.
Week 4
Monday and Tuesday
08:30 Volunteer activity
14:00 Spanish Lesson or Yoga Class
Wednesday
08:30 Full Day Jakera Hike
17:00 Interactive Spanish Class
Thursday
08:30 Surfing class
13:30 Spanish Lesson or Yoga Class
Friday
Free day and time to pack.
Saturday
Departure day.
Volunteering:
Volunteering projects includes, Jakera Kids Club, making improvements and supporting the local elementary schools, working with conservation projects, beach cleans, support the life guard etc and typically last between 2-4 hours, with the duration varying based on the distance to the project site, weather conditions, and other factors. The final volunteer project focuses on completing any unfinished projects or can be based on the group's preferences or initiatives
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.
Week 3
Sunday - Part 2
18:00 Arrival at Camp, time to settle in
Introduction meeting / choose if you want to focus on Spanish or Yoga for next two weeks.
19:00 Welcome
Monday
08:30 Welcome walk and Villager tour/ pool time.
Spanish assessment exam
14:00 Spanish lesson or Yoga Class
Tuesday
08:30 Surf class
14:00 Yoga or Spanish Lesson
Wednesday
08:30 Full Day Hike
15:00 Walk back from Playa Suecos
17:00 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.
Thursday
08:30 Volunteering activity
14:00 Yoga or Spanish Lesson
20:00 Dance Class
Friday
08:30 Volunteering Activity
14:00 Yoga or Spanish Lesson
Saturday and Sunday
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.
Week 4
Monday and Tuesday
08:30 Volunteer activity
14:00 Spanish Lesson or Yoga Class
Wednesday
08:30 Full Day Jakera Hike
17:00 Interactive Spanish Class
Thursday
08:30 Surfing class
13:30 Spanish Lesson or Yoga Class
Friday
Free day and time to pack.
Saturday
Departure day.
Volunteering:
Volunteering projects includes, Jakera Kids Club, making improvements and supporting the local elementary schools, working with conservation projects, beach cleans, support the life guard etc and typically last between 2-4 hours, with the duration varying based on the distance to the project site, weather conditions, and other factors. The final volunteer project focuses on completing any unfinished projects or can be based on the group's preferences or initiatives
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.
Exploring
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.
Free Time
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.
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.
Mandatory Volunteer Requirements
Police Clearance Certificate
What Makes a Good Volunteer?
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.
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
What’s included?
Extra expenses at the destination
None
Accommodation
Accommodation in shared dorm included. If you book the 2 week program, accommodation will only be at Osa Peninsual. The 4-week program will have 2 weeks at Osa Peninsula and 2 weeks at Jakera Jungle Surf Camp.
Weeks 1 & 2 - Osa Peninsula Drake Bay
The accommodation is called 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.
Weeks 3 & 4 - 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.
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 Oso Peninsula.
When you book the arrival package with us, this will include a night in this beautiful hotel La Rosa de America near the Airport. Surounding by nature and swimming pool close to the most typical restaurants of the area.
Weeks 1 & 2 - Osa Peninsula Drake Bay
The accommodation is called 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.
Weeks 3 & 4 - 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.
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 Oso Peninsula.
When you book the arrival package with us, this will include a night in this beautiful hotel La Rosa de America near the Airport. Surounding by nature and swimming pool close to the most typical restaurants of the area.
Local transport
Arrival Package including pick-up from the airport, 1 night in San Jose and transfer to Osa Peninsula on the following day is included. All internal transfers getting from one project to another is included. Return transfer to the airport is included in the 2-week program only.
Meals
Weeks 1 & 2 - Osa Peninsula Drake Bay
All three meals are provided during your stay at Osa Peninsula Drake Bay.
Weeks 3 & 4 - 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).
All three meals are provided during your stay at Osa Peninsula Drake Bay.
Weeks 3 & 4 - 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).
Additional info
Weeks 1 & 2 - Osa Peninsula Drake Bay
All three meals are provided during your stay at Osa Peninsula Drake Bay.
Weeks 3 & 4 - 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).
All three meals are provided during your stay at Osa Peninsula Drake Bay.
Weeks 3 & 4 - 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).