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Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a top destination for volunteering, offering a diverse range of projects in a country known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. As a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, in your free time–you can explore national parks, hike through rainforests, visit volcanoes, and relax on beautiful beaches. Volunteering in Costa Rica allows you to make a meaningful impact while experiencing the country's natural beauty and pura vida culture.
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164 Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

Monkey Rehabilitation

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Monkey Rehabilitation – Monkeys Need Your Help, Too!
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Maximo Nivel volunteers doing construction
9.3689 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Working with Kids—Volunteer in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica has a high population of orphans, street kids, and oth...

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Building and Construction Volunteers in Costa Rica
9.55787 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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upside down sloth
9.5424 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization logo
Costa Rica - Animal Rescue and Conservation

Volunteer for wildlife in Costa Rica! This program works with thr...

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volunteers in Costa Rica
9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Raleigh International logo
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

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ARC Pacific - Kaya
7.673 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Kaya Responsible Travel logo
Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica

Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Co...

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103 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Impact Gap Year logo
Cultural Explorer Gap Year

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

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Costa Rica
00 reviews

Encounter My Way

Turtle Conservation in Osa

Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experi...

00 reviews

Roots Interns

Sustainable Development Micro-Internship in Costa Rica

Embark on a two-week internship that will educate and inspire you...

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8.85 reviews

Gapforce

Costa Rica Adventure with Gapforce

Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...

8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...

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101 reviews

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

Learn Spanish & Volunteer 2 or 4 weeks

The lively beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is world famo...

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9.4184 reviews

GVI

Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

Take part in this wildlife conservation expedition and be an acti...

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41 reviews

Love Volunteers

Teaching and Assisting in Schools in Costa Rica

This vital project was created to improve the English-speaking ab...

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9.8998 reviews

World Endeavors

Volunteer in Costa Rica with World Endeavors

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants ...

9.7860 reviews

Global Leadership Adventures

GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...

9.235 reviews

Rustic Pathways

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and t...

9.679 reviews

Travel For Teens

Travel For Teens: Costa Rica Adventure and Service

Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...

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8.514 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

See All 2 Programs
9.758 reviews

GoBeyond Student Travel

GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and...

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9.577 reviews

Putney Student Travel

Costa Rica Service Programs

Travel to Costa Rica, a model of conservation and biodiversity, a...

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Costa Rica

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! It’s as safe to volunteer in Costa Rica as anywhere else. But just like anywhere else, it’s important to make smart decisions in order to keep yourself safe.

The most popular types of volunteering in Costa Rica involve conservation and environmental volunteering, although volunteer English teaching and community development are common projects as well.

Most nationalities qualify for a 90-day tourist visa, which is sufficient for volunteer work. However, if you intend to volunteer in Costa Rica longer than 90 days, border-hopping is a common way to qualify for an additional 90-day visa on re-entry. Otherwise, you’ll need to secure a provisional visa at the nearest Costa Rica consulate.

Latest Program Reviews

Fantastic Opportunity to Work in a Small Community and Make an Impact

September 17, 2025by: Sandy Young - United StatesProgram: Volunteer and Teach English in Costa Rica
10

I debated what experience to do when volunteering in Costa Rica and settled on Teaching English. I took a TEFL course, did the IVHQ prep work, and waited patiently for my volunteer dates. I volunteered for IVHQ previously in Fiji and had a fantastic experience. The Costa Rica was a very different experience as you may expect differences in a different country but also fantastic. I was partnered with a community center about 1 1/2 to 2 hours by bus outside of San Jose so ended up taking UBER, which was affordable. My class was a group of Intermediate English learners and by listening to their needs on the 1st day, changed my teaching plans from grammar to focus on speaking, reading comprehension, and vocabulary understanding. I had a great 2-weeks with the class, making an impact in a small community often overlooked, and hope to come back through another volunteer experience. The local team had great resources and support. My homestay was with an awesome family. I enjoyed the private room that had a kitchen and a place to stretch out in the mornings/evenings. I also enjoyed the Costa Rican cuisine that the matriarch of the family cooked daily.

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