A 12-Day Introduction to Global Service on the Pacific Coast

Experience Costa Rica's abundant biodiversity and contribute to its protection! Explore diverse ecosystems, sea turtle protection, and natural resource management while volunteering with local environmental conservation initiatives. Spend time on the coast near Marino Ballena National Park and in the rolling hills near Chirripo National Park.

About the Project

Project Features
  • Group Travel
  • Live and Work with Fellow Volunteers and Group Leaders
Who is this project good for?

Students who are looking for an introduction to travel and service abroad. Students will travel and live with the group and AMIGOS staff for the duration of the program.

Food and Dietary Restrictions

Most meals will be typical Costa Rican food, which can include a plate with meat or eggs, rice and beans, vegetables, and salad. This project is vegetarian-friendly.

Homestay and Lodging Info

Dormitory style lodging in multiple locations, including hostels and eco-lodges.

Climate and Terrain

This program is primarily located off the southwest coast in the Puntarenas and San Jose regions of Costa Rica. Volunteers should expect temperatures in the 80s and high humidity and rain.

Slang

pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool

Service Hours

Earn 24 service hours while supporting local conservation initiatives.

AMIGOS History in the Region

AMIGOS has operated in Costa Rica for more than 35 years and in that time has built strong relationships with our partner agencies and host families. We are so excited to be continuing these relationships in the summer of 2025!

What makes this project unique?

This experience will give you an opportunity to practice your Spanish while volunteering with two amazing environmental conservation organizations! You will dive into Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity by contributing to conservation through wildlife inventories, trail maintenance, and turtle nursery setup. You will also explore community and private conservation reserve initiatives.

Unnamed Road, Provincia de Cartago, Turrialba, Costa Rica
Apply now!

CLICK HERE
Length Requirements Dates Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Session A 12 Days

No Spanish experience required

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

June 26 – July 7, 2025

13–14 Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

Final Deadline: April 8, 2025

$4,575

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included

Session B 12 Days

No Spanish experience required

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

July 11 – July 22, 2025

13-14 Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

Final Deadline: May 14, 2025

$4,575

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included

Session C 12 Days

No Spanish experience required

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

July 28 – August 8, 2025

13–14 Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

Final Deadline: May 14, 2025

$4,575

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included

  • Session A
  • Length
    12 Days
  • Requirements

    No Spanish experience required

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    June 26 – July 7, 2025

  • Ages
    13–14
  • Application Deadline
    Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

    National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

    Final Deadline: April 8, 2025
  • Price

    $4,575

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included

  • Session B
  • Length
    12 Days
  • Requirements

    No Spanish experience required

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    July 11 – July 22, 2025

  • Ages
    13-14
  • Application Deadline
    Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

    National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

    Final Deadline: May 14, 2025
  • Price

    $4,575

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included

  • Session C
  • Length
    12 Days
  • Requirements

    No Spanish experience required

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    July 28 – August 8, 2025

  • Ages
    13–14
  • Application Deadline
    Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

    National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

    Final Deadline: May 14, 2025
  • Price

    $4,575

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included

Join an online info session!

RSVP Here

Spotlight on Conservation and Biodiversity

Brunca Region

Your first site will be based in the canton of Perez Zeledon in the south of Costa Rica. A region known for its diverse environments and economic activities, you will volunteer with different biodiversity conservation initiatives in the buffer zones of Chirripó National Park.
Your second site is located on the southern Pacific coast, in the Uvita region. The area is known for its rich biodiversity on land and in the ocean. Volunteer with partner agencies dedicated to river and sea conservation initiatives, including setting up a nursery for baby sea turtles when they hatch later in the year.

 

Partner Agencies

Earn 24 service hours while collaborating with two different partner agencies. First, volunteer with an environmental association that focuses on biodiversity and conservation education. Then, volunteer with a private conservation reserve that protects sea turtles (among other local wildlife) in the buffer zones of Marino Ballena National Park.

 

Example Activities

  • Rotate through several conservation sites while supporting current initiatives
  • Trail and sign maintenance in reserves
  • Reforestation day to plant trees
  • Community river cleanup and monitoring
  • Beach clean-up and sea turtle nursery set-up
  • Participate in a youth exchange with local youth from a nearby community

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: San Jose – Arrive in Costa Rica, stay the night in a hostel with the group

Day 2-5: Rivas, San Jose Province – Dorm-style lodging. Participate in briefing activities as volunteers split into groups and rotate through several ecological reserves supporting conservation efforts

Day 6-11: Biological Center, Puntarenas Province – Dorm-style lodging on the coast. Service activities include beach clean-up and supporting the sea turtle nursery. Engage in a youth exchange with a nearby community

Day 12: San Jose – Return to San Jose for the night before flying out the next day.

*Itineraries are subject to change.

Check out Blog and Instagram Posts from this Project

Montañas y Mar: From Sloths to Sugarcane

Montanas y Mar, Costa Rica


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Montañas y Mar: Hello from Montaña Verde!

Montanas y Mar, Costa Rica


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Montañas y Mar: Hasta luego, Costa Rica!

Montanas y Mar, Costa Rica


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AMIGOS is a fun experience but at the same time, it’s meaningful. It gave me a more globalized perspective and allowed me to grow.

–Sofia, Montañas y Mar Volunteer

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation
  • Receive required immunizations
  • Be age 13-14 on the project start date
  • Passport valid 6 months after project start date
  • Complete pre-departure training, online or in-person
Apply Now

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.

Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.

Leadership

Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Practice Spanish

AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!

Have an Adventure

Travel to must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!

Travel with Trust

AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

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