Latest posts by April Hearne (see all)
Costa Rica: Highlands Biodiversity
Sustainable Farming, National Park Buffer Zones, and Wildlife Protection
Volunteers eager to step out of their comfort zones with a more independent experience. Volunteers will divide their time between group lodging and host family stays in a rural community, which includes meeting up with their group for activities and planning community projects. During the host family and community stay period, the group will be divided among three different communities in the same region. This project is a good fit for volunteers who like physical activity.
Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.
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.
Combination of dormitory-style lodging (briefing and debriefing) and homestays. The homestays will be in three different communities. Volunteers will live in pairs or individually with host families.
This program is located in the Brunca region (Perez Zeledon and Biolley) of Costa Rica. Rain and high humidity are common, and temperatures range from the low 70s to the low 90s during the day and the 50s to 60s at night. The terrain is hilly. Be prepared to do a lot of walking.
pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool
Earn 36 service hours while supporting local conservation initiatives.
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!
You will learn from local farmers and community groups about agriculture and wildlife protection where they live. Volunteer in biological corridors, private conservation reserves, and national parks. Practice Spanish and learn about the local culture while living with a host family!
| Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A | 3 Weeks |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish 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 12 – July 3, 2025 |
15–19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - June Departures: April 8, 2025 |
$6,275 – National Chapter $5,275 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
| Session B | 3 Weeks |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish 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 9 – July 30, 2025 |
15–19 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024 Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - July Departures: May 14, 2025 |
$6,275 – National Chapter $5,275 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish
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 12 – July 3, 2025
$6,275 – National Chapter
$5,275 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
Minimum 2 years of Spanish
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 9 – July 30, 2025
$6,275 – National Chapter
$5,275 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
Day 1: San Jose – Arrive in Costa Rica, stay the night in a hostel with the group
Day 2-5: Perez Zeledon – Dorm-style lodging. Participate in briefing activities, community service in the site nursery or tree planting, and conservation workshops
Day 5-18: Biolley Region – Volunteers are paired or individually placed with host families. Spend mornings learning about coffee production, gender in agriculture, and working on conservation projects. Afternoons and evenings are spent with host families, with a few half-day excursions included
Day 18-19: Perez Zeledon – Dorm-style lodging. Participate in debriefing activities
Day 20: San Jose – Spend one night in dormitory-style lodging before flying out the next day
Day 21: Departure – Fly home
Involucramiento de Jóvenes Latinoamericanos / Latin American Youth Involvement
Programa Jóvenes Líderes Locales 🇨🇷
Queremos felicitar y agradecer a cada una de las personas Jóvenes Líderes Locales que fueron parte de cada uno de los programas de AMIGOS en este período 2024.
En el Proyecto de Inmersión Comunitaria.
1. Asistieron a 4 encuentros presenciales donde aprendieron de liderazgo, género, sostenibilidad y otros💥
2. Realizaron proyectos de servicio en sus comunidades🎨🚸
3. Expusieron sobre el desarrollo de los proyectos de su comunidad y como fue su experiencia como Jóvenes Líderes Locales. 🎦
4. Tuvieron despedidas de jóvenes de USA en sus comunidades 👋🫂
5. Disfrutaron de una excursión antes de finalizar el programa en conjunto con participantes de AMIGOS 🌋🚌
En los Proyectos de Viaje Grupal
6. Impartieron clases de baile tradicional.💃🕺
7. Compartieron recetas tradicionales con participantes de AMIGOS. 🍲🥑
8. Enseñaron como abrir cocos y parte de sus tradiciones locales. 🥥🌴
9. Organizaron e impartieron clase se tamales ticos tradicionales. 🧑🍳🫔
Las personas Jóvenes locales pueden ser parte de excursiones, clases y talleres en conjunto con los participantes de AMIGOS.
Sin su presencia los proyectos no serían tan valiosos y esperamos que esta sea también una oportunidad valiosa y de mucho provecho.
#amigos #juventudes
Over the past 4 weeks, our Los Santos Session B volunteers have immersed themselves in the vibrant life of Costa Rica, working hard alongside the communities and forming deep bonds with their host families. 🇨🇷🦥☕️ From living with host families to immersing themselves in local culture, they gave their all and made a lasting impact. ⭐️ They’ve faced challenges, learned new skills, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and the growth they’ve shown. ❤️
1) Volunteers are shown planting new greenery at their briefing site, contributing to the area’s agriculture. 🌱
2) Los Santos has stunning views across all its communities, and here, the volunteers are enjoying the beauty of their community while on a hike. 🥾🌄
3) Zumba! The volunteers had the chance to join Zumba classes during their stay in the community! 🕺
4) We were thrilled to welcome our AMIGOS donors and president to Los Santos! They enjoyed a wonderful visit, including a fun tour of one of our host family’s beautiful gardens with our volunteers. 🪴🌳
5) The volunteers participated in an inspiring Encuentro with local youth leaders! 🗣️
6) Volunteers had the incredible opportunity to take the lead in schools by organizing and guiding extracurricular activities. 📚⚽️
7) For one of their service project, these volunteers painted signs to put around the community. 🪧
8) During the debriefing, volunteers continued with their service projects by planting new plants at the site and working diligently. 🌼🌿
9) The volunteers are shown having a great time around a bonfire! 🔥🪵
10) Our volunteers had the opportunity to go on an excursion to Irazú Volcano National Park with local youth leaders and had a fantastic time exploring the park. 🌋
After 9 adventurous weeks of living and learning in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 , Session C of the Los Santos Project has come to a close. ☕️ Our volunteers became a part of the community and their host families, creating bonds that will last far beyond these 9 weeks. These incredible volunteers embraced every challenge, grew in ways they never imagined, and made many lasting memories. We are proud of each and every one of you for your hard work and openness. ✨
1) Our volunteers spent time helping at their local strawberry farm! 🍓
2) In this community, the volunteers worked on their service project by building and painting furniture for the local school. 🪑
3) This volunteer had the opportunity to take in stunning views right from their host family’s home! 😍
4) Los Santos is important for coffee production in Costa Rica, and our volunteers were able to drink coffee that was produced by their host family’s coffee farms. ☕️
5) Each community offers breathtaking views, and these volunteers are captured on a hike, soaking in the stunning scenery. 🥾
6) Cooking with their host family was always a fun and delicious experience! 🥘
7) For one of their service project, these volunteers built a leading library for the community! 📚
8) In this photo, the volunteers are saying their heartfelt goodbyes to their host family. ❤️
9) Goodbyes can be hard. Each community threw a despedia to celebrate the volunteers’ time in the community. 🎉
10) Here is a video of the volunteers partaking in a Costa Rican Tradition during one the Encuentros with local youth leaders! 💃
Just like that, La Brunca D has completed their program! Over the past three weeks, not only were new jokes and vocabulary exchanged, but lifelong connections were formed among volunteers, community members, and partner agencies. We couldn’t be prouder of these youth leaders’ zeal, curiosity, and dedication to service. You’ll be missed! Curious about what we’ve been up to? Take a look below:
1. After touring the site with Bulls, the group poses for a photo at Dulce de la Montaña⛰️
2. Volunteers assist in mixing liquified sugar into dulce 🍭
3. After their service, volunteers take a photo by Biolley’s beautiful sign 📸
4. Students pose for a photo after learning about the El Parque de la Amistad
5. Students sort and peel Cocoa beans at Zuba Chocolate🍫
6. Youth learn how to make tamales at the local communal kitchen 🫔
7. Friends take a picture at the waterfall during the Dulce de la Montaña hike 🥾
8. Volunteers paint an AMIGOS sign at Fudeibol 🖌️
9. On the last day at Biolley, students take one last group picture outside of ASOMOBI
10. And of course, we have a recap video!! 🎥
At La Pezeta Session C, we have finally wrapped up our two-week adventure. 🇨🇷 From creating lifelong connections and memories to making lasting impacts with our partner organizations, La Pezeta has been an unforgettable experience. We are so proud of our hardworking, curious, and passionate volunteers and everything they have accomplished. Take a look at what our volunteers have been up to:
1. Exploring the San Isidro city center
2. Making tapa de dulce at Dulce de la Montaña
3. Admiring the local insects
4. Hard at work helping the incredible women of AMACOBAS
5. Enjoying their last day at the FUDEBIOL Biological reserve
6. Snacking on fresh Cacao
7. Preparing for planting season
8. Building trails on a bamboo plantation
9. Learning traditional Costa Rican dance
10. Hiking to a hidden waterfall
En La Pezeta Session C, finalmente hemos concluido nuestra aventura de dos semanas. Desde crear conexiones y recuerdos para toda la vida hasta generar impactos duraderos con nuestras organizaciones asociadas, La Pezeta ha sido una experiencia inolvidable. Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros voluntarios trabajadores, curiosos y apasionados y de todo lo que han logrado. Eche un vistazo a lo que han estado haciendo nuestros voluntarios:
1. Explorando el centro de la ciudad San Isidro
2. Hacer tapa de dulce en Dulce de la Montaña
3. Admirar los insectos locales
4. Trabajando duro ayudando a las increíbles mujeres de AMACOBAS
5. Disfrutando de su último día en la Reserva Biológica FUDEBIOL
6. Comer cacao fresco como refrigerio
7. Preparándose para la temporada de siembra
8. Construyendo senderos
9. Aprender baile tradicional costarricense
10. Caminata a una cascada escondida
⛰️Thanks to Montanas y Mar Session C for making it a memorable session! These past two 2 weeks were packed full of trying new things, doing meaningful service work, meeting new people, and having fun! What a great way to wrap up the summer! 🌊
1. Participating in a beach clean-up ☀️
2. Painting a mural at an eco lodge 🎨
3. Taking a break to swim in the ocean during a whale tour 🐳
4. Planting trees at a farm 🌴
5. Learning tricks with local youth 🤸♂️
6. Preparing a turtle hatchery for turtle eggs 🥚
7. Visiting an animal sanctuary 🐒
8. Engaging in a youth exchange with locals from the circus 🎪
9. Hiking up Sendero Los Gigantes 🥾
10. Getting certificates of service from a partner agency ✉️
⛰️¡Gracias a Montañas y Mar Sesión C por hacer de esta una sesión inolvidable! Las últimas dos semanas estuvieron llenas de nuevas experiencias, trabajo de servicio significativo, conocer gente nueva y diversion. ¡Qué excelente manera de cerrar el verano! 🌊
1. Participación en una limpieza de playa ☀️
2. Pintura de un mural en una eco-alojamiento 🎨
3. Tomarse un descanso para nadar en el océano durante un tour de ballenas 🐳
4. Plantación de árboles en una finca 🌴
5. Aprender trucos con jóvenes locales 🤸♂️
6. Preparación de una vivero de tortugas para los huevos de tortuga 🥚
7. Visita a un santuario de animales 🐒
8. Intercambio juvenil con locales del circo 🎪
9.Senderismo en Sendero Los Gigantes 🥾
10. Recepción de certificados de servicio de una agencia contraparte ✉️
Olas y Cerros D, thank you for a wonderful and adventurous three weeks! We were impressed by your enthusiasm to connect with your host families in Guayabo and Parismina all while meeting new local youth. Your contagious energy stayed true all the way through an eventful week of turtle night patrols, helping to deter poachers, in Parismina. From sustainable agriculture in Guayabo to marine conservation and biodiversity in Parismina, you consistently showed your commitment to learning more about the environment and community around you, using and improving your Spanish. We miss you already!
1: Nortico cacao farm in Turrialba
2: CATIE botanical garden night tour
3: Villa de Luz agricultural farm
4: Monumento Guayabo
5: Traditional cuisine with Idaly (Guayabo partner agency (RETUS) representative)
6: Preparing traditional Costa Rican tamales
7: Guayabo despedida
8: Turtle conservation training w/ ASTOP
9: Table painting at ASTOP HQ
10: Candle light ceremony at Campamento Oikumene (final goodbye👋!)
We are so amazed by the strength of our La Brunca volunteers that we experienced throughout this trip. From all of the new things they tried to the work they put in day after day, we felt so lucky to get to be surrounded by such a mighty group.
In Parque Ambiental Río Loro, we frolicked in a butterfly garden, squealing at snakes, crocodiles, and turtles, and playing a huge game of freeze tag across a nostalgic playground 🛝
After planting trees, our volunteers glamorized the Biological Corridor with their adorable mud tattoos 🤎
We learned how to press juice out of sugar cane by hand and then we got to try it! The sugar rushes that followed made our adventures extra fun 🥳
Never enough sugar! We learned to make ice cream by hand with fresh ground coffee beans for flavoring. The product was definitely worth the work 🍦
A new mandate required all of our community’s water tanks be repainted; our volunteers collaborated with the community to get the job done 🤜🤛
Not only were our minds growing, so were our muscles. Community leaders had the volunteers heavy lifting every day to finish up two brand new coffee drying beds 💪
Some of our volunteers translated a tamale making lesson for the group. If you’re lucky maybe you can get one of our volunteers to share the secret recipe that goes back generations 🧑🍳
Our Local Youth Leader led the group in a myriad of traditional Costa Rican games. We were so excited about getting to add new games to our repertoire ⚽
We were so lucky to get to experience El Verano de San Juan, a two week period every winter where the weather suddenly turns into Summer. With that came various stunning sunsets that we couldn’t resist running to catch sight of 🌄
A major highlight of the trip was getting to learn traditional Costa Rican dance. Biolley’s kitchens, living rooms, and fincas became our favorite dance floors 💃
Getting to see our volunteers grow throughout their experiences was the most beautiful gift we could ever receive🫶
I met so many people from all over Costa Rica and the United States that became my family for three weeks. My time with my host family in community was so special, as I was able to connect and bond with my host siblings and improve my Spanish skills. I learned so much about sustainability and agriculture in Costa Rica and was able to become close with the other volunteers.
–Penny, La Brunca Volunteer 2023
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 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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
See more projects like this one!