Are you ready to jump into adventure in Costa Rica? Travel to a volcanic valley to explore how climate change is affecting agriculture. Spend time on the Caribbean coast volunteering with a wildlife and ecological conservation initiative. Immerse yourself in the lush wilderness of Costa Rica's forests, rolling hills, and tranquil Caribbean while you unplug with us this summer.

The deadline to apply was May 17.
Length Training
Dates		 In-Country
Dates		 Ages Application
Deadline		 Price
Session A 3 weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

June 22–July 12

 15–19 The deadline for Session A has passed. Please email our Admissions team with any questions at [email protected]

$5,875 – includes all in-country expenses
Session B 3 Weeks

Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

July 20–August 9

 15–19 The deadline for Session B has passed.

$5,875 – includes all in-country expenses
  • Session A
  • Length
    3 weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

  • In-Country Dates

    June 22–July 12

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    The deadline for Session A has passed. Please email our Admissions team with any questions at [email protected]
  • Price

    $5,875 – includes all in-country expenses

  • Session B
  • Length
    3 Weeks
  • Training Dates

    Online training on COVID-19, health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.

  • In-Country Dates

    July 20–August 9

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    The deadline for Session B has passed.
  • Price

    $5,875 – includes all in-country expenses

About the Project

Project Type

Pod-based. Maximum enrollment is 20, with two spots reserved for students from Costa Rica.

Slang

pura vida = life is good, cool
tuanis = cool

College Credit

Get two college credits for this project! Find out more here.

Food

Pinto (rice and black beans), plantains, tortillas
Great for vegetarians!

Service Hours

Earn 30 service hours while supporting local conservation initiatives.

AMIGOS History in the Region

AMIGOS has worked in Costa Rica for more than 35 years.

What makes this project unique?

This experience will be led in Spanish and English, so you’ll get a chance to use your language skills in Costa Rica! Plus, two spots on this project are reserved for students from Costa Rica so you’ll have the chance to make friends across borders. You’ll get to volunteer with two organizations in Costa Rica, meeting local people who are taking action to counter the effects of climate change.

 

Unnamed Road, Provincia de Cartago, Turrialba, Costa Rica

Disconnect to Reconnect

Tico Culture

Two spots on this project are reserved for youth from Costa Rica, so you’ll get an in-depth experience with local culture. Practice your Spanish and even learn some local slang! Relax in nature and learn the true meaning of pura vida.

 

Partner AgencY

We will support two organizations on this program. One organization supports sea turtle conservation and environmental work and the other one focuses on education and agricultural and biological research. Earn 30 service hours while volunteering.

 

Example Activities

  • Explore Costa Rica’s famous national parks and protected areas
  • Hike to one of the highest volcanoes in the country
  • Enjoy the rich aroma of locally-grown coffee
  • Spot wildlife like toucans, butterflies, and monkeys!
Join an online info session!

RSVP Here

A Day in the Life

Days 1–6

  • Wake up and have breakfast in small groups
  • Morning: Rotating schedule of activities, including Spanish classes, orientation, explore topics like food justice and sustainability in action
  • Lunch outside
  • Afternoon: Rotating schedule of activities—Spanish classes, briefing, etc. in small groups
  • Free time to explore the grounds
  • Dinner in small groups
  • After Dinner: free time, fun group activities

 

Day 7–End of Project

  • Wake up and eat breakfast as a group
  • Morning: volunteer on a community service project, take part in fun intercultural and leadership activities
  • Lunch outside
  • Afternoon: travel to local farms, nature preserves, and take tours with local organizations. Meet local community members and take part in fun activities led by the group!
  • Dinner
  • After Dinner: fun group bonding, free time to relax

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.

Apply now!

Click Here

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

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, 2021 Montañas y Mar Volunteer

Program Requirements
Resources
Apply Now

Field Notes

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Montanas y Mar: First Week in CATIE

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amigosmontanasymar

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amigosmontanasymar

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Sep 2

Open
Want to join AMIGOS this fall? Apply by September 6 for the Social Impact Accelerator! Head to @amigos_americas to learn more.

Want to join AMIGOS this fall? Apply by September 6 for the Social Impact Accelerator! Head to @amigos_americas to learn more. ...

amigosmontanasymar

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Sep 1

Open
New AMIGOS programs for summer 2022 just announced today! Head to @amigos_americas to find out more 🙌

New AMIGOS programs for summer 2022 just announced today! Head to @amigos_americas to find out more 🙌 ...

amigosmontanasymar

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Aug 18

Open
Hey Montañas y Mar volunteers! We miss you already 💚 Don’t forget to follow our main account @amigos_americas to stay up to date with AMIGOS, and tag them if you share photos from your summer experience!

Hey Montañas y Mar volunteers! We miss you already 💚

Don’t forget to follow our main account @amigos_americas to stay up to date with AMIGOS, and tag them if you share photos from your summer experience! ...

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