Project Focus Areas: Environmental conservation, sea turtle habitat protection, cultural heritage
Begin your journey by immersing yourself in Costa Rican rural life by staying with host families. You’ll be part of a small group of volunteers living in three communities, learning about community-led and cultural heritage conservation. You will visit and volunteer at one of the largest archaeological sites in the country. Continue for a 3 to 4-day mid-term exploration to the Caribbean coast to support a sea turtle protection project.
Get hands-on experience with local and community conservation initiatives while learning about the region’s history and the importance of indigenous communities’ heritage. Deepen your cultural understanding by engaging directly with community members and sharing daily life with your host family.
Our Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros project is an AMIGOS EXPLORE program. If you’re a high school student ready for something deeper than a typical trip abroad, AMIGOS Explore programs offer 2- to 3.5-week adventures that blend service, leadership, and cultural exchange. You’ll live with a host family in a small group of volunteers, work side-by-side with local youth, and lead service projects that truly matter. You’ll also grow your Spanish skills, earn college credit (3-week programs only), complete 20 service hours per week, and see the world from a whole new perspective. Explore programs include both group travel activities and more independent experiences, with a project supervisor in the community with volunteers approximately 80% of the time. It’s meaningful, challenging, and unforgettable—designed for young leaders who want more than a vacation.
You will spend most of your time in the valleys of the Cartago Province, a farming region filled with rivers and mountains surrounding a cultural heritage site. Midway through the program, you will spend 3 to 4 days in a rural coastal community nestled between the ocean, protected wildlife areas, and the jungle, before returning to your host families.
Host Families Site (Cartago Province) – Learn how climate change has impacted local communities way of life. Explore how small farms are climate adaptation challenges, and discover the region’s ancient culture by visiting the archaeological cultural heritage site.
Midway overnight excursion (Caribbean Coast) – Learn how climate change affects coastal communities and support community-based initiatives to adapt to these impacts. Contribute to wildlife protection efforts by helping set up sea turtle nurseries, identifying nests, and assisting with other needs of local organizations working to protect sea turtles.
Partner Agencies – Volunteer with a women-led entrepreneurship organization promoting rural tourism while protecting the environment and the heritage of their communities in Turrialba in the Cartago Province. Additionally, you will collaborate with a sea turtle protection organization on the Caribbean coast. Earn 60 service hours while supporting local initiatives.
Example Activities
Day 1: San Jose
Arrive in Costa Rica and stay with your cohort at a hostel.
Day 2-3: Turrialba, Cartago Province
Group lodging. Participate in briefing activities and an on-site project orientation.
Day 4-10: Rural community stay
Support a local farm through various service activities while living with host families.
Day 11-14: Limón Province
Extended excursion with workshops and community service activities alongside our partner agencies, focusing on beach and sea turtle conservation.
Day 15-19: Rural community stay
Continue supporting the local community projects and leading the recreational activities for children.
Day 20-21: Cartago Province
Dormitory-style lodging. Take part in debriefing sessions and group reflection activities.
Day 22: Fly home
Adios AMIGOS!
* Note, itineraries are subject to change
Who is this project good for?
Volunteers looking to step out of their comfort zone. Volunteers will divide their time between group lodging and host family stays in a rural community. Volunteers meet with their small group for activities and planning community projects. During the host family and community stay period, the group is divided between three communities in the same region. Students may be placed individually in host families with five other students in the community with the presence of one staff member. This project is a good fit for volunteers who enjoy outdoor work, learning about different cultures, and spending time with local youth. Please also view this program’s requirements.
What makes this project unique?
You will spend most of your time in the volcanic valley in Turrialba learning about Costa Rican culture, where you will live with a local host family. Midway through the project, you will travel to the North Caribbean coast for a 3 to 4 day visit to learn about and collaborate with a turtle conservation project.
Meet local organizations and community members who are taking action to adapt their environmental protection efforts to the adversities of climate change! Live like a local by participating in their day-to-day activities.
What is AMIGOS’ history in the region?
AMIGOS has operated in Costa Rica for more than 35 years. We pride ourselves on the strength of our relationships in-country, both with local host families and partner agencies. We look forward to welcoming another cohort of students to further our impact!
Can I receive college credit?
Yes! You can receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.
How many service hours can I receive?
You can earn 60 service hours on this program.
What are the accommodations like for this project?
We use a combination of dormitory style lodging (briefing, debriefing, and our overnight excursion) and homestays. The homestays will be in three different communities. Volunteers will live individually with host families.
What is the food like?
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.
What about the climate and terrain?
This program is located in the Cartago and Limón provinces of Costa Rica. Students should expect rain and high humidity, with daily temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the high 80s.
Can you teach me some slang?
Just remember pura vida = life is good and tuanis = cool!
| Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SESSION A | 3 Weeks |
1 year Spanish or equivalent 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 24 – July 15, 2026 |
15–19 | National Chapter: May 27 |
$5,475 – Local Chapter $6,475 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
| SESSION B | 3 Weeks |
1 year Spanish or equivalent 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 21 – August 11, 2026 |
15–19 | National Chapter: June 23 |
$5,475 – Local Chapter $6,475 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses Fundraising Support Available Flight costs are not included |
1 year Spanish or equivalent
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 24 – July 15, 2026
$5,475 – Local Chapter
$6,475 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
1 year Spanish or equivalent
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 21 – August 11, 2026
$5,475 – Local Chapter
$6,475 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses
Fundraising Support Available
Flight costs are not included
🌟 Month Two in the GAP Bridge Year in Costa Rica! 🌍🎉
This month, students were fully immersed in Costa Rican life ☀️, completing an excursion to Los Santos region, learning the farm-to-cup journey of Costa Rican coffee and gaining insight into the dedication of local farmers ☕. Internships are in full swing, with students contributing to meaningful projects through partner agencies 💼💪. In their free time, they’re playing soccer ⚽, taking tennis lessons 🎾, hitting the gym, and bonding with local youth over all-you-can-eat pizza nights 🍕, building connections that deepen their community ties 🤝.
With 7 months ahead, many more adventures await! ❤️🤍💙
***
🌟 ¡Mes Dos en el GAP Year en Costa Rica! 🌍🎉
Este mes, las personas estudiantes se sumergieron completamente en la vida costarricense☀️, completando una excursión a la región de Los Santos, donde aprendieron el proceso completo del café, desde la finca hasta la taza, y apreciaron la dedicación de los agricultura local ☕. Las pasantías están en plena marcha, y están contribuyendo a proyectos significativos a través de nuestras agencias contrapartes 💼💪. En su tiempo libre, juegan fútbol ⚽️, toman clases de Tennis🎾 , van al gimnasio y se relacionan con jóvenes locales en noches de pizza 🍕, creando lazos que profundizan su conexión con la comunidad 🤝.
¡Con 7 meses por delante, esperan muchas aventuras más! ❤️🤍💙
✨ We are celebrating our first month in the GAP Bridge Year in Costa Rica! 🌍🎉
The students have been exploring the incredible landscapes of Perez Zeledon 🌿, sharing meaningful moments with local youth leaders and host families 🏡🤝. They have also had time to learn and practice their Spanish and we are also very excited because they have started their internships with our amazing partner agencies, gaining practical experience and contributing their knowledge 💼💪.
There are 8 months left and there are many more adventures to come! 🚀🌞 We are so proud of you 🩵
———————————-
✨ ¡Celebramos nuestro primer mes en el Año Puente GAP en Costa Rica! 🌍🎉 Estudiantes han estado explorando los increíbles paisajes de Pérez Zeledón 🌿, compartiendo momentos significativos con jóvenes líderes locales y familias anfitrionas 🏡🤝. También, han tenido tiempo de aprender y practicar su español y tambien estamos muy emocionados porque han comenzado sus pasantías con nuestras increíbles agencias asociadas, adquiriendo experiencia práctica y aportando sus conocimientos 💼💪.
¡Quedan 8 meses y hay muchas más aventuras por venir! 🚀🌞 Tenemos mucho orgullo de ustedes 🩵
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 ✉️
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.
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