Where We Travel

Costa Rica

Experience Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, “pura vida” is more than a phrase AMIGOS students will hear everywhere. It’s a greeting, a thank you, a way to say everything is good, and a reminder to move through the world with gratitude, care, and openness. Most students say and live it within a few days.

This spirit is part of what makes Costa Rica extraordinary. Smaller than West Virginia, the country holds roughly five percent of the world’s biodiversity, protects a quarter of its land, runs almost entirely on renewable electricity, and hasn’t had an army since 1948.

AMIGOS participants experience “pura vida” through the people and communities they meet. Alongside local youth and trusted partners, they support conservation and sustainable development projects while learning how communities protect the ecosystems, relationships, and traditions that make Costa Rica so special.

Did you know?

AMIGOS has worked in Costa Rica for more than 35 years, building lasting relationships with host families, partner agencies, and local communities.

AMIGOS Project Sites

Explore Programs

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Costa Rica: La Brunca

AMIGOS Explore – High School (15-19)

Explore how local communities in southern Costa Rica practice innovation and collective leadership around conservation efforts.

Biodiversity Community-Led Organization Rural Farming

Sessions

June 14 – July 5 3 Weeks open

July 10 – July 31 3 Weeks open

Costa Rica: Pérez Zeledón

AMIGOS Immerse – High School (15-19)

Immerse in Costa Rica through reforestation, reserve maintenance, and biodiversity while learning how local families and community groups support conservation and rural tourism.

Biodiversity Monitoring Community Connections Spanish Immersion

Sessions

June 8 – July 6 4 Weeks open

July 13 – August 10 4 Weeks open

Costa Rica: Montañas y Mar

AMIGOS Middle School – Middle School (13-14)

Our Montañas y Mar project offers opportunities to support community-based conservation, sustainable development, and cultural exchange with local communities.

Community Service Environmental Protection Spanish Practice

Sessions

June 17 – 28 12 Days open

July 2 – July 13 12 Days open

July 19 – 30 12 Days open

Costa Rica: Olas y Cerros

AMIGOS Explore – High School (15-19)

Explore Costa Rica’s farming communities and Caribbean coast through host family life, local youth collaboration, environmental protection, and sea turtle conservation.

Cultural Heritage Environmental Conservation Sea Turtle Habitat Protection

Sessions

June 23 – July 14 3 Weeks open

July 20 – August 10 3 Weeks open

Not Sure Where to Start?

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The Amigos Difference

Why AMIGOS?

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AMIGOS’ History in Costa Rica

For more than three decades, AMIGOS has partnered with communities across Costa Rica.

1982

AMIGOS initiates Work in Costa Rica

AMIGOS begins its partnership with communities in Costa Rica, laying the groundwork for more than 40 years of teen volunteer programming and community collaboration.

1987

Partnership established with the Ministry of Education

AMIGOS and the Ministry of Education partner to run a housing construction project for teachers working in rural schools.

2000

AMIGOS Expands and Deepens Presence

AMIGOS becomes a registered organization in Costa Rica and works to launch a local chapter to recruit Costa Rican students in San Jose.

2020

Total Program Suspension

All AMIGOS projects for 2020 were suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2021

AMIGOS returns to in-person programs in Costa Rica

Though COVID-19 persisted, AMIGOS launched a group program model in Costa Rica, marking the first return to in-person programs since the pandemic began.

Collaborate directly with local organizations and community members

A Culture of Community Partnership

AMIGOS partners with Costa Rican organizations already leading work in conservation, sustainability, and youth development. Volunteers join as learners and collaborators, supporting local efforts, helping with day-to-day project work, and building connections through shared goals and everyday community life.

Partner Organization Themes

Conservation

Women-Led Community Organizations

Sea Turtle Protection

Sustainable Farming

Work with local youth in service activities and cultural exchange opportunities

Opportunities for Latin American Youth

AMIGOS is committed to providing opportunities for Latin American youth to join our programs.

Each year, more than 50+ students from Latin America are trained and serve as AMIGOS Youth Leaders on our programs. New virtual programs provide additional opportunities for Latin American youth to participate in AMIGOS programs. AMIGOS seeks partnerships with organizations and funders to open more pathways for students from the region to join our programs and staff leadership.

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Scenes From Costa Rica

From misty mountain farms to coastal communities and tropical forests, Costa Rica gives AMIGOS students a close-up look at environmental stewardship and community-led change. Each day brings hands-on project work, Spanish practice, personal growth, and connection with local youth, leaders, and families.

Reforestation work in the Caribbean coast

Learn traditional practices from local host families

Support local organizations with hands-on work

Costa Rica is small in size, but rich in regional diversity. Volunteers may experience rural communities, busy towns, coastal areas, or mountainous landscapes, depending on their program site.

Most international travel begins in or near San José. Surrounded by the mountains of the Central Valley, this city is Costa Rica’s largest and the common starting point for AMIGOS programs.

Costa Rica’s climate varies and changes by elevation and region. Students should be ready for warm days, rain, humidity, and cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

Between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is shaped by mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, farms, and coastal communities.

Hear from Recent Volunteers

Get a real look at life in Costa Rica through stories from AMIGOS students. Read stories from participants about project work, Spanish practice, host community connections, new friendships, and what they learned along the way.

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Not Sure Where to Start?

Talk to an Advisor

Schedule a 1:1 Call

Where We Travel

Costa Rica