Rural Community Tourism

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Live an authentic experience and enjoy our rurality.
  • You can work with us in a sustainable and healthy way without damaging the natural processes supporting each resource used.
  • You´ll never forget the kindness and warmth of the people of these communities.

Highlights

  • Live an authentic experience and enjoy our rurality.
  • You can work with us in a sustainable and healthy way without damaging the natural processes supporting each resource used.
  • You´ll never forget the kindness and warmth of the people of these communities.
  • Collect memories, live this experience intensely and be part of a new adventure.
  • You could discover these rural places in Costa Rica where biodiversity is a paradise.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Support rural tourism projects that provide communities with economic alternatives without damaging the natural resources of the area.

    Our rural tourism program allows you to live an authentic experience and to enjoy our rurality, to know the essence and identity of the Costa Rican, characterized by the quality offered by each of the companies in this program.

    You can live the best experience of your life, combining nature and ...

    About the program

    Our rural tourism program allows you to live an authentic experience and to enjoy our rurality, to know the essence and identity of the Costa Rican, characterized by the quality offered by each of the companies in this program.

    You can live the best experience of your life, combining nature and culture. You will discover the Pura Vida of the Costa Rican, by enjoying and sharing different atmospheres of peace, comfort, coexistence with customs and traditions, immersed in a splendid natural diversity.

    It will deepen the knowledge of our culture; will delve into the rurality of our country through traditional gastronomy, the authenticity of the communities and the riches expressed in their way of life in a natural environment, where the sustainable practices promoted by the leaders prevail as part of this product.

    As a volunteer you will be working with the local families in their daily activities such as the production of marmalades,  making artisanal cheese, harvesting vegetables, among others.



    Typical day

    7:00 a.m Breakfast

    7:45 a.m – 12:00 p.m Work in forest nursery and trails for bird and amphibian observation.

    12:00 p.m Lunch

    13:00 p.m Activity with the children of the community school

    3:00 – 6:00 p.m Preparation of jams or elaboration of crafts based on ceramics.

    7:00 p.m Dinner

    Typical day

    7:00 a.m Breakfast

    7:45 a.m – 12:00 p.m Work in forest nursery and trails for bird and amphibian observation.

    12:00 p.m Lunch

    13:00 p.m Activity with the children of the community school

    3:00 – 6:00 p.m Preparation of jams or elaboration of crafts based on ceramics.

    7:00 p.m Dinner


    Free-time activities

    As a volunteer you will have one free day each week, during which you may choose to:

    ·         Play community sports

    ·         Visit rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, and holistic farms.

    ·         Go for walks in the community.

    ·         Go horseback riding.

    Free-time activities

    As a volunteer you will have one free day each week, during which you may choose to:

    ·         Play community sports

    ·         Visit rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, and holistic farms.

    ·         Go for walks in the community.

    ·         Go horseback riding.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Aged 18 or over. Good physical condition. Basic knowledge of Spanish. You must be friendly, communicative and able to work in extreme weather conditions for 4-6 hours per day. You must have a medical travel insurance policy for the duration of your stay. It is important that you like animals and children.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Corcovado Foundation

    This costs includes lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    Accommodation

    The lodging is provided in homestays. They offer a private room with shared bathroom.

    Food & Beverages

    Our program itinerary includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have any dietary restriction such as: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or allergies please let us know. 

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The Rural Community Tourism Program is open to volunteers throughout the year and the minimum commitment is two weeks.

    When you arrive to Costa Rica you have 2 ways to get to the project:


    OPTION NUMBER 1

    8:15 a.m Take the bus at the TRACOPA Company in San José. You should take the San José - San Vito´s route and ask the driver to let you know when you are arriving at Las Tablas, which is where you should get off the bus.

    1:30 p.m Take the bus that goes from Las Tablas to Altamira de Biolley, where the project coordinator will wait for you to guide you and place you in your respective lodging place.

    OPTION NUMBER 2

    6:00 a.m Take the bus at the TRACOPA Company in San José. You should take San José - San Vito ´s route and ask the driver to let you know when you are arriving at Las Tablas, which is where you must get off the bus.

    12:00 m.d You must advise in advance if you want to take this alternative to coordinate private transportation from Las Tablas to Altamira de Biolley, where it will take you to your respective accommodation place. Approximate transportation cost $ 30 U.S.D

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 698€
    5 weeks 1,746€
    9 weeks 3,142€
    17 weeks 5,935€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 17,457€
    Average fees 349€/week

    Program fees

    349€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Corcovado Foundation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Corcovado Foundation

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (7 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1998

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Zoraida

    About the project

    We are a nonprofit organization fighting to protect Costa Rica´s natural heritage for future generations by uplifting communities through education and engagement

    Meet your organization

    The Corcovado Foundation was established in 1996 by concerned neighbors of Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Our founding project involved working with ACOSA to establish patrols and rangers stations in the biodiverse area surrounding the national park, greatly reducing illegal hunting and logging. We are a hands-on, down to earth local leader in conservation, with an excellent reputation for our volunteering programs and our commitment to a practical and community led approach to environmental protection.

    The Corcovado Foundation currently has four main areas of work in the Osa Peninsula: -Sea Turtle Conservation – Environmental Education – Sustainable Tourism – Community Development.

    We work on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, that is one of the most biologically intense places on earth. The area contains 25-30 different eco-systems and is home to a staggering variety of wildlife and plant life, many of which are endangered. It has one of the most significant populations of large endangered mammals in Central America, including predators

    such as Jaguars and Pumas and is also home to many endemic species of birds and trees. The harpy eagle, believed to be locally extinct since 1989, was discovered in small numbers in Corcovado National Park and there are important calving sites for humpback whales in the waters surrounding Caño Island and Gulfo Dulce.

    In short, The Osa Peninsula represents one of the world’s most important sources for future knowledge about rainforest ecosystems and the conservation of biological diversity on earth.

    7 reviews · rating4.5

    Erica rating5

    2020 at Rural Community Tourism

    This is an excellent nonprofit that works with and involves the community in conservation efforts and leadership. I had a wonderful experience both summers I went back in 2011 and 2012. I still keep in contact with my host family to this day and miss them a ...
    Cathrin Kuesters rating4

    2023 at Corcovado Eco Community Development

    My time in the Biohostel, Corcovado Foundation was nice. People have been really nice and the food was amazing. The volunteer work was ok, but I expected to learn more and I did expect to have more volunteers there. I can recommend it for two weeks, but not longer, because it is super remote and not ...
    Siana Marie Ungemach rating3.4

    2023 at Corcovado Eco Community Development

    I was in the project for 2 weeks in march 2023 and spendet a good and changeable time there. It was really important that I can speak good basics in Spanish, as the most of the people there just speak Spanish. The hostel that belongs to the project was very tidy and the food really good. The ...
    The turtle project work the Foundation does is amazing. The accommodations are basic, but safe and clean and the opportunities they give volunteers to make a difference are a once in a lifetime ...
    Norma Jean Profitt rating4.8

    2020 at Local Sea Turtle Conservation Program

    Wonderful experience helping out turtle conservation I very much enjoyed my volunteer experience, particularly patrolling the beach at night. I also liked participating in the exhumations and beach cleanup. I liked learning about turtle conservation and what changes need to take place to ensure ...
    I joined this project with the expectation of learning a lot and getting some hands on practical field experience in something that I am very passionate about, but I got out so much more than that. The 12 weeks that I spent on Rincon with all the volunteers that came through and the amazing ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Puntarenas, Biolley

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