Culture & Conservation
Encounter COSTA RICA
General overview
This 17-day journey offers an enriching blend of thrilling adventure, deep cultural immersion, and impactful conservation work in the heart of Costa Rica. Start by Immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture in Quepos with Spanish lessons, cooking, dance, and surfing classes.
Explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity in Manuel Antonio National Park and engage in a transformative cultural exchange with the indigenous Boruca/Térraba communities. The adventure culminates with a meaningful volunteer experience at the COPROT sea turtle conservation project, where you’ll contribute to protecting one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, cultural discovery, and a chance to make a positive impact.
Manuel Antonio - Terraba community - OSA conservation
17 days
No
Spanish Needed
Spanish Needed
Local
support
support
Minimum
18 Years Old
HIGHLIGHTS
- Days 10-16: Puerto Jiménez - Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Arriving at the COPROT research camp on the Osa Peninsula, you’ll begin your volunteer work focusing on sea turtle conservation. You’ll patrol beaches, protect nesting sites, and assist with data collection to support the preservation of these endangered species. The program includes night patrols, jungle hikes, educational lectures, and community-based initiatives. This week of meaningful conservation work will deepen your understanding of wildlife protection and environmental sustainability.
- Days 1-7: Quepos - Cultural Immersion & Adventure
You’ll spend your first week in Quepos, a coastal town known for its proximity to the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park. Here, you'll stay with a local host family, immersing yourself in the local culture with daily breakfasts and a variety of optional activities. Start each day with a mindfulness session to center yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings. During the week, you’ll enjoy a mix of planned activities, including surf lessons, a boat excursion through mangroves, and optional experiences like waterfall hikes, dance classes, and visits to the national park. Evenings are capped off with group activities led by your tour leader, offering time to bond with fellow travelers.
- Days 7-9: Boruca/Térraba Community - Indigenous Cultural ExperienceOn Day 7, you’ll travel to the Boruca/Térraba community in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. Here, you’ll engage deeply with the indigenous Brörán people, learning about their history and customs. Over the next few days, participate in weaving and mask-making workshops, enjoy traditional meals, and explore ancient petroglyphs. You’ll also dive into the rich traditions of cacao production and gain insight into the cultural significance of this sacred plant. This portion of the trip offers a unique chance to connect with indigenous heritage in a hands-on, immersive way.
- Day 17: DepartureAs your time in Costa Rica draws to a close, you’ll return to Puerto Jiménez, with options to continue your adventure at Corcovado National Park or head back to San José with unforgettable memories of your journey.
Overview
- 17 -day program with 16 nights (dorm/shared rooms)
- Daily breakfast, Lunch from day 8 till 16, Dinner from day 7 till 16
- Transportation in private and public between all the destinations
- Bilingual guide day 1 till day 10
- English speaking volunteer coordinator day 10 till day 17
- Cultural immersion day 1 till 6
- Volunteering with turtle project day 10 till day 16
- 6 hours mindfulness
- Surf lesson
- Mangrove excursion
- Weaving & mask workshop
- Cacao experience
Departure Dates 2025
Wednesday, 12 March
Wednesday, 14 May
Wednesday, 11 June
Wednesday, 27 September
(green season)
(green season)
Wednesday, 22 October
(green season)
(green season)