General overview

Welcome to the Mariposa Azul conservation camp in Playa Carate, nestled within the lush rainforest just a stone's throw away from Corcovado National Park. Our camp, situated in the heart of Osa, serves as a gateway to the pristine sea turtle nesting beaches, the national park and is surrounded by the small but vibrant community of Carate.

Here, alongside the Carate Bamboo School and the community plaza, we're committed to fostering sustainability and conservation. As an English-speaking volunteer coordinator resides at the camp, each week promises a well-organized agenda blending meaningful work with fun activities.

Your stay includes delicious vegetarian meals, prepared with love and care. We're seeking volunteers from all backgrounds, with no prior experience necessary—just a passion for making a difference and a willingness to dive into grassroots projects. Whether you're eager to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, this is the perfect opportunity. 

• While hard work is a cornerstone of our project, we also believe in the importance of relaxation and exploration. So whether you're unwinding by the beach or venturing into the lush rainforest, there's always time to recharge and discover the beauty of Costa Rica. Join us in our efforts to create a sustainable future, while creating memories that will last a lifetime

• You can also join our Women Empowerment Project where we uplift and support women through coconut workshops and community work! As a volunteer, you'll play a vital role in updating their social networks to showcase and sell their coconut-based products. Additionally, you can assist in the production process of bracelets, earrings, bags, and other items, empowering these women to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.

• As a volunteer you can help at our center for stray dogs and cats and be part of our mission to provide care and support to these animals in need! As a volunteer, you can assist with washing, feeding, and socializing the animals, as well as participating in adoption processes and raising awareness through informative talks.
  
  In our environment project, we're committed to protecting our natural surroundings and promoting sustainability. Volunteers can take part in activities such as cleaning plastic from mangroves and beaches, planting mangroves, and learning about recycling materials. 

• Your days will be filled with excitement and purpose as you join our daily turtle patrols. Whether it's the early morning or the quiet of the night, you'll be out in the field for 3-5 hours during morning patrols or 4-7 hours during night patrols. During these patrols, you'll play a crucial role in protecting new nests, gathering data on nesting females, witnessing flipper tagging, excavating hatched nests, and assisting with the tourism element. And the highlight? You'll have the incredible privilege of releasing hatchlings into the wild—a truly magical experience! 

• As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to organize and participate in a wide range of activities taIn addition to our turtle patrols, our days are packed with a variety of meaningful activities to make a positive impact on both the environment and the local community.
  
  Join us for beach clean-ups and plastic classification sessions, where every effort counts towards preserving our pristine coastline. 

• You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to English lessons for local residents, share knowledge through presentations at nearby schools, and take part in tree planting and maintenance projects around our camp