Although Costa Rica is a very small country, the vegetation and wildlife are extremely diverse. The national parks system was established to protect the country's unique nature and biodiversity since the beginning of the environmental conservation movement. Costa Rica is known for its extensive eco-tourism industry, making the country's national parks world-famous travel destinations. The parks are dispersed throughout the country and offer a huge range of attractions, such as beautiful beaches, volcanoes, mountain ranges, rain and cloud forests, lagoons, rivers, waterfalls, and many different exotic animals. Most parks have a very diverse eco-system and unique flora and fauna. They are important refuges for endangered species. The species that make up Costa Rica's wildlife include a variety of mammals, beautiful birds, fish, and reptiles. Among the wild animals there are howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, deer, squirrels, coati, peccary, marvelous butterflies, frogs, iguanas, toucans, and parrots. Furthermore, you can find a vast variety of water birds and about 70 different types of reptiles, like snakes and lizards. Sea turtles are the main attraction of many of the coastal national parks. In the areas that are open for day visitors, the parks offer outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking, canopying, and more.
The Placement
The volunteer project is carried out in one of the first nature reserves created in Costa Rica back in 1963. It is a true symbol of environmental conservation. It is located in Puntarenas province, right on the edge of the Nicoya Peninsula. The project is dedicated to protecting and preserving Costa Rican wildlife, native forest, and the marine ecosystem. It consists of 1,373 hectares of wild and marine conservation areas. The Reserve only has the 5% of the total territory open for tourists. Their contributions represent the main way to sustain the Park financially. This reserve protects semi dry tropical forest. About 140 different species of trees have been identified inside the park. There is also a considerable variety of mammals in the park. Predominant among these and very easily spotted by visitors are the howler monkey and the white-face monkeys. Very abundant and easily seen are the white-nosed coati and the white-tailed deer. Also present, but harder to spot are the margay and the coyote. The greatest wealth in fauna is in the abundant marine birds, marine mammals including orcas, different kinds of fish, crabs and mollusks found in the shore waters of the offshore islands. Worth mentioning is the healthy population of brown boobies and pelicans found in the island, and the plentiful conch found on the park's waters.
Note: If you are looking for a Sea Turtle project (protecting sea turtles), please reach out to us, so that we can orientate you on the best project. Although in this project you might be able to see sea turtles in their natural habitat, this is not a pure sea turtle project.
The Location
The National Park where you will be doing your Eco Volunteering is located at the southern tip of the beautiful Nicoya peninsula. This is one of the most fascinating areas of Costa Rica. Dense forests with lush vegetation, a rich flora & fauna, dream beaches and small, idyllic fishing villages characterize the landscape.
San José, the country's capital is about 300 km, but due to the road conditions this will take at least a 5-hour drive. In any case, the long drive it worth it! Within the park itself, you will have plenty of possibilities to walk and hike. It is a rewarding feeling to see and hear the wildlife, be it different kinds of monkeys, exotic birds or other animals. Not only is the park is a real paradise but also the nearby beaches. Some of the beaches include Montezuma, Mal Pais, or even Santa Teresa. All three attract tourists from all over the world for their great surfing spots or just relaxing. In Montezuma and Santa Teresa, you can find restaurants, bars, as well as tour operators offering different kinds of outdoor activities.
The people in Costa Rica are friendly and relaxed, and live according to the motto "Pura Vida" - "pure life". In Costa Rica you can learn to enjoy life to the fullest! In addition, the "Ticos" speak a clear and slow Spanish, so that it is easy to understand them.
