from 436€

Excellent 4.8rating (40)

Reforestation and Community Development

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • Experience local beach town life while working hand-in-hand with community members in Matapalo, Costa Rica.
  • Learn about flora and fauna in meaningful ways and share your time and energy productively.
  • Gain hands-on international work experience while working directly with community leaders.
  • Make lifelong memories as you explore the area, see secret waterfalls, surf amazing waves, meet memorable locals, and watch breathtaking sunsets.
  • Enjoy local cuisine while living at our modern yet rustic lodge located one minute from the waves.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

Be part of and spearhead a variety of community and reforestation projects in a tropical beach town. Join the fun & make a difference in beautiful Matapalo, Costa Rica!

As our quaint beach town becomes more noticed and receives more tourists, we need your support to take action now and protect the local flora and fauna. WeVOL´s Reforestation and Community Development volunteer program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also ...

About the program

As our quaint beach town becomes more noticed and receives more tourists, we need your support to take action now and protect the local flora and fauna. WeVOL´s Reforestation and Community Development volunteer program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also helping a low-income community. 

What you can expect

To achieve this mission, volunteers participate in long-term reforestation, beautification, and conservation and community improvement projects. Year-round projects include native tree reforestation, school vegetable garden maintenance, plus designing, building, and maintaining protected areas for future reforestation efforts. In addition, volunteers are encouraged to spearhead innovative programs based on their skills and expertise.
Our volunteers also experience a meaningful exchange of giving and learning with our local staff, team, and community members. Furthermore, you will truly impact future generations of many species in positive ways. 

Upon arrival, you will join Orientation & Training. During this meeting, you will clearly understand the current projects' needs and your role. Plus, you will have time to share your ideas for short-term projects, so you can share your skills and experiences. Our staff will teach you about the feeding habits and plant species that the local fauna feed on, so you can work effectively and confidently.

The Location
Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos. 

Your Tasks
Your tasks will include physical labor hours, structured time for designing and planning to ensure success and teamwork. All participants will be working directly with the professional, bilingual, and expert WeVOL team. WeVOL accepts volunteers who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. 
 

Ultimate Packing List for Costa Rica

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

  • Insulated water bottle 
  • Microfiber towel 
  • Original valid passport and copies 
  • Original drivers license 
  • Credit/debit card 
  • Travel insurance 
  • Photocopy of documents 
  • Return home ticket 
  • Spanish dictionary/guide 
  • Travel luggage locks 
  • Pens 
  • Eyemask 
  • Flashlight/headlamp 
  • Travel pillow 
  • Waterproof phone case 
  • Costa Rica map 
  • Travel hair dryer
TECHNOLOGY:
Costa Rica uses 110 Volts.
  • Phone & charger 
  • Battery pack 
  • SD Cards Class 10 w/ lots of room 
  • Chargers 
  • Plug adapter 
  • Action cam with mounts 
  • Selfie stick 
  • Headphones or earbuds 
  • Kindle 
  • Waterproof phone case or pouch
CLOTHING & SHOES:
No strict dress code, aim for casual. Clothes that dry fast and wick away moisture are best.
  • Shorts 
  • T-shirts 
  • Tank tops 
  • Swimwear: bathing suit, board shorts, sarong, beach cover up 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat or visor 
  • Rain jacket in rainy season 
  • Socks 
  • Long pants and jacket/sweater (if going to high elevation areas like Monteverde, Perez Zeledon, San Gerardo de Dota and the mountains)
  • Sundresses 
  • Underwear 
  • Sleepwear 
  • Outdoor/hiking clothes 
  • Rash guard 
  • Sports bra 
  • Flip flops 
  • Closed toed hiking sandals or water shoes and tennis shoes 
  • Hiking shoes/boots if going on long hikes
TOILETRIES:
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste 
  • Floss 
  • Face wash 
  • Makeup remover 
  • Deodorant 
  • Shampoo & conditioner 
  • Hair detangler spray 
  • Chapstick with SPF 
  • Razor 
  • Hair brush 
  • Hair ties 
  • Sunscreen, at least SPF 30 
  • After sun gel 
  • Mosquito repellent 
  • Small travel mirror 
  • Female hygiene products 
  • Tweezers 
  • Nail clipper
  • Lotion 
  • Contact lens solution & case
FIRST AID KIT:
  • Afterbite cream 
  • Hydrocortisone cream 
  • Neosporin/antibiotic ointment 
  • Allergy medicine 
  • Band aids 
  • Drammamine/anti nausea medicine 
  • Pain killers 
  • Tissues 
  • Hand sanitizer 
  • Prescribed medications
LUGGAGE:
  • Suitcase or backpack 
  • Day pack (waterproof in rainy season) 
  • Packing cubes or organizer 
  • Laundry bag 
  • Small purse 
  • Rain cover


Typical day


  • 7:30: Breakfast on your own
  • 8:00 - 11:30: Tree planting, caring for flora and fauna, community work
  • 11:30 - 1:30: Free Time
  • 12: 30: Fresh Lunch served at work site
  • 14:00 - 15:30: Cleaning up, preparing materials & organizing for the next day
  • 15:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, surf
  • 17:30 - ...

Typical day


  • 7:30: Breakfast on your own
  • 8:00 - 11:30: Tree planting, caring for flora and fauna, community work
  • 11:30 - 1:30: Free Time
  • 12: 30: Fresh Lunch served at work site
  • 14:00 - 15:30: Cleaning up, preparing materials & organizing for the next day
  • 15:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, surf
  • 17:30 - 19:00: Shower, call home, internet time
  • 19:00:  Hearty and Healthy Dinner



Free-time activities

Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. Located in between Domincal and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is full of options during your free time. 

In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, ...

Free-time activities

Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. Located in between Domincal and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is full of options during your free time. 

In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, and a well-maintained soccer field. Participants can shop at the thriving local artisan market in Dominical, head to Quepos to find unique souvenirs, and experience the local farmers´ market which is a sensory overload of smells, colors, and beautiful people. 

The free time activities here are endless and the only challenge will be fitting them all in before you head home or continue your travels!


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)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by WeVOL

All Programs Include:

  • Arrival Transportation

  • Shared Room Accommodation

  • Lunch & Dinner daily

  • Orientation

  • Transportation to Volunteering Locations

  • Waterfall Tour

  • Surfboards (with Surf School programs)

  • Early morning, mid-afternoon or late evening snack daily

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

All participants fly into SJO International Airport and the shuttle driver will be there to greet you. 

The shuttle service takes all participants directly to WeVOL's lodge. Your airport pickup will be confirmed prior to your departure from home and we will be in contact with you as you travel to Costa Rica.

Accommodation

Matapalo is a small beach town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast that thrives on a new tourism industry. Matapalo reminds travelers of the Costa Rica of yesteryear. Restaurant owners and tour operators alike depend on the hundreds of tourists from around the world who come to Matapalo every year for its sandy beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and lush mountainous jungles. 

Our rooms are comfortable, unique, and perfect to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica while relaxing in between work shifts and exploring. 
  • All rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning is available. 
  • Rooms are comfortable with double, twin, and bunk beds and include all basic features needed to ensure a comfortable stay and total privacy during your down time. 
  • Our accommodations are designed to fit and blend in to our natural surroundings and tropical gardens. 
  • Relax and unwind as you hear the sounds of waves and wildlife. 
  • We spend every afternoon enjoying the blazing sunsets and often share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean.
WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment, it’s recommended that you bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Don’t forget your swim suit and a rash guard. The weather is very hot, so pack light summer clothes.

Food & Beverages

We are known for our great food! Enjoy healthy, locally sourced meals with the freshest ingredients along with caring, friendly service. We are proud to serve fresh and local produce whenever possible in all of our dishes. Our extensive menu caters to all types of lifestyles and dietary requirements or preferences. Breakfast is not included, but we have a kitchen area and coffee bar for volunteers open every morning at 7:30am. 

Sample Menu:

Lunch:
  • Chicken Salad Sandwich with provolone on wheat roll with vegetables
  • Vegetarian: Eggplant sandwich on wheat roll with vegetables
Dinner:
  • Pasta Salad with ham
  • Vegetarian: Pasta Salad with garlic mushrooms

All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy free, etc). 
Our team enjoys meeting the needs of our volunteers - fresh fruit, drinking water, juices, and coffee/tea are provided.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

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

All programs start on Monday and arrival transportation is offered every Sunday departing around 2pm from the San Jose area

Participants stay at Guava Lodge located in Matapalo, Costa Rica. Guava Lodge is a five-room modern lodge with a restaurant on-site. Guava Lodge is located 200 meters from the ocean and has a lovely tropical garden with lush flora and fascinating fauna - imagine monkeys, scarlet macaws, avocado trees and hibiscus flowers! Each room has a private bathroom. Towels and linens are provided. Our staff will make sure that you will feel at home as soon as you arrive.

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 436€
2 weeks 873€
3 weeks 1,310€
4 weeks 1,722€
5 weeks 2,158€
6 weeks 2,595€
7 weeks 3,031€
8 weeks (max. stay) 3,444€
Average fees 433€/week

Program fees

433€ per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 8 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 WeVOL during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

WeVOL

Excellent 4.8 rating (40 reviews)

Non-profit

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Kerri

Spoken languages: English

About the project

WeVOL offers meaningful voluntourism and adventure programs supporting English learning in local public schools and community development projects in rural Costa Rica.

Meet your organization

Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
WeVOL accepts eager globetrotters who want to experience and give back to Costa Rica in meaningful and memorable ways.

Who we are? 
The WeVOL team is composed of bilingual international tourism and education professionals who have worked in Costa Rica for more than twenty years. We are ready to assist you during every step of your travel and volunteer experience. Our team consists of Costa Rican and international staff members who lead and manage volunteer activities, provide delicious and nutritious meals, and ensure that lodging and amenities meet your expectations. Our team enjoys working AND playing hard, plus sharing the Pura Vida lifestyle with all participants. We are more than happy to share our local knowledge with volunteers. We offer Pre-Trip Packing and Arrival Support, Orientation & Training upon arrival, and dedicated support during your volunteer work. 

What we do?
Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also helping and supporting people living in a low-income community.  To do this, WeVOL offers meaningful volunteer experiences that combine hard work, dedication, a desire to explore cultures and meet new people, and a mutual cross-cultural exchange of talents and expertise. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long- and short-term projects, plus experience a unique opportunity to live and work with local families. WeVOL takes the stress out of trip planning so our participants truly maximize their well-deserved vacation time.

Where we work?
WeVOL is located in Matapalo, Costa Rica - an ideal destination for first-time and experienced volunteers. Costa Rica boosts progressive environmental and social policies and is widely considered one of the most sustainable countries on our planet. At the same time, Costa Rica is still a developing country with a low national income and a number of socioeconomic issues. WeVOL offers a variety of ways for eager travelers to get involved and help the vulnerable population living in our quaint beach town. Not only will you support positive community development as a volunteer with WeVOL and make new friends, you will also relish in the natural beauty of our lodge. All rooms are nestled in a lush garden surrounded by fruit trees (imagine: avocados growing right outside of your window) and is located less than a 1-minute walk to the beach.

Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their exit from the country before their visa or entry stamp expires. The visa stamp is usually 90 days. Proof of exit is needed and the immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival and possibly from your point of departure. Entry into Costa Rica is valid for all countries. 

Our Mission
WeVOL's mission is to save eager globetrotters stress, time, and money while supporting their personal goals of giving back to local communities and experiencing meaningful cross-cultural exchange. 

Our Goals
As an innovative international volunteer and travel company, WeVOL's goal is for all participants to contribute their time to work on projects and causes with the aim of bringing benefits and knowledge to our local beach community. 

Who are we looking for?
WeVOL welcomes and supports travelers from all over the world, with special needs or handicapped, and regardless of religious or political views, sexual orientation, or race. Participants working directly with schoolchildren in local schools are required to be 18 years of age or older and be fluent or native English speaker. 

Why choose us?
Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
We have a great beach town location and modern lodge. We will be sure your volunteer time is well spent. Plus, you will enjoy three amazingly delicious and fresh meals per day. The WeVOL team is excited to receive volunteers from around the world - you will be in great and knowledgable hands! 

Accommodation
Volunteers stay at our modern and fully equipped lodge located less than a 1-minute walk from the beach. Each room has a maximum of three volunteers and there is a private bathroom in each room. Accommodations are high quality, modern, clean, and comfortable with free high-speed WiFi connection.

Volunteer Work
A half-day orientation will be provided for all volunteers. Culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer requirements are discussed and agreed upon during Orientation with the local staff and team. As needed, transportation will be provided to-and-from volunteer work sites and schools. All participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of their volunteer program.

Meals
Volunteers are provided with three freshly cooked meals a day. Meals vary and generally include freshly made soups, vegetables, meat, salad, rice, potatoes, juice, dessert. Plus, we cater to all dietary restrictions and preferences. 

40 reviews · rating4.8

Madison Ditullio rating5

2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

Words cannot describe the feeling of joy and happiness you get when you spend time with the kids of Matapalo and giving back to their community. I have not stopped raving about my time with Kerri and Jamie at WeVol Costa Rica. I canot wait to come back and see how far these kids have come since the ...
I had a wonderful time at WeVol. Kerri and Jaime are both very wholehearted and inspiring people. Matapalo is a very nice place to stay and the sunset at the beach is amazing. We painted a mural in school, cleaned up a park and I also got to work with the kids. All in all, it was very enriching and ...
Iris Brockmann rating5

2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

Much more than fine - GREAT: - the people - The hosts, the kids, friends and neigbours - kind, helpfull, awake, with humor, energie, interessted, kreativ, - the project - supporting communal development - the kids, the nature, the village with so verity, kreativ, flexible timetable, amazing ...
Monica De Luca rating4.8

2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

WeVol was such an enriching experience! Kerri and Jamie run such a wonderful organization and put so much effort into making their volunteers’ time there exceptional. We got to utilize our creative skill set to help create a mural on the WeVol grounds and connect with the local community in a ...
Volunteering at WeVOL was an experience that holds a special place in my heart. From painting a mural with local children to immersing myself in the vibrant wildlife and beach life of Matapalo, every moment was filled with unforgettable memories. What truly made the experience extraordinary was the ...
I had a wonderful experience with the other volunteers in this project in Costa Rica. We painted the wall and placed some plants in the flower field at school, and I played soccer with kids and taught Japanese to children. First, we plowed the flower garden and gathered nutritious soil in the ...

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