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Excellent 4.84rating (73)

Reforestation and Community Development

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

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.

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 lodge located one minute from the waves.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    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 and beautify the local community. WeVOL´s Reforestation and Community Development volunteer program empowers volunteers to gain professional and ...

    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 and beautify the local community. 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-based improvement projects. Year-round projects include native tree reforestation, school vegetable garden maintenance, plus designing, building, and maintaining protected areas for future reforestation efforts. We work hard to keep our community clean and safe and are active with the local primary school and communal areas. 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.

    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.

    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 Manuel Antonio/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 
    • Eye-mask 
    • 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
    • Sundresses 
    • Underwear 
    • Sleepwear 
    • Outdoor/hiking clothes 
    • Rash guard 
    • Sports bra 
    • Flip flops 
    • Closed toed hiking sandals or water shoes
    • Tennis shoes 
    • Hiking shoes/boots
    TOILETRIES:
    • Toothbrush & toothpaste 
    • Floss 
    • Face wash 
    • Makeup remover 
    • Deodorant 
    • Shampoo & conditioner 
    • Chapstick with SPF 
    • Razor 
    • Hair brush 
    • Hair ties 
    • Sunscreen, at least SPF 30 
    • After sun gel 
    • Mosquito repellent 
    • Female hygiene products 
    • Tweezers 
    • Nail clipper
    • Lotion 
    • Contact lens solution & case
    FIRST AID KIT:
    • After-bite cream 
    • Hydrocortisone cream 
    • Neosporin/antibiotic ointment 
    • Allergy medicine 
    • Band aids 
    • Dramamine/anti nausea medicine 
    • Pain killers 
    • Tissues 
    • Hand sanitizer 
    • Prescribed medications
    LUGGAGE:
    • Backpack (recommended, not a suitcase)
    • Waterproof Day pack
    • Packing cubes or organizer 
    • Laundry bag 
    • Small purse 
    • Rain cover


    Typical day


    • 7:30: Breakfast (provided, but on your own)
    • 8:30 - 11:30: Caring for flora and fauna and/or Community work projects
    • 11:30 - 1:30: Free Time
    • 12: 30: Fresh Lunch
    • 14:00 - 15:30: Completing morning projects, cleaning up, preparing materials & organizing for the next day
    • 15:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, ...

    Typical day


    • 7:30: Breakfast (provided, but on your own)
    • 8:30 - 11:30: Caring for flora and fauna and/or Community work projects
    • 11:30 - 1:30: Free Time
    • 12: 30: Fresh Lunch
    • 14:00 - 15:30: Completing morning projects, cleaning up, preparing materials & organizing for the next day
    • 15:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, fun excursions/tours
    • 17:30 - 19:00: Shower, call home, internet time
    • 19:30:  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 area is full of options during your free time. 

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

    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 area is full of options during your free time. 

    In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for running and 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 - Surf School, Kayak Tours, Waterfall Hikes, Horseback Riding - 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

    On-site Services

    All Programs Include:

    • Arrival Bus Transportation

    • Shared Room Accommodation

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily

    • Orientation

    • Transportation to Volunteering Locations

    • Waterfall Tour

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

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    All participants fly into SJO International Airport. Your arrival plans are based on your flight arrival time and you will coordinate this with the program director prior to your arrival. You will have your bus ticket in the form of a QR code. The bus trip takes about 4 hours and brings you directly to Playa Matapalo. The WeVOL team will meet you at the bus stop (about 3 minutes away from WeVOL), take you on a tour and beach tour, and bring you to the project site to meet everyone and check-in.

    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 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 you can share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean.
    WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment. 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.

    Sample Menu:

    Breakfast:
    Fresh local fruit (mangoes, bananas, pineapple)
    Toast and Cereal
    Eggs
    Cheese

    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
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    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

    Volunteers can arrive any day and WeVOL provides local bus transportation from the Tracopa bus terminal located near SJO airport. The bus ticket is provided by WeVOL and the bus takes you to the entrance of Playa Matapalo. WeVOL leaders will meet you there and we will be in communication using WhatsApp prior to your arrival and during the bus trip. The ride is about 4 hours from the bus terminal to Playa Matapalo.

    Participants stay at Guava Lodge located in Matapalo, Costa Rica. Guava Lodge is a five-room modern lodge with a studio apartment and 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) 411€
    2 weeks 821€
    3 weeks 1,232€
    4 weeks 1,620€
    5 weeks 2,030€
    6 weeks 2,441€
    7 weeks 2,851€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 3,239€
    Average fees 407€/week

    Program fees

    407€ 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.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

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    Meet your project coordinator

    Kerri
    73
    reviews
    4.84
    Excellent
    2022
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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