Start Dates and Details on Arrival
Volunteers are welcome throughout the year, and arrival dates are coordinated in advance with our volunteer coordinator to ensure smooth planning and a warm welcome.
The project operates seven days a week, from Monday to Sunday. However, the regular volunteer schedule is from Monday to Thursday, allowing volunteers to enjoy three days off per week to rest, explore the area, or participate in optional additional activities. The schedule is flexible—volunteers may request extra days off or join conservation or educational efforts depending on availability.
How to Get to the Project
There are several convenient ways to reach the project. One option is to take an Uber directly from Juan Santamaría International Airport to the butterfly farm. Another option is to take a public bus from San José to San Ramón, and from there arrange transportation to the project.
For those who prefer a more personal welcome, you can contact our volunteer coordinator, Alberto Quirós, at +506 8482 1858. Alberto is always ready to guide and support volunteers upon arrival and can arrange airport pickups when available.
Location and Surroundings
Vida de Colores Butterfly Farm is located in a peaceful rural area, surrounded by a small village and natural butterfly habitats. It’s the perfect setting for an immersive nature experience, where volunteers work directly with native butterfly species, contributing to their study, protection, and conservation. This environment offers a unique opportunity to connect with biodiversity, observe butterfly life cycles, and participate in meaningful environmental projects.
Accommodation is provided in a volunteer house located on the project grounds. The rooms are shared, simple but comfortable, with access to bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming—ideal for building friendships with fellow volunteers, local staff, and the host family behind this family-run project.
Basic services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and local markets are accessible via public transportation. There is also a nearby convenience store reachable by project bicycles, which are available for volunteer use. Our team offers logistical support and local guidance as needed.
What to Expect and What to Bring
Upon arrival, volunteers receive thorough orientation and ongoing support throughout their stay. Our team assists with transportation logistics, especially if work occasionally requires travel outside the butterfly farm. In addition to daily tasks, we invite volunteers to join cultural, recreational, and social activities organized by our family team. These outings tend to be informal and provide an excellent opportunity to get to know the region better, connect with the local community, and enjoy authentic experiences during their stay.
We recommend volunteers bring:
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Comfortable work clothes (suitable for getting dirty)
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Closed-toe shoes or work boots
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Waterproof jacket or poncho (depending on the season)
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Personal hygiene items
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Insect repellent and sunscreen
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Reusable water bottle
All materials and tools needed for conservation work are provided on-site, so there is no need to bring special equipment.
Beyond personal belongings, we encourage volunteers to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and collaborate. At Vida de Colores, you won’t just be contributing to butterfly conservation—you’ll be joining a warm, supportive, and environmentally committed community.
