Support Local Communities

The program

Set in stunning Osa this program works within local communities to improve living standards for some of the country's poorest residents. Volunteers make a real difference in the lives of local communities by providing much needed assistance and a willing labour force on critical projects. 

Participants will spend their time working on essential projects, as determined by the community themselves, to create a better environment and facilities for local communities. Work will be varied and range from renovation and construction projects through to working to preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous tribes. Perfect for those wishing to be hands-on in Costa Rica!

Goals of this Project:

• Provide free volunteer labor in under-resourced communities in Costa Rica
• Improve the safety and morale of the local people through better infrastructure 
• Expose locals to new and innovative ideas and a different way of doing things
• Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike.

How you can help

Without adequate facilities, a community is unable to reach its full potential. It is as simple as that. This program enables communities to support the educational and care needs of its people through the provision of much-needed assistance in providing safe facilities. Volunteers play a major role in ensuring homes, schools, community areas and public buildings are safe and well maintained. Those volunteering on this program will see first-hand what a difference this help has made and the positive impacts on the local community.

Volunteers will need to be physically fit and can expect to undertake the following tasks:

• Building maintenance: painting, plastering, cleaning etc
• Construction: mixing cement, carrying bricks etc
• Landscaping: digging and moving dirt, planting etc
• Conservation: beach clean-ups, preventing river erosion and replanting cortes and almond trees for scarlet macaws
• Community and after school classes
• Indigenous tribe cultural preservation activities
• Networking with local program staff and other volunteers

Volunteers on this valuable project will generally work for 3- 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday with weekends free to enjoy this incredible location. While we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:

8:00am Breakfast at the accommodation

8:30am Bus to the project site

9:00am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor

9:15am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START

A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.

2:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END

2:15pm Debrief with project supervisor

2:30pm Bus back to the accommodation

Afternoons and Evenings Free time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the real Costa Rica!

This project is based on stunning Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's South Pacific coast. Off the beaten tourist track, Osa is a veritable paradise and Costa Rica at its very best! 

The Peninsula is dominated by the Corcovado National Park with its vast array of native wildlife including endangered species and Costa Rica's big cats. Guided jungle adventures can be arranged from Puerto Jiménez. Marine enthusiasts and beach lovers will enjoy the attractions of Drake Bay, Caño Island marine reserve and the surf beaches of Cabo Matapalo and Carate.

Puerto Jiménez is the peninsula's largest town and provides a great base for exploring the region, providing easy access to both the vast expanse of the Parque Nacional Corcovado for hiking and wildlife and the emerald waters of the Golfo Dulce for beaches and surf.  

Immersing volunteers into its unspoilt natural beauty and providing a genuine insight into the 'Tico' way of life; Osa peninsula is the genuine article!

See the Additional Info. section for examples of optional weekend excursions.