Volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, Latin America, including teaching, care, conservation and Spanish-language placements.

Voluntary Work in Costa Rica

"Costa Rica packs an incredible amount into such a small space - rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and an incredible range of flora and fauna."

To live in Costa Rica

Volunteering in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, in the heart of Latin America, is a country of contrasts and a varied mix of landscapes and cultures. Its fine range of attractions includes volcanoes, tropical rainforests, magnificent waterfalls and beautiful sandy beaches. Costa Rica is an environmental wonderland. It is renowned for its biodiversity and its many national parks, and boasts an array of wildlife; from crocodiles and monkeys to whales and dolphins.

Costa Ricans - commonly known as Ticos - are well-known for their friendly hospitality. For over 50 years Costa Rica has been without an army and, unlike many neighbouring countries, peace and stability has lasted. Time and effort has been dedicated to sustaining the wildlife and improving standards of living.

While Costa Rica now leads the way in terms of ecotourism, many Costa Ricans still live in very basic conditions. The growth of tourism in the country has lead to an increased demand for English speakers.

Our projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Volunteer work opportunities for you in Costa Rica

Projects Abroad has volunteering opportunities in Teaching, Care, Sports, Journalism and Learning Spanish. These projects are based in or near the town of Liberia, in north-western Costa Rica. We also have a Conservation & Environment project where volunteers are based in a variety of national parks up to three hours from Liberia.

In Liberia you'll be based with a local host family, who will make sure you have a great experience of their home town. Life in this quiet town centres on a large main plaza and a pedestrian area, fringed with coconut palms. You will be just four hours from the cosmopolitan capital of Costa Rica, San José; under two hours from the Nicaraguan border and less than an hour from an enviable choice of Pacific beaches.

Conservation & Environment placements are available to volunteers at several national parks, covering a diverse range of habitats from beaches on the Pacific Coast to inland cloud forest and volcanoes.

The overseas voluntary work projects we offer in Costa Rica allow you to experience the true essence of this beautiful country, and give you a wonderful opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Costa Rican community life.

Travel and Tourism in Costa Rica

Liberia is a friendly small town, full of colourful, colonial-style, clay-built houses. Throughout the year there are several local fiestas, often with horse shows, rodeos and roving marimba bands. The town is also an excellent base from which you can take advantage of the great transport links available; from Liberia it's very easy to visit neighbouring Nicaragua or explore Costa Rica further.

Costa Rica is a rugged and mountainous place, and numerous national parks and volcanoes are within easy reach of Liberia, if you're looking for activities on your days off. The town is close to many of Costa Rica's natural attractions, including the Guanacaste National Park - which is on the World Heritage list - the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Santa Rosa National Park.

But you're never far from the coast in Costa Rica. Spoilt for choice by the number of idyllic beaches, you'll have plenty of opportunities for water-based activities like surfing, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving in your time off from volunteering abroad, on both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. The laid-back life of Costa Rica is infectious and you will find it hard to leave.