Like those of other developing countries, the local people of Costa Rica also need help understanding the importance of nature and its preservation. Safeguarding the wonderful natural features of Costa Rica is only possible if conservation work begins at the grassroots level. In this Costa Rica volunteer project, our volunteers choose one of four protected areas to work on different conservation projects.

This eco-tourism project focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. Volunteering for this project involves helping to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment and enhancing the cultural integrity of the local people. Our goal is to teach people and enable them to enjoy and to learn about the natural, historic, and cultural characteristics of unique environments while preserving the integrity of those sites and stimulating the economic development opportunities in local communities.

As conservation volunteers in Costa Rica , you will upgrade the existing facilities and help develop creative eco-tourism-related projects. The primary job of the volunteers will be to maintain and improve the facilities of the project, help in constructing trails, cleaning the areas, and helping and guiding the tourists. Participants will live in the rangers' houses, and all meals are included.

Carara National Park : Located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Carara is the perfect place to observe the Red Macaws' nesting. Small mammals are also abundant here. The park is only 2 hours from San José and very near Jacó Beach , one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica . Volunteers can work constructing and cleaning trails, guiding tours, helping in the ranger's house, patrolling the park, making signs for the trails, and many other tasks.

These protected areas serve as educational centers for the community. This project furthers the work by focusing on developing environmental education for children and the community, and establishing different sustainable systems to guarantee conservation of flora, fauna, and water resources in the areas. The Costa Rican Protected Areas are especially proud of the diversity of birds (red and green macaws) and butterflies (morphos) that live in their forest along with small mammals such as anteaters, raccoons, and others that proliferate within their boundaries.