from $817.00

Tour style – Learn & Volunteer

8 days

A perfect project for animal lovers who want to learn more about the unique and endangered creatures of Costa Rica and assist in their rehabilitation and release back into the wild.
About this Project: Costa Rica is known for its incredible forests and wildlife; however, human encroachment has resulted in a decline in wildlife populations and an increase in the number of species listed as endangered. This project works to rehabilitate injured animals and seeks to educate the public of the need
to protect their habitats.
A day in the life of a volunteer:
•Assist with receiving and evaluation of recently arrived animals
•Introduce animals to their new living quarters according to their natural habitats
•Cleaning of cages and living areas
•Maintenance of facilities
•Preparation of animal diets and foods
•Daily care and eventual liberation of animals back into the forest

  • Day 1 San Jose

    Arrive in San Jose at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

    Table of Contents

    Located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. The heat and humidity of the coast and lowland areas may affect you, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it is simply your body’s reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (bottled water
    is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside. This is also a more eco-friendly approach.
    Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides. It is the centre of government, theatre, and art, as well as of air pollution and congestion. It has beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggars on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of
    the surrounding lush mountains.
    Start your exploration of the city in the main plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
    A source of pride for the ticos (as Costa Ricans are known) is the National Theatre. Inaugurated in 1897, the building was paid for by coffee growers through a voluntary tax on every bag of coffee exported. The National Museum, housed in the Bellavista Fortress, offers exhibits on pre-Columbian art, colonial art
    and furniture and religious art within a 19th century building that was converted from a military fortress after the army was abolished.
    The Museum of Costa Rican Art, located in La Sabana Park, was once the international airport; the museum is now housed in the old terminal building. The Jade Museum is on the 11th floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros building. In addition to the marvellous collection of jade objects, there are
    pre-Columbian ceramic and stone works as well as displays with archaeological and ethnographic information. The Gold Museum is located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. Its spectacular collection of indigenous gold art belongs to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.
    The best and least expensive places to buy souvenirs in San José are the markets. The two main ones are the ones in Plaza de la Cultura, which is an outdoor open market, and the Central Market, where handicrafts are sold along with boots, fish, flour, herbal remedies, shirts and everything else you can imagine.
    Always watch your belongings and be ready for crowds. If you plan on spending a few days in San José after your tour, there are a number of activities within the city and area that you can participate in, many of them outdoors.
    Probably the hardest thing you will do in San José, other than get safely across busy streets, is keep the street numbering systems straight. Street and avenue numbers are posted on buildings at the corners of some intersections. Keep looking as you walk, and you will eventually find one.

  • Day 2-7 Jabillos / Wildlife Rescue Volunteer Project (6B,6L,6D)

    Transfer to project from San José. Help take care of the wild animals by feeding them, cleaning their cages and assisting in repairing or building new cages. The animals at this project vary from month to month, but you may be assisting with monkeys, kinkajous, peccaries, raccoons and birds, such as the scarlet
    macaw or lered parrot.
    Costa Rica is known for its incredible forests and wildlife; however, human encroachment has resulted in a decline in wildlife populations and an increase in the number of species listed as endangered. This project works to rehabilitate injured animals and seeks to educate the public of the need to protect their
    habitats. Where appropriate, rehabilitated animals are eventually released back into the wild.
    Nearby are other projects you may opt to assist with, including a recycling project, English classes, reforestation and community construction projects.
    Your stay with a host family will really help you to experience rural Costa Rican life and connect with the friendly Ticos while practicing your Spanish.

  • Day 8 Jabillos (B)

    Depart at any time. Transfer to La Fortuna included.

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