This is one of the best decisions I have made in my life and I am very thankful for having trusted IVHQ. Everything was as it was explained and it was very reassuring as I traveled alone in an unknown country. The whole experience has made me feel even more confident and humble. It was such an enriching experience and I met so many interesting and inspiring people on the way.
Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio
Purpose
Improve infrastructure for the local community
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 3-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Local homestay or volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Enthusiastic volunteers willing to take on hands-on, practical tasks. You’ll work with an experienced local foreman, so no prior experience is required.
Project details
This is not a project that takes place at a single construction site you visit every day. It is a dynamic, impact driven program where you are placed where the community needs you most. Our team constantly evaluates and prioritizes urgent local projects, ensuring your time and energy go directly into meaningful work. One week you might be renovating a school or daycare center, and the next you could be improving a nursing home, animal shelter, church, or rehabilitation center.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
You will work with a variety of materials and methods, from cement blocks and plaster to wood, paint, bamboo, aluminum, and more, learning both modern and traditional building techniques. Every project is guided by an experienced local foreman who assigns daily tasks, ensures safety on site, and helps you develop new skills. It is a chance to roll up your sleeves, work closely with the community, and make lasting change while gaining practical experience and genuine cultural insight.
Volunteer tasks will typically involve:
- Mixing cement, paint, or lime
- Excavating, leveling, and cleaning sites
- Transporting construction materials
- Repairing roofs, walls, or floors
- Painting interiors, and exteriors
- Building ramps, fences, or railings
- Installing doors, dividers, and benches
- Building or repairing cages and fences in animal shelters
- Beautifying spaces: gardening, painting murals, carrying out basic decoration
- Cleaning workspaces
Why do Construction & Renovation volunteering in Manuel Antonio with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in Construction and Renovation in Manuel Antonio, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping make community spaces more appealing and useful
- Supporting local construction initiatives
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining construction and landscaping experience
- Immersing yourself fully in the Costa Rican culture
- Exploring the natural beauty of coastal Manuel Antonio
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Those aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Costa Rica photo gallery
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Costa Rica is in the true heart of Central America, and halfway down its stunning southwestern coast is the popular tourist destination of Manuel Antonio where several IVHQ projects are located.
Manuel Antonio’s main attraction is a small but glorious national park known for the unparalleled biodiversity found at its forests, beaches and coral reefs. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and adrenaline junkies will also find plenty of adventure to be had in the surrounding area. The small local population relies on the tourism industry for jobs and economic growth.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José on the Saturday before your start date. Volunteers who fly into San José before midday on Saturday will travel to Manuel Antonio that day. Volunteers who arrive into San José after midday on Saturday will spend the night in San José and travel to Manuel Antonio on Sunday morning. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the local team’s offices. This is included in your Program Fee.
Volunteers may also choose to arrive at Manuel Antonio’s local airport, La Managua Airport (XQP), at any time on Saturday or Sunday.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are traveling in Costa Rica prior to your program, you can meet the local team in Manuel Antonio on the Saturday before your program starts.
The program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in Manuel Antonio. Orientation is compulsory to attend and is held on Sunday morning or afternoon, depending on what time you arrive in Manuel Antonio.
Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have either a morning or afternoon shift, which lasts 4 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in. A typical morning schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with the host family. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
With your weekends free you can strap your boots on and explore the phenomenal natural environment of Manuel Antonio, or choose to put your feet up and relax on the amazingly beautiful tree-lined beaches.
You’ll have the unique opportunity to get well acquainted with the Manuel Antonio National Park where you’ll be able to see a huge array of exotic animals and wildlife including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, ocelots, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and lizards. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching with the chance to see more than 350 bird species. Outside of the park there’s a wealth of other adventure activities including whitewater rafting, ziplining, snorkeling, hiking, fishing and surfing.
It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Costa Rica? Check out our Costa Rica Tours & Experiences!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who are between the ages of 18 - 27 are accommodated in a larger dorm-style volunteer house that can fit up to 15 volunteers, and is hosted by a local family. Volunteers who are over the age of 27 are accommodated in smaller homestays that can host 2 - 6 volunteers at a time, alongside a local host family.
In all accommodations, living conditions are comfortable and you will have electricity, running water (drinkable) and western bathrooms. Please note, low-pressure showers can be expected and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. Volunteers can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the accommodation, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast is usually toast, fruit and eggs accompanied by tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat - typically chicken, starches and vegetables. At almost every meal you’ll be offered Gallo Pinto, the national dish of Costa Rica, which is primarily made of fried rice and beans.
Lunches are not provided to Manuel Antonio-based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. It is recommended you budget between $5 and $10 per day to buy lunch.
If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
Volunteer accommodation pool
Volunteer accommodation living room
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $1,540 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,915 Equivalent to $68/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,225 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,535 Equivalent to $60/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,155 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,770 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,390 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 16 weeks | $5,630 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 20 weeks | $6,870 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 24 weeks | $8,110 Equivalent to $48/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular tours & experiences in Manuel Antonio
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Manuel Antonio program.
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica (17 days, 16 nights)
Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation as you traverse the Pacific Coast, tropical rainforests, and roads less travelled through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. From a community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe to beach time in El Tunco, get ready for infinite memories to be made along the way.
From $1748
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
$922
Coffee & Nature Experience - San José
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.
$222
Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Costa Rica program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: $75 (approximately $75) per week
Manuel Antonio Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from $183 (approximately $183) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from $247 (approximately $247) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from $482 (approximately $482) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | San José |
| Population | 5 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains above 2000 meters, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San José stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
CM
Caroline Martin
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CL
Chris Lee
Volunteering abroad with IVHQ was one of the most meaningful decisions I've ever made, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone considering taking the leap.
From the very beginning, IVHQ made what could have felt like an overwhelming experience feel safe, supported, and genuinely well cared for. They checked in constantly — not just at the start, but throughout my entire trip — making sure everything was okay: my host family situation, the facilities, my volunteer assignment, even the food. That level of attentiveness gave me the confidence to fully immerse myself in the experience instead of worrying about logistics.
Staying with a local host family was, without question, one of the highlights. Coming home each day to home-cooked meals and genuine conversation gave me a window into daily life that no hotel or tourist itinerary ever could. I didn't just visit a new culture — I lived it, even if only for a while. That authenticity is something I'll carry with me forever.
The volunteer work itself gave me the chance to actually make a difference, in ways both big and small, while learning just as much as I gave. And beyond the assignment itself, IVHQ's sheer range of programs across so many countries means there's truly something for everyone, whatever your interests or goals.
What struck me most, though, was how the entire experience pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. I grew as a person, met incredible people from all walks of life, and discovered skills and passions I didn't know I had. IVHQ didn't just organize a trip for me — they created the conditions for real personal growth, wrapped in a program that felt safe, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive every step of the way.
If you're on the fence about volunteering abroad, I can't recommend IVHQ enough. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you're back home.
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ZG
Zaida Gonzalez
This experience was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. I’ve had the privilege of traveling with IVHQ before, but this was by far one of the best trips I’ve been on. The local team made our experience exceptional - they were incredibly welcoming and always willing to teach us about medicine, Costa Rican culture, and the local community. They created an environment where we felt safe, comfortable, and fully immersed in the experience.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in volunteering in Costa Rica. It was an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. I’m already looking forward to planning my next adventure with IVHQ!
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LF
Lydia Furman
Volunteering with IVHQ has been a rewarding and memorable experience. It has given me a greater understanding of a new culture, community, and way of life, as well as a deeper appreciation for the commitment and compassion that go into animal welfare.
For anyone who is interested in joining the program but feels hesitant to, I would recommend starting with a short-term placement. It gives you a good idea of what to expect without the commitment of being away from home for an extended time, which can feel daunting. The support network, whether it's the local team or your fellow volunteers, is incredible, and there is always someone you can talk to who will help you adjust and settle in.
Before joining, I would also recommend doing as much research as possible. Reach out to past volunteers, read the program description to understand the types of tasks you may be involved in, and learn more about the location. If you like the program overall but feel that certain tasks are outside your comfort zone, you can usually opt out of specific activities, so try not to worry too much about that.
My final piece of advice is to keep an open mind and fully immerse yourself in the experience. It is an incredibly rewarding opportunity, and you'll gain far more from it by embracing every aspect of the journey.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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