Christmas Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Costa Rica - San Jose

The Beach & Jungle Adventure week allows volunteers to really explore the beauty of this stunning part of Costa Rica. This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience without the hassle of arranging your own trips and accommodations. It begins on Sunday and finishes on Friday, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins. 

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! You visit pristine beaches and coral reefs amid the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. You make a short hike into the jungle and from there can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or trek through the park’s trails. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks included.

RAINMAKER JUNGLE TOUR
Rainmaker Park is a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The Park is located approximately 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects, and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit, there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal forest impact, while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. The tour ends with a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.

CANOPY ZIP-LINE
A beautiful zipline adventure in Costa Rica! The tour begins with a short 20-minute drive to Santuario Park, which is an extensive primary rainforest. The zip lines are long and fast and Santuario Park Canopy has the third-longest cable in the world–approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The tour has over 3.6 km (2.2 miles) of total zip line across 10 lines and 14 tree platforms. Other activities include nature walks, hanging bridges, and a rappelling activity. Bilingual guide and lunch included.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
The tour begins with a 1-hour drive from Manuel Antonio past rural villages and palm tree plantations. Participants will have the chance to river-raft through class II and III rapids. The trip is filled with the incredible landscapes and natural waterfalls of the rainforest.  There is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! All rafting equipment, an expert river guide, and snacks are included. The activity includes snacks and a typical Costa Rican meal after the tour.

NAUYACA WATERFALL
Nauyaca Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions! The tour begins with a 1-hour drive, followed by a 4.8 km (3 miles) hike back to Nauyaca. At Nauyaca Falls, most hikers love to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Time and weather permitting, the hike may also include a stop at Portalón Waterfall. On the way back to Manuel Antonio, participants enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rica lunch. This is a scenery-rich tour and participants always take amazing photos! Bilingual guide and lunch included.

TRIMARAN SAILS TOUR

This is an amazing ocean tour sailing along Manuel Antonio’s gorgeous Pacific coast. Participants enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks at the onboard bar during the cruise to Biesanz Beach. Along the way, participants may be able to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales (seasonal). At the beach, participants can swim, snorkel, or just bask under the sun.

Important information:

IVHQ and the local team do its best to make sure that volunteers can take part on tours together and, when possible, you will be joining a group of other tour participants. However, please note that participant numbers cannot be guaranteed. If you're traveling solo you're welcome to check with your Program Manager if other participants are signed up during your dates.

Begin your journey with a satisfying traditional breakfast at a famous coffee estate, followed by an informative coffee farm tour. Next, explore the active Poas Volcano National Park with a 1 km hike to Botos Lagoon, learning about its various ecosystems. Your day continues at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you'll enjoy a walk through the rainforest and a delightful buffet lunch. 

The tour will have an early start and you'll be picked up around 5:45 am from your accommodation. The total duration will be approximately 9 hours.

This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience, without the stress of trip planning! It will begin on Sunday and finish the following Saturday morning, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins.

This Mini Adventure includes:

ARENAL VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS
Arenal is a majestic active volcano in the northern part of Costa Rica. En route, you stop at Sarchi, a town known for its beautiful and intricate Costa Rican arts and crafts, and souvenirs. You enjoy a typical lunch overlooking Arenal volcano at La Fortuna before relaxing at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Wade and swim in mineral pools filled with naturally hot water from volcanic springs. After a delicious buffet dinner, you head back to San Jose.

BRITT COFFEE TOUR
Learn how Café Britt changed the course of history and coffee beans in Costa Rica! This tour shares the story behind Costa Rica’s most famous gourmet coffee. The guided tour lets you trace the process of coffee production from bean to cup and discover how Costa Rica’s unique micro climates and fertile soils create the ideal conditions for growing the world’s best coffee beans. You also learn from the experts how to prepare coffee using traditional methods. Of course, the tour culminates in a coffee tasting! Bilingual guide and entrance fees included.

LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS & ANIMAL SANCTUARY

The tour begins with a drive along the Panamerican Highway and passes by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria, and the famous Mango Park. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature park and wildlife sanctuary where participants hike along natural and manmade trails in the rainforest, trekking from waterfall to waterfall. In the wildlife sanctuary, participants visit the largest butterfly observatory in Costa Rica, an impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and see monkeys, birds, and big cats. The tour ends with a delicious buffet lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

The Pacuare River is a truly memorable whitewater rafting adventure! This tour combines nature, wilderness, and excitement. Rio Pacuare runs through a true river gorge and is flanked by steep rock and filled with wildlife and cascading waterfalls along the route. The whitewater includes Class III, IV, and V rapids and it is an exciting descent! Along the way, there is a buffet lunch served on the river bank. Before starting the adventure, there is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! During the route, professional photographers take pictures and shoot videos, which can be purchased at the end of the trip. All equipment is provided, including a helmet, paddle, and lifevest. Expert bilingual river guide and lunch included.

TORTUGA ISLAND

Tortuga Island is located 22.2 km (12 miles) off Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The island is a 48.5-hectare (120-acre) protected nature reserve It has an area of 120 acres, as it remains a protected forest; and is recognized as an “Ecological Blue Flag site” due to its pollution-free, crystal clear waters that are free of pollution. On the trip out to the island, participants may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and aquatic birds. On the island, participants bask on the white sand beaches, take a swim in the ocean, hike the nature trails, and enjoy lunch. Breakfast and lunch are included.

CULTURAL NIGHT

Enjoy a traditional dinner in a restaurant perched high above the mountains overlooking San Jose. From this unique vantage point, you enjoy panoramic views of the Central Valley and explore ‘Tico’ folklore through traditional dances and marimba music.

*Please note the order of these activities is subject to change.

Important note:
The Mini Adventure Week can be completed the week prior to your program beginning or the week after your program finishes. This means that if you want to volunteer for 2 weeks and add the Mini Adventure week to your itinerary, you’ll be hosted by the local team for a total of 3 weeks. Please note, if you complete this the week prior to your start date an extra night of accommodation will be required for the Saturday between this activity and your program start date (unless you are volunteering in Manuel Antonio which includes Saturday night).

IVHQ and the local team do its best to make sure that volunteers can take part on tours together and, when possible, you will be joining a group of other tour participants. However, please note that participant numbers cannot be guaranteed. If you're traveling solo you're welcome to check with your Program Manager if other participants are signed up during your dates.