We have created a jungle paradise complete with swimming pool overlooked by a rich tropical forest bursting with wildlife including capuchin and howler monkeys.
Accommodation is same-gender dorms with beds, and separate toilet and shower facilities (hot and cold water!). Breakfast and lunch are provided but the daily routine will be structured to accommodate quality of the surf (generally better in the mornings) as we try to create opportunities for the beach in between our priorities of Spanish lessons and volunteering.
There is a laundry service in the local town for getting your clothes washed at a very reasonable price.
During week 3 if you are based at Cirenas, accommodation is in a nice wooden house with 6 rooms, each with a couple of bunks up to 4 per room, a maximum of 16 guests. Open air showers and toilets, all rustic but clean and nice. Sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided and all the rooms have fans. All 3 meals are served up at the main lodge and are good healthy Costa Rican dishes.
If you are based in Montezuma, you will be staying in a local hostel. Breakfast and lunch are provided. The hostel has dorm style rooms with bunkbeds (same gender) and conventional bathrooms with showers (hot & cold water). While meals are prepared by a chef, everyone is expected to share communal duties, including cleaning the living areas and bathrooms, and washing pots after meals. Montezuma is a small picturesque village, fairly laid back with some shops, small restaurants and bars. There are also opportunities for boats trips, snorkelling etc as well as inland hiking and wildlife spotting. You will need to bring a light weight sleeping bag.
Please bring your own towel.
The arrival package includes airport transfer to the hostel in San Jose, one night in San Jose in dorm accommodation, transfer the following day from San Jose to Playa Santa Teresa.
You can either get to the project on your own, or make your arrival smoother by booking an airport transfer or an arrival package.
Airport Transfer
You can book your project including an airport transfer. Between 01 Jun and 14 Dec there is an airport transfer at 08:00 from San Jose. Between 15 Dec and 31 May there are transfers twice daily at 06:00 and 14:00 from San Jose.
Arrival Package
You can book an arrival package including pick-up from the airport, 1 night in San Jose and transfer to Santa Teresa on the following day. The next day the same transfer times to Santa Teresa apply:
Between 01 Jun and 14 Dec there is an airport transfer at 08:00 from San Jose.
Between 15 Dec and 31 May there are transfers twice daily at 06:00 and 14:00 from San Jose.
Other Transportation
Local transportation during the program is at your own cost. If required you can book and pay for a departure transfer locally.
Breakfast, lunch, and brunch on weekends are included. Safe drinking water, tea, coffee, natural soft drinks will be provided. Beers and sodas are not included. All food in our camp is organic, sourced from local farmers and fishermen with garnishes and a few extras from our own garden. Our menu is predominantly vegetarian, though we do also serve locally sourced meat and fish. Although menus will be local, they’ll be tempered to western tastes and vegetarians are easily accommodated. Salads, simple soups, tortillas, sweet plantains and local food made of tubers (similar to potatoes) are also popular.
There is a kitchen at the camp where you can make your own food. You will need to help with cleaning dishes and keep your room and public areas tidy.
There are also social nights arranged at camp - pizza night, burger night, Mexican night etc where dinner costs between USD7-10 (not included).
During your week at the turtle rescue centre all meals are included.
Volunteers will need dark coloured clothing to work at night, preferably long sleeved, flashlight with a red LED if possible, mosquito net, closed toe shoes for turtle patrols that will be comfortable and a waterproof jacket.
Light weight sleeping bag for night patrols and mosquito net are useful and should be in the packing list.