Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue & Service
Earn up to 30 hours of community service volunteering at two different wildlife animal rescue centers, including the largest and oldest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica! Encounter monkeys, sloths, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, birds, reptiles, and more while assisting in the betterment and recovery of these species.
We’ll help ensure these animals are nourished and their habitats are pristine with ethical volunteer practices overseen by these non-profit organizations. Participants will gain a full understanding of the importance of protecting and restoring the country’s biodiversity through wildlife rehabilitation, endangered species breeding, habitat preservation and the provision of lifetime care for non-releasable animals*.
Following our service projects, we’ll head to the world-famous beach in Manuel Antonio to surf, swim, and relax. In Manuel Antonio National Park we’ll look for wild animals like the ones we’ve been assisting all week in their natural habitats! Swim in cerulean pools near Diamante Waterfall and rappel from a cave to get your adrenaline pumping on this multi-faceted program in the beautiful Latin American destination of Costa Rica!
*Due to Costa Rican law only the professionals we work with will directly handle the animals. Our participants will be able to observe and assist when appropriate. Our experience at the shelter will be ethical and impactful.
During this program, you will…
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- Volunteer at two different animal rescue centers
- Visit the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose
- Participate in the Scarlet Macaw breeding program
- Assistance in the maintenance of enclosures for animals like monkeys and sloths
- Look for animals in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Relax on the beach on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
- Go rappelling in Las Tumbas
- Hike to Diamante Falls and swim in the cerulean pools surrounding it
- Take a surf lesson at one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM MIAMI (MIA)
DAYS 2-4: COSTA RICA ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER
We’ll start our program at a rescue center whose goal is to restore the physical and psychological well-being of Costa Rican wildlife that has been abused through illegal pet trading and tourism. We’ll spend our mornings tending to different animals’ specific needs and cleaning their enclosures. It is illegal to have direct contact with monkeys and sloths in Costa Rica but we will be able to assist with feeding, creating toys for “enrichment” to engage the animals and support their well being, and place branches and other toys around their habitats.
DAYS 5-6: RESCATE WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTER
The second rescue center we’ll volunteer at is the largest and oldest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica situated on 36 acres of natural forest. With more than 30 years of experience breeding endangered species and restoring habitats, this non-profit is truly dedicated to conserving Costa Rica’s wildlife. Only animals who would otherwise not survive in the wild are kept at the center, with the majority of the animals being released into two of their protected wild release sites. The 2% of animals that cannot be released are who we’ll encounter during our time volunteering. Monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, reptiles, and birds are just some of the 3,000 animals that pass through this center on their way towards rehabilitation.
DAY 7-10: MANUEL ANTONIO
After wrapping up our meaningful service project at two of Costa Rica’s animal rescue centers we’ll head to the beach in Manuel Antonio. This beach is one of the best in Costa Rica! Relax on the shores of the Pacific and take a surfing lesson to gain a new skill in addition to service hours while on this multi-faceted program. Rappel from a cave and swim in cerulean pools beneath Diamante Waterfall and keep your eyes peeled for wild animals like those we’ve been assisting while exploring Manuel Antonio National Park! This national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, and more! Many of the animals here have flourished and the population has grown thanks to the animal rescue centers you have volunteered with on this trip!
DAY 11: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we stay?
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
What is unique about the Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue & Service trip?
We have great contacts in Costa Rica who have worked with us to bring this trip to life while providing a fun, authentic, and meaningful experience. Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue & Service includes service projects in two rescue centers where teens will have the opportunity to aid wildlife in need of rehabilitation. The service work is balanced out with fun activities for the ultimate Costa Rican experience!
We have great contacts in Costa Rica who have worked with us to bring this trip to life while providing a fun, authentic, and meaningful experience. Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue & Service includes service projects in two rescue centers where teens will have the opportunity to aid wildlife in need of rehabilitation. The service work is balanced out with fun activities for the ultimate Costa Rican experience!
What is included on the Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue & Service trip?
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
What is the food like on this program?
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
The food in Costa Rica is delicious! Expect to eat seasoned rice, beans, chicken, steak, tropical fruit and veggies, plantains, and many other foods flavored with unique Caribbean spices! Vegetarians will have no issues eating well on the trip. Also, unlike in Europe where a light breakfast of coffee and toast is the norm, Ticos (Costa Ricans) eat big, savory breakfasts—and so will we!
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
The food in Costa Rica is delicious! Expect to eat seasoned rice, beans, chicken, steak, tropical fruit and veggies, plantains, and many other foods flavored with unique Caribbean spices! Vegetarians will have no issues eating well on the trip. Also, unlike in Europe where a light breakfast of coffee and toast is the norm, Ticos (Costa Ricans) eat big, savory breakfasts—and so will we!