Dive into a vibrant adventure on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast! This experience offers a unique blend of environmental action and cultural exchange. Travelers will actively engage in crucial conservation efforts, from beach cleanups to recycling initiatives, while immersing themselves in local life. Learn about sustainable living, connect with the community through art and music workshops, and explore the breathtaking biodiversity of the rainforest. This trip is designed for those eager to make a tangible impact and forge authentic connections.
Welcome to paradise! The host will pick you up at the bus station and take you to the project.
Enjoy your first Costa Rican meal and get to know your host and fellow travelers.
Discover the charm of Puerto Viejo, its Afro-Caribbean culture, and local hotspots.
Gather with the group for a tasty meal.
Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast.
Join forces for a crucial beach cleanup, actively preserving the stunning coastline and protecting marine life.
Join a hands-on culinary session where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes.
Learn sustainable practices & upcycling.
Wind down this fulfilling day with a guided practice on our open-air yoga deck.
Enjoy another wonderful dinner.
Kickstart your adventure with a nourishing breakfast, preparing for an exciting day ahead.
Dive into indigenous Bribri traditions.
Enjoy a delicious meal
Chill at the accommodation, play card games with fellow travelers, or enjoy the beach!
Savor a delightful dinner experience.
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast.
Paddle through one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful coastal ecosystems.
Enjoy a laid-back beachside lunch surrounded by palm trees and turquoise waves—perfect for a swim or chill under the sun.
Spend the afternoon helping at a community-driven care center. Assist with light tasks, support the space, and most importantly—connect and play with local children in a joyful, meaningful exchange.
Share a wonderful dinner.
Fuel up for a day of cultural immersion.
Meet rescued animals & learn conservation stories.
Enjoy a delicious lunch during your excursion.
Dive deeper into the local culture with another engaging Latin dance lesson.
Savor your evening meal.
Have a nutritious breakfast.
Hike through the rainforest with a naturalist guide and learn about the park’s biodiversity (transportation, equipment, fruit, and guide included). Note: Depends on Weather Conditions
Enjoy a wholesome lunch.
Enjoy dinner with the group.
Share moments, stories, and gratitude beneath the stars.
Enjoy breakfast before heading out.
Add-on for thrill-seekers ($100), the host will provide more information on the 1st day.
Have lunch after your park adventure.
Discover the inspiring work of this conservation center focused on the protection and reintroduction of the endangered Great Green Macaw and Scarlet Macaw. Meet the birds and learn how reforestation and community education are helping preserve these species for the future. Note: Depends on Weather Conditions
Share a farewell dinner with the group.
Enjoy your final breakfast at the project.
Take some time to pack your belongings, reflect on your incredible journey, and say goodbye to your new friends.
The group will be transported to the local bus station in Puerto Viejo, beginning their journey back to San José.
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Help at a local care center—support, play & connect with kids in a joyful, meaningful way.
Help process waste, learn sustainable practices.
Help preserve stunning coastlines; protect marine life.
Visit a macaw rescue center! Note: Depends on Weather Conditions.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Cook traditional Costa Rican dishes & taste local fruits in a fun, tropical culinary session.
Dive into indigenous Bribri traditions.
Learn vibrant local dance moves.
Rejuvenate mind and body.
Discover local charm; get to know the community.
Paddle the Pt Uva River; observe unique ecosystem.
Play a game at Cocles Beach.
Free
Hike the rainforest! Note: Depends on Weather Conditions
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Catch waves with expert instructor.
$65
Full-day whitewater adventure.
$100
United Kingdom
What an amazing place they have here! Everyone feels like family and they do such amazing work for the environment and the local community!!!
about 2 months ago
United States
It was amazing and very fulfilling! Felt very welcome at the organization!
about 2 months ago
United Kingdom
The experience was incredible, I learnt so much about sustainability. The hosts are the most kind and giving people.
about 2 months ago
Saudi Arabia
The trip was a good relaxing environment close to nature, learning about recycling and exploring nature reserves in the area. Would recommend!
5 months ago
Ireland
My time at the organization couldn't have been better! As an introverted person, I was worried I wouldn't connect to many people, but regardless, I met others on this trip who I can safely say will be friends for life! All thanks to the organization conservations hospitality and accommodating nature, if I could give 10 stars, I would, but unfortunately 5 is the limit!
6 months ago
France
I had an amazing time at the organization Conversation. I was there with a group of 10 people (me included) and Beate did an amazing job welcoming all of us in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and at the project! At the organization, we learned about sustainability living while being surrounded by the beautiful flora and fauna of Costa Rica, and while also eating incredible food everyday. We spent a week there and I can say with confidence that it inspired many of us. We can see that a lot of commitment, love and positive attitude was poured into the place. Thank you Beate for receiving us!
6 months ago
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
The group will stay in comfortable shared accommodations, each equipped with bunk beds and a private bathroom. We will prioritize same-gender dorms (when it is possible). There's a welcoming common area for shared meals, a fully equipped kitchen, a refreshing pool, and a dedicated yoga shala. Travelers will also have access to a community room stocked with games and books. The accommodation is designed for travelers to share with project employees or partners, fostering a strong sense of community.
Meals at the project are a highlight, designed to be both delicious and nutritious. Breakfast is served buffet-style, offering a variety of options including toast, fresh fruits, butter, cream cheese, marmalade, hummus, granola, homemade yogurt, and oat milk. Some mornings feature pancakes or traditional pinto with scrambled eggs. Lunches include options like chicken rice, pasta salad, or spaghetti with tomato sauce. Dinners vary, with examples such as chili con carne with coleslaw, yucca pie with salad, or breaded fish/eggplant with rice and vegetables. The fantastic kitchen team prepares all meals, and they can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free dietary needs.
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and follow the host-approved route to the local bus station or domestic airport for your transfer to Cahuita. A return transfer back to the local station or airport is also included at departure. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
The hosts are deeply passionate individuals who began their journey as travelers themselves, meeting in a sea turtle conservation program. With years of experience in environmental and cultural projects across Costa Rica and Panama, they established this platform to enhance visitor experiences and support local communities and conservation efforts. Their purpose is to educate both local people and travelers on living in harmony with nature and giving back to the community, emphasizing sustainable practices like composting and recycling. They are dedicated to creating a positive impact through real, hands-on projects.
Top host
The project is nestled in a remote, lush environment on Costa Rica's Caribbean side, specifically in the Talamanca region. This area is characterized by its vibrant rainforests, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity. Travelers will be immersed in a natural paradise where wildlife thrives and the pace of life is relaxed. The location fosters a deep connection with nature and offers a unique opportunity to engage with local culture away from bustling urban centers.
This project tackles the critical issue of lacking safe spaces for local youth with artistic and environmental activities, alongside the growing challenge of plastic waste. Travelers play a vital role by actively participating in programs and providing financial support, enabling free social initiatives for locals. Their engagement fosters intercultural exchange and directly contributes to maintaining crucial efforts like recycling and environmental education. The ultimate purpose is to educate both local communities and global travelers, multiplying the message of sustainable living and supporting impactful conservation work.
Through participation in education and cleanup activities, travelers are encouraged to communicate the importance of a more sustainable lifestyle. During their visit, they will engage in educational activities and hands-on work in the accommodation's garden, promoting responsible practices.
Travelers directly support the sustainable development of the area by assisting with recycling initiatives, reforestation, and sustainable gardening. Their involvement helps to expand the project's recycling efforts, fostering cleaner and more environmentally conscious communities.
Travelers will actively support social programs providing quality education in music, art, environmental issues, and sustainable living for local children and youth. Participants will also gain hands-on experience, enriching their own understanding and practical skills for a sustainable life path.
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Pay your Program fee to confirm your trip and submit the required documents.
Be a part of a life-changing group trip. Make new friends, learn, and make an impact.
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Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly - no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a support team and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
Worldpackers Group Trips have some special benefits that are not offered in any other Worldpackers’ plans:
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips plans offer different cancelation & modification conditions, which are presented on the payment check-out page and on the Worldpackers Group Trips Terms and Conditions.
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
The traveler is solely responsible for any and all other requirements relating to travel logistics, including but not limited to tickets, passports, local transportation, travel insurance, and visas. Since every country has its own unique policies that vary according to the nationality of travelers and multiple other factors that may quickly change, Worldpackers does not offer any specific help regarding visas, documentation, vaccinations, or travel insurance. Please check all requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country you’d like to visit for trustworthy, updated information.
Each traveler must secure their spot in experiences through paying the amount advertised on the Epic Trip experience web page. The amount advertised is unique, and slots are limited: please check the maximum number of participants on the experience’s web page to make sure you’ll be able to travel together.
