Animal Shelter Islita, Costa Rica

5.0
(14 reviews)14

Volunteer for the Rainforest Reserve, Sarapiquí, CR

Help a sustainable project
12 travelers confirmed that this host is actively contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone!
Connect with nature
13 travelers recommend this experience for reconnecting with nature
Connect with international travelers
12 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world
Accepts couples and pairs of volunteers

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What you offer

30h

Hours per week
Help out and collaborate with your host only a few hours per week.
Building & Repairing
Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
Farming
Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.
Gardening
Help grow plants and cultivate gardens
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What you get

2

Days off per week
Have some time off for yourself, go explore the city or rest for a while.
Private Room
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Basic Internet Access
Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Use our equipped kitchen
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Certificate
Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Support
Get help from the Worldpackers support team in case you need it, at any point of your trip.
Verified Host
This host has been verified by our team before joining the community.
WP Safeguard
Did something not go as planned? Contact our team.
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Availability

Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Stay at least
4 weeks

The Experience

🌿 Live, learn, and make a real impact in Costa Rica's rainforest! 🦜 Are you passionate about nature and looking for a meaningful volunteer experience? Join the Habitat Program at Macaw Recovery Network and become part of the team restoring the rainforest home of the Critically Endangered Great Green Macaw.

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Requirements

  • Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
  • Over 18 years old
  • Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
  • Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Talk to those who have lived the experience

In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.

You can ask things like:

  • a) How was your experience with this host?
  • b) How was your day-to-day routine?
  • c) How much did you spend on this trip?

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Join the host in pursuit of these goals and contribute to building a better and more sustainable future for all.

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14 Reviews

5.0

Host & Team

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Animal Shelter

4.5

Learning & Fun

5.0

How this experience will transform you

  • 13 Get in touch with nature
  • 12 Meeting international travelers
  • 11 Developing environmental awareness
  • 8 Immersing in the local culture
  • 7 Meeting locals
  • 6 Learning about sustainability

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

  • 12 15. Life on land
Alessandra

United States

2

It didn't work for me. It's an opportunity to meet great people, learn something about the shelter conservation, tour the area and the rest of this beautiful country, but even thought I was expecting very basic lodging, there's very little to no comfort at all. It's really austere, it's hard work, nothing is provided, you pay for your own groceries in a U.S cost of living. Transportation is not always provided. You should shake your bed sheets, clothing and shoes on a daily basis. Expect scorpions, spiders, and other large size bugs as part of the daily, that was my bottom line.

8 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Sorry that some aspects did not meet your expectations. Our project takes place at a field biology station, so the facilities are simple and located in the middle of the tropical forest. For that reason, the presence of insects, spiders and other wildlife is part of CR's natural environment. We greatly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue to improve and communicate more clearly what people who decide to live this experience can expect.

Alexandria

United Kingdom

5

I spent six weeks volunteering with MRN, gaining hands-on experience in conservation and animal care, including tree planting and animal husbandry. The staff were very welcoming and passionate, and it was great working with like-minded volunteers, with cookouts and shared dinners helping create a strong community. The accommodation was very basic and not always the cleanest, but being in the jungle meant we were surrounded by beautiful nature. Some days were hard work, especially over Christmas with fewer volunteers, but overall the experience was rewarding and I would HIGHLY recommend MRN.

9 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

We're delighted that you enjoyed the hands-on conservation work, our team, and the sense of community with the other volunteers. We also appreciate your honest feedback, as it helps us continue improving.

Thank you for your dedication and for recommending MRN. We wish you all the best and hope to see you again someday!

Remy

United States

5

I absolutely loved my experience at MRN. Punta Islita is a beautiful place and the staff and volunteers at MRN are all amazing to work with. I was a little nervous about having zero background in biology, but it was not necessary, and I learned a lot about parrot care and pre-release training along the way. My month here was such a fulfilling way to experience travel.

10 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that you felt comfortable joining us, even without a biology background. It was a pleasure having you as part of our team, and we're so glad you enjoyed learning about parrot care and pre-release training.

Thank you for being part of our mission, and we hope to welcome you back someday!

Tessa

Canada

5

Amy and Nisha were such wonderful hosts. It's amazing to learn from people who care so much about the macaws. This is an incredible experience for anyone who wants to enter the conservation world and get real hands on experience.

11 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

We're so happy to hear you had a great experience and enjoyed learning from our team. It means a lot to know you found the experience valuable, and we're grateful you chose to be part of our conservation mission.

We wish you all the best on your conservation journey and hope to see you again someday!

Ehuniz

United States

5

This was a truly meaningful community experience. Everyone came together to learn from one another and work tirelessly in support of the mission. The birds received exceptional care from an incredibly dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

11 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Thank you Ehuniz, you have been an extraordinary volunteer; when you return to Costa Rica, please don't forget to visit us :)

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About the host

Hosted by Macaw Recovery Network

Response Rate
This host usually answers to 100% of the messages
Response Time
This host usually writes back in 1 day
1 published videos
This host has 1 published videos showing a little bit about their place

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