Costa Rica Program Details

Accommodation and Food

Depending on your Quest, you will be staying with a family or in a Volunteer’s Cabin.The families are always very friendly and excited to teach you about the culture of Costa Rica! They will provide you with 3 meals per day.The volunteer cabins vary from one location to another. Usually you would share a room with other volunteers working at the same project. Accommodations are often basic and might not have electricity but you will have a cook on site to prepare all your meals.You will receive more detaisl about your host family or lodging prior to departure.

Insurance, Health and Safety

United Planet provides emergency medical insurance for all of its Short Term volunteers. You receive policy information by email prior to departure, and also the emergency number to call if you are treated for any medical issues.  Insurance also covers baggage loss up to $500 and trip interruption due to extraordinary circumstances.* Upon sign up you will also receive a full guide to health and safety in your country. We recommend booking a doctor’s appointment a few months out to update your vaccinations, etc. or visiting a travel health clinic. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate vaccinations and travel medicine. Please see the Health and Safety page for more information.

Transportation and Flights

Upon arrival to San Jose, Costa Rica, United Planet arranges all airport transfers to a hostel in San Jose where you will stay for 1-2 nights while participating in orientation.  United Planet’s staff will arrange for your transport to your project site (if not in San Jose). Public transportation between your accommodations and your project will depend on the location of your host family and the project. Usually you can commute by walking or by bus, which is cheap and easy.  Daily commuting costs are covered by volunteers.

Tips on how to find an inexpensive flight can be found in our Cost Savings 2010 guide.

Start Dates

For one week Quests: Every Sunday or Monday of the month.

For 2+ week Quests: Every Wednesday or Thursday of the month