Useful Information About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Panama on the East and Nicaragua on the West. It is a country of staggering beauty, immense variety of wildlife, active and dormant volcanoes, mountains with extensive trail systems, cloudforest and rainforest, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, indigenous groups and loads more. It is also a very peaceful country with one of the highest ratings for “happiness” amongst its nationals in the world!
Tours and Free Time
We know that volunteers not only come to work but also to discover the incredible nature of the Osa Peninsula, and the programme offers unforgettable tours and activities in two different places. The camp offers horseback riding and kayaking trips through the incredible Rio Claro and volunteers are free to walk the trails that surround the place. In addition, volunteers have the option to visit Corcovado National Park, and other places on the Osa Peninsula, such as Caño Island.
All volunteers may choose to spend some time at Drake Bay Backpackers, and it is highly recommended that you plan to depart the programme from Drake Bay so that you can take advantage of the hostel, relax and enjoy some tours during your last few days. Long-term volunteers may choose to stay at Drake Bay Backpackers on several occasions during their placement. Accommodation at the hostel is in mixed dorms and includes three meals per day. The site is equipped with free Wi-Fi, hot showers, volleyball, a swimmable river and trail, yoga, cinema screen and several chill-out areas with hammocks and sofas.
As a volunteer, you will be allocated one free day every week, during which you may decide to take advantage of the tours offered by the camp, explore the local nature on foot, or simply use the day to relax. In addition, the programme makes an effort to organise an inexpensive group excursion or activity once a week, so that everyone gets a chance to spend some free time together; however, these are dependent upon weather and workload. At all other times it is expected that each volunteer will be fully engaged with the work schedule. It is important to note that, in addition to the pre-arranged schedule, other tasks will emerge on a daily basis as we respond to changing conditions, construction projects or activities with the community, and the availability of materials or labour.
