Costa Rica Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted

IVHQ did an amazing jobs answering all my questions by email before going on the trip. They made me feel secured and confident in volunteering abroad since going in another country can be scary. They even checked up on me once I was volunteering in Costa Rica to make sure everything was alright. I was very surprised by how organized they are! The local organization Maximo Nivel also made us feel safe. It was nice to go to their office before or after volunteering to meet up with other people and make plans for the week together.

I wish I was still there! I did this program with my Mum and we both had an amazing time. We met lots of lovely people from all over the world. The social events that were offered during the program made it even more fun, we did a salsa class and made empanadas.
Was very moved by the hard work that the staff did at the animal shelter we volunteered at, felt really rewarding volunteering our time to give them much needed help, I was so happy to be there and the animals loved us too. Costa Rica is beautiful!

I would highly recommend the Turtle Conservation program in Costa Rica. I found the program to be well organized, well structured and delivered what was expected. When I arrived in Costa Rica, there was an in-depth orientation that really helped me become comfortable with the program. The staff was friendly and helpful guiding us to make sure we got the best of the experience. The accommodations were beyond what was expected and safe. It was incredible to experience the hatching of the turtles as well as helping lead them back to the sea.

I had an incredible experience teaching English in Costa Rica! My host family was outstanding! They even had a surprise birthday party for me and it was beautiful! I had breakfast and dinner waiting for me everyday - great dinner conversation in Spanish! Though my Spanish was basic it worked out.
Teaching English itself was very fulfilling. The students were well behaved, eager to learn and just fun!
I also made some new lifelong friends with whom I explored the country and bonded. Its a unique and incredible experience.
Thank you IVHQ for your support throughout the process! Pura Vida!

I had an amazing time as a turtle conservation volunteer in Ostional, Costa Rica. The IVHQ team was amazing from the beginning and were ALWAYS available for my questions/concerns. I felt safe the entire time I was traveling. Yami the cook was also super great and helped with any volunteers with a dietary need. I met friends from all over the world and I know they will be lifelong friend after this. I HIGHLY recommend for solo travelers. I cannot wait to go back to help more turtles. Overall a 10/10!

The kindness of people made my experience great in Costa Rica. The staff at MaximoNivel, my host family, my fellow volunteers, locals, pretty much everyone was nice. It was my first time to volunteer abroad and the programs were fun and rewarding. I got to paint a wall mural, brought holiday cheer to the children at a daycare center and to residents at a rehab facility, sang and danced to Michael Jackson's songs with residents at a special needs facility, enjoyed working with people from other countries, experienced a new culture and went on adventures. Had the best time and what I've learned affected my life in a positive way. I'm more inspired now to do a good deed and give to charity. My volunteer experience opened my eyes to a world outside my comfort zone and most importantly, gave me a sense of purpose. I would definitely do it again.

IVHQ was the best decision I made in 2021. I just graduated college COVID style and I was feeling a little stuck and conflicted on what my next step would be. I didn’t get to study abroad due to COVID and then I came across IVHQ and I thought this was perfect!

I knew I wanted to travel and volunteer somewhere in Latin America and I knew I’d be doing this trip solo, so I looked at was IVHQ recommended for solo travelers and the Childcare project in Costa Rica instantly got my attention.

I planned my trip only one month in advance. I did my individual research and asked all my questions with my IVHQ advisor and by the week before I left felt pretty prepared on what to expect during my trip.

IVHQ emphasizes their 24/hr and they lived up to it. I felt well supported throughout my time in Costa Rica. The orientation was very thorough with providing us with information about our placements/transportation/ Costa Rica need to knows/ volunteer activities/ etc. We were also able to meet all the volunteers even if we had different projects. I met some of the best people through this experience!

My time at the Daycare/School that I volunteered at was great! The language barrier was tough at times but the in-class teachers always tried to include me in the activities and care for the children. A new face in the classroom is something all the kids appreciated and I felt very welcomed.

Outside of the volunteer work, I was able to spend my free time exploring and appreciating the culture in Costa Rica. I spent my weekends traveling to different parts of Costs Rica with some of the other volunteers. I also liked how our placements and IVHQ headquarters was in the center of the city so it was easy to explore San José.

My program was short because I wanted to try out this program and see if it was trustworthy before I commit to multiple weeks at another destination. After my first experience with IVHQ, I already started saving for my next project with IVHQ! Overall my experience in Costa Rica was humbling yet liberating!

I had an amazing experience doing the childcare program in Costa Rica. Not only were the kids and staff amazing, but I made unforgettable memories with some amazing new friends! I spent two weeks volunteering at a daycare serving underprivileged children. I also had enough free time in the afternoon and at night to explore Costa Rica and all the country had to offer. I felt very safe and welcomed by not only the Maximo Nivel staff but by my host family and the staff at the daycare. Would highly recommend!