Why volunteer in Costa Rica?
If you want a gap year or travel experience that’s full of tropical wildlife, diverse environments from rainforest to beaches, and the opportunity to be part of eco-tourism initiatives – Costa Rica is the one.
Costa Rica is naturally rich in ecosystems and species; however, many environmental NGOs consider its natural environment fragile and vulnerable.
On a Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica you’ll volunteer on environmental projects in national parks helping to preserve their natural resources. On the community project you’ll work on infrastructure projects that we support through partners with indigenous communities to increase access to education, water and sanitation.
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EXPEDITION OPTIONS FOR COSTA RICA
10 Weeks
Take on the ultimate Costa Rica experience and spend a full 10 weeks on Expedition. You'll complete all three phases - Community, Environmental and Adventure.
Find Out More7 Weeks
Enjoy a 19-Day Adventure Challenge alongside an Environmental or Community project, set amidst Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems and huge varieties of wildlife
Find Out More5 Weeks
Combine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in a the jam-packed 5 week Expedition.
Find Out More4 Weeks
The Mini-Gap Option, designed for a shorter but impactful break. Get stuck into a single Community or Environmental Project, packed with adventure elements.
Find Out MoreExpedition highlights from Costa Rica
Limited Time Offer
Expeditions from £2,150$2,690$2,690$2,690
Save up to £240$300$300$300 if you book now for 2027!
Costs and duration overview
Early bird prices 2027 - Cycle 1
10 weeks
£5590$6990$6990$6990
Save £100$130$130$130
The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.
7 weeks
£4400$5500$5500$5500
Save £150$190$190$190
Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.
5 weeks
£3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £100$150$150$150
One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.
4 weeks
£2390$2990$2990$2990
Save £190$240$240$240
One full phase – Community Project or Environmental.
All dates and prices
Payment plans
5% deposit
Secure your spot from as little as £99.5
Installments
Pay over time interest free*
Discounts
Book early at a lower price
Expedition life in Costa Rica
There are up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge. You’ll be at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.
Community project
Sustainable development goals:
1 – end to poverty. 4 – access to education. 8 – economic growth. 9 – infrastructure. 11 – sustainable communities
Why are we there? To improve access to education in indigenous communities
Costa Rica has 24 indigenous territories inhabited by eight different peoples. These regions face significant educational and infrastructural challenges, making volunteer involvement crucial. Raleigh Costa Rica partners with a number of the indigenous communities where Venturers contribute to improved access to education, infrastructure development, and public services, while fostering long-lasting connections with these communities.
For example: The Alto and Bajo Chirripó Indigenous Territory is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. There are low levels of school attendance, high levels of illiteracy, and high levels of poverty. One of the key barriers to culturally appropriate development is a lack of education due to poor facilities and difficult access. Venturers work on building school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics like waste management and climate action.
Environmental project
Sustainable development goals
12 – responsible consumption and production. 13 – climate action. 14 – life below water. 15 – life on land
Why are we there? Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity but has areas which are biologically vulnerable.
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a true natural treasure. The border area with Panama is facing challenges such as deforestation and habitat loss. These issues intensify the impacts of climate change, leaving indigenous communities who depend on these lands.
What you’ll experience:
- Implement eco-friendly practices to promote sustainability and build environmental awareness.
- Engage with the community to learn about their traditions and approaches to sustainability.
- Acquire essential survival skills such as shelter-building, creating a camp kitchen and locating water sources.
- Attend speeches led by an experienced biologist
- Participate in trail design and clean-up efforts
- Building bird feeder stations
- Hawkwatching – identification and data gathering
- Food garden and nursery planting
Adventure challenge
You’ll trek approximately 260 km through varying landscapes – rainforest, mountainous and rural community areas.
Trek takes you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!
Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
Fieldbase
Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.
Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.
Endex
This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).
Costa Rica example itinerary
Induction and training (4-7 days)
Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (18-19 days)
Venturers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. Your accommodation will mostly likely be a school or community building and use the facilities attached to it (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.
Leadership trek (18-19 days)
On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping in mountainous areas and sleeping under the stars to bunking in a community centre.
Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)
Venturers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.
Final review at base (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
Costa Rica Dates & Pricing
2026
For Venturers aged between 18-24.
CYCLE 1
Full
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026
7 Weeks
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026
5 Weeks
10th February – 17th March 2026
Deposit
5%
CYCLE 2
Limited Places Remaining
Applications Closing Soon
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
29th June – 3rd September 2026
£5590$6990$6990$6990
7 Weeks
A: 29th June – 14th August 2026
B: 19th July – 3rd September 2026
£4400$5500$5500$5500
5 Weeks
A: 29th June – 3rd August 2026
B: 19th July – 23rd August 2026
£3700$4650$4650$4650
4 Weeks
A: 29th June – 24th July 2026
B: 19th July – 14th August 2026
£2390$2990$2990$2990
Deposit
5%
Apply now
APPLICATION DEADLINE
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026
£5590$6990$6990$6990
7 Weeks
A: 13th October – 28th November 2026
B: 2nd November – 18th December 2026
£4400$5500$5500$5500
5 Weeks
13th October – 17th November 2026
£3700$4650$4650$4650
4 Weeks
13th October – 9th November 2026
£2390$2990$2990$2990
Deposit
5%
Apply now
2027
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
8th February – 15th April 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £5590$6990$6990$6990
Save £280$350$350$350
7 Weeks
A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th February – 15th April 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4400$5500$5500$5500
Save £220$280$280$280
5 Weeks
A: 8th February – 15th March 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £190$230$230$230
4 Weeks
A: 8th February – 7th March 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2390$2990$2990$2990
Save £120$150$150$150
Deposit
5%
Apply now
CYCLE 2
Limited Time Offer
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
28th June – 2nd September 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £5590$6990$6990$6990
Save £280$350$350$350
7 Weeks
A: 28th June – 13th August 2027
B: 18th July – 2nd September 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4400$5500$5500$5500
Save £220$280$280$280
5 Weeks
A: 28th June – 2nd August 2027
B: 18th July – 23rd August 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £190$230$230$230
4 Weeks
A: 28th June – 25th July 2027
B: 18th July – 14th August 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2390$2990$2990$2990
Save £120$150$150$150
Deposit
5%
Apply now
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
12th October – 17th December 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £5590$6990$6990$6990
Save £280$350$350$350
7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November – 17th December 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4400$5500$5500$5500
Save £220$280$280$280
5 Weeks
A: 12th October – 16th November 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £190$230$230$230
4 Weeks
A: 12th October – 8th November 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2390$2990$2990$2990
Save £120$150$150$150
Deposit
5%
Apply now
What's Included?
Extensive pre-departure training
Airport welcome and transfers
All food, transport and accommodation
24/7 in-country & UK office support
Orientation, project training & safety briefing
Free Raleigh International T-Shirt
All bookings also include a free NOMAD & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks & vaccination requirements
Flights, visas, vaccinations, personal kit, travel insurance, DBS/Police background check and first aid training (for Venturer Managers) are not included in the price of a Raleigh Expedition. A full breakdown will be provided on point of booking.
Apply now
How to apply for an Expedition
1
Apply online
Fill in the online form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!
2
Screening
If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.
3
Confirmation
Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.
4
Pre-departure
Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.
How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year
95
say they would recommend Raleigh
94
say Raleigh developed their leadership skills
87
say its one of the best things they've ever done
Costa Rica Expedition FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expedition in our Costa Rica locations
What sort of food will I be eating on Expedition in Costa Rica?
Raleigh provides dry and fresh food, and Venturers rotate to cook for the group. The staple food in Costa Rica is rice and beans, which can be accompanied by different vegetables and proteins. Tropical fruits are delicious and very sweet, and we eat them frequently.
Where will I be staying on Expedition with Raleigh in Costa Rica?
You’ll stay at our Fieldbase in Turrialba on arrival and in between projects. Fieldbase is a basic building which permanent in-country staff use as an office. It also has a dining area and bunk accommodation for Venturer Managers. Venturers will stay in large communal ‘army style’ tents, with a social communal area.
- On our community project, you will usually be staying in a classroom or community centre. Setting up the room with your roll mats, sleeping bags and mosquito nets. With shared basic cooking facilities and basic toilets and shower.
- On environmental phases there will be a variety of accommodation ranging from tents, to basic bunk beds at the rangers building in the National Parks. With shared basic cooking facilities and basic toilets and shower.
- On the adventure challenge phase, you will usually be staying in local community centres or classrooms of towns you pass through, with sometimes camping along the way. Facilities are basic.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a tropical country so the weather is warm all year round. There is a ‘rainy season’ and a ‘dry season’ but as with any tropical environment, you can expect rain at any time of year. That is what makes Costa Rica so lush and beautiful.
Will I need a visa for Costa Rica and is it included in the cost?
Whether you need a visa to travel to Costa Rica will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and length of your stay. Your Venturer Coordinator will provide you with all the relevant information. The costs of visas isn’t included in the price of your Expedition.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, however there are also five indigenous languages spoken. Cabecar language, Bribri language, Maleku language, Buglere language, and Guaymi language.
We recommend you learn as much Spanish as you can before you come; this will make communicating with members of the community and partner organisations easier. We also recommend practising hiking in preparation for the trek, but this is not necessary.
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