The 10-week Expedition is Raleigh's most complete Costa Rica experience — three back-to-back phases taking you from indigenous communities in the mountains to conservation wetlands to a 19-day trek across the country. You'll live simply, work hard, and cross Costa Rica on foot. No experience needed.
Tropical, adventure, Pura Vida
You’ll spend around 3 weeks volunteering on one or more of several transformative infrastructure and educational projects that address the urgent needs of remote and indigenous communities.
For around 3 weeks you’ll help to support the maintenance and conservation of Costa Rica’s incredibly biodiverse ecosystems. You’ll work alongside and under the instruction of local communities.
The 19 day trek takes you from misty cloud forests in the mountains, down through tropical lowlands, and out to the Pacific coast, where it ends with hands-on turtle conservation. A journey across Costa Rica’s ecosystems.
Please note this is a sample itinerary and order of phases will vary depending on Cycles and Venturer numbers.
For this you’ll be at our Fieldbase in Turrialba. 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.
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).
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.
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.
Return to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project to catch up with the rest of the Expedition team.
Venturers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.
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.
Every Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through three unforgettable phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge
You’ll spend around 3 weeks volunteering on one or more of several transformative infrastructure and educational projects that address the urgent needs of remote and indigenous communities.
SDGs: education, poverty reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and community resilience.
Collaborate with community members and a professional foreman
Educational infrastructure
Intercultural exchange
The schools we work with are located in the Alto Chirripó Indigenous Territory. Home to the Cabécar indigenous group: this community has some of the highest poverty rates in Costa Rica (up to 90%) and the lowest average level of schooling (only 4.2 years).
For around 3 weeks you’ll help to support the maintenance and conservation of Costa Rica’s incredibly biodiverse ecosystems. You’ll work alongside and under the instruction of local communities.
The 19 day trek takes you from misty cloud forests in the mountains, down through tropical lowlands, and out to the Pacific coast, where it ends with hands-on turtle conservation. A journey across Costa Rica’s ecosystems.
Group bonding and acclimatisation (Days 1–5)
Mountain camping and challenge (Days 5–9)
Highlands to coast and conservation (Days 10–16)
You'll fly into San José airport and transfer to our Fieldbase in Turrialba
Fieldbase, Turrialba
Fieldbase
Community project
Environmental Project
Adventure challenge
10th February –17th April 2026
29th June – 3rd September 2026
13th October – 18th December 2026
£5590$7155$7155$7155
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 MoreCombine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in the jam-packed 5-week Expedition.
Find Out MoreThe 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 MoreTake on the ultimate Borneo experience and spend a full 10 weeks on Expedition. You'll complete all three phases - Community, Environmental and Adventure.
Borneo 10 WeeksTake on the ultimate South Africa experience and spend a full 10 weeks on Expedition. You'll complete all three phases - Community, Environmental and Adventure.
South Africa 10 WeeksSecure your spot from as little as £99.5
Pay over time interest free*
Book early at a lower price
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, plus access to post-booking deals and discounts with our partners.
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.
Fill in the online form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!
If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.
Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.
Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition
Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about
Meet the Raleigh SES Bursary Winners Embarking on Expeditions This October
The Costa Rica 10-week Expedition includes all three phases: around three weeks on a Community Project working alongside local indigenous communities; around three weeks on an Environmental Project supporting local conservation partners across Costa Rica’s protected ecosystems; and a 19-day Adventure Challenge trekking from Cloud Forest through tropical lowlands to the Pacific coast, finishing with sea turtle conservation.
The Costa Rica 10-week Expedition starts from £5590$7155$7155$7155. A 5% deposit secures your place and interest-free payment plans are available. Flights, travel insurance, and visas are not included.
