The 4-week Expedition is Raleigh's mini-gap option in Costa Rica — one focused project phase designed to fit a school or university break without compromising on impact. Based at Fieldbase in Turrialba, you'll spend nearly three weeks on either community or conservation work.
This is your chance to spend focused, meaningful time in one of the world's most biodiverse countries - 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.
*You'll embark on one Project - either Community or Environmental.
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).
OR
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.
On a 4 Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica, you’ll experience a blend of volunteering, adventure, and personal growth through one Community or Environmental Project.
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.
You'll fly into San José airport and transfer to our Fieldbase in Turrialba
Fieldbase, Turrialba
Fieldbase
Community project
Environmental Project
13th October – 9th November 2026
£2390$3060$3060$3060
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 MoreEnjoy 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 in Borneo — a single Community or Environmental Project packed with adventure elements in one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests.
Borneo 4 WeeksThe Mini-Gap Option in South Africa — a single Community or Environmental Project packed with adventure elements against South Africa's spectacular landscapes.
South Africa 4 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 4-week Expedition is a single focused project phase — either a Community Project working alongside local indigenous communities, or an Environmental Project supporting local conservation partners across Costa Rica’s protected ecosystems. There is no trek on the 4-week Expedition. It is based at Raleigh’s Fieldbase in Turrialba.
The Costa Rica 4-week Expedition starts from £2390$3060$3060$3060. A 5% deposit secures your place and interest-free payment plans are available. Flights, travel insurance, and visas are not included.
