Skip to main content

Why volunteer in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is naturally rich in ecosystems and species; however, many environmental NGOs consider it’s natural environment fragile and vulnerable. You’ll volunteer on projects to help improve access to national parks and preserve its natural resources.

Raleigh Costa Rica partners with indigenous communities so you’ll help work on infrastructure projects we support. They aim to increase access to education, raise awareness through campaigns and workshops, and improve access to water and sanitation.

EnquireDownload a guide
“Raleigh gave me the drive I needed when I was dealing with. Difficult home life and made me determined to raise the money and get on my Expedition.”

Emma | Raleigh Alumni

I’m really happy that I went on Raleigh. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I enjoyed every moment here. Also, I have learned a lot of lessons so thank you guys 🙂

MerelVenturer 2024

Had a wonderful expedition. In my opinion community and trek were perfect and everything I could have wanted or expected.

MarcusVenturer 2024

Amazing experience, many kind and supportive people and memories that will last a lifetime.

TomVenturer 2024

Amazing! I have made friends for life and seen such incredible nature and views that it will stay in my memories forever.

CelesteVenturer 2024

I’ve had the best time in these three months, couldn’t be more thankful.

NoheliaVenturer 2024
Read more

Costs and duration overview

10 weeks

£5490$6870$6870$6870

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

£4400$5500$5500$5500

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

£3700$4650$4650$4650

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

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.

Costa Rica example itinerary

Map of Costa Rica Raleigh Expedition location

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.

Ready to apply?

If you already know Raleigh is for you, don’t miss out on a place!

Costa Rica Dates & Pricing

2025

Fully booked
CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2025

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

Fully booked

7 Weeks

A: 10th February – 28th March 2025
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2025

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks
27th June – 1st September 2025

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks

A: 27th June – 12th August 2025
B: 17th July – 1st September 2025

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

5 Weeks
A: 27th June – 1st August 2025
B: 17th July – 22nd August 2025

£3,700$4,650$4,650$4,650

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A)
Application: 11th May 2025
Deposit: 19th May 2025

7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B)
Application: 29th May 2025
Deposit: 9th June 2025

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
11th October – 16th December 2025

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks
A: 11th October – 25th November 2025
B: 31st October – 16th December 2025

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

Deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A)
Application: 24th August 2025
Deposit: 31st August 2025

7 weeks (B)
Application: 12th September 2025
Deposit: 19th September 2025

Deposit

5%

Apply now

2026

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.
CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks

A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

Application deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 5th January 2026

7 weeks (B) – 13th January 2026

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks
29th June – 3rd September 2026

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks

A: 29th June – 14th August 2026
B: 19th July – 3rd September 2026

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

5 Weeks
A: 29th June – 3rd August 2026
B: 19th July – 24th August 2026

£3,700$4,650$4,650$4,650

Application deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A) – 12th May 2026

7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B) – 29th May 2026

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks
A: 13th October – 28th November 2026
B: 2nd November – 18th December 2026

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

Application deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 25th August 2026

7 weeks (B) – 12th September 2026

Deposit

5%

Apply now

2027

CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
8th February – 15th April 2027

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks

A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th February – 15th April 2027

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

Application deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 5th January 2027

7 weeks (B) – 13th January 2027

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks
28th June – 2nd September 2027

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks

A: 28th June – 13th August 2027
B: 18th July – 2nd September 2027

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

5 Weeks
A: 28th June – 2nd August 2027
B: 18th July – 23rd August 2027

£3,700$4,650$4,650$4,650

Application deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A) – 12th May 2027

7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B) – 29th May 2027

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
12th October – 17th December 2027

£5,490$6,870$6,870$6,870

7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November – 17th December 2027

£4,400$5,500$5,500$5,500

Application deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 25th August 2027

7 weeks (B) – 12th September 2027

Deposit

5%

Apply now

What’s included

  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • All food, transport and accommodation
on Expedition
  • 24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
  • Safety expertise
  • Extensive pre-departure information and support
  • Local orientation, project training & equipment
  • Raleigh t-shirt
  • Free Nomad & MASTA travel health consultation
  • Free Nomad & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks and vaccination requirements

Not included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal kit
  • Travel insurance
  • First aid training (Venturer Managers)

A full breakdown of what’s included and not, will be provided on application.

How to apply for an Expedition

Apply online

Fill in the online application form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!

Apply now

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.

Confirmation

Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.

Pre-departure

Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.

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.

Raleigh rice cooking

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.

Nacional de Costa Rica?

Quieres ser voluntario?

Over 25?

Become a Venturer Manager

Need more Expedition information?

Hear from a Raleigh alumni about life on Expedition.

You’ll find everything in one place about our Expeditions.

Send us an enquiry with what you’d like to know more about.

Newsletter sign up

Updates on Expedition life from people out there living the dream!

Get inspired