About the Project    Usual Volunteer Tasks    Your role as volunteer    Requirements    Daily Routine   

About the Project

Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular ecotourism destinations, because of its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. The canals, rivers and beaches of this area are living laboratories for tropical rainforest study and marine biology. The wildlife in this zone is very diverse; usually there are populations of monkeys, amphibians, birds and fish. Resident animals include jaguars, sloths, frogs, lapas, toucans and bats, among others.

Though it can only be reached by airplane or boat, this area is flooded with tourists that came every year to get in touch with nature. Its 11 ecological habitats in one place are certainly a great reason to visit.  You can find everything, from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities. Fronting the sea is the seemingly endless expanse of beach. Behind that is a narrow lagoon, connected to the sea at one end and fed by a river at the other, which parallels the beach for its full 35-km length. Back of the lagoon is a coastal rainforest threaded by an infinite maze of serpentine Channels and streams fed by rivers flowing from the central mountain ranges and by the torrential rains that fall in the area. On the periphery of the forest lies a complex of swamps.

The park was created in 1975 to protect this vast area: the nesting beach sea turtle, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks, the offshore waters to a distance of 30 km, and the wetland forests extending inland for about 15 kilometers. The park shelters a fabulous array of wildlife, including more than 300 bird species, 57 species of amphibians and 111 of reptiles, including three species of marine turtles; 60 mammal species and 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species.

Some of the troubles this area is going through are: logging, hunting, infrastructure development and tourist activity. The goal here is to prevent all of this from exterminating all or some species that could put the ecosystem in danger.

If you're a nature freak this is the project for you. You'll have to put all your energy and creativity to do infrastructure duties, tourist attention service and to support the people working there on control activities. You'll be taking care of the maintenance and reconstruction of the trails and installations, repairing the roads and cleaning wherever needed. You can also take part in customer service duties, informing new arrivals and doing surveys of tourists. Another task will be to take control walks and accompany park rangers in patrolling the forest.

On this project you'll get in touch with your green-self and contribute to keep a worthy area from disappearing. You'll also learn a lot and share that knowledge with the visitors and the back home when you return. Sign up now and make a difference!

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Usual Volunteer Tasks

The tasks described above may vary according the season and the numbers of volunteers. You are welcome to help anytime you consider is needed.

Six days per week. Flexibility depends on work schedule and arrangements made by volunteers.

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Can you imagine a delicious cup of coffee, the fresh taste of coconut, the fragrance of the wild flowers, being part of your experience? That's exactly Costa Rica! This country is a young Central American jewel, divided by volcanoes and mountains. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, you will have a hard time choosing a favorite beach. It lies between Nicaragua and Panama and is considered one of most highly valued tourist destinations in the world. With a variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, Costa Rica provides an ideal setting for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling, and sun bathing. Divided in seven provinces, it offers attractive tourist destinations, including extensive rainforests, volcanoes, rivers, beaches and natural resources safeguarded by an important organization of national parks and forest reserves.

Life is good in Costa Rica! You will fall in love with deserted tropical landscapes, fringed by palms, bathed by warm waters and filled with welcoming locals that are called "Ticos". Ticos are really friendly, polite and kind people. You will feel welcome by their "Pura Vida" (Pure Life) whishes, a common phrase that for sure you will remember. Visit Costa Rica to explore and experience the unique mixing of races, the richness of its culture and  the scenic national surroundings.

The best of the country

Food & Drinks	Music & Dance
Its cuisine is simple but heavy on oil and some species. Rice and beans ("Gallo Pinto") are tipical. The most famous drink is coffee; don’t be surprised to find it served alongside your dinner as well. Other favorite local drink is "Horcheta" (a cinnamon flavored cornmeal drink), taste it and you'll know why!	Music is everywhere: in the streets, homes, restaurants, bars, discos and theaters. When it comes to dancing, enjoy the traditional Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia, lambada and soca. Feel the caribbean rythm! Ticos love music and dance.
Plastic Arts	Cinema
The art scene is largely underdeveloped, with exception to a few native crafts. You'll see a true affinity to the poor and rural Ticos. Many of the best crafts come from Sarchí, which is famous as the home of gaily decorated wooden carretas (oxcarts), the internationally recognized symbol of Costa Rica.	Costa Rica, particularly Montezuma, is the home of a recognized film festival called Costa Rica International Film Festival (CRIFF). The CRIFF welcomes talented filmmakers from all over the world to showcase their films to a truly international audience. It's a multi-cultural event that has its 5th edition on 2011.
Science and technology	Sports
Costa Rica is a combination of fertile land and a well-educated population. Besides the  production of bananas, coffee, and recently pineapples, in the last years the country has become one of the worlds leading producers of microchips.	You'll find a great variety of sports, according to your interests. Surf, canopy, cycling, hicking, scuba diving, sportfishing, rafting and much more! Costa Rica is the third most popular destination to surf after Hawaii and Indonesia.
Spare time	Literature
Ticos love spend their time with their family and friends. Whenever it's possible, people that live in the city choose to go to the beach, escaping the daily routine. For them, weekends and holidays are a time to relax and to have a good time. Take into account that the country is also one of the few ones where two great oceans are within a six hour drive of each other!	Costa Rican literature is often belittled as the most prosaic and anemic in Latin America. However, contemporary poetry and literature in general promises a lot, since in recent years there have been an abundance of good authors that engage these arts.

Video and Map    Communities located near Tortuguero    Free Time Activities    Climate    Equipment to bring

The Park is located on the Caribbean coast 87 km northwest of Limon. It is one of the most varied within the park system, has 11 ecological habitats, from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities. Fronting the sea is the seemingly endless expanse of beach. Behind that is a narrow lagoon, connected to the sea at one end and fed by a river at the other, which parallels the beach for its full 35-km length. Back of the lagoon is a coastal rainforest threaded by an infinite maze of serpentine channels and streams fed by rivers flowing from the central mountain ranges and by the torrential rains that fall in the area. On the periphery of the forest lies a complex of swamps.

The extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons behind the beaches of Tortuguero are home to seven species of river turtles, Spectacled Caiman, Southern River Otters, a number of crustaceans, and over 50 species of freshwater fish. If you take a trip on a tour boat, or paddle a canoe through the freshwater canals you are also likely to see Spider, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys and dozens of species of birds. If you are lucky you might spot an endangered West Indian Manatee.

Here you can find 400 tree species and 2,200 plant species such as sea Grape, cocoa, coconut, water lily, water fern, Pilon, the Canfín and the Mountain Jícaro. Also in the mountain area you can find wild animal species like Jaguar, ocelot, tapir, manatee, Tolomuco, sloths, monkeys and turtles on the beach, Leatherback, Loggerhead brown, Carey and Green, the latter is the most abundant, and 405 species of birds. This nature Mecca needs to receive care and attention to keep it alive for the generations to come.

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Communities located near Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero

The community of Tortuguero is located only 1 Km. away from the project
- Wildlife National Reserve Barra del Colorado: If you follow the canals of Tortuguero you'll find this place about 20 Km. away from the project.

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Climate

At the park the tropical forest is dominant, with an average temperature of 26°C and annual rainfall ranging between 4500 and 6000mm, so it is considered one of the rainiest areas of the country.

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Equipment to bring

• High quality Rain gear (it can really rain in the tropics)
• Good quality shoes for walking and sandals
• Flashlight and batteries
• Alarm clock (battery powered) and a wristwatch
• Swimsuit
• First-aid kit (if you have special medication let us know, anti itch cream is a good idea)
• Insect repellant
• Towel (fast drying ones are ideal)
• Waterproof Sunscreen (bring a lot, sun rays are very strong)
• Sunglasses
• Camera and film (water proof can be a good idea for baby turtles in the water)
• Journal (it will be an unforgettable experience)
• Light clothing (it dries fast)
• Bring a jacket, it can get a little chilly
• Rubber boots (is not compulsory)
• Mosquito net and bed linen (sleeping bag is an option as well)
• Personal hygiene items
• Snacks (you will be provided with 3 meals per day)
• Entrainment things like: books, music, guitar, paints, cards, jenga are nice to socialize
• Pocket Spanish dictionary (may be useful

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Available Accommodation in Tortuguero National Park

Housing

The volunteers will be placed at the Environmental Station Robles-Kaufman localized at 400 meters from the National Park and the Tortuguero village. The station offers you the chance to live in a rustic facility and in close touch with nature.

Housing Features

*The food provided is Costa Rican typical food so you will be eating a lot of rice and beans. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary restrictions let us know. In most of cases there is a cook in charge of the meal preparation but if not, you may have the chance to learn how to prepare Costa Rican food.
**Water for showers and dishwashing is obtained from the grown.

PLEASE NOTE – The housing does not have the capacity to provide a safe area to protect valuables. Hence, you should bring only those items necessary for your daily needs.

Why do a Volunteer abroad?
Why volunteering with us?
Who is eligible to apply for COINED’s Volunteer Program?
What level of Spanish do I need?
Which is the enrollment deadline?
Why do I have to pay for volunteer?
Are the Volunteer Projects worthwhile?
Do I need previous experience to volunteering abroad?
How many hours do I need to volunteer?
Who really benefits?
Where am I going to stay?
Do I need to speak another language to volunteer?
What kind of medical insurance do I need for volunteering abroad?
What kind of visa do I need to do my Volunteer?
Can I volunteer with my friends, collegues, or relatives?
What effects will volunteer work have on my career?
Can I go on consecutive programs in different locations?
Are there grants or scholarships available to help finance my Volunteer Program?
How can I fundraise?

Why do a Volunteer abroad?

Volunteering creates a feeling of personal satisfaction. You can get a unique opportunity to  experience a  different culture while producing a positive impact. It can be both challenging and rewarding. By volunteering abroad you will improve your language skills, have a deep insight of local life and broad your view of the World.  
 

Why volunteering with us?

We offer the possibility to do your Volunteer Program in one of the following countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Spain.  We work with important Partners and non-profit Host Organizations, which have been recruited after a rigorous process that ensures the successful of your Program. You have our assistance and support from the moment we receive your inquiry until the day you return back home. We have an extensive experience and an excellent relationship with our Partners and Host Organizations and we know the desires and expectations of our Participants.
 

Who is eligible to apply for COINED’s Volunteer Program?

We look for people who enjoy challenges and have sensibility, flexibility and adaptability as well as a sense of responsibility towards other cultures, ways of life and conceptions of volunteer work. You must be a proactive, self-motivated person. You will not have every minute of your work day planned and resources are scarce. Flexibility and patience are the keys for a great experience.
We want you to give your time and energy to help communities in need!
 

What level of Spanish do I need?

We recommend that you have a sufficient level of Spanish that guarantee the communication with local people and the successful development of the program. Some volunteer projects, specially those with children or the elderly, may require an intermediate level of Spanish depending on the tasks. However, you always have the possibility to take Spanish lessons in our schools before starting your Volunteer Program.

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Which is the enrollment deadline?

The deadline for enrollment is six (6) weeks before the intended start date of your Volunteer Program. During this period, we will be in regular touch with you to discuss the volunteer posts that match best with your profile and wishes.
 

Why do I have to pay for volunteer?

At COINED we work to ensure delivering our volunteers a high quality program and feel responsible for their well being and safety. Furthermore, we check all our worldwide projects to ensure they are suitable for our volunteers and respect the Program's aims. In each COINED destination we work hard to match you to the right project and give you the best experience possible. The enrollment fee covers all the key elements such as recruitment, matching, marketing, administration, training the Host Organizations as well as the support of your local in country team. We work hard to save your time and uncertainty in order to guarantee your safety and success.
 

Are the Volunteer Projects worthwhile?

All projects and Host Organizations that receive volunteers from our Volunteer Program are carefully selected by especially trained local staff. By offering  constantly support  to all projects (by sending them all the help and volunteers they need), we build and have been building during the past years long lasting relationships with the local projects. This ensures us that your help truly is appreciated and needed. No one can explain you this better than volunteers who have been before you. Therefore, we invite you to ask us for contact information of other COINED Volunteers, they will tell you personally about their experiences.
 

Do I need previous experience to volunteering abroad?

We invite everybody (though you have to be at least 18 years old) to enroll in our Volunteer Program. Many projects don’t require special knowledge or previous experience, however you must have the ability to adapt to a different reality and be willing to contribute to a good cause. Every volunteer with lot of enthusiasm and real desire to aid is welcome and can make his or her time at the local project worthwhile.

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How many hours do I need to volunteer?

It depends on the project. Generally volunteers are asked to work from 20 to 30 hours a week. Sea  turtle projects may required work during night patrols. In other cases you can work on saturdays.  But we always give to our Participants a project that fits with his or her profile and interests.
 

Who really benefits?

Volunteering is always a two-way process and means that all involved parties will benefit: not only the local community or environment will appreciate your valuable contribution, you as well will benefit! You will expand your vision and understanding of the world and its many different realities by volunteering in social, educational, environmental or restoration projects. You will gain self-confidence and acquire a new perspective on who you are and how other people perceive you. In sum, you will benefit from volunteering with us, both personally and professionally.
 

Where am I going to stay?

The characteristics of the housing will be according to the Volunteer Project you have selected. Some projects hosts their volunteers within the project area, specially those which are focused on nature conservation. On the other hand, projects which are located in the city usually offer accommodation in the city center either in residences or home-stays. At the same time, some projects have dialy meals included due to the place where they are located.
All these accommodation options are a great opportunity to interact with local and foreign people, learning about different cultures and making new friends from all around the world. For more information about housing, please contact us.
 

Do I need to speak another language to volunteer?

If you need to speak another language or not to volunteer depends on what project or destination you prefer. However, in every COINED destination you will find opportunities with and without specific language requirements and you always have the possibility to take Spanish lessons before starting your Volunteer Program.

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What kind of medical insurance do I need for volunteering abroad?

You will need a health insurance that covers illnesses and accidents. If you want, we can also
arrange your medical insurance; please contact us for further information.
 

What kind of visa do I need to do my Volunteer?

You can use a tourist or student visa, depending on the country you select and its regulations. For further information, we suggest visiting the following websites:

Argentina: www.migraciones.gov.ar
Chile: www.extranjeria.gov.cl
Costa Rica: www.migracion.go.cr
Guatemala: http://www.migracion.gob.gt/
Spain: http://extranjeros.mtin.es/es/index.html
 

Can I volunteer with my friends, collegues, or relatives?

Yes, you can! We encourage volunteers who want to make an effort together. You and your friends, colleagues and/or relatives can choose the volunteer project on our website www.intercoined.com  or request a special program in order to make sure that you all can volunteer together in the same project at the same time.
 

What effects will volunteer work have on my career?

A CV which shows international work experience catches the attention of potential employers and greatly improves your chances to find an appropriate job. You will show that you are independent and adjust well to different situations. You will prove that you can work with people from different cultural backgrounds which is, in our globalized world of today, a tremendous asset. What is more, it will show that you are a sensitive-altruistic person, that sympathises with the social situation of underprivileged communities.

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Can I go on consecutive programs in different locations?

Yes, you can! In fact, we will be proud and glad to help you organize your time in a consecutive program. You can combine several destinations and help in different types of volunteering. The more people and nature benefit from your assistance, the better!
 

Are there grants or scholarships available to help finance my Volunteer Program?

We do not provide grants or scholarships to our volunteers, but we can support any initiative to finance their Volunteer Program. Beside this, we have participated in and even we organize special programs related with the "Youth in Action" program (a program of the European Union for young people). We also cooperate with different organizations around the world encouraging the solidarity and tolerance in hundreds of people.
 

How can I fundraise?

You can ask for support in many ways. Sponsorship is the most common iniciative to contribute your time and efforts to a necessary cause.

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Your safety first...            Travel Cancellation           Transfer Service

Your safety first...

When engaging in any of our programs a travel and health insurance is essential for yours and your familiy's peace of mind. We want your experience to be as exciting as possible and in order for it to be like that, feeling safe and protected is a must. We offer an International Travel Insurance tailored specially for experiential travelers like you.
You can choose different plans according to your insurance needs and expectations. The plans Silver and Bronze feature Travel Health/Accident Insurance, Emergency Travel Insurance, Travel Accident Indemnity Insurance, Travel Assistance, Travel Luggage Insurance, Travel Third Party Liability Insurance limited to your desired coverage amount. The Gold plan features unlimited coverage (including extreme sports) at a really competitive market price.

Some of the benefits of booking your Travel Insurance with us are:

• You'll be making sure that your full experience is organized as a whole, taking care of each aspect of it
• We make sure that you get the best coverage, adapted to your individual needs.
• Our International Travel Insurance is known worldwide and accepted by health facilities and professionals all over the world.
• Our insurance provider offers the best cost/quality rates of the market with over 20 years of experience and has been taking care of our participants for many years.
• Our tutors will be able to assist you with the insurance usage, the contact with the company and the relation: hospital-insurance

For your safety, we will ask you your insurance information when you book your program. We recommend that you use our Travel Insurance provided by CareMed International Travel Insurance. You'll be able to enjoy your journey knowing that any sudden or unexpected situation will be taken care of. And your family will be able to feel happy for you and your life-changing experience instead of worrying during your stay abroad.

Prices insurance for destination Latin America

For more information please click here!

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Travel Cancellation Insurance

For more information please click here!

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Transfer Service
 

COINED provides airport transfer service to meet students at the airport and transfer them to their accommodation. We can meet students at the domestic or international airports.

Students must always inform COINED about the date and time of  arrival, even in cases where the transfer service has not been requested. Airport pick-up only transfers students from the designated airport to the designated accommodation.

- Flight details (date, time, airport, airline, and flight number) must be confirmed in writing before arrival; otherwise COINED shall not guarantee the transfer service and no refunds shall be given for this service.
- All costs incurred due to failure to notify COINED of arrival information in due time are the participant's responsibility.
- In case of flights delays, changes, and so on, COINED will provide the transfer service but will reserve the right to charge additional costs, if necessary.
- If any changes regarding flight details are not duly informed, COINED shall not take responsibility for the proper provision of the transfer service.

For more information regarding our transfer service please contact us. We will be happy to assist you!.

* Please contact us for more information about Arrivals / Departures Transfer Service.
** Price per person, per week.

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