Costa Rica

New for 2026!

29th March to 11th April 2026

About Costa Rica

Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica, a paradise renowned for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. From lush rainforests to pristine beaches, Costa Rica offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Embark on a journey to the majestic Volcano Arenal, where you can witness the raw power of nature while soaking in hot springs amidst lush tropical surroundings.

Explore the rugged Pacific Coast, home to picturesque beaches, world-class surfing spots, and vibrant marine life.

Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems offer ample opportunities to encounter exotic wildlife, from sloths and monkeys to colorful birds and sea turtles.

Whether you seek thrilling outdoor adventures or peaceful encounters with nature, Costa Rica promises an unforgettable holiday filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Next trip:

Sunday 29 March to Saturday 11 April 2026 – Trip fully booked!
Sunday 20th February to Saturday 4th March 2028
Sunday 5th March to Saturday 18th March 2028

San Jose, Costa Rica

2 week Group Trip

Trip Highlights

Volunteer in Costa Rica
Learn some Costa Rican sign language from a local deaf teacher
Help in a local Deaf school
Visit Arenal Volcano – a live volcano
Discover the incredible wildlife in tropical rain forests
Relax on a beautiful sandy beach
Experience the healing benefits of natural thermal springs
See the forest from a canopy walkway
Optional activities include zip-line, boat trip, salsa class

Turquoise sea meeting a beautiful beach surrounded by forest on the coast in Costa Rica

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday

Arrive in Costa Rica!

We will meet you at the airport in San Jose and drive you to our accommodation. You can unpack, relax and meet the other people in your group as everyone adjusts to the new surroundings.

San Jose, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 2 - Monday

After a late breakfast we’ll do the orientation together so you know what to expect over the next 2 weeks.

Then we’ll spend time with local deaf people in San Jose, doing activities together, and learning some Costa Rican Sign Language.

Day 3 - Tuesday

Today we leave the busy city of San Jose and drive to Montezuma – a small coastal town in the southern part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula – taking a ferry to cross the Gulf of Nicoya on the way. It’s surrounded by jungle and beautiful beaches.

This evening is your first chance to get your feet in the sand and walk along Playa Montezuma. See if you can spot pelicans flying above the ocean while the sun sets.

Montezuma street, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Montezuma beach in Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 4 - Wednesday

Boat trip to Tortuga Island (full day) – a stunning, uninhabited tropical island off Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.

You can snorkel in turqoise waters (if you want to!) and see abundant marine life only a couple of meters away from you.

Tortuga Island boat trip – VoluntEars

Day 5 - Thursday

A free day in Montezuma.

You can decide what to do – hike to a waterfall, chill on the beach or use a nearby swimming pool, have a drink at one of the cafes or bars with a view of the sea, go horse riding, mooch around the little clothes and gift shops. It’s completely your choice!

Montezuma waterfall, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 6 - Friday

Travel to Santa Elena.

Sit back and enjoy the views of the coastline as we travel towards the rolling hills of the famous Monteverde cloud forest region. As we drive inland you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation with volcanoes rising up in the distance and far reaching views over the coastline.

View on way to Santa Elena, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 7 - Saturday

This morning we’ll visit a butterfly garden where you can see up to 30 species of butterfly in 4 different habitats. There’s also an insect centre where local experts can explain about insects and spiders including tarantulas.

This evening we’ll do a nighttime jungle walk – this may test your nerves as our professional guide searches for snakes, spiders, frogs, sloths and other animals that live here. Hope you sleep well after this!

Butterfly in Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 8 - Sunday

Today is free for anyone wanting to do any optional adrenaline activities like zip lining, cable cars, zipline bikes, hanging bridges etc in the forest.

Alternatively you can explore Santa Elena town which is small and safe, and book optional activites like bird watching, a chocolate tour or visit a frog garden.

Ziplining in Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 9 - Monday

Drive from Santa Elena to La Fortuna – sit back and enjoy the views along the way.

La Fortuna street, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 10 - Tuesday

This morning we’ll visit a beautiful waterfall located in the tropical forest near to La Fortuna. Bring your swimming clothes if you want to bathe in the water nearby. And be ready for the 500 steps to reach the bottom (and back!).

This afternoon we’ll do activities with students from a local school in La Fortuna.

Waterfall near La Fortuna, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 11 - Wednesday

This morning is another highlight – we’ll visit the rain forest nearby La Fortuna to experience walking on hanging-bridges high up in the canopy. See if you can spot toucans flying past or howler monkeys in the trees.

This evening we’ll visit some outdoor heated thermal spring pools where you can experience bathing in water that’s naturally heated from the nearby Arenal Volcano.

Hanging bridge – La Fortuna

Day 12 - Thursday

Today we start by visiting Poás Volcano – your chance to see close-up a volcano that has erupted 40 times since 1828.

Then we’ll travel back to San Jose, ready for one final day with the local deaf community tomorrow.

Poas Volcano, Costa Rica – VoluntEars

Day 13 - Friday

After breakfast we’ll meet up with the local deaf community in San Jose for a final day of activities and workshops together.

This evening we’ll have our last meal out together, and chance to chat about the last 2 weeks exploring Costa Rica’s beaches, jungles, volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls. We did a lot!

Day 14 - Saturday

Time for a final Costa Rican breakfast at the hotel before packing (and last minute souvenir shopping?!) and we’ll take you to the airport for your flight back home.

The end of an unforgettable adventure in Central America with VoluntEars!