Costa Rica
PURA VIDA! Green countryside and breathtaking sights are what Costa Rica is all about. One of the most biodiverse and ecologically rich countries, Costa Rica is home to lush rainforests and a wide array of flora and fauna. The country has gone to great lengths to preserve these natural habitats.
Costa Rica is also one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the region with diverse cultural heritage and traditions drawing from many countries all over Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The country is considered an advanced developing country, one of the most stable democracies in Latin America, and a leader in environmental sustainability. However, like any emerging economy, opportunities are not always evenly distributed and many of the smaller villages and more remote regions of the country are much less developed.
You have the opportunity to make a very real and immediate impact working in Costa Rica, actively fostering new development in their towns, schools, & coffee plantations!
Our region of focus is called Dota (known locally as Los Santos). Dota is a mountainous, lush, tropical environment full of wildlife and foliage, approximately three hours south of San Jose. The chief source of income throughout the region is coffee. Our service work will focus on sustainable development and social entrepreneurship. As part of our service work, we’ll learn about the entire supply chain of the coffee business from seed to plant to factory to cup. We’ll learn about the farmers, the pickers, the cooperatives, the roasters all the way to the baristas. We’ll also learn about local entrepreneurs who are developing low-impact eco-tourism as well as ecological and sustainable farming programs.
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Upcoming Trips
Expand your horizons. Give back while taking in the world from a new perspective. There are as many reasons to adventure as there are destinations to explore. Check out these upcoming service travel adventures.
High School June Trip – Costa Rica
Location: Los Santos, CR
Dates: June 14-23, 2026
Type: High School
What You Will Remember
PURA VIDA
“Pura Vida” is so much more than a greeting, though often heard as such. It is an optimism embraced wholeheartedly. It is the belief that life is short, and generally good. No matter how much or how little we have in life, we can all choose to embrace the moment and live life fully. There is a reason Costa Rica is the most peaceful country on the planet!
NATURAL BEAUTY
Colorful birds, noisy monkeys, prowling cats, exotic frogs, sedentary sloths and so much more! The striking landscapes include dense tropical jungles, high mountainous cloud forests, active volcanoes, rich reefs, and expansive coastlines along the Pacific and the Caribbean. A highlight is walking through the cloud forest on a local tour, catcing a glimpse of flor & fauna.
YOUR IMPACT
The remote village of Providencia makes do with what they have out of economic & environmental necessity. Creative ingenuity and the hard work of many have generated viable businesses in organic coffee, natural foods, and ecotourism as well as a successful recycling center. You’ll help the community grow these projects, ensuring an even brighter future.
Trip Experience
Costa Rica Service Projects
Projects are based on community needs and community direction, but traditionally fall under the category of environmental protection. Here are a few examples.
Travel Highlights
In addition to volunteering, you will have time to travel and explore much of what the country has to offer.
SURF LESSONS
WORKING WITH BAMBOO
SURF LESSONS
DISCUSSING IMPORTANT ISSUES
WORKING WITH BAMBOO
EXPLORING THE RAINFOREST
DISCUSSING IMPORTANT ISSUES
LOCAL ADVENTURE
REUSING PLASTIC
TEAMWORK
REUSING PLASTIC
REFORESTATION
Testimonials
“The program has taught me the impact of doing community service and the amazing amount of bonding we can do and the difference we can make by working together as a team and being guided by great leaders.”
“Lisa and Vincent both had a wonderful experience on your Dream Volunteers Summer Program. The camp was very well done. We were impressed. Thank you for all your hard work.”
“This experience has allowed me to empathize with and learn about those who live differently from me. I’ve realized that although we have our differences, there are many ways in which we are the same. This program has also inspired me to continue with my community service work.“
Ready for the Experience of a Lifetime?
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