Volunteer in Costa Rica

Experience Rural Traditions and Sustainable Farming

Step into the rich tapestry of Costa Rican agriculture and rural life as you immerse yourself in the heart of the community. This program blends traditional farming wisdom with eco-friendly, innovative practices unique to the region.

Your role goes beyond farming—you’ll be supporting local farmers, building cultural connections, and experiencing a way of life rooted in nature, family, and tradition.

What You’ll Do

You’ll spend most of your time on one local farm, with opportunities to visit others. Tasks vary by season, offering a hands-on learning experience in areas such as:

• Animal Care: Feed, groom, and support the daily needs of horses, cattle, chickens, and other animals.
• Crop Work: Help plant, weed, harvest, and maintain crops like coffee, cacao, and avocados.
• Farm Projects: Get involved in bio gardening, composting, irrigation, and land maintenance.
• Farm Visits: Learn about cheese-making, beekeeping, and aquaculture on neighboring farms.
• Community Engagement: Join cattle sales, horse shows, or local festivals alongside residents.
• Cultural Exchange: Work side by side with Costa Rican farmers, gaining authentic insight into rural life and sustainable practices.

Life on the farm is only part of the adventure. You’ll also take part in community traditions and cultural events that bring people together. From lively festivals to traditional markets, you’ll experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality of Costa Rican rural communities.

• Roll up their sleeves and get involved in hands-on farming.
• Learn about eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Connect deeply with local people and experience authentic rural culture.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica in a meaningful, community-centered way.

The Agriculture & Community Life program offers more than just volunteering — it’s a cultural exchange, a learning experience, and a chance to truly live like a local while contributing to small-scale, sustainable farming in Costa Rica.

Minimum Age: No minimum

Maximum Age: No maximum

Minimum English Level: Basic

Additional Requirements:

No criminal background

Open-mindedness and willingness to learn new agricultural methods

Medical clearance for participants over 65 years old

Signed parental consent for participants under 18

Basic interest in farming and outdoor work

Respect for local customs and traditions

This program starts every week!

Monday to Friday

• Start your day early (around 7:00 AM) with a hearty breakfast on the farm.
• Work for 3-8 hours depending on the day’s tasks. Your tasks may include animal care, tending to crops, or participating in community activities like cattle sales or local festivals.
• Lunch will be provided at the farm, where you can enjoy homegrown, fresh food.
• Continue working in the afternoon until about 5:30 PM, helping with ongoing farming projects.
• After work, relax and reflect on your day, and spend time with fellow participants or locals.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

September 2025

• September 1, 2025
• September 8, 2025
• September 15, 2025
• September 22, 2025
• September 29, 2025

October 2025

• October 6, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• October 27, 2025

November 2025

• November 3, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• November 17, 2025
• November 24, 2025

December 2025

• December 1, 2025
• December 8, 2025
• December 15, 2025
• December 22, 2025
• December 29, 2025

January 2026

• January 5, 2026
• January 12, 2026
• January 19, 2026
• January 26, 2026

February 2026

• February 2, 2026
• February 9, 2026
• February 16, 2026
• February 23, 2026

March 2026

• March 2, 2026
• March 9, 2026
• March 16, 2026
• March 23, 2026
• March 30, 2026

April 2026

• April 6, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• April 20, 2026
• April 27, 2026

Farming Placement — $1,030

What’s Included

When you join the program, you’ll have everything you need to feel supported and settled from day one:

• International medical insurance
• Accommodation from Sunday arrival until Saturday noon of your final week
• Airport pickup during regular arrival times
• Transportation for scheduled program activities
• Daily meals – 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
• Program materials, tools, and equipment provided
• Guidance & supervision from experienced local coordinators
• 24/7 in-country support from our local team

What’s Not Included

Please plan and budget separately for:

• Flights and visa costs
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, extra transport, etc.)
• Optional tours or activities beyond the program schedule
• Travel insurance

Location: Esparza, Costa Rica

Esparza is a charming agricultural town in the mountains above the Río Barranca, along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. With roots dating back to the Chorotega and Huetar peoples, and officially founded by the Spanish in 1577, it is the second oldest town in the country—steeped in history, legend, and tradition.

Life here moves at a relaxed pace—you might even see horses on the streets. Esparza itself is off the usual tourist trail, but you’ll be within easy reach of beaches, canopy tours, national parks, and the cultural hub of Puntarenas.

• Beach access: 20 minutes (14 km) away
• Carara National Park: 1 hour away
• Puntarenas: 25 km away (marine park, marina, and city attractions)

Accommodation & Food

Where You’ll Stay

You’ll be housed in one of our eco-friendly homes—Jaguar House or Toucan House—both located at our center in Esparza. Each house accommodates up to 22 participants, with shared rooms furnished with bunk beds. Couples or small families may request a semi-private room, and private rooms are available at an extra cost (book in advance).

• Lockable shared rooms (regularly cleaned)
• Communal spaces: dining hall, games room, and lounge with free Wi-Fi, table tennis, and more
• Large tropical garden with papaya, banana, coconut, and citrus trees

Room Options

* On weekends: brunch replaces breakfast and lunch
** Each house has two bathrooms shared among participants

Meals

Enjoy three meals daily on weekdays and two on weekends. Meals feature a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican cuisine, often including fish, chicken, pork, or beef. Vegetarian options are available on request.

• Shops within 300 m
• Bars, restaurants, and a public pool within 15 min walk
• ATMs within 1–2 km
• Bus stop within 300 m (direct routes to town and beyond)

On the Monday of your first week, you’ll take part in our orientation to help you settle in:

• Welcome meeting & house rules
• Health, safety, and cultural lessons (including Costa Rican “Do’s & Don’ts”)
• Basic Spanish language lesson
• Tour of the compound and local area (including where to shop and get a SIM card)
• Lunch
• Introduction to your project site and first activities

Free Time & Surroundings

While the program doesn’t include scheduled activities outside project hours, weekends are perfect for exploring:

• Adventure & nature: horseback riding, canopy tours, watersports (surfing is huge here!)
• Excursions: scenic ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula, fishing trips, and nearby beaches
• Culture: local festivals, Costa Rican cuisine, and authentic town life

Esparza is right on the Pan-American Highway, making the rest of Costa Rica (and beyond) easily accessible for your adventures.

With so many volunteer options, why volunteer through Greenheart Travel? 

Greenheart Travel is a non-profit, mission based organization committed to making a positive, long-lasting impact in the communities where we work. We partner with local, grassroots non-profit organizations in Puerto Rico to not only to create the most impactful program, but also to guarantee your volunteer work will make a difference.

Greenheart Travel has been operating volunteer abroad programs for many years. We are proud of our authentic, hands-on opportunities on 4 different continents, which allow you to provide service hours to communities around the world! There are lots of advantages to traveling with us:

Personalized and Consistent Support

• Our staff is in Chicago – we are available to answer questions during US business hours
• Friendly, responsive, and professional communication from staff who have actually volunteered abroad themselves
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
• An experienced program manager will personally review your application to make sure this is the right program for you

Global Community of Volunteers

• Access to a community of alumni and current volunteers on the program, before you even leave!
• Automatic enrollment in the Greenheart Club, an online community for Greenheart alumni to find resources, log volunteer hours, and apply for alumni grants and scholarship
• Offer an online platform to log your service hours, qualifying you for a  Greenheart Grant
• Exclusive access to Greenheart Travel Alumni Program

Top-Notch Materials and Preparation

• The Greenheart Travel Atlas, an interactive guide to your cross-cultural experience
• Online pre-departure orientation with focus on cultural training
• Greenheart Travel T-shirt

Don’t just take our word for it! Check out independent reviews from past participants of Greenheart Travel programs here.

Parents Welcome!

Looking for a meaningful family adventure? Parents are more than welcome to join this program alongside their teen or young adult! Whether you’re lending a hand on the farm, exploring local culture, or simply sharing the experience of rural Costa Rican life, it’s a unique opportunity to connect, contribute, and create lasting memories—together.

We understand that sending your teen—or joining them—for a hands-on cultural experience abroad is a big decision. Whether you’re considering this opportunity for your child or planning to come along, here’s what you can expect from this enriching rural program in Esparza, Costa Rica.

A Safe & Supportive Environment
Participants live in eco-friendly shared housing (private rooms available upon request) at our secure, well-maintained center in Esparza, a peaceful agricultural town with a rich cultural heritage. All rooms are lockable, and the property includes a large garden, shared lounge spaces, and WiFi access in public areas. Meals are freshly prepared and feature a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican cuisine, with vegetarian options available.

Cultural Immersion in a Historic Setting
Esparza is one of the oldest towns in Costa Rica, full of charm and history, yet away from the tourist trail. It offers a safe, relaxed atmosphere where horses are still ridden through the streets and weekend festivals celebrate local traditions. It’s a great place to experience the “real” Costa Rica.

Access to Adventure & Convenience
While rural, Esparza is well connected. It’s just 20 minutes from the beach, close to national parks, and near the vibrant port town of Puntarenas—making weekend excursions easy and exciting. Shops, restaurants, and ATMs are all within walking distance from the accommodation, and reliable bus routes connect you to the rest of the country.

Structured Support & Orientation
All participants begin their experience with a comprehensive orientation that covers safety, cultural customs, Spanish basics, and practical info like where to find shops and how to get a SIM card. Ongoing support is provided throughout the stay.

Perfect for Families or Teens Ready for a Global Perspective
Parents are welcome to join the program alongside their teen or young adult. It’s a meaningful way to connect through shared service and adventure. If you’re not joining but your child is traveling solo, rest assured—they’ll be in a well-supported environment that fosters independence, cultural awareness, and personal growth.

Whether you’re sending your teen or joining them for the adventure, this is a chance to experience something truly unique—connecting with nature, community, and each other in a new way.

Have questions or want to talk to us about the program? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

Be sure to review the FAQs before your call! 

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5. Video Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure in Costa Rica! The rest of your balance is due 60 days before you leave.

The above process can take as little as 1 week to complete, so it’s up to you how quickly you’re able to complete each step.