Coffee and Community in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexibility Year Round

Description: Learn where your morning brew came from while volunteering in a rural village of Costa Rica, a land of pristine natural beauty almost beyond compare.

This organization is composed of small organic coffee farmers and their families who all survive on the cultivation of this delicious bean that Costa Rica is famous for. Created in 2002, this project was developed to improve the quality of life of these farmers and their families.

By focusing on organic production, ecological and community tourism, and developing new products to bring to market, the project is providing long-term sustainable methods for generating income. The project also teaches environmental education to the farmers and promotes measures to protect, conserve, and recover the natural resources of the area. There are also community workshops teaching hygiene, first-aid, and self-esteem building activities.

Volunteers will be assisting with organic horticulture, especially working with the organic coffee production. Other duties include helping with the maintenance of trails, planting, general environmental conservation activities, and leading workshop sessions.

The project is located near the town of Buenos Aires in the Puntarenas province in the south of Costa Rica. Travel time is 8 hours by bus from San Jose.   

Highlights:
- Volunteers can choose to stay on site in a private room or with a carefully screened host family in the community.
- Three meals per day are included in your stay.
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Costa Rica.
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Spanish skills are very desirable and helpful but not necessary. Volunteers must be prepared to work outside and engage in hands on conservation work.

Cost in US$: USD1,150 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are flexible and caring people who are interested in an authentic exchange experience.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985