• Research local wildlife and plants
• Collect data through observation
• Maintain trail
• Maintain gardens
• Support guides on tours

There are many ways for a volunteer to apply themselves at the Wildlife Refuge, though duties may vary according to weather conditions, climate, work load as well as total number of volunteers at the given moment. Of course the Refuge will consider your personal interests and skills when assigning responsibilities and tasks to volunteers.

During your stay at the Wildlife Refuge your main tasks will take place outdoors in the Costa Rican Cloud Forest. You will collect field data while receiving information related to the investigation in which the refuge is participating. At the same time, volunteers will develop their own personal abilities in fieldwork, data collection and analysis. These direct experiences with the forest will be a personally and professionally enriching experience.

While collecting date and learning about this fragile ecosystem, volunteers will also experience first-hand the grass-roots beginning of a successful model of conservation. This model is what feeds further scientific research, environmental education program and ecotourism activities offered to the refuge’s visitors.

• Volunteer House
• Shared bedrooms
• Three meals per day

At the Wildlife Refuge Center rests a cozy volunteer house. The refuge can sleep up to thirty-six people in the main bedroom quarters with six bedrooms each with three bunk beds each. Most likely, volunteers will have an international roommate to share their room with. There are three modern bathrooms and three showers with running water at all times. The volunteer house as well as the administration house next door has electricity 24/7. Laundry services are available for a small fee but hand washing basins are also available.

Furthermore the refuge has a large, fully equipped kitchen area for up to fifty people. This is used for visitors and serves as a dining room for volunteers who live at the refuge. Volunteers will be given three typical Costa Rican meals per day and will get an additional afternoon snack as well.

Candies, chocolate and personal items can be bought at local shops in the nearest town. However, it takes about forty-five minutes to walk the first part then a short taxi ride to get into town. Vegetarians are very welcome and special diet arrangements can be made upon request.

Please remember that the Refuge Center is a place where people from all over the world have the opportunity to contribute and work for the conservation of our planet. The ability to communicate in Spanish is essential for the project as it is the primary language used by local staff and other volunteers. However, we place people of all nationalities so you may have the chance to practice other languages too! There is also the opportunity to enhance your Spanish with people from the local Indigenous community.

The Wildlife Refuge Center is located close to the city of Heredia, near the Braulio Carrillo National Park. With 140 acres, the Refuge Center is hosted by secondary and primary cloud forests, with the topographical area consisting of rolling hills, steep cliffs, springs, waterfalls, and a diverse variety of trees, orchids, and birds. The Wildlife Refuge’s staff happily welcomes respectful visitors taking advantage of hiking this beautiful area. Declared a Wildlife Refuge in February 1998, its mission is to help conserve and maintain the natural resources and environment of our planet, especially the uniqueness of Costa Rican nature.

To help create awareness about the importance of environmental protection, researchers at the Refuge have developed an introductory educational program for schools and visitors related to the investigations and research carried out on the premises. The intention of this program is to generate education in Costa Rica so that future generations understand the importance of what they will be expected to protect one day.

The refuge offers several programs and workshops to integrate visitors into the beauty and particularities of the Cloud Forest in this region. Visitors and volunteers can participate in guided tours through the center and admire waterfalls, local wildlife and rare plants. Additionally, the Refuge Center facilitates natural history workshops, local art projects with themes like conservation, as well as free classes about biodiversity, ecosystems, etc. Scientists from all over the world come to the center to perform landmark studies on local plants and animals.

Source: Google Maps

One time registration fee 75 USD.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals / day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Orientation kit
• Local support
• 24h-Emergency Number
• Volunteer Work Placement
• Certificate of participation

• Flight
• Airport pick-up
• Medical Insurance
• Visa (if necesary)
• Local Travels