Take A Sustainable Vacation Or Volunteer In Biodiverse Costa Rica

Costa Rica (Rich Coast) is among the most beautiful countries in Central America and is also one of the most biodiverse in the world. As the country makes efforts to protect its nature and wildlife, it makes it a truly gorgeous vacation destination. Read on to find out more about what the country has to offer and what you can do to help the country protect its green infrastructure.

Volunteering in Costa Rica

For those with sustainable travel on their minds, Costa Rica is a perfect destination to hike rainforests, go white-water rafting and enjoy other adventure sports. One way to do this is by taking a volunteer trip to the Pacific Coast.

Being a volunteer will introduce travelers to many attractions, including the Monteverde Rainforest and Arenal Volcano. Along the way, work with local volunteers, while visiting residents of remote areas. Moreover, volunteers get involved in preserving the wonderful wildlife of Costa Rica, including its famous turtles, sloths and more. Find out more information about volunteering in the country here.

View the wildlife

Costa Rica offers an almost endless variety of animal, bird and insect species. Just imagine hiking through the rainforest and watching the cartoon-like keel-billed toucans and colorful scarlet macaws watching you back. One cute and funny resident of the forests is the sloth, which will suddenly peer around the trunk of a tree, gazing in interest. Meanwhile, troops of white-faced capuchins or howler monkeys climb the trees.

The offshore adventure includes watching the dolphins, sharks and whales, or scuba diving to see the hundreds of colorful tropical fish swimming in the clear water. Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s coastlines are home to many important nesting beaches for four sea turtle species, the Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles. As a volunteer, visitors can get involved in conservation projects to help preserve these endangered creatures.

One place to do so is the Osa Peninsula, with its Olive Ridleys and green turtles, or the Las Tortugas Research Station in the south of Tortuguero, on the northern Caribbean coast.

Costa Rica and adventure sports

While in the Central American country, experience its many adventure sports in Costa Rica’s National Parks. Travelers can experience canopy ziplining in the cloud forest or rainforest, or head to the beach to surf the waves.

Meanwhile, taking a hike up a volcano offers amazing views across the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, try white-water rafting on the country’s raging rivers.

‘Pura vida’ in Costa Rica

Whatever you choose to do while in the Central American country, make sure you experience the “pura vida,” or pure life. According to research, Costa Ricans tend to live much longer and healthier lives than those living in developed, stress-filled countries. Meanwhile, the concept includes eating well, caring for the surrounding environment and ensuring there is time to relax.

Visit or volunteer in Costa Rica this year and take some “pura vida” home with you at the end of your visit.