Destinations | Costa Rica


When you come to Costa Rica with EcoTeach, your visit may include stops at these destinations and projects:


Sea Turtle Projects at Parismina and Estacion Las Tortugas
Perhaps you’ve seen endangered animals in zoos, but how often have you encountered one in the wild…and had a chance to save it?  At Parismina and Las Tortugas, you’ll help a team of local experts conduct population studies, tag turtles, transplant eggs to protected areas, or release hatchlings into the ocean.  During the day you may help build hatcheries or clear the beach of debris to make it easy for turtles to nest.  At night, you’ll patrol the beaches, discouraging potential poachers.  With any luck you may chance upon one of these reptilian giants climbing ashore to nest, struggling to continue a species that has changed little in 150 million years.  For many visitors, this is a life-changing experience.


Puerto Viejo & the BriBri
One of few remaining indigenous people of Costa Rica, the BriBri practice non-invasive agriculture within their protected mountainous rainforest at the very south of the country – a place reached only after a rugged hike.  EcoTeach travelers are the only group of foreigners invited to meet these fascinating people at Namu Wakir and learn about the history, culture and way of life – one that lives in harmony with the splendor of their natural surroundings. 


Cerro de la Muerte
One of the highest points in Costa Rica, this lush cloud forest is teeming with life and is home to an astonishing array of biological diversity.  You’ll learn about the hardy paramo ecosystem found only in high elevations, tour a coffee co-op, hike through the cloud forest, and perhaps glimpse the famed Resplendent Quetzal bird. 


Arenal Volcano
Staying at the base of this spectacular volcano, you’ll hike to a majestic waterfall and swim in its refreshing pools, visit an organic farm that’s full of surprises and, with luck, witness one of the small daily eruptions, and see lava coursing down the side of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. 


Pital Farmstays & Reforestation Project
While Costa Rica claims to have protected more of its native forest than any other country in the world, deforestation still claims more than 200 square miles of pristine forest each year, and illegal logging takes place in many protected areas.  At Pital, you’ll work with locals who are committed to protecting the forests, participating in reforesting efforts and spending the night with a local family.    


Rio Frio Farm Stays
At Rio Frio you’ll spend a night or two with a local farm family.  You’ll help with the milking and other chores, then perhaps relax with a swim in the river or explore the farm. 


Punta Leona
Home to a small coral reef, seaside rainforests and pristine beaches, Punta Leona is a place to explore and relax.  You’ll swim, snorkel and boogie board in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, visit a macaw project dedicated to growing the scarlet macaw population, and see – from a distance – some of the largest crocodiles in Costa Rica.