What makes the Costa Rica Community Service Adventure Special?
Many of the students say the part that they will remember the most will be their interactions with the locals from the villages that we visit and the smiles from the school children in the communities in which we volunteer. We’ve designed this adventure so you gain 60 hours of community service along with some amazing activities such as whitewater rafting, tree climbing, and surfing. It is a perfect balance of adventure and service.
What kind of service work can I expect to perform?
We will be performing a variety of service projects on our trip. Each year the service projects vary depending on the need that is expressed in the communities that we visit. In past years we have worked with the local school and the school children in the Savegre Valley. We have also restored and constructed a trail to a waterfall in this beautiful valley. We work with Ecology Project International to help scientists collect and record data on nesting seaturtles. We have assisted the Puerto Jimmenez high school in their efforts to increase environmental awareness and built housing for their teachers. In addition, we have provided much needed beach clean-up during our sea kayaking trips. We feel strongly about providing assistance which is truly beneficial to the communities we visit. The projects that we collaborate on with the locals need to be worthwhile, lasting and impactful.
Do I need a passport?
All students traveling internationally with Wilderness Ventures must have a valid passport. If you do not already have a passport, we recommend you begin the application process as soon as you begin enrolling in your international WV trip. It normally takes six weeks to get a passport
Can my family meet me after my trip is over?
Yes. Each year, many families choose our international destinations as spots for family vacations. If you would like to meet your family after your trip is over, meeting times and places can be arranged through the WV office.
Do I need to know Spanish?
No. All of your Wilderness Ventures leaders will be fluent in Spanish and the local Costa Rican guides will be bilingual. When we travel through the small towns in between activities, locals will love to talk with you as well.
Will I get to learn any Spanish?
Plenty. Weather you're fluent, have some knowledge of Spanish or are starting from scratch, you'll have plenty of opportunity to learn, practice and challenge your language skills on this adventure. We'll also start our adventure with a day of fun language and Cultural instruction.
How safe is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has been the most politically stable country in Central America for many years. Unlike many other countries in the region, Costa Rica has enjoyed over one hundred years of democracy. Throughout the country, you will encounter Costa Ricans who are committed to keeping their country a safe place. During each activity, we will work with local guides who know the areas extremely well.
Will we see a lot of wildlife in Costa Rica?
People travel from around the world to see a tremendous amount of wildlife in Costa Rica. The ecosystem is home to over a half a million plants and animal species. Amazingly, that figure represents 5% of the species that exist on this planet. We will see large number of birds and butterflies. Costa Rica, which is roughly the size of West Virginia, has more butterflies than the entire United States and almost as many bird species than in all of North America. Each year, our groups also encounter lots of howler monkeys and perhaps even a black panther.
Is it easy to get to Costa Rica?
Yes. There are direct flights to San Jose from Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and the New York City area. Students have the option to fly with the Wilderness Ventures leaders from Miami in United States or meet our leaders in San Jose. We'll have leaders waiting for you in both locations. Please call our office so we can relay those travel specifics to you.
Will I always have access to a shower?
Yes, for the most part. There will be a few days (i.e. while hiking in the Corcovado or sea kayaking on the Golfo Dulce) where shower access is limited. Other than that, you will have access to running water and warm showers for the majority of the trip. You can also expect to swim frequently.
Will I get to see a Sea Turtle?
Yes! All of our groups in recent years have seen numerous turtles while volunteering in Costa Rica. Much of the volunteer work includes collecting data on nesting sea turtles, which is used in worldwide studies on sea turtle migration. The private beaches where we conduct our research are secluded and notorious for sea turtle nesting.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the weather is a lot like Florida in the summer time. During the day it can be hot, sunny and humid (80’s-90’s). Late afternoons often bring showers, which will cool us off. When we ascend into the high elevation rainforest and cloud forest, the temperature becomes cooler (in the 50’s at night).
Where do we sleep?
We'll sleep in a variety of accommodations: hotels, beach and river bungalows, village lodges, and tents camp while surfing.
What's the time difference between Costa Rica and the US?
During the summer, Costa Rica is on Mountain Standard Time. Therefore, on your trip you will be two hours earlier than New York (Eastern Time), and 1 hour later than San Francisco (Pacific Time).
What will our group eat?
We will eat a mix of local fare and Wilderness Ventures favorites. Rice, beans, and meat are common to many Central American dishes. Whether we are dining at a local restaurant or preparing our own meal, there will always be ample food that is both delicious and nutritious.
