Volunteer Programs in Atenas, Costa Rica

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants to experience Costa Rica while contributing meaningfully to the community. Volunteers can choose from various projects, including teaching, orphanage assistance, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, and community development. World Endeavors volunteers live in Atenas, a small, relatively prosperous farming town in the central highlands of Costa Rica where coffee, sugarcane, and fruit are grown. Life here revolves around family and community, and the nightlife consists mostly of family gatherings, barbecues, and shared meals. Residents can often be found browsing the colorful farmer’s market for fresh produce, enjoying a cup of local coffee at a café, or strolling in the park in the city center. Atenas is renowned for its climate, which keeps the city warm in the daytime and cool at night. Public pools and hiking trails make Atenas an appealing destination for those who wish to spend time outdoors, and the town’s location, less than an hour from the capital of San José and the international airport, makes it easily accessible for arriving volunteers.

Join GCAC in Costa Rica and experience service, learning, and the vibrant spirit of Pura Vida in one of Latin America’s most biodiverse regions. This immersive program combines meaningful volunteer work with exploration and cultural connection. Your primary service project will take place at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, where you’ll support wildlife rehabilitation and rescue efforts. The work is hands-on and impactful, contributing directly to animal welfare and environmental care. Outside of volunteering, you’ll explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty—relaxing on beaches, hiking through lush jungles, and swimming beneath waterfalls. These adventures are part of the experience and help deepen your understanding of the country’s culture and environment. Participants can also take or audit a self-paced online course, Global Service-Learning and Citizenship, which offers insight into global and local issues. The course is available for transferable college credit and supports GCAC’s mission to develop globally aware, service-driven leaders.