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IVHQ Eco-Agriculture Program in San Jose, Costa Rica

by: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Join the Eco-Agriculture program in San José, Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ and help support sustainable farming and community agriculture initiatives in and around the city. Volunteers assist with planting, harvesting, gardening, composting, farm maintenance, and environmental education projects designed to promote sustainable living and food security. This placement is an excellent fit for anyone interested in environmental stewardship, sustainable development, or agriculture, including gap-year travellers, students, or anyone seeking a hands-on volunteer experience abroad. Your hosted experience includes airport pick-up, a full orientation, accommodation in a volunteer house or homestay depending on placement, two meals daily, and 24/7 support from the local team. Before you depart you will also receive guidance from your IVHQ Program Manager along with access to training tools to help you feel prepared. Programs begin every Monday. Volunteers join an international community and have time to explore Costa Rica’s vibrant culture, city life, and nearby natural landscapes while contributing meaningfully to sustainable agriculture and community wellbeing.

Program Highlights

Duration from 2 to 24 weeks.

Includes airport pick-up in San José, orientation, homestay accommodation with a local farming family, meals, and 24/7 in-country support.

Volunteer up to 6 hours per day on a coffee farm in Costa Rica’s Central Highlands helping with tasks such as harvesting, roasting and packaging coffee beans, composting, and replanting farmland.

Work supports sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation efforts while respecting local farming traditions.

Opportunity to learn about coffee production, develop sustainable farming skills, practise Spanish, and immerse yourself in Costa Rican rural culture and scenery.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Archaeology
  • Climbing
  • Eco Tours
  • Geology
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Hiking
  • Homestay
  • Rafting
  • Rainforest Tours
  • River Kayaking
  • Tours
Causes:
  • Agriculture
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Environment
  • Reforestation
  • Tree Planting
Types:
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
  • Kiwi
  • All Nationalities
  • Asian
  • British
  • Irish
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 20252025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022Zero CarbonNotable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Archaeology
  • Climbing
  • Eco Tours
  • Geology
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Hiking
  • Homestay
  • Rafting
  • Rainforest Tours
  • River Kayaking
  • Tours
  • Causes
  • Agriculture
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Environment
  • Reforestation
  • Tree Planting
  • Types
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does the Eco-Agriculture Conservation program involve?

    The Eco-Agriculture Conservation program in Costa Rica with IVHQ involves working on a coffee farm in the Central Highlands where you help implement sustainable farming practices and support local production.

    * Based in the Central Highlands near San José.
    * Tasks include harvesting, roasting and packaging coffee beans.
    * Focuses on sustainable farming methods and permaculture.

    What are the start dates and minimum duration for the program?

    The Eco-Agriculture Conservation program with IVHQ in Costa Rica begins every Monday and has a minimum duration of two weeks.

    * Start dates every Monday.
    * Volunteers stay at least two weeks.
    * Duration options extend beyond minimum.

    What are the age and eligibility requirements for the program?

    Volunteers must be aged 18 or older on their start date for the Eco-Agriculture Conservation program in Costa Rica and those under 18 need parental consent.

    * Minimum age 18 years old.
    * Under 16 must volunteer with parent or guardian.
    * Over 18 must provide criminal background check.

    What accommodation and support options are included in the program?

    The Eco-Agriculture Conservation program in Costa Rica includes your first night in San José, bus transport to the farm, orientation and support from the local IVHQ team.

    * First night accommodation in San José included.
    * Bus transport to placement included.
    * Orientation and in-country support provided.

    What tasks will you do day-to-day in the Eco-Agriculture program?

     As a volunteer in the Eco-Agriculture Conservation program in Costa Rica you will assist with coffee production, composting, re-planting and other farm maintenance activities depending on season.

    * Harvesting coffee beans and roasting them.
    * Composting and re-planting trees.
    * Farm maintenance and preparing planting grounds.

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    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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    Ready to Learn More?

    Join the Eco-Agriculture program in San José, Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ and help support sustainable farming and community agriculture initiatives in and around the city. Volunteers assist with planting, harvesting, gardening, composting, farm maintenance, and environmental education projects designed to promote sustainable living and food security. This placement is an excellent fit for anyone interested in environmental stewardship, sustainable development, or agriculture, including gap-year travellers, students, or anyone seeking a hands-on volunteer experience abroad. Your hosted experience includes airport pick-up, a full orientation, accommodation in a volunteer house or homestay depending on placement, two meals daily, and 24/7 support from the local team. Before y...

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