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Costa Rican Jungle Hideaway

Placement number:  0067
Location: Costa Rica 
Preferred Languages: English, Spanish or German
Date: All Year
Minimum Period : 4 weeks

If you're looking for a true tropical, unspoiled jungle environment, where you can explore the ecosystem at your own pace, come up to the northern zone of Costa Rica to our jungle hideaway.

Located approximately 150 km (90 miles) from San José and just 15 km (7 miles) from the Nicaraguan border, the Jungle Hideaway is surrounded by 500 hectares (1,250 acres) of virgin tropical rain forest. At your leisure, you can roam through this tropical paradise alone or with a local guide, on more than ten miles of well maintained foot trails. Red and green poison dart frogs are plentiful, as are all three species of monkeys. Toucans, parrots, caimans, and Jesus Christ Lizards are common sightings, as are an incredible variety of plants and approximately 150 species of trees. In addition, over 350 different species of birds have been recorded, among them the rare Great Green Macaw. There are also small pepper, heart of palms, yucca and pineapple plantations, where you can see typical tropical farming procedures.

The lodge is secluded and cozy, we have 20 double rooms, all of which include hot water and ceiling fans; 18 rooms have private baths. Our open view restaurant features a traditional Costa Rican menu at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The locally grown food ensures tasteful and healthy meals, in addition to the tropical drinks and snacks which are made available throughout the day. The lodges balcony serves as a terrific resting point for viewing the many forest edge birds which so often makes themselves visible, including the raptors and carrion feeders which are now rare in most of Costa Rica.

For your enjoyment we offer:

Canoeing into the jungle on two lagoons

Hiking in the jungle on marked trails

Horseback riding

A boat trip on the San Carlos River to the San Juan River, boarder with Nicaragua

Relaxing on the spacious terraces overlooking the lush tropical country side

We promise you an exiting and unforgettable adventure!

Role of Volunteer

Volunteers are expected to work but also play hard at the lodge.  We mainly would like help  to look after our guests (helping on tours, hosting etc), but some general help would be required. 

All of the staff are from the local villages so we would like volunteers who would interact with the local staff as much as possible to help them improve their languages and confidence around Western people.

Cost

Volunteers are given complimentary food and accommodation while staying at the lodge.  Plus the lodge offer an additional US$75 per month for pockect money. 

Travel

We will pick up volunteers from the international airport in San Jose.  The lodge is then a 4 hour drive from the airport.

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