Beaches of Montezuma + Building in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Ramon

Description: How does 30% work / 70% play sound? On this fantastic two week adventure you will spend a few days working hard helping to build homes for Costa Rican families in need. The rest of your time is reserved for sun, sand and living life the Costa Rican way. Rise when your body tells you its right and let the day unfold naturally. Go for a swim, take a hike through the forest or find a hammock to call your own.

Project details:
Our building projects in Costa Rica work with The Fundación para la Vivienda Rural Costa Rica-Canadá. This foundation was established in 1989, when the Costa Rican - Canadian Rural Housing Programme, was founded thanks to a contribution from the Canadian Government. The people from Fundación have become specialised in rural housing and they operate with a network of rural organisations, which are responsible for proposing families for a house, helping them fulfil the established requirements and collecting the monthly loan payments. Therefore, it is not a charity giving away homes but a foundation. Each project is a cooperative effort incorporating the home recipient, volunteers from inside and outside the immediate community and the foundation. The labour contributed by homeowners and volunteers, which we call "sweat equity", keeps house costs affordable.

*Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica. You'll be picked up and the airport and tonight you will stay in Alajuela, a small friendly city close to the capital, San Jose.

*Day 2: Orientation
In the morning you will meet the i-to-i team and have an orientation on life in Costa Rica and the building project.

*Day 3: San Ramon building project
Today you will travel to San Ramon and meet the family who you'll live with for the next few days. Settle into this lovely community and really immerse yourself in the local way of life. You will jump right into helping at the building project this afternoon and over the next few days you will be involved in a variety of jobs.

*Day 4 to 6: Building project
You could be helping with building septic tanks, laying floors, digging trenches, helping put on roofs, preparing metal framework for the foundations, mixing cement and concrete and carrying materials to the building site.

*Day 7: Travel to Montezuma
Today you will travel to Montezuma on public transport but not to worry, an i-to-t staff member will be by your side to make sure you know where to get off the bus! After you settle into your hostel you can start exploring this awesome beach paradise.

*Day 8 to 13: Mellow Montezuma
You have the next few days at your mercy. You may choose to fill them with non-stop activities such as forest hikes, surfing, swimming, canopy tours and dancing. Or you can simply let each day evolve organically. Follow a local and see where you end up. Climb a tree or chase a butterfly in the woods. The nearby forest is an ideal setting for midday walks and if your'e lucky you may even spot a sloth or two.

*Day 14: Back to Alajuela
Sadly you two short weeks are coming to a close. An i-to-i staff member will be on hand to ensure that you have a smooth morning departure.

*Day 15: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport in time to board your flight home or onto your next adventure.

Highlights:
* Soaking up the sun on Costa Rica's stunning beaches
* Working alongside the locals helping to build houses for needy families
* Enjoying the "Pura Vida" way of life!
* Perfect for anyone looking to combine helping a local community with a few days of wonderful relaxation by a beautiful beach

Cost in US$: USD 1,535.00 for 2 weeks

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994