Beaches, Volcanoes + Building in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Arenal,  La Fortuna

Description: Tired of returning home from your relaxing" beach holiday feeling lethargic? Why not take four weeks away and return home feeling energized? Spend the first two weeks in scenic San Ramon helping to build homes for families in need. Flex those arm muscles as you help in a variety of activities which may include mixing cement, painting, and clearing the foundations. Then it's off to La Fortuna for a hike at the base of the mesmerizing Arenal volcano. Spend the week strengthening your legs as you explore the stunning small Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. When you get tired, rejuvenate in the natural springs, letting the healing minerals soak into your tired limbs. Next, catch some rays as you hit the relaxed beach town of Montezuma. Explore the surrounding forests in search of monkeys, butterflies and geckos. After four weeks, you are sure to feeler stronger, happier and full of life!

*Project details:
Our building projects in Costa Rica work with The Fundacion para la Vivienda Rural Costa Rica-Canada. 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 Fundacion 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 fulfill 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. After being picked up at the airport you'll spend the night in Alajuela, a small city close to the capital, San Jose.

*Day 2: Orientation
Today you will have an orientation on life in Costa Rica and the building project. Meet other travellers and start making plans for how to spend your first weekend on Costa Rica.

*Day 3 to 6: San Ramon building project
Travel to San Ramon and start building away! You will spend the next few days engaged in a variety of jobs. You could be involved in 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 to 8: A much needed rest
You have the weekend free to spend however you please. You may want to go on a jungle canopy tour, explore the town or simply relax with your host family. This is great chance to practice your Spanish and learn about the Tico way of life.

*Day 9 to 13: Building project
This week you will spend toiling around the building site. You will have the evenings free to chat with your host family, explore the local town or catch up on your reading.

*Day 14: Travel to La Fortuna
Today you will make your way to the lovely town of La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal volcano. You will take public transport but will be accompanied by an i-to-i staff member so no need to worry about getting off at the wrong stop!

*Day 15 to 20: La Fortuna
You have the next few days free to fill with hikes, shopping or conversations with friendly strangers over cups of deliciously fresh Costa Rican coffee in one of the countries most popular towns. The volcano dominates everything around and the experience of staying here is one not to be missed. The hot springs are a must, whether it be a relaxing with a cool drink in the hot mineral pools as you watch the red hot lava and steam emerge slowly from the peak of the Arenal volcano or dancing away at the hot springs disco!

*Day 21: Montezuma
Today you will take a private shuttle to Montezuma and an i-to-i representative will be there to meet you and show you around. Welcome to the beach! Enjoy Montezuma, a cool beach town with plenty of shops and cafes to keep anyone happy.

*Day 22 to 27: Chillin' in Montezuma
Stay in town or explore your surroundings. The nearby forest is an ideal setting for midday walks and if you're lucky you may even spot a sloth or two. Escape the midday sun by keeping the palm trees company or go for a swim in the clear, warm waters.

*Day 28: Back to Alajuela
Tonight is your final night. An i-to-i staff member will visit you to hear all about the exciting adventures you've been having over the past few weeks. Say goodbye to new friends and this magical country.

*Day 29: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport in time to board your flight home or onto your next adventure.

Highlights:
* Helping to give underprivileged Costa Rican families the homes they deserve
* Relaxing on the golden shores of Montezuma beach
* Watching red hot lava meander down the peak of Arenal volcano
* Enjoy the friendly and relaxing Costa Rican lifestyle

Cost in US$: USD 2,635.00 for 4 weeks

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994