For over 3 decades, CRHF has carried out numerous volunteer programs throughout Costa Rica with the support of thousands of local and international volunteers.
Our volunteer programs are guided by CRHF’s Poverty Reduction Model of Development, which focuses on creating practical, sustainable opportunities for individuals and communities. We work closely with each volunteer to identify the needs of the community, and the program or project that best matches their skills, interests, and motivation.
Our secondary mission is to ensure that volunteers return home with a deeper understanding of Costa Rica, meaningful connections with local communities, and a lasting commitment to service and positive change.
2027 Volunteer Programs
Programs
- –Food Distribution*
- -Community Infrastructure and Housing Development *
- -Healthcare and Health Education
- -Early Childhood & Youth Development & Education*
- -Sports Program*
- -Small Business Support and Capacity Building*
Suggested Donation
Individual Volunteer: $600/month.
Group Volunteer (4 or more people):
$70/day/volunteer
$40/half day/volunteer
Homestay $700/month.
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunity*
Group Volunteer Only**
- – Hüetar*
- – Cabecar*
- – BriBri*
- – Boruca**
- – Terribe**
Suggested Donation:
Individual Volunteer: $600/month
Group Volunteer (4 or more people):
$70/day/volunteer
$40/half day/volunteer
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunity*
Group Volunteer Only**
– Sustainable Education
– Personal Well-Being and Mental Health
– Indigenous Traditional Knowledge
Casa Quetzal Housing:
$25/ day shared room. $50/day private room.
Food not included for individual volunteers.
Suggested Donation:
Individual Volunteer: $600/month
Group Volunteer (4 or more people):
$100 Overnight/Volunteer
$70/day/volunteer
$40/half day/volunteer
Programs
- – Winter 2026 — 2-Week Service, Personal Development & Wellness
- – Winter 2027 — 2-Week Service, Personal Development & Wellness
- – Spring 2027 — 2-Week Service & Adventure
- – Spring 2027 — 2-Week Service, Personal Development & Wellness
- – Summer 2027 — 2-Week Service & Adventure
- – Summer 2027 — 2-Week Service, Personal Development & Wellness
Donation
$2,745 – Includes Activities, Meals, Transport and Lodging Costs.
Programs
- – Health Campaigns – Pre-med, General Medicine, Dental Care, Eye Care
- – Basic Infrastructure – Community Centers, Clinics, Classrooms, Aqueducts, Sidewalks, Drainages, Renovations.
- – Housing – New Builds and Renovations.
- – Yoga Retreat, Service and Spanish Immersion
- – Rural and Coastal Community Development
- – Rural & Coastal Educational Support
- – Corporate Social Responsibility
Please contact us directly via e-mail for more details on these programs. fundacionhumanitariacr@gmail.com
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La Carpio
La Carpio is a community of approximately 30,000 people, many of whom are immigrants from Nicaragua, as well as their children and grandchildren.
Today, a significant portion of CRHF’s resources and volunteer activities is focused on creating better opportunities in education, housing, basic services and infrastructure, health, diet and employment pathways.
Volunteers may support projects that respond to local priorities while working alongside community members and CRHF staff. These experiences provide an opportunity to contribute practical skills, build relationships, and support long-term community development.
Indigenous Communities
CRHF’s work in Indigenous territories began in the late 1970s, when founder and director Gail Nystrom came to Costa Rica with the Peace Corps.
Since then, the Foundation has worked to improve access to basic services, education, health care, and employment opportunities. Over the years, CRHF has helped build clinics, aqueducts, community centers, and schools in Indigenous territories.
Our current volunteer programs focus on health and wellness, education and youth development, cultural recovery and preservation, community-led development initiatives, and environment and sustainable development.
Volunteers work in partnership with local communities, respecting their priorities, knowledge, traditions, and leadership. This program is for experienced independent volunteers who can live in remote areas with minimal living conditions.
Casa Quetzal Retreat and Wellness Center
Casa Quetzal is a conference and retreat initiative that provides a safe and welcoming space where children, students, and families can learn, grow, and access opportunities that strengthen their well-being.
Through educational activities, community support, and meaningful partnerships, Casa Quetzal helps create pathways toward personal development, sustainability, and greater independence.
Volunteer opportunities at Casa Quetzal may include educational programming, youth activities, environmental initiatives, community events, wellness and yoga retreat and support for visiting groups.
This center also serves as the Foundation headquarters, office and volunteer housing.
Spring, Summer and Winter Programs
During major holiday breaks, we offer two-week volunteer programs for groups of up to 10 visitors, combining meaningful service with adventure, cultural experiences, and time to explore Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is renowned as a destination for travel and adventure, and our programs give visitors the opportunity to experience the country while also giving back to local communities. Throughout the two-week program, volunteers explore some of Costa Rica’s natural and cultural highlights while providing essential goods, services, and support to communities in need.
The program begins in the Greater Metropolitan Area, where volunteers participate in service projects while visiting sites such as volcanoes, museums, and historical landmarks. We then travel to the coast and other parts of the country, combining service projects with opportunities to experience beaches, national parks, and other natural wonders along the way. The program concludes in San José with a group debriefing, personal reflection, and wellness activities.
Daily activities are led by professionals and experienced community partners with expertise in their respective fields, helping volunteers make the most of their time and contributions. All program locations and activities are carefully selected and vetted through the Foundation’s decades of experience working with local communities.
Join us for two weeks of service, adventure, cultural discovery, and personal growth—an unforgettable experience in Costa Rica that allows you to explore the country while making a meaningful contribution to the communities you visit.
Customized and Special Programs
Our special programs are carried out in partnership with groups which have specialized skills, bringing visiting volunteers, the Foundation, and local communities together to make a meaningful difference. Volunteers interested in participating in health campaigns, building vital infrastructure, or working in remote communities on specific projects are welcome to join us in addressing important local needs and contributing their skills to projects made possible through international volunteer support.
More Information and Contact
To learn more about these opportunities and how you can get involved, please contact us directly by email or using the phone number listed below. You can also READ MORE HERE.
Email: fundacionhumanitariacr@gmail.com
Telephone Costa Rica: + 011 (506) 8837-5205
