Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
17 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
69
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are in need of short term 4 weeks butterfly guides. Live and learn with butterflies and show tourists how wonderful insects are.
**We are only considering fully vaccinated applicants**
We are an educational facility that has been operating for over 25 years. As one of the first tourist attractions in Monteverde we have a long standing reputation for excellent tours and beautiful gardens.
This opportunity will give you the chance to experience Butterfly husbandry. Much plant care and watering goes into keeping butterflies happy. If you would like to get dirty in Costa Rica surrounded by beautiful bugs, then this is your place!
Our volunteer facilities are 100% off grid and strive to be as sustainable as possible, come ready to abandon creature comforts for the creatures!
We do not usually take couples or friends
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Interns will work and live in monteverde Costa Rica with many lovely options to hike and see wildlife.
You can also converse with Spanish speaking staff.
You will also work along side our Science Education Interns and are welcome to dive in and learn about entomology and science education
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Two week Minimum*
**We are only taking volunteers who are fully vaccinated. We ask that you show proof when applying. Thanks for your understanding**
GARDENS VOLUNTEERS will be- digging, planting, caring for plants and butterflies, cleaning, sweeping, raking, developing sustainable programs, cooking for volunteers, gardening, weeding, construction, chicken care, etc... task allocation will depend on skills.
CHILD CARE VOLUNTEER- The gardens is also home to Bryna and David's 4 year old Rook. If you enjoy child care, please mention this in your application. We are looking for help with childcare. He is an outgoing and inquisitive child who loves to help at the gardens, play at the park, and do science experiments!
SUSTAINABILITY VOLUNTEER- In addition to our regular volunteers we are also looking for someone who could stay longer 2+ months and with some of our sustainability projects. We currently collect kitchen waste from a restaurant in town and compost it. We also have a composting toilet, solar power and a small veggie garden. We are looking for someone to help maintain the existing and help us with some new projects. Some of or our future goals include a grey water system, more vegetable gardens, a food forest, and an earthen oven. The ideal person has some experience in a few of the above.
SCIENCE EDUCATION INTERN- 10 week intensive entomology internship at our gardens. This program is not offered through workaway due to the work load. Please contact us if you want more details.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Volunteers live in eco bunkhouse or a tent. Our off grid ecohouse is run by a small solar panel, there is no electricity.
Breakfast is made by each individual with fruit and oats as well as eggs and pancake mix.
Lunch and dinner are made for the group most days. Basic Costa Rican staples are provided, rice, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, flour, corn flour, eggs, oats, seasonings.
Things like Peanut butter Meat bread and cheese are not provided, but can be purchased at local stores by volunteers if they need more than we provide.
What else ...
This is an amazing opportunity to experience Costa Rican cloudforest and learn all about insects and gardening!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 586529643841
Feedback (35)
6 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel )
Rachel is wonderful. Hardworking, lots of skills, interesting and more. She was great to have and I hope we see her again.
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rachel ) for host
really amazing experience getting to join the crew for a couple of weeks. the environment is relaxing, the people are available to eat together, play music, chill, hike, or also respectful of your time and space outside of agreed upon working hours. so glad I landed here and looking forward to future projects with the host!
3 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosa)
Rosa is great! She worked hard. Everyone liked her and misses her. Thanks!
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rosa) for host
I stayed 3 weeks and had a hard time leaving all the amazing co workers, interns, the gorgeous garden and beautiful bugs.
You work 5 hours a day 5 days a week, in company with your fellow workawayer and the sweetest gardener Daniel and once a week you make lunch for the whole team.
There is a lot of different people to connect with, all with the… read more
You work 5 hours a day 5 days a week, in company with your fellow workawayer and the sweetest gardener Daniel and once a week you make lunch for the whole team.
There is a lot of different people to connect with, all with the… read more
24 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jake & Agota)
Jake and ags were great. They both worked hard and went above and beyond. Thanks so much
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.4)
Communication:
(4.9)
6 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel )
Rachel is wonderful. Hardworking, lots of skills, interesting and more. She was great to have and I hope we see her again.
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rachel ) for host
really amazing experience getting to join the crew for a couple of weeks. the environment is relaxing, the people are available to eat together, play music, chill, hike, or also respectful of your time and space outside of agreed upon working hours. so glad I landed here and looking forward to future projects with the host!
3 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosa)
Rosa is great! She worked hard. Everyone liked her and misses her. Thanks!
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rosa) for host
I stayed 3 weeks and had a hard time leaving all the amazing co workers, interns, the gorgeous garden and beautiful bugs.
You work 5 hours a day 5 days a week, in company with your fellow workawayer and the sweetest gardener Daniel and once a week you make lunch for the whole team.
There is a lot of different people to connect with, all with the… read more
You work 5 hours a day 5 days a week, in company with your fellow workawayer and the sweetest gardener Daniel and once a week you make lunch for the whole team.
There is a lot of different people to connect with, all with the… read more
24 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jake & Agota)
Jake and ags were great. They both worked hard and went above and beyond. Thanks so much
(Excellent
)
22 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie)
Katie is wonderful. She fit right in and was helpful in so many ways. Thanks!
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Katie) for host
I spent just over 8 weeks at the gardens (4 more than planned) and loved every minute and really hope to be back soon! The place is beautiful and the atmosphere with the other volunteers and staff was one of real community and one to be cherished. The work was never dull and i loved being outside and getting stronger, especially the composting!… read more
9 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sherri)
Sheri is great! She works hard and is friendly. Everyone was sad to see her gom
(Excellent
)
8 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
As a first-time workawayer, I'm so grateful I was able to join this team! I couldn't have asked for a better experience. David, Bryna, the rest of the staff, and the other interns all shared a wonderfully helpful, hardworking, and positive attitude that created a really good overall experience.
For two weeks I lived in the Casita, a lovely little… read more
For two weeks I lived in the Casita, a lovely little… read more
13 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Meagan) for host
Staying at the gardens for 5 weeks was an incredible experience. I am so grateful that this was my first workaway! I felt really welcomed and I loved the sense of community that was present with everyone there. We all cooked and ate meals together, and would play cards and such after dinner. I split my time between childcare and garden work. Rook,… read more
14 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Joseph) for host
Working at the gardens was a great experience. Though I had to leave early because of a death in the family, I was so glad I got to spend time here. David and Bryna are friendly and accomodating. The blue morpho butterflies are breathtaking and you are literally inside the Costa Rican cloud rainforest, a walk away from night tours and all that… read more
10 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sarita) for host
Being my first workaway experience, I didn't quite know what to expect but I'm sure I won't find many better.
David, Bryna and the whole butterfly team are welcoming, fun and supportive.
I'd highly recommend the gardens as a positive environment, place to learn a lot about Costa Rican bugs, and to explore beautiful Monteverde.
I felt the… read more
David, Bryna and the whole butterfly team are welcoming, fun and supportive.
I'd highly recommend the gardens as a positive environment, place to learn a lot about Costa Rican bugs, and to explore beautiful Monteverde.
I felt the… read more
11 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Alexandra) for host
This was my first work away experience and I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint. Both me and my cousin volunteer at the gardens. David our host was friendly and helpful. The work isn’t too bad and you usually have a schedule to follow. Morning starts by sweeping the trails and whatever project is assigned to you. Each volunteer has an assigned day… read more
16 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lily) for host
This was my very first workaway and it was such a great experience! Monteverde is one of the most beautiful places Iv'e visited and it was wonderful to be tucked into the cloud forrest. The workaway itself had very clear tasks for their volunteers and I enjoyed the planting, cooking, composting, watering and hanging out with the butterflies. They… read more
9 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Clypto)
Clypto is the best. She worked hard and was fun to hang out with. She shoveled compost, took care of so many plants, and much more. I hope she comes back.
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Clypto) for host
I worked here for ~2.5 months and would have happily spent more time there. I found the casita very comfortable though you should not be too alarmed by the occasional scorpion. ;) David is very energetic and always has lots of ideas for projects. I always felt like there was enough to do, yet I never felt overburdened. Monteverde is a lovely place… read more
24 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nava) for host
The month I spent at the MBG flew by. I split my time between childcare and gardening. I had a blast, especially with the energetic kiddo. Met some great people, learned so much about bugs and butterflies, and got to hang out with a ton of baby bunnies. I slept in the Casita across the street which was pretty comfortable, with a solar powered… read more
22 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nava)
Nava is wonderful. She was great with my 4 year old. She worked hard in the garden and did more than her share in the kitchen. We were all sad to see her go. Thanks Nava!
(Excellent
)
24 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alison) for host
Arriving here as my first Workaway experience was very supportive and diverse. My host- David- was sincerely wonderful, helpful, supportive and generous. Without him I would probably not have gotten through the experience as easy. The work at the gardens was diverse and fun! I like to start my own projects and take charge of things on my own so… read more
10 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Alison)
Alison is great. She worked hard and is super friendly. She can work independently and takes care to finish any jobs she starts. She was a great part of the team. We miss you. Thank you.
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Chrystelle & Nathanaël) for host
Our experience here was our first Workaway experience. We think that's the perfect place for a first experience. We really enjoy our time there. It is sometimes like a fary tale with all the butterflies ;) Be prepared to see a lot of insects even in your room but it's a beautiful way to learn to like them. Nathanaël hated bugs and insects before… read more
3 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Brenely)
Brenely is a hard worker and a mature, responsible person. She got a lot of work done and cooked some amazing meals! She respected our facility and followed all direction. Unfortunately she was not able to stay as long as we would have liked, but we really appreciated the work she did while she was with us!
(Excellent
)
3 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Helene Haulund)
Helene is everything you hope for in a volunteer and more! She was an incredibly hard worker, took initiative and needed little direction. She was up to any challenge and made the team work harder by setting an impressive example. Her smile and laugh and contagious and her no nonsense approach to getting work done made the MBG happier and more… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Margo)
Margo is a team player and a hard worker! Her dedication and outgoing personality lead the team to work harder and connect more. We would highly recommend Margo, and hope to see her again!
(Excellent
)
14 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host
I was living with a local family and taking Spanish classes in the mornings, so I would spend 2-3 afternoons for a few weeks volunteering at the butterfly garden. What a wonderful place it is! Things got a little slow for them over the pandemic so there was much to do in terms of maintaining the plants and garden areas. David was so easy to… read more
12 May 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex)
Alex was great. He fixed up our solar system and rerouted some water pipes. He worked hard and was fun to hang out with.
(Excellent
)
7 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alex) for host
I had a great time, I spent 2 weeks there in April 2021 and was soon welcomed by both David and Bryna, as well as the other intern working there. We got on very well and the time really flew by. During my time there I worked on their solar system, redid their main plumbing pipes, fixed a bicycle and various other diy jobs. We were provided fresh… read more
27 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Marian) for host
I had an amazing experience volunteering for David and Bryna (and Rook!).
Firstly, in these crazy times of a global pandemic, I was so impressed that David reached out to me and kept our communication open in early March. We’d already had an agreement that I’d come as a Workawayer in late March for 3 weeks, but with the crisis worsening David… read more
Firstly, in these crazy times of a global pandemic, I was so impressed that David reached out to me and kept our communication open in early March. We’d already had an agreement that I’d come as a Workawayer in late March for 3 weeks, but with the crisis worsening David… read more
20 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Kimberly)
Kim stepped up and helped us a lot when we needed. She learned quickly and was always positive. Thanks again for saving us.
(Excellent
)
20 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Kimberly) for host
My experience here at the butterfly gardens was unique and wonderful. Everyone who works here is so passionate about what they do as well as extremely knowledgeable about all of the creatures you could imagine~ especially the insects, flora, and fauna of Monteverde and Costa Rica. I learned so much and feel very inspired, and was very sad to be… read more
20 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Marijn & Isis)
these two are great. I am even now weeks after they left feeling grateful they helped us. We are about to harvest some of the vegetables they planted for us and are planting in the herb garden Isis made for us.
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Racheal)
Racheal was great. She stayed at the garden for the first visit and then at our house for the second. She works hard and is easy to get along with. Thanks again!
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (verdantrogue)
Roo was great to have. She was lots of fun. But, she also worked hard. She took her work seriously and was a big help. Thanks again Roo!
(Excellent
)
23 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (verdantrogue) for host
I spent two weeks in Monteverde with the butterfly garden crew, and felt right at home. The team of interns and Workawayers are a tight-knit crew, making it that much more of an enjoyable stay there. There's always lots of delicious healthy food, lots of stuff to do around Monteverde once your shift is over, and skills to be learnt! The gardens… read more
29 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Federica)
Federica was great. She has lots of energy and worked as hard as anyone. She was also great to have around. We miss her. Don't be afraid of her age or you will miss out.
(Excellent
)
29 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mikaela) for host
David and Brina are truly amazing! They welcomed me in with open arms and taught me so much! They have created an amazing space for volunteers and they have set there program up in a way that you know what you are doing and when. They were more than generous with food and we cooked as a group almost every night. Joe and the team working at the… read more
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mikaela)
Mikaela is secretly wonder woman! hardworking, flexible, funny, kind. We had her as a workaway at the gardens and she agreed to stay on after at our home to help with our toddler. after just two weeks we don't know what to do without her! she spreads joy everywhere she goes. don't miss this opportunity.
(Excellent
)
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Margaret)
Margret is a fairy. She uplifts everyone she comes in contact with while busting butt and setting the pace. We were all sad to see her go. she was really a fantastic help
(Excellent
)
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Nicolas)
We were so thankful to have these two amazing, gifted, hardworking people helping us for a week! We hope they comeback! very flexible and versatile i am sure they would find a way to be helpful on any project! highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
21 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Laura & Nicolas) for host
We were able to stay there for 5 days, after a cancellation of one of their workawayers. It was an amazing experience. I painted the windows (to avoid birds crashing into it) while nico did some maintenance. The team is lovely, and you can practise a few languages there ! (French english spanish). You can also learn a lot about insects. I would… read more
27 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)
No show
(No show)
13 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Oscar)
Oscar was a great help. He worked hard and was respectful. Everyone liked his cooking. Sign him up if you can.
(Excellent
)
8 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Oscar) for host
I stayed at the gardens for 2 weeks, David and Bryna are great hosts, The gardens are incredible beautiful and so full of life.
I Helped out with watering the plants and cooking lunch, I had a blast doing it, there is always something to do or to see in Monteverde, so If it's not on your list you should definitely add it!
There are a lot of great… read more
I Helped out with watering the plants and cooking lunch, I had a blast doing it, there is always something to do or to see in Monteverde, so If it's not on your list you should definitely add it!
There are a lot of great… read more
15 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Wouter) for host
My time at the butterfly gardens was a profound experience. And I'm not even kidding! The time spend with the people there absolutely changed my view on our littlest of brethren, the insects. I have loved nature all my life but never really paid much attention to those 'creepy crawlers'. Since I was so fortunate to spend time at the gardens and… read more
30 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Natascha) for host
Thank you so much this was an amazing experience. I learned many new skills and made great friends
24 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Frida Sophie) for host
I was able to fill a gap in between two workawayers at the butterfly garden for five days. The work is relaxed -I did some gardening and cleaning in the beautiful butterfly gardens and cooked lunch for the other workers. It is a beautiful quiet place with an awesome view and so many things to explore close-by.
18 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Christina) for host
For my first workaway experience, I could not have hoped for a better place. Bryna and David are really nice and fun people. I enjoyed the work and learned a lot, most of all, to appriciate animals I did not much care about bevore. The interns made my stay really special. They were a fun, enthusiastic and warm group.
10 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pedro & Ana) for host
We stayed here for 1 month and it was an amazing experience! We learned a lot about all kinds of insects and other animals of Costa Rica, which made us further appreciate our time there. Bryna, David and Roberto were very helpful and taught us a lot, not only about bugs, but also gardening and what it takes to have a place like that running so… read more
9 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maurice) for host
I stayed at the Gardens for 2 months and had an incredible time there. Bryna and David are amazing hosts and they try to help you with everything they can. During your stay you have the opportunity to learn so much about insects&butterflies and all the other animals which we have in Costa Rica. In your free time you can explore the area by… read more
14 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Oda)
We miss you! Thanks for all your hard work! Come back any time!
(Excellent
)
14 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Oda) for host
Had a great time working in the Butterfly Garden. My main jobs were gardening and making lunch.
Bryna, David and the volunteers were super welcoming and friendly.
Would definitely recommend :)
Bryna, David and the volunteers were super welcoming and friendly.
Would definitely recommend :)
14 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Crystal) for host
Bryna and David were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and very considerate hosts! We enjoyed our time yo their on the mountain with the current team. Look forward to helping them on more projects in the future!
11 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Crystal)
Lovely people! Worked hard, very respectful.
(Excellent
)
11 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Maren)
Very flexible, willing to help with any project. Thank you.
(Excellent
)
11 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alena)
Amazingly positive! Anyone would be lucky to have her. We miss you!
(Excellent
)
17 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Alena) for host
I stayed at the butterfly garden for one week and it was amazing!
I did have to get used to their lifestyle (toilets, room, shower,... all very natural), but I learnt so much there, I am so thankful!
The work tasks are very different, always depends on the day. But even as a not-experienced one, I got to get in touch with butterflies! And I was… read more
I did have to get used to their lifestyle (toilets, room, shower,... all very natural), but I learnt so much there, I am so thankful!
The work tasks are very different, always depends on the day. But even as a not-experienced one, I got to get in touch with butterflies! And I was… read more
11 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ashleigh & Paula)
Super posititive hard worker. Ash found ways to contribute without being asked. Great help
(Excellent
)
2 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ashleigh & Paula) for host
I wasn’t even planning to come to Costa Rica during my travels but I am soooo glad I did. Do this workaway!!!! You will not be disappointed. Bryna and Dave are the most awesome people ever and they have the cutest little boy named Rook who I wanted to adopt by the time I left. The food was all vegetarian and it was all fresh and delicious. The… read more
11 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Erik & Tamara)
Erik and Tamara ended up a lovely surprise at the gardens. They worked very hard and were lovely positive people. Though they were only here for a short time they made an impact.
(Excellent
)
7 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen & Andrew)
Super duper hard working, polite, clean, fun! We were super lucky to snag these two as a last minute work away. They did a load of work and were really nice to hang out with!
(Excellent
)
6 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (ZELTIA) for host
Spent 3 weeks working at the butterfly gardens and loved it, main tasks were taking care of gardens and cooking. Everyone there is super friendly, the place is surrounded by beautiful forest and I found myself at home from day one. Would definitely come back. Great place to learn about butterflies and other wildlife too.
21 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Max)
Max is great. He is super helpful and worked hard. He never said no to any job. We trusted him with our business. We are already trying to plan for his return.
(Excellent
)
6 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Laurent)
Laurent is incredibly skilled and very helpful! thanks, we hope to see you on the mountain again sometime!
(Excellent
)
6 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina )
Kat is extremely caring, and very hard working. She always worked extra hard and took great care of her fellow volunteers.
(Excellent
)
17 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nardina) for host
I had a great first workaway experience here. Although I only stayed a short time, I enjoyed the atmosphere & being able to learn something new each day. Watering the gardens, helping w/ compost, & cooking for the staff . David was enthusiastic about teaching the volunteers how to do things. The other volunteers were welcoming and helpful & made… read more
14 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nardina)
What a fantastic help! Thankyou for turning compost and playing with pigs. We are so thankful yOu came to help us
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maddy) for host
What an awesome week I had at the gardens! Bryna and David are absolutely lovely hosts and are ridiculously welcoming, they make you feel like part of their little Monteverde family. The gardens are beautiful and so unique, making the work especially interesting! Add that to the tons of things to explore in the area, abundant wildlife, lovely… read more
3 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Maddy)
Maddy is a hard worker and a pleasure to be around. She increased productivity and morale! We miss her already and can’t wait rien her to come back!
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jeanne & Jeff) for host
Info notice: Exchange was cancelled at last minute
