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3 May 2026
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Description
UPDATE:
We have had a very exciting and busy season with our bird project /conservation efforts in the cloud forest of Costa Rica. We still have much to do so we have reopened our posting and are currently seeking 2-3 people wishing to assist us immediately. Depending on the birds we may need help through end of May. Tasks will include trail building and maintenance as well as some research related tasks monitoring our rare bird species and using camera traps for our big cat census. Please read our entire post thoroughly and reach out if you would like to join us. A two week minimum commitment would be ideal.
Thanks,
Sophia
We are an all volunteer private biological reserve located in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica.
Work projects include rare bird observations and data collection for research as well as clearing trails and boundaries from overgrowth and maintenance projects around the research station. Since the reserve is remote with no road access, other task will include occasionally carrying in food and other supplies.
Our Sanctuary is a private reserve created in 2001 for the sole purpose of protecting old growth forest and all that lives there. Located in the mountainous region near the towns of Santa Elana / Monteverde, the sanctuary is not open to the public to ensure the birds, cats, monkeys, sloths and other animals have a peaceful, protected area in which to live and raise young. Spanning 5 eco-zones, the reserve is a safe haven for three species of monkey, 6 species of cat, over 400 species of orchid and hundreds of species of resident and migrating birds, including rare and endangered species such as Resplendent quetzal, Three-wattled-bellbird and severely endangered Bare-necked Umbrellabird (our target species for research).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will be working side by side with international guides and wildlife researchers / photographers with decades of experience in conservation in some of the most remote and wild places on the planet. They will share their expertise, knowledge and stories during your stay. English, Spanish, Italian, Slovenian and French are spoken on site.
Help
===========Once a year, from March 1 to May 30===========
The Sanctuary seeks volunteers wishing to assist resident researchers and conservationists with wildlife research data collection, scientific transects, wildlife observation from hides, setting camera traps etc. Other activities may include trail / building maintenance, night walks / animal observations, bird banding and wildlife monitoring using radio telemetry. Workers do not need prior experience but must be prepared for “off the trail” treks (with professional wildlife guides), 3 - 4 hour shifts observing and collecting data from hides / during transect walks, using on-site video and photographic cameras, mid-stream walks and late-night forest walks or early morning pre-dawn transects. Trained professionals will assist you in any skills training you may need to be helpful to the study. Due to the nature of the help and depth of training needed, we ask for a minimum two week commitment. Though the project runs during the “dry season”, this is a rain/cloud forest reserve so helpers must be willing to experience the forest in all her beauty, both wet and dry.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Slovenian: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
If you love wildlife and enjoy being in pristine natural settings and are looking for some time away from the noise and energy of the many tourist attractions spread across Costa Rica, the sanctuary is for you. Our “off the grid” research station is located within the reserve (20 minute access on foot) and has a small solar system used for basic lighting, charging of phones, cameras etc. A grey water system and specially designed composting toilet ensures the forest and streams stays clean and natural. A separate dormitory building sleeps 12 people maximum, though we limit human visits to the reserve at 6 participants at any given time to ensure a low impact and a more personalized experience for the volunteer. Phone / internet connection is sporadic throughout the reserve if you have an international e-sim or purchase a local Costa Rican sim.
All meals are vegetarian. We can also accommodate vegan helpers.
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
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (5)
The project: varied - hard work, educational, interesting, full of surprises, and very rewarding. It is however not for the faint hearted.
Be ready for some 4:30am wake ups, Kms of sometimes muddy trails to traverse, cold showers, minimal electric, plenty of hiking and some solid hard… read more
The project was focused around the data collection (many hours sitting in a… read more
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Feedback
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The project: varied - hard work, educational, interesting, full of surprises, and very rewarding. It is however not for the faint hearted.
Be ready for some 4:30am wake ups, Kms of sometimes muddy trails to traverse, cold showers, minimal electric, plenty of hiking and some solid hard… read more
The project was focused around the data collection (many hours sitting in a… read more
If you are looking for a remote place and want to be disconnected from the noisy world, this volunteering is for you.
You'll learn sooo much about nature and wildlife. You'll learn how to be patient and passionate.
The only noise you'll hear will be the songs of the… read more
It was a wonderful experience that gave me… read more
