
Neotropic Foundation
Trip Info
Duration: 2-12 weeks (year-round)
Location: Near Perez Zeledon, Southern Costa Rica
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (varied tasks)
Age/Experience : 16+ years (under 18 with guardian); no experience necessary
Seasonal Considerations: : Year-round; rainy season (May-November) focuses on nursery work; dry season on planting
Included Services: Basic housing, meals, training, transportation to project sites, completion certificate
About Neotropic Foundation
Contribute to critical reforestation efforts with the Neotropic Foundation, an organization addressing the environmental impacts of slash-and-burn agriculture in southern Costa Rica. Based near Perez Zeledon, this grassroots initiative works directly with local farmers and indigenous communities to restore forest cover and promote sustainable land management practices. As a volunteer, you'll be involved in every aspect of the reforestation process—from collecting seeds and nurturing seedlings in the foundation's nursery to delivering young trees and monitoring their growth in reforested areas. This program offers a perfect balance of environmental conservation and cultural immersion as you work alongside local community members and learn about traditional ecological knowledge. Your contribution helps create wildlife corridors between fragmented forests, protects watersheds, and supports communities transitioning to more sustainable livelihoods while addressing climate change through carbon sequestration.
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What You'll See @ Neotropic Foundation
The Neotropic Foundation offers a window into both ecological restoration and rural Costa Rican life. Within the foundation's nursery, you'll see thousands of native tree seedlings at various growth stages, representing dozens of species selected for their ecological and community benefits. The nursery buzzes with activity as local workers and volunteers tend to young trees destined for reforestation projects. During plantation visits, you'll witness the transformation of formerly degraded lands into emerging forests, with sites ranging from recently planted areas to established five-year-old forest patches showing remarkable recovery. Wildlife gradually returns to these restored areas—birds, butterflies, and small mammals are often the first to recolonize. You'll interact with participating farmers and indigenous community members, gaining insight into traditional agricultural practices and the challenges of sustainable development. Educational demonstrations showcase sustainable alternatives to slash-and-burn agriculture, including agroforestry systems combining trees with coffee, cacao, and fruit production. The foundation's location offers stunning views of the Talamanca Mountains and picturesque rural landscapes.
Itinerary
Daily Schedule (Monday-Friday):
6:00 AM: Breakfast
7:00 AM: Morning work session in nursery or field
11:30 AM: Lunch and rest period
1:30 PM: Afternoon activities (varies by day and season)
5:00 PM: End of workday
6:00 PM: Dinner and evening activities
Weekly Schedule:
Mondays: Orientation for new volunteers, weekly planning
Tuesdays: Nursery work (seeding, transplanting, maintenance)
Wednesdays: Tree delivery to community partners
Thursdays: Field visits to plantation sites for monitoring
Fridays: Special projects and educational activities
Weekends: Free time for exploration or optional local excursions
Seasonal Activities:
Dry Season (Dec-April): Focus on plantation establishment, monitoring existing sites, and maintenance
Rainy Season (May-Nov): Emphasis on seed collection, nursery expansion, and seedling care
Monthly Activities:
- Workshop on sustainable forestry practices
- Visit to indigenous communities and cultural exchange
- Participation in community environmental education
- Specialized training in native tree identification
6:00 AM: Breakfast
7:00 AM: Morning work session in nursery or field
11:30 AM: Lunch and rest period
1:30 PM: Afternoon activities (varies by day and season)
5:00 PM: End of workday
6:00 PM: Dinner and evening activities
Weekly Schedule:
Mondays: Orientation for new volunteers, weekly planning
Tuesdays: Nursery work (seeding, transplanting, maintenance)
Wednesdays: Tree delivery to community partners
Thursdays: Field visits to plantation sites for monitoring
Fridays: Special projects and educational activities
Weekends: Free time for exploration or optional local excursions
Seasonal Activities:
Dry Season (Dec-April): Focus on plantation establishment, monitoring existing sites, and maintenance
Rainy Season (May-Nov): Emphasis on seed collection, nursery expansion, and seedling care
Monthly Activities:
- Workshop on sustainable forestry practices
- Visit to indigenous communities and cultural exchange
- Participation in community environmental education
- Specialized training in native tree identification
Highlights ofNeotropic Foundation
The Neotropic Foundation offers a window into both ecological restoration and rural Costa Rican life. Within the foundation's nursery, you'll see thousands of native tree seedlings at various growth stages, representing dozens of species selected for their ecological and community benefits. The nursery buzzes with activity as local workers and volunteers tend to young trees destined for reforestation projects. During plantation visits, you'll witness the transformation of formerly degraded lands into emerging forests, with sites ranging from recently planted areas to established five-year-old forest patches showing remarkable recovery. Wildlife gradually returns to these restored areas—birds, butterflies, and small mammals are often the first to recolonize. You'll interact with participating farmers and indigenous community members, gaining insight into traditional agricultural practices and the challenges of sustainable development. Educational demonstrations showcase sustainable alternatives to slash-and-burn agriculture, including agroforestry systems combining trees with coffee, cacao, and fruit production. The foundation's location offers stunning views of the Talamanca Mountains and picturesque rural landscapes.
Meeting point:San José weekly pickup or direct arrival to foundation
Tour Guide Expertise
The foundation's leadership team combines academic forestry expertise with practical experience in tropical reforestation projects. The program director holds a doctorate in tropical forestry and has implemented successful reforestation initiatives throughout Latin America. Nursery managers bring specialized knowledge of native tree propagation techniques, with particular expertise in rare and endangered species cultivation. Field coordinators maintain close relationships with participating communities, understanding local land use challenges and cultural contexts essential for project success. Indigenous collaborators share traditional ecological knowledge about native plants and their uses, providing cultural context impossible to obtain elsewhere. The foundation's scientific advisors conduct ongoing research on carbon sequestration and biodiversity recovery in plantation sites, measuring tangible conservation outcomes. Staff educators are trained in participatory learning approaches that bridge language and cultural differences among international volunteers, local farmers, and indigenous community members.

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The Pacuare River overnight expedition was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. Professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect balance of thrilling rapids and peaceful floats. Staying at the riverside lodge was magical—falling asleep to jungle sounds is something we'll never forget.
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Volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve for sea turtle conservation changed my perspective on eco-tourism. Two weeks of meaningful work alongside dedicated conservationists was both humbling and inspiring. Explore Costa Rica handled all the logistics flawlessly.
Emma Chen
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After years of dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, Explore Costa Rica made it happen seamlessly. From finding our perfect home in Perez Zeledon to navigating residency paperwork, their team supported us every step of the way. Six months in, and we're living the life we imagined!
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