Volunteer to Help with Costa Rica’s Beach Conservation

Costa Rica has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, hosting about 5% of the world's total biodiversity; it is home to 12 microclimates, with access to two oceans. No one would run out of places to visit: From beaches, mountains and volcanoes to tropical jungles, forests and more, few nations have so much of the world. Costa Rica is home to more than 800 miles of coastline. Many argue that the best ones are in the regions of Nicoya and Guanacaste. With only 25% of its terrain protected, the rest of its land requires observant protection and conservation through its reserves and national parks.

On this trip, volunteers are divided into four platforms where they can assist an area’s sustainability. Assignments may include trail maintenance, light construction, beach cleanup, day patrols, contributing to ongoing research, hiring new researchers, and smoothing the way for English-speaking visitors.

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 4-week trip (with additional weeks available) that costs $845 for one week, led by Maximo Nivel, a Latin America-based travel company that offers volunteer travel opportunities, Spanish immersion, study abroad and gap year programs in Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

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Explore Guatemala

Take a scenic adventure to Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, located in Guatemala. Travelers will explore Indigenous villages and booming volcanoes that live along its shores. Hop on a water taxi and journey through the crystal clear waters to take a swim at Tzankujil National Park. Head over to San Juan La Laguna to learn about native traditions that are still practiced there today. Learn about the production of cacao and traditional dyeing techniques, and then hear about the conservation of endangered stingless bee species at the sustainable bee farm Xunah Kaab. Take a tour of Antigua, where its title of being an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is proven through colorful streets and stunning architecture. Then travelers will hike the Picaya Volcano, one of the three active volcanoes in the country. As Picaya is the most active of the three, travelers can encounter hot spots, steam vents, and solidified lava fields. As travelers reach the summit, enjoy gorgeous views of the Caldera Lagoon and three other adjacent volcanoes, Auga, Fuego, and Acatenango. Travelers will relax the next morning before departing from Guatemala City on the final day. 

This is a 5 day trip that costs $1,245 led by Under30 Experiences, which caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Take a Tour through El Salvador

Take a tour through El Salvador where each traveler will become acquainted with the beautiful, rich, and historic country. In the main city San Salvador, walk through charming streets and plazas while scoping out the outstanding architecture of buildings like the National Palace and different churches and cathedrals. Head into Cerro Verde National Park in the Apaneca Lamatepec Biosphere Reserve and become surrounded by breathtaking views of cloud forests and the “Window to Nature” pathway. These views are filled with authentic and colorful biodiversity like unique species of birds and rare kinds of mammals. Explore the popular Flower Route (Ruta de las flores), a famous trail that directs you through alluring mountain villages and coffee plantations. Journey through different villages to learn new things and each community's way of living. Stop in the town of Apaneca, known for comforting and cozy feeling streets, destined to make everyone feel right at home. Visit the Nahuizalco village, where local artists create beautiful products like furniture, ornaments, hats, and other accessories. Then, bask in the sun and perfect turquoise-watered beach, El Zonte, along the Pacific Coast of El Salvador. The adventure seekers have the opportunity to try surfing while others are able to relax and soak up the sun and beautiful environment. On the last day, visit one more extraordinary site, Devil’s Door. Here, take in the breathtaking views of two cliffs, Cerro El Chulo. From this one viewpoint, travelers will experience remarkable views of the capital, Pacific Ocean, Lake Ilopango, and the Saint Vincent Volcano. Later that afternoon, private transportation will take you to the airport for the final departure. 

This is a 5 day trip that costs $1,095 led by Under30 Experiences, which caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Experience Oaxaca During the Day of the Dead

Oaxaca, Mexico, is a vibrantly rich region known for Indigenous heritage, lively markets and deep artistic traditions. Become immersed in Zapotec and Mixtec Indigenous vendors where you will see hand-crafted woven blankets, shawls, and traditional margarita flowers. Experience delicious and authentic Mexican food at a local restaurant, where flavors of different moles, tlayudas, and chapulines, will leave each traveler highly satisfied. Experience Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead, November 1st) when visiting two markets, Benito Juarez Market and 20 de Noviembre Market. Each traveler will meet the artisans and vendors along with exploring all that the markets offer, including cultural foods, colors, and communities. Later in the day, explore a local cemetery of Pantheon where Day of the Dead traditions are all around. Experience the meaning of the holiday, when communities celebrate and honor their loved ones that have passed away. Each traveler will be surrounded by close communities and families illuminated by many candles and vibrant marigold flowers. Here, families create “ofrendas” to welcome the spirits of their loved ones into the atmosphere. While here, witness the children’s celebration of Day of the Dead where families come together to specifically honor the lives of lost children. These bittersweet traditions are recognized as a significant and profound annual tradition throughout cities in Mexico. Each traveler will learn more about sacred religious centers of the Zapotec communities, when visiting the Mitla ruins. Learn more about the Zapotec community and their religious traditions through beeswax candle making and weaving demonstrations presented by local families. Before returning to Oaxaca, each traveler will learn how this Indigenous group intertwined ideas of spirituality and faith into everyday lifestyle choices. An example of this that each traveler will experience is shown through their practices of compact farming villages that are located in the heart of plazas and catholic churches. 

This is a 4 day trip that costs $1,795 led by Under30 Experiences, which caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Baja: Whale Watching and the Sea of Cortez

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Baja California, Mexico, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific lagoons offer a rare blend of wildlife, adventure, and serenity. This women-only trip is perfect for curious, active travelers with a moderate fitness level who crave meaningful experiences–whether it’s kayaking in calm turquoise waters, snorkeling with sea lions, or locking eyes with a gray whale and her calf in Magdalena Bay. Baja’s stark beauty is unmatched: from the rich marine life of the Sea of Cortez–dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau–to the red-hued Sierra de la Giganta mountains rising from the desert. The traveler will explore cactus-dotted trails, sleep under star-filled skies in camping tents, and enjoy the colonial charm of Loreto, home to a 17th century Jesuit mission in addition to peaceful beaches. This trip offers both soft adventure and quiet moments, ideal for those seeking connection–with nature, with a like-minded group of women, and with themselves. From whale-watching to cultural encounters, every experience is crafted for reflection, joy, and awe. Whether the traveler is a nature lover, photographer, or solo traveler seeking inspiration, this Baja adventure is a deeply rewarding escape into one of the planet’s most unique and untouched coastal ecosystems.

This 8-day trip is priced at $5,295 and led by AdventureWomen. All AdventureWomen trips are designed exclusively for and by women, aiming to empower women through travel. 

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Hiking Utah’s Mighty Five

Utah, the Beehive State, is home to the mighty five national parks: this includes Arches, Bruce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. These parks are renowned for their extraordinary rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation like camping, hiking, photography, and more. There is much to see from the mighty five, from the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to Canyonlands Green and Colorado Rivers. The trip will start by exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its stunning rich red rock formations, hundreds of slender rock spires or hoodoos that dot the landscape. At Arches National Park, the group will explore geological landmarks such as Devils Garden, Landscape Arch, and Double O Arch. Onward to Canyonlands, where travelers can see the Petroglyphs created centuries ago by the Puebloan groups native to the region, and the towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground before heading to the Chesler Park Trail for some hiking. At Capitol Reef and Zion travelers will encounter more petroglyphs, canyons, and beautiful red rock formations while learning about the geology of these areas.This trip has some high altitude hikes and travelers should have moderate fitness level.

This is a 9-day trip and costs $2,024 led by G Adventures, a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.. 

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Volunteer to Help Developing Business Communities in Jamaica

With a population of almost three million, unemployment is 6.5% in the Caribbean nation of Jamaica. The country is considered one of the best locations for trade, investment and commerce, with a great stock exchange to boot. This includes the fact that it has nine active seaports and two major international airports. More than 69,000 active companies and 200,000 businesses are on the register so far. However, there is a high demand for agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and transportation equipment. Due to climate change, the country needs such products more than ever. Business and community development volunteers can help start-ups, charities and NGOs needing assistance. They can improve operational efficiencies while applying for grants and funding projects. Volunteers can help Jamaica’s citizens become eligible to apply for government grants by providing advice and support. Volunteers can benefit from this program by networking with the local business community, developing communication skills, immersing themselves in Jamaican culture, and gaining business experience. During their free time, interns can explore the island, hiking to waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and visiting the many beaches. There are several historical destinations near Ocho Rios, including the Firefly Estate, once owned by Sir Henry Morgan, and the Castleton Botanical Gardens. There are also options available, such as snorkeling, hiking, and outdoor adventures. 

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 8-week trip that costs $535 for one week, led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Explore the Volcano Trail Across Central America

Guatemala with its tropical climate, giant mountains and vast lakes, is known for its natural wonders. This trip begins in Antigua, home to the Santa Catalina Arch and the Hill of the Cross. This Guatemalan city is famous for being one of the best places to study Spanish and has gorgeous scenery, including views of volcanoes. From there, travelers will head East to Honduras, a country full of Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches. Travelers' first stop in Honduras are the ruins of Copan, a historic Mayan town. Here, they can visit the Luna Jaguar hot springs or go on a tour of the ruins. Travelers will then cross into El Salvador, visit Suchitoto, and then head to La Libertad Region, an area full of beach towns where the group can relax or take a surf lesson. After this, travelers will venture into Leon, Nicaragua’s commercial and agricultural center. The next stop in Nicaragua is Granada, a city full of colorful buildings and one of the oldest occupied colonial cities. Here, travelers can hike and explore, go on a day excursion to Masaya Volcano, visit Mi Museo Cultural Museum, or visit Laguna de Apoyo. Travelers will then enter Costa Rica, a country known for its biodiversity with features such as beaches, volcanoes and rainforests. They will visit Isla de Ometepe here, which is known for its petroglyphs and stone idols. Travelers can go to Ojo de Agua swimming hole, visit beaches or go hiking. Next, travelers will visit Monteverde and its cloud forests. The mountainous Monteverde is home to the highest concentration of orchids on Earth. While here, travelers can go zip lining, visit a butterfly garden, go horseback riding or take a coffee plantation tour. Before the trip concludes, travelers will see La Fortuna. They can participate in a Venado Caves Exploration, go on a wildlife refuge tour, or swim in La Fortuna waterfalls. This trip ends in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where travelers can explore the city and even go rafting on the Sarapiqui River before departure.

This is a 17 day trip and costs $1499. This trip is a G Adventures’ 18-Thirtysomethings trip geared toward young, budget minded travelers. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Adventure in Alaska

Alaska, the last frontier, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including vast glaciers, towering mountains, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a top destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The 49th state is also home to rich Indigenous cultures, like the Aleut, rich history, and prime spots to witness and experience Northern Lights. The journey begins with a drive through the iconic Seward Highway on the Kenai Peninsula. In Kenai Fjords National Park, travelers will hike the Harding Icefield Trail and enjoy a scenic boat cruise through the fjords to see glaciers and marine life. In Talkeetna, participants will learn about local flora, take a scenic flight over the area, and visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Museum. Denali National Park offers stunning sights, including moose, bears, and caribou.  

This is an eight day trip and costs $2,699. This trip is led by G Adventures, a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Explore the Beaches and Rainforests of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been recognized as one of the most stunning and essential destinations in Central America, and for good reason: its tropical beaches, lush rainforests and abundance of dazzling wildlife make for an unforgettable travel experience. On this trip travelers will be able to immerse themselves in both the culture and natural beauty of Costa Rica while journeying from Liberia to Tamarindo. The trip will begin in the city of Liberia, the largest city in the Guanacaste Province and known as a gateway to the pristine shores of the Pacific coast. Here, travelers will spend a day exploring the city before visiting Poza Los Coyotes, a natural park filled with turquoise pools and beautiful caves. After swimming, tubing and hiking through the park, travelers will spend the night in the beach town of Nosara before visiting Playa Guiones, one of the most scenic beaches in Costa Rica. With an average water temperature of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, the beach is perfect for surfing, swimming and boogie boarding. The next day, travelers will stop at Guaitil, where they will learn about the small village’s unique Chorotega-style pottery. This form of pottery was devised by the Chorotega Indigenous tribes, and involves mixing clay and sand from iguana nests and paints made from minerals. The final day will be spent in Tamarindo, where travelers can participate in a surf lesson before venturing off to try a range of activities, including snorkeling, zip-lining, kayaking or relaxing on the local beaches and in the evening experience its vibrant nightlife, with an array of bars and restaurants.

This 6-day G Adventures Roamie trip costs $412. G Adventures partners with Hostelworld to organize Roamies, which are flexible small-group trips for travelers ages 18-35, who stay in hostels and receive an immersive travel experience. G Adventures is a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Experience History and Cuisine in Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and is famous for the stunning beauty of its tropical setting and the awe-inspiring remnants of the Mayan civilization. On this trip, travelers will immerse themselves in the wealth of history and culture embedded in the region, while also enjoying the beaches and nightlife of Mexico. The trip will begin in Mérida, the largest city in southeastern Mexico and one possessing a rich cultural history. The city was founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors on the site of the Mayan city of T’hó, and many of its historic buildings, including the famous Cathedral of Mérida, are constructed using stone from Mayan ruins. Here, travelers will be able to adventure through the city and explore nearby cenotes, large natural sinkholes filled with water. The Mayans believed that the cenotes were the entrance to Xibalba, or the underworld, and used them for ceremonial purposes as well as water sources. After leaving Mérida, travelers will visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itzá, a city whose towering pyramids and temples have remained well preserved for nearly 1,500 years. Travelers will also explore Valladolid, where they can enjoy traditional Mayan dishes and rest for a night before venturing on to the pristine beaches of the Mayan Riviera. The trip includes a visit to Tulum, the site of the only Mayan ruins built next to the ocean. The Mayan city of Tulum was a prominent trading center between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it remains one of the best-preserved ruins in Mexico. While in Tulum, travelers will also have the opportunity to relax on the beaches, go snorkeling, swim in more nearby cenotes, and indulge in the local cuisine. The final stop will be Cancún, where travelers can spend the last few days of their trip enjoying the stunning coast, warm water, and vibrant nightlife of the city. Included is also a day trip into the jungles of the Yucatán to visit a small local community that will teach travelers how to prepare their mouth-watering traditional dishes. Travelers can spend their final nights partying in Cancún’s exciting bars and clubs or discovering excellent restaurants before the end of the trip.

This is a 9-day trip that costs $1,129. This trip is a G Adventures Roamie trip, a hostel-based trip style geared towards 18-35 year olds looking to explore iconic destinations through an immersive, and wallet-friendly experience. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Volunteer in Sustainable Farming in Guatemala

Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, is endowed with an abundance of rich ecosystems and fertile land. However, almost half the population cannot afford the cost of the basic food basket, while food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the country. In recent years, sustainable agriculture has seen a sharp rise in popularity as it simultaneously tackles environmental issues and poverty-induced challenges. However, the introduction of these newer farming practices has also generated a demand for more hands in the field to maintain optimal production. Through this project, volunteers will be able to work with local farmers just outside of Antigua, where they can learn about the sustainable farming of coffee and macadamia nuts and participate in every step of the production process, from picking to weeding, planting, processing, and packaging. At the same time, volunteers will gain a deeper understanding of traditional agricultural techniques that have been practiced for centuries. This project also offers participants the chance to immerse themselves in local Guatemalan life and learn more about the rich history and culture of the region.

This minimum 1-week experience starts at $665 per person and includes airport pick-up, host family accommodations, meals, and 24/7 emergency support. Volunteers will work for 3-4 hours per day from Monday to Friday.

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Adventure Along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatán Peninsula, lying between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north and the Caribbean Sea to the east, is renowned for its lush rainforests, tropical beaches and historic Mayan ruins. During this experience, the group will explore some of the area’s many cenotes – enormous sinkholes resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock, take a guided tour of the Chichén Itzá, one of the most famous ancient Mayan ruins in the world, home to wonders like the Temple of Kukulcán and the Sacred Cenote, and swim in turquoise waters to escape the heat. In Tulum, once a Mayan port city, travelers will encounter more historic ruins as well as magnificent beaches on which to relax. The city also offers the remarkable natural waterpark of Xel-Há where the group can snorkel and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

This is a 6- day trip and costs $769. This trip is a G Adventures Roamie trip, a hostel-based trip style geared towards 18-35 year olds looking to explore iconic destinations through an immersive, and wallet-friendly experience. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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