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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Volunteer With Marine Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is considered to be one of the most diverse and spectacular marine features in the world. However, it is also under immense threat. Climate change is threatening the future of the reef, and all the species that call it home. Yet, there is still a lot that humans can do to protect this pristine underwater environment. This volunteer opportunity brings travelers to Cairns in the north of Queensland. Once there, volunteers begin their marine conservation project where they will collect data on the reef, gather marine debris and help rehabilitate sea turtles. All these efforts contribute to research on the Great Barrier Reef, as well as help to protect Earth’s great wonders. Weekends are free to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, unique wildlife and adventure sports the region is famous for. There will be opportunities to dive, surf, kayak, swim and snorkel. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy bungee jumping, gorge swinging, whitewater rafting and parasailing. 

This is a 2-week or 3-week trip that costs $2,075 for two weeks. The trip is 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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