Isla de Chira, Costa Rica
Island soul & jungle vibes: live in nature, restore the planet, and reconnect in Costa Rica
Escape to a unique island haven where rocky shores and crushed-shell paths invite scenic walks, and every day brings new adventures. This curated group experience offers a meaningful connection with local communities, vibrant cultural immersion, and collaboration with a wildlife rescue center. Learn about animal care and the release process in suitable natural areas while embracing the pura vida lifestyle. You might also have the chance to visit a nearby turtle reserve, depending on the timing of monthly arrivals. Forge authentic connections with fellow travelers in a paradise designed for growth and good vibes. Get ready to ditch the screens and rediscover the joy of real-life exploration.
- María Cecilia Díaz
- Worldpackers host since Mar/2025
Available group trips
Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026
Costa Rica Group Trip With Nastasya
Come with me to Costa Rica for meaningful vacations, we will connect together on an experience full of cool activities and contact with nature.
Starting from
US$ 1,496
US$ 1,396
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
Arrival at Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
Upon your afternoon arrival, you'll check in at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, your home for the start of this adventure. Your check in has to be before 9 pm.
Evening
6:00 PM: Dinner at the Rescue Center
Enjoy your first included dinner at the rescue center, a perfect opportunity to settle in after your journey. Dinner is at 6 pm.
Day 2
Morning
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Enjoy a wonderful breakfast.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Full Day at the Animal Rescue Center
Awaken at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, where your day will be filled with engaging activities. These include learning about animal rehabilitation, preparing food, and observing the diverse wildlife.
11:00- 1:30 PM: Free Time
Take some time off from the activities of the day.
Afternoon
12:00 PM: Lunch
Enjoy a delicious meal.
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Continued Activities & Recreation
Your hands-on experience at the rescue center continues into the afternoon, with opportunities for further participation in animal care and dedicated recreational time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. All meals are provided throughout the day.
Evening
6:00 PM: Dinner
Enjoy a delicious communal dinner with the group.
Day 3
Morning
7:45 AM: Departure from the Wildlife Rescue Center & Visit to Barra Honda National Park
We’ll begin the day with an early departure from the wildlife rescue center and head by land to Barra Honda National Park, where you’ll explore incredible hiking trails and limestone caverns. A light snack will be shared at the scenic viewpoint, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After wrapping up our adventure in the park, we’ll continue the journey toward the island, first by land, then by boat. As we navigate the waters, take in the beauty of the mangroves of the Nicoya Gulf, a true natural wonder of Costa Rica.
7:00 PM: Breakfast
Start the day with a nourishing breakfast.
Evening
6:00 PM: Dinner & Free Time
Conclude your day with a satisfying dinner, followed by free time to unwind and reflect on your caving and hiking adventure.
Day 4
Morning
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning meal to energize for the day.
8:00 AM: Recreation & Pool Time
Enjoy some free time for recreation, whether it's relaxing by the pool or simply enjoying the peaceful environment.
Afternoon
12:00 PM: Lunch
Replenish with a satisfying lunch.
1:30 PM: Community Activity
Engage in a meaningful activity with the local community, offering insights into their culture and way of life.
Evening
6:00 PM: Costa Rican dinner
Enjoy a festive evening with a traditional Costa Rican dinner, a wonderful way to socialize and savor authentic local flavors under the stars.
Day 5
Morning
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Fuel up for an adventurous day.
8:30 AM: Coastal Hiking & Cleanup
Embark on a scenic hike along the coast, participating in a vital waste collection effort to help preserve the pristine natural beauty of the area.
Afternoon
1:30 PM: Island Tour
Take a comprehensive tour around the island, discovering its hidden gems and picturesque viewpoints. The tour begins at our residence and includes visits to historical landmarks, a peaceful beach where you can relax and listen to the sound of the waves (please note: the island’s coast is not suitable for swimming, but you can sit at the edge and feel the water on your feet), and a stop at local artisan shops showcasing handcrafted products rooted in the local culture.
Evening
5:00 PM: Free Time
Relax and unwind after a day of island exploration.
6:00 PM: Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner with the group.
Day 6
Morning
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Start the day with a good breakfast.
8:30 AM: Visit to San Lucas Island
Explore the historic San Lucas Island, known for its fascinating past and unique atmosphere.
Afternoon
12:00 PM: Lunch
Enjoy a meal together.
1:30 PM: Visit to Tortuga Island
Continue your adventure with a visit to the picturesque Tortuga Island, famous for its white sands and clear waters.
Evening
6:00 PM: Dinner & Free Time
Conclude your day with dinner and some free time to unwind after a day exploration.
Day 7
Morning
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Share a breakfast with the group.
8:30 AM: Island Horseback Riding
Embark on an exhilarating horseback ride around the island, offering a different perspective of its beautiful landscapes
Afternoon
12:00 PM: Lunch
Enjoy lunch after your morning's equestrian adventure.
1:30 PM: Holistic Art Activity
Participate in a calming and creative holistic art activity, allowing for personal expression and relaxation.
Evening
6:00 PM: Dinner at "El Camarón" Bar
Enjoy your final dinner out at the local "El Camarón" Bar, a chance to experience local flavors and atmosphere.
Day 8
Morning
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast of the trip.
Farewell
Say goodbye to new friends and cherished memories as your incredible Costa Rican adventure comes to an end.
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Animal Rescue Center Experience
Understand animal rehabilitation & release with local rescue partners.
Waste Management & Transformation
Learn about waste collection & repurposing, turning trash into useful items.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Barra Honda National Park Exploration
Hike and explore fascinating caverns in a unique national park.
Local Community Engagement
Connect with locals through activities & shared meals, experiencing island family life.
Island Tour
Explore the island's diverse landscapes and hidden gems.
San Lucas Island Visit
Visit San Lucas Island, exploring its history and enjoying lunch.
Tortuga Island Visit
Experience beautiful Tortuga Island, perfect for relaxation and swimming.
Island Horseback Riding
Explore the island on a horseback ride, unique views await.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Swimming Pool Access
Access to the swimming pool for leisure and relaxation.
1500 CRC per person
Videos
Xavier
United States
The whole Ecovida team is very welcoming and friendly. I stayed for a week and really learned to appreciate working together towards a bigger purpose. They have a bunch of ideas and projects and it’s always fun to be a part of them.
For other volunteers I would recommend bringing a Fanny pack to carry around small personal items.
3 months ago
Cynthia
Brazil
My experience at Nandaruye was truly enriching. From the very first day, I felt warmly welcomed and connected to the community’s deep respect for nature and its values. The diverse and engaging work provided daily lessons on sustainability, social and ecological awareness, as well as holistic and artistic projects.
The hosts are incredible, always eager to share knowledge and integrate us into the local culture.
For those seeking an authentic experience, I highly recommend it. Volunteering at Eco Vida Siembra means embracing a way of life that honors both nature and humanity.
6 months ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Accommodations
Welcome to your cozy island home! The group will stay in shared rooms designed for comfort and connection, each accommodating up to four people. These inviting spaces feature shared bathrooms and luxe mattresses, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While there isn't a communal kitchen for travelers, our dedicated staff is always available to help with any requests.
Step onto the balcony for a morning coffee or an evening chat. Our home provides plenty of comfortable spots for you to relax or get work done on your laptop. While the climate is too warm for hot showers, you'll find refreshing cold-water showers to cool off. A swimming pool is also just a 10-minute walk away, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Bikes at your disposal
- Pool
Meals
Fuel your adventures with delicious and wholesome meals prepared by our local staff. Mornings begin with a hearty breakfast featuring Gallo Pinto, eggs, and fresh fruit—a true taste of Costa Rican cuisine. Lunches and dinners offer a varied fusion of flavors, blending traditional Costa Rican casados with popular Argentinian dishes. Options are always available for vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free dietary needs. All meals emphasize fresh, local ingredients, ensuring a nourishing and authentic culinary journey.
Arrival orientation
Travelers will be picked up at a pre-arranged time, with a designated bus displaying the Eco Vida sign for easy identification. Please note there's a set pick-up schedule, and arrivals outside these hours may incur an additional charge. The first stop for the group will be the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center (located at C. Juntas, Provincia de Alajuela, Turrúcares), where they will stay for 2 nights. During their time at the refuge, travelers will receive an important training and introduction to the program, preparing them for their immersive experience.
About the project
The experience is led by a dynamic individual who traded rodeos and road trips for the tranquil beauty of Costa Rica, bringing a unique blend of adventure and peace. For over six years, this dedicated host has cultivated a paradise focused on authentic connections and sustainable living, drawing on their own extensive background as a traveler and volunteer across farms, hostels, and retreat centers. They lead a vibrant team, including a full-time manager and local guides, all committed to fostering a real, connected, and energetic environment. Their mission is to encourage travelers to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace the natural world, fostering genuine human interactions and contributing to local conservation efforts.
About the destination
Nestled in the vibrant coastal region of Costa Rica, the project is surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Puntarenas. More specifically, it’s located on Isla de Chira, the largest island in the Pacific and the second-largest in all of Costa Rica.
Getting to the island is part of the adventure, with boat access available from Costa de Pájaros or the center of Puntarenas. Once you arrive, a local bus is the best way to get around, as the island is too large to explore on foot.
According to local legend, the island's name comes from an indigenous chief named Chirá who fled here after a conflict. Today, Isla de Chira is home to approximately 1,576 inhabitants spread across seven villages. The primary sources of income for these communities are fishing and a growing tourism sector.
The island is a natural treasure, offering an immersive experience in the heart of "pura vida" country. Its diverse landscapes boast the highest biodiversity of dry tropical forest flora in all of Costa Rica. This rich environment, combined with stunning beaches and diverse wildlife, creates a perfect setting for travelers. The community is lively and welcoming, and the island is currently focused on development, having recently secured high-speed internet access for three educational centers to benefit its 375 students. The project's location provides easy access to pristine shores, ideal for exploring and cultural engagement, all while being immersed in the relaxed, good-vibes pace of island life.
Impact & Purpose
This experience directly tackles the modern challenge of digital disconnection, inviting travelers to swap screens for surfboards and notifications for ocean waves. By engaging in hands-on activities like surfing, stretching, and supporting sea turtle conservation, the group actively contributes to environmental awareness and fosters genuine human connections. Travelers are integral to creating a vibrant, supportive community, bringing fresh perspectives and helping to sustain a space that prioritizes authentic experiences, environmental care, and the joy of rediscovering life beyond the digital realm.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Good health and well-being
The project encourages a holistic approach to personal health. Through activities like surfing and promoting a balanced diet, travelers are guided towards healthier lifestyle choices. The emphasis on avoiding processed foods and connecting with nature further supports physical and mental wellness, fostering a sense of well-being.
Climate action
The project's work directly addresses the impacts of climate change. Their efforts to combat coastal pollution and manage waste through a recycling center are tangible actions that help reduce environmental degradation. By creating green spaces and fostering a culture of conservation, they are strengthening the island’s resilience to climate-related issues and actively engaging the community in taking urgent action for the climate.
Quality education
The project focuses on offering young people access to valuable knowledge about environmental care and art. The plan is to bring this program to local schools to train teachers, ensuring a more comprehensive and higher-quality education.
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