Costa Rica: Wildlife Conservation, Permaculture and Responsible Tourism

Traveler Reviews

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  Kai

  March 30th, 2026
  I had such an amazing experience with Give volunteers. I had my first Give trip this past spring break from March...
  I had such an amazing experience with Give volunteers. I had my first Give trip this past spring break from March 14th through the 21st in Costa Rica. The trip was amazing and I had such a beautiful experience with everything my group and I got to do and everyone worked so well together. My guides were amazing! I loved working in the garden and helping kids with their English, going to a local restaurant and cabins called Kaniki to speak Spanish with this wonderful lady named Rita (I got to pet the cat and big, sweet dog too), and the food was delicious not to mention really fresh and healthy. By the end of the trip, our group had cried together a number of times, and we are like family now. We will totally be seeing one another in the near future, just a matter of when. I cried tears of joy on the plane home as the memories from the trip played through my mind. I felt like I made a difference, and that feeling has carried over into my motivations to make a difference back home :)Show more
  Traveled in March 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Hey Kai, thank you so much for sharing this! We’re so happy to hear how meaningful your Costa Rica experience was and that your group became such a close-knit family. We love hearing that the experience inspired you to continue making a difference back home—that’s what GIVE is all about!

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  Hope

  March 26th, 2026
  This GIVE program provided more than I could have ever thought. These people care about you (the company & the local...
  This GIVE program provided more than I could have ever thought. These people care about you (the company & the local community) it’s not just another traveling organization, they actually want people to be emerged and enjoy all elements of the trip. I loved my time in Costa Rica. Loudest shoutout to my tour guides, they created an atmosphere rooted in comfort, kindness, and an adventurous spirit. If you have a doubt, please squash it and leap into this opportunity. Warmly- a very happy GIVE traveler.Show more
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  Traveled in March 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  This is so incredibly kind—thank you for sharing your experience! We’re beyond happy to hear how supported, welcomed, and immersed you felt during your time in Costa Rica. Our guides and local communities put so much heart into every trip, so your words truly mean the world. Thank you for taking the leap with GIVE, and for encouraging others to do the same!

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  Lilliana

  January 15th, 2026
  I had the most culturally immersive, freeing experience in Costa Rica. I am so grateful to have explored a beautiful...
  I had the most culturally immersive, freeing experience in Costa Rica. I am so grateful to have explored a beautiful country in such a sustainable way. This experience is something so unique I could never replicate outside of Give. I was able to work hard and give back, while being fully culturally immersed. The other volunteers on the trip were wonderfully kind, like minded, strong willed, and diverse people.Show more
  Traveled in January 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing Lilliana. We’re incredibly grateful you trusted GIVE with your Costa Rica experience. It means the world to hear how deeply immersed and connected you felt — those meaningful moments of giving back and growing together are exactly what make these trips so special. We hope this experience stays with you for a long time and that it’s just the start of many more adventures with GIVE!

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  Rene

  January 13th, 2026
  GIVE 🌳 I don’t think I could ever fully express how grateful I am. My recent volunteer trip to Costa Rica opened my...
  GIVE 🌳 I don’t think I could ever fully express how grateful I am. My recent volunteer trip to Costa Rica opened my eyes to an incredible amount of compassion, resilience, and gratitude for everything I am blessed with in my everyday life. This experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and challenged me in ways I never expected. Throughout this journey, I learned that I am capable of stepping outside my comfort zone and enduring difficult moments—whether it was not being able to contact home every day or rewearing cold, wet socks. While these challenges seemed small at first, they taught me patience, adaptability, and appreciation for the present moment. One of the most impactful lessons I learned was about permaculture and sustainability, particularly how much of Costa Rica’s soil has been severely depleted. Years of harsh chemical use—especially fertilizers and pesticides used in large-scale banana and plantain farming—have stripped the soil of its natural nutrients. Seeing this firsthand helped me understand how deeply these practices affect not only the land, but also the people, wildlife, and communities that depend on it. Learning sustainable farming methods showed me how healing the land is possible through intentional care and respect for nature. Most importantly, this experience reshaped my understanding of what it means to be rich. Wealth is not measured by money or material possessions, but by happiness, connection, and community. I learned that children do not need social media, name-brand items, or material things to feel fulfilled. True happiness comes from being surrounded by a loving family, a supportive community, and a strong connection to the earth. Planting a fruit tree, allowing it to grow naturally, and nurturing it over time is its own form of wealth. This experience has left a lasting impact on my heart, and I will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life.Show more
  Traveled in January 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you for sharing your heart and your experience so openly - this is incredibly powerful to read. Your reflection captures the heart of what GIVE is all about — growth, connection, and learning to see the world (and ourselves) differently. We’re incredibly grateful you trusted us with such a meaningful chapter of your journey, and we’re honored to know these lessons will stay with you for life.

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  Ashlyn

  January 13th, 2026
  Life-changing experience. If you’re having doubts, sign up. I got back from the Costa Rica trip a week ago, and I...
  Life-changing experience. If you’re having doubts, sign up. I got back from the Costa Rica trip a week ago, and I still can’t stop thinking about the deep human connection, memories, and sustainable impact I left on another country. We got the chance to swim in natural pools, go ziplining beside a volcano, witness sloths and spider monkeys in cloud forests, go whitewater rafting in class III and IV rapids, and so much more. Even more valuable was the volunteer work we were able to do. We stayed for four days at Finca las Hormigas, a permaculture farm dedicated to regenerative soil practices and ecosystem balance. From learning about the three components of healthy soil and crossing tree bridges to pick lemons, to sifting and shoveling compost, every action had a goal in mind: to use that soil to cultivate the fruit trees of Gandoca School, a local elementary school, and to teach the elementary schoolers about regenerative agricultural practices. First time in my life that I was able to combine my love of travel with being a part of a sustainable global revolution! Loved it so much!! This will be one of your core memories so just do it. Sign up, take the trip, and be inspired by like-minded individuals who have a goal to be the roots of change!Show more
  Traveled in December 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  This is so special to read! We love hearing how the connections, the adventure, and the work at Finca Las Hormigas and Gandoca School came together to create something so meaningful for you. We’re so grateful you were part of this journey and can’t wait to see how you continue being a root of change in the world.

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  Hailey

  January 12th, 2026
  Came for the whitewater rafting, stayed for the amazing people! As my second trip with Give, I was once again blown...
  Came for the whitewater rafting, stayed for the amazing people! As my second trip with Give, I was once again blown away by the amazing staff and fellow volunteers. The people are the reason I keep choosing Give. The Give guides have so much inspiration to share while supporting us and ensuring a fun and enjoyable trip. Give ensures the itinerary is packed full of exciting and inspirational experiences. This trip extends from San Jose to the Atlantic Coast so you are able to see more of the country than other programs. Also, the accommodations were amazing! Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone (limited water water, bugs, humidity) but it is so worth it. I learned a lot about Costa Rica, permaculture, cocoa, but a lot about myself and community as well.Show more
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  Traveled in January 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing. We love that you came for the adventure and stayed for the people, because that sense of community is what makes GIVE so special. We’re so grateful you chose to travel with GIVE again and trusted us to help push you outside your comfort zone in the best ways!

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  Ben

  July 10th, 2025
  I heard about GIVE through a friend and decided to try it out for myself. I went into this trip expecting to...
  I heard about GIVE through a friend and decided to try it out for myself. I went into this trip expecting to volunteer and experience adventure in Costa Rica. I can confidently say I did not only that, but created everlasting connections, memories, and impact. The guides were welcoming and well informed, and the itinerary was full of diverse learning possibilities. If you’re debating going I encourage you to try one trip because I promise you will feel the love and impact.Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Hey Ben, thank you for taking a chance on GIVE! We’re so glad Costa Rica gave you more than you expected: real connections, lasting memories, and a whole lot of impact. We're so lucky to have you as a member of team human. Pura vida always!

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  Zack

  June 18th, 2025
  Costa Rica was beautiful, and the guides were all amazing. Best trip I've ever been on.
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much! We’re thrilled to hear Costa Rica was such a memorable experience for you—and that our guides helped make it the best trip ever!

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  Ella

  June 12th, 2025
  Traveling with Give will allow you to volunteer, try new foods, see beautiful places, meet wonderful people, and...
  Traveling with Give will allow you to volunteer, try new foods, see beautiful places, meet wonderful people, and learn a great deal in a short time. No matter who the person is, anyone who comes on a Give trip for the first time will leave the trip with memories to last a lifetime and a new, more profound insight into life. I highly recommend this program to new travelers who are apprehensive about planning their first trip to a foreign country. Every detail is handled for you with Give, allowing you to focus your mental energy on all the great new experiences instead of the frustrating parts of travel. I am so grateful for my time with Give, and I encourage anyone considering a Give trip to take it on!Show more
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  Traveled in May 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection! We're so glad your GIVE experience in Costa Rica left such a meaningful impact. It’s amazing to hear how it opened doors to new perspectives, friendships, and adventures, and we’re honored to have been part of your journey.

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  Henry

  September 11th, 2024
  Being my first trip with GIVE, I was extremely nervous about what the experience would be like. When I had arrived in...
  Being my first trip with GIVE, I was extremely nervous about what the experience would be like. When I had arrived in Costa Rica with the rest of my group, I immediately felt welcomed by all of the GIVE staff and fellow trip goers. When our group arrived at our first volunteer location, it was hard work but also very fulfiling. I left that trip with over twenty new friends and some incredible memories. I highly recomend using GIVE to see the world and give back as well.Show more
  Traveled in May 2024
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing this! We know stepping into your first trip can feel nerve-wracking, so it means the world to hear how welcomed, supported, and fulfilled you felt throughout your Costa Rica experience. We’re grateful you trusted GIVE with this adventure and even more excited that you left with new friends, amazing memories, and a deeper connection to giving back.

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