We have created a jungle paradise complete with swimming pool overlooked by a rich tropical forest bursting with wildlife including capuchin and howler monkeys.
Accommodation is same-gender dorms with beds, and separate toilet and shower facilities (hot and cold water!). Breakfast and lunch are provided but the daily routine will be structured to accommodate quality of the surf (generally better in the mornings) and yoga as we try to create opportunities for the beach in between our priorities of Spanish lessons.
There is a laundry service in the local town for getting your clothes washed at a very reasonable price. There is also a swimming pool at the location.
Accommodation at Natuwa is in two separate buildings. One building is a typical Costa Rica country style house with one room, including bunk beds, three fans, storage space, and windows. Only for long-term volunteers (4 weeks or more). The second building is a modified shipping container with three rooms. Each room of the container includes two bunk beds, a fan, and storage space for personal items for four people maximum. It is advised for volunteers to bring their mosquito nets. Volunteers must keep their areas free of plastic litter and respect the property of others. The location of the bathrooms and showers are in a separate building adjacent out of the rooms. No hot water is available for the showers. There is an area to do the laundry by using a machine and for drying on clotheslines. WiFi is currently available in volunteer housing.
You can either get to the project on your own, or make your arrival smoother by booking an airport transfer or an arrival package.
Airport Transfer
You can book your project including an airport transfer. Between 01 Jun and 14 Dec there is an airport transfer at 08:00 from San Jose. Between 15 Dec and 31 May there are transfers twice daily at 06:00 and 14:00 from San Jose.
Arrival Package
You can book an arrival package including pick-up from the airport, 1 night in San Jose and transfer to Santa Teresa on the following day. The next day the same transfer times to Santa Teresa apply:
Between 01 Jun and 14 Dec there is an airport transfer at 08:00 from San Jose.
Between 15 Dec and 31 May there are transfers twice daily at 06:00 and 14:00 from San Jose.
Other Transportation
Local transportation during the program is at your own cost, however transfer to the Wildlife Rescue Center is included. If required you can book and pay for a departure transfer locally.
Breakfast, lunch, and brunch on weekends are included. Safe drinking water, tea, coffee, natural soft drinks will be provided. Beers and sodas are not included. All food in our camp is organic, sourced from local farmers and fishermen with garnishes and a few extras from our own garden. Our menu is predominantly vegetarian, though we do also serve locally sourced meat and fish. Although menus will be local, they’ll be tempered to western tastes and vegetarians are easily accommodated. Salads, simple soups, tortillas, sweet plantains and local food made of tubers (similar to potatoes) are also popular.
There is a kitchen at the camp where you can make your own food. You will need to help with cleaning dishes and keep your room and public areas tidy.
There are also social nights arranged at camp - pizza night, burger night, Mexican night etc where dinner costs between USD7-10 (not included)..
3 meals a day at Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary
The meals are typical dishes of Costa Rica. Almost every meal includes rice, beans, or salad. Juice or coffee is offered for every meal. It is very important that you inform us if you have any special diets or food allergies.
Example Breakfast Meals: (08:00am)
1. “Gallo pinto” with: egg, plantain, or sausage.
2. Cereal.
3. Fruits (watermelon, banana, and papaya).
Example Lunch Meals: (12:00)
1. Rice and beans with a meat.
2. Rice and beans with spaghetti.
3. Meat and vegetable soup with rice.
Example Dinner Meals: (18:00 to 19:20)
1. Rice and beans with a meat.
2. Hamburger.
3. Cold cut sandwich.
Packing List for Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Rubber boots
- Natural repellent (without DEET)*
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito net
- Long pants (working pants)*
- Clothing that dries quickly
- Hat
- Afterbite
- Shower sandals
- Quick drying towel
- Beach items
- Many pairs of socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Topical medicine for allergies
- Allergy pills
*Mandatory items
Optional items:
- Thin bed sheets (one pair is provided)
- Bandana
- Long sleeves
- Rain jacket
- Work gloves
- Books
