Orientation
On Monday you will have a comprehensive orientation meeting. This will cover all essential topics such as banks and money, transport, places to see, safety precautions and work ethics. In this first meeting, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish. In the afternoon there will be time for a salsa class and a chance to use the facilities at the project office.
Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on the programme and no chemicals (perfumes, sun cream etc) should be used while on the project as this harms the sloths.
Accommodation and Meals
Volunteers will be staying in shared rooms where there are single beds and bunk beds. There is a bathroom and a shower for the volunteers to share. The accommodation has electricity and drinking water.
The programme includes three daily meals that will be provided by the staff from the rescue centre. The meals are based on a Costa Rican diet, which means the food is fairly basic. Most meals will include rice, beans, corn, meat, pasta, vegetables and seasonal fruits.
Free Time
You will have one day off per week, which can be negotiated with the centre's administration. It is possible to use the telephone with a telephone card and to use the Internet during your day off, or you can go to Cañas to use the facilities there.
The nearby communities of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo have all the services and comforts that you could wish for during your day off. Cahuita is a typical Caribbean style village, well known for the beaches suitable for surfing, snorkelling and swimming. Its National Park boasts beautiful beaches, a coral reef, and a coastal rainforest where many kinds of birds and other animals can be spotted. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a town in southeastern Costa Rica, popular among tourists for surfing, snorkelling, reggae and calypso music.
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your time on the project.
In addition, you are able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.
Project Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Project Requirements
To participate in this project, it is better that volunteers have a basic knowledge of Spanish. Project coordinators at the school do speak English and some staff members at the rescue centre also speak English.
Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on the programme and no chemicals (perfumes, sun cream etc) should be used while on the project as this harms the sloths.
