My experiences in the nature reserve in Costa Rica

My arrival in San Jose

My journey to Costa Rica was very relaxed. I arrived in San José at night with a lot of anticipation and was warmly welcomed by Alberto and the other volunteers. This quickly gave me the most important information about Costa Rica, the project and the travel options. The hospitality and helpfulness of everyone made it easy for me to settle in quickly and to find a nice travel companion.

Tasks in the project

During the three weeks in Ojochal I had a variety of tasks. This included the exciting observation of caimans, crocodiles, various birds and bats and, above all, the protection of turtles during their nesting season. We hiked a lot through the jungle and on the beach at different times, which made the work varied and you could always decide to do something. I really liked this spontaneity.

My accommodation in Ojochal and San José

The room was fine, but I spent most of my time in other places on the project. Occasionally we had no water for a few hours, which was probably due to the rainy season in June and July.

In San José, where I had previously attended a language course for a week, the rooms were also pleasant.

Costa Rican cuisine

The food in the project was very good and varied. In Costa Rica, many dishes are based on rice and beans, but other things were often cooked and the fridge was always well stocked. In San José I often ate in restaurants and even if the prices were more expensive, the food tasted great. The coffee culture is impressive in Costa Rica, with plenty of cafes, great views, and quality coffee at affordable prices.

Travel and special moments

In my free time I explored the breathtaking nature of Costa Rica on trips around the country. I hiked through the jungle, discovered breathtaking waterfalls in La Fortuna and relaxed on beaches in Manuel Antonio and Uvita. The variety of animal and plant life was an unforgettable experience. The tour to Isla Tortuga was particularly impressive. I can only recommend visiting the Poas and Irazu volcanoes to anyone who enjoys something like that.

An unforgettable experience was when I saw a turtle nesting with my own eyes. On my first day in Costa Rica, I went rafting on the Pacuare River with the other volunteers. This was a lot of fun for me, especially because I felt very comfortable in the group.

Since I had already really liked the country in the first four weeks, I decided to stay a week longer to explore Costa Rica even more.

Experience report by Paul, volunteer in the nature reserve in Costa Rica, June 2023