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Many of us would like to travel and see the world, but with creative intention. We don't want to just wander around aimlessly, going from tourist trap to tourist trap. We would like to make a difference, make connections, and have engaging experiences that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Volunteering with CAP is a fun, meaningful, and above all creative, way to experience the natural beauty and charm of Costa Rican wildlife and culture. You can choose to stay anywhere from 1-3 weeks in the village of Punta Banco this summer, working with our team of artists and environmentalists. Volunteers become immersed in the various school and community projects and live in local housing.
Lodging
CAP volunteers can opt to do a homestay, when available, or stay in 'cabinas' (small, modest hotel rooms). All accommodations are rustic and basic and volunteers should be ready to live very simply. In addition to lodging, two meals will be provided per day. Volunteers are responsible for their own airfare and ground transportation to the site, though arrangements can be made to assist in your arrival. Plan on bringing additional spending money for weekend excursions, special or additional foods, souvenirs or emergencies.
Prices & Payment
CAP is a partner of PRETOMA, a Costa Rican-registered non-profit marine research and conservation organization. All funds generated are used to sustain our community art and environmental education program. The following rates are per person for the cabinas and homestay options only:
- 1 week - $330
- 2 weeks - $550
- 3 weeks - $760
Tiskita Lodge :
 Those who would like a more luxurious set up (private room with hot water, room service, etc.) should consider staying at the Tiskita Lodge in Punta Banco, 1.5 km from the center of town. Tiskita Lodge is a magnificent rain forest hotel, with rustic bungalows imbedded in a 500+ acre rain forest reserve. From the hotel, one can enjoy panoramic views of Punta Banco and its beaches. Volunteers that choose this option should be aware that Tiskita Lodge is located at the top of a hill behind the town of Punta Banco, requiring a bit of a hike to and from the beach, town and station house. The following rates include 3 meals a day, buffet style, private rain forest trails through primary growth forests, guided visits by professional naturalists and a swimming pool, all in an peaceful environment, luxurious yet rustic.
2008 pricing for Tiskita Lodge TBD.
Travel Assistance Program
If you would like, PRETOMA can handle all your travel and accommodations in Costa Rica such as your hotel for the first and last night in San Jose, airport pick-ups and deliveries, and tickets to and from your project site. When using our travel assistance, all flights should be booked to arrive and depart from Juan Santa Maria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica.
There are two options available:
Option A includes:
- Airport pick-up
- 1st night accommodations in Hotel Rincón de San Jose
- Delivery to airport for flight to Golfito
- Flight fare to and from San Jose to Golfito
- Pick-up at Golfito and delivery to Punta Banco
- Pick-up from Punta Banco to Golfito
- Flight from Golfito to San Jose,
- Pick-up at San Jose airport and delivery to hotel
- Last night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
- Delivery to airport on day of departure
Cost: US$570 per person
Option B includes:
- Airport pick-up
- 1st night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
- Delivery from hotel to bus station in San Jose for bus to Punta Banco
- Bus fare to and from Punta Banco
- Pick-up at bus station upon return to San Jose from Punta Banco and delivery to hotel
- Last night accommodations in Hotel Rincon de San Jose
- Delivery to airport on day of departure.
Cost: US$280 per person
Note: per person rates for the above options A and B are lower when traveling in a group of 2 or more.
Payment Methods
We accept personal checks, money orders, banker’s drafts and international bank wires (click link above for more information) as payment. You can also pay with cash or travelers cheques upon arrival, but unless we are picking you up at the airport you will need to make you way to our office in Tibás (northern San José) to drop off your payment. Please note that any checks, money orders or banker’s drafts should be received by PRETOMA no less than 6 weeks before your scheduled arrival, due to lengthy clearance times in Costa Rican banks.
Personal Checks and Money Orders:
You can send project participation payments or donations by means of a personal check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made out to “PRETOMA”, and mailed to:
PRETOMA
Apdo. 1203-1100 Tibás
Costa Rica
Note: All checks must be in US Dollars.
Bankers Draft:
If you do not have a bank account with USD you can go to your bank and ask them to issue a banker’s draft in USD to PRETOMA. Bankers Drafts should also be sent to the address above.
Note: There is usually a charge involved when banks issue a draft.
Bank Wire Transfer Funds:
Bank wires are much faster, but please be aware that you will need to include an additional $35 to cover the bank fees charged by each bank. To make a wire transfer, you can go to you local bank and provide the following information:
TRANSFER FUNDS TO: Wachovia Bank, NA(New York International Branch), New York, NY, USA
SWIFT: PNBPUS3NNYC
ABA: 026005092
ACCOUNT BETWEEN BANKS: 2000192000042
BENEFICIARY BANK: Banco San José, S.A. San José, Costa Rica
SWIFT Code: BSNJCRSJ
BENEFICIARY NAME: Asoc. Programa Rest de Tortugas Marinas
BENEFICIARY ACCOUNT NUMBER: 903254928 US$
Do not forget to put your full name in the details section!
Whichever form of payment you decide on, send us an email message (ashliegaos@pretoma.org) or FAX +(506) 236-6017, so we can keep an eye out and inform you when the transaction has been completed.
What to Bring
- Good-quality poncho or rain jacket
- Alarm clock (battery powered).
- Waterproof wristwatch.
- Flashlight, LED head lamps are ideal, with rechargeable batteries (we have chargers).
- Quick drying clothing for a warm tropical climate (cotton takes a long time to dry) that you are not worried about ruining.
- Sturdy shoes for walking the beach at night (water shoes/booties work great for the beach walks) and hiking in the area (bulky hiking boots are not necessary).
- Sandals.
- Swimsuit.
- First-aid kit.
- Insect repellant.
- Mosquito netting is recommended.
- Bath towel
- waterproof sunscreen (the rays are powerful).
- Sunglasses.
- Camera.
- Things to share with local kids are welcomed.
- Photo copy of passport.
- Forms of entertainment: books, games, music, guitar, paints, surfing equipment, etc
To find out more about volunteering, contact us.
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