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GYC0102 - Live with Indians, work with animals Country: Costa Rica Cost: £2481.00 Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 10 weeks Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7514 or

 

	This placement would suit... If you want an intimate exposure to ‘real’ Costa Rica this unique combination placement is the way forward as it reveals the many different faces of this fascinating country. It provides diverse challenges in contrasting environments giving a once in a lifetime experience. Experience a land where lush jungle meets unspoiled Caribbean beaches, living amongst fascinating indigenous communities. Care for orphaned animals, work with local Indians in the rainforest and run an exclusive eco-lodge. Variety being the spice of life! Placement summary This placement offers a fascinating mix of conservation, eco-tourism and community projects - the three Leaps. Rainforests, Pacific and Caribbean coast experience This small country has it all - wonderful beaches, both Caribbean and Pacific, rainforests that spread right down to the edge of the ocean, enchanting people and exotic wildlife. You will be based amongst the wonderful community at El Silencio on the central Pacific coast in the Quepos province of Puntarenas. Here you will help run their eco-lodge whilst assisting on conservation projects at the wildlife conservation centre and community projects in the village itself. Jobs include rehabilitating injured animals and birds and teaching English. There are not many places in the World where you can relax on a beach being watched by inquisitive sloths and howler monkeys peering out from their jungle canopy hideout! Helping who? - Elementary school of El Silencio community - Wildlife conservation centre Helping how? Leap 1: Eco-tourism - Teach new recipes in the kitchens. - Teach English to the lodge staff. - Maintain the medicinal plants garden - Assist with the re-forestation project. Leap 2: Community - Teach English, volleyball and football to the community children. - Teach local primary school children dance and handicraft skills. - Work at the local dairy and agro centre. - Paint the community centre. Leap 3: Conservation - Look after rescued ocelots, monkeys and exotic birds. - Build feeding platforms, nest boxes and fences. - Reintroduce rehabilitated animals back into the wild. - Reconstruct bridges and trails. Adventure - Walks to the waterfalls and natural pools - White-water rafting on the Savegre river - The coast - surfing, fishing, snorkelling Group size: 10 - 12 volunteers per placement. Cost includes... UK - Interview, consultation and briefing - Organisation and preparation of entire placement from start to finish - Supporting travel documents including effective fundraising guide - Management, advice and 24-hour back-up and support In-country - Safety briefing and induction - Management and support by a professional placement manager and team leaders (ratio: one leader to eight volunteers) - Full payment to the host towards your in-country costs - 24-hour emergency back up and support - Donation to the community/conservation - Airport pick-up and transfer to and from the placement - Full board and accommodation - Park fees (if applicable) whilst working 0845 344 7514 The Leap: Don't just walk through life... take the Leap. Voluntary placements in Africa, South America, Asia and Australia, combining work in some of the most authentic safari camps/eco-lodges in the World, with effective and life-changing conservation and community projects. We are the only company to offer this fascinating mix of conservation, community and eco-tourism projects. Take the Leap on your own, with a friend or in a team. Flexible departure dates. 12-, 10- or six-week schemes including a Summer Team Leap.