Day 1 (Sunday) – Arrival into San Jose International Airport

You will be met at the airport by a member of our friendly i-to-i Costa Rica team, and taken to the Alajuela Backpackers hostel, where you’ll be spending your first 2 nights in Costa Rica. If you arrive before 6:30pm a tasty welcome dinner is provided, and the rest of your time is yours to spend as you chose – exploring Alajuela’s bars and shops, getting to know your fellow volunteers or catching up on some sleep!

Day 2 (Monday) – Orientation

At 8:30am a member of the in-country team will pick you up from the hostel and take you to the i-to-i office for orientation. This will give you a good insight into Costa Rica - the culture, things to do and see, what to do in case of an emergency and much more! It can also be a good way to meet other i-to-i travellers and ask any questions you may have. You’ll then be given some lunch and will have the afternoon free to explore or relax.

Day 3 (Tuesday) – Transfer to the project

Transfer from Alajuela hostel to San Ramón project takes approximately 1 hour, and will normally be on public transport. When you arrive you will be able to settle into your homestay accommodation and get to know your host family. Spending time with a Costa Rican “tico” family will be a great chance to experience a different culture and lifestyle, and a fantastic opportunity to practice your Spanish!

Next an i-to-i representative will accompany you to the building project to meet the builders that you will be working with. You will jump straight into work – so make sure you are ready to get dirty! If you have a particular skill then don’t hide it; any ideas or suggestions are welcome here. You will finish work at approx 4pm (depending on work load and weather!) and head home to your new family for a well deserved shower and dinner!

Day 4 – 6 (Wednesday to Friday) – Get your hands dirty!

Now is the time to get stuck into work at your building project! Your work schedule is from 8am to 4pm and you will get involved in all aspects of the building, although this will depend on the stage building is at when you arrive and how long you are staying. You could help build septic tanks (empty tanks, don’t worry!) lay floors, dig trenches, put on roofs, prepare metal ties and metal framework for the foundations, mix cement and concrete and carry materials to the building site. No building experience is needed, although any specific skills you might have would be greatly appreciated! We only ask that you are adaptable and hard working.

Day 7 to 8 (Saturday and Sunday) – Tico Time!

It’s the weekend and time to explore! San Ramón is incredibly beautiful and full of things to do. It is also conveniently located to beaches and other tourist-friendly areas. You might like to spend some time on one of the many hiking trails around San Ramón, explore the Farmer’s Market, visit a museum or Butterfly Garden or sign up for an exhilarating, zip-line canopy tour! During the evenings you can let your hair down at a local bar or disco, relax in a restaurant or the park. You don’t need to worry about being bored in San Ramón!

• Prices are per person and based on twin share.
• All tour itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at the discretion of the tour operator; you will of course be advised of changes as they become available.