We encourage volunteers to stay with one of our wonderful host families as we believe it is a rich and fulfilling experience, fostering cross-cultural learning and understanding. This is an excellent way of gaining a deeper understanding of the Costa Rican culture, language and food while making new friends for life. As many of our host families have children, it can be especially rewarding for families travelling with children. Many of our volunteers maintain a life-long connection with their host families after they have returned home. 

All our host families are used to hosting overseas visitors and enjoy teaching them about their culture. The host families are well screened for cleanliness, safety and friendliness. Room sizes and styles will vary from house to house but normally you will have your own private room, often with private bathroom. Most rooms have fans and some have TV and refrigerators. 

Here are some examples of our host families:

 

The Coto Quiros family live in the beautiful town of Hojancha. Carlos and Carmen Coto Quiros have three daughters and two grandsons and the family run a small coffee business from home. They carry out the whole process from the harvesting through to marketing and selling the finished coffee — and the whole family is involved in the process. Volunteers might also like to experience helping the family with their coffee chores. 

 

Veronica and Delroy and their 3 grown-up children live in the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo. The family run a guesthouse and a vegetarian restaurant from home. Veronica loves to cook and volunteers will get to enjoy her tasty food every day. The family also has an organic farm close to the town and grow several tropical fruits and vegetables, which they enjoy cooking with. Volunteers can see how chocolate is made from home-grown cocoa. 

 

Ezekiele and Fulbia live with their 2 children, along with indigenous leader, Danilo Gabb in the village of Bambu in the Bribri Indigenous area. Together they run the Bambu Indigenous Cultural Center. This a beautiful building made using traditional methods and lies in a stunning spot close to the Talamanca Mountains and overlooking the Suretka River. The family has a friendly pet dog and previously had a pet crocodile! Volunteers stay in shared accommodations in a communal part of the building and will be amazed by the views and tropical location.