Costa Rica

"Overall, my experience was very educational. I was immersed in the Costa Rican culture and got to understand the country and people much better than if I had been vacationing at a resort."

Valerie Russell, Costa Rica Volunteer

Why Volunteer in Puriscal?

Puriscal, the newest Costa Rica site, began receiving volunteers in the spring of 2007. A rural community, located about an hour west of the capital city of San Jose and in the city of Santiago, Puriscal lies between two mountain ranges: the Turrubares range (also known as the Potenciana mountains) and the Candelaria mountains of Acosta. The town boasts magnificent views and great weather, and is just off one of the main roads leading to the Pacific Ocean. It has a very interesting history closely tied to the introduction of the coffee bean.

Puriscal is a small town, not known as a tourist attraction, with very little foreign influence. It is considered a town where Costa Rican religious and cultural traditions are strong. There is also access to indigenous sites (a rarity in Costa Rica) where volunteers can learn about their arts, crafts and culture as well. Because there is little outside influence, volunteer work is very visible, and the local people are excited to create friendly relationships and share their culture with visitors.

CCS offers the following programs in Puriscal, Costa Rica:
Volunteer Abroad -- 2 to 12 weeks | Click for Start Dates
Intern Abroad -- 4 weeks | Click for Start Dates
Insight Abroad -- 1 week | Click for Start Dates

Request more information about volunteering in Costa Rica or read more about the CCS Experience in Puriscal, Costa Rica from the topics below:

Learn about volunteering in San Carlos or Cartago, Costa Rica or return to the main Costa Rica page.

Read stories and testimonials of participants who have volunteered in Costa Rica or watch a video on volunteering in Costa Rica.