Learn Spanish,Volunteer, Surf or Yoga

Monday and Thursday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Surf Lesson or Yoga Session
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Spanish Class

Tuesday and Friday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Volunteering Session
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Spanish Class
Evening - Yoga Session (if you have chosen Yoga and not Surf)

Wednesday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - All Day Hike
12:00-13:00 - Picnic
14:00-16:00 - Interactive Spanish Class
Evening - Yoga Session (if you have chosen Yoga and not Surf)

Wednesday is a full day out, the hike is about 7-10 kms walking (depending which hike we are doing ) and everyone can do it. It's not just hiking; we stop along the way to swim and picnic on a secret beach. In the late afternoon or evening, there is a group Interactive Spanish class. This interactive class can be cooking, games, or cultural activities. It will be either on the beach or back at the Jakera camp in the evening.

Evenings
In the evenings, we provide budget-friendly dinner choices (approximately $15), and multiple times a week we host various complimentary events such as dance classes, cooking sessions, game nights, karaoke and more.

Saturday
Morning - Little Breakfast
11:00-12:00 - Brunch
12:00-16:00 - Free day. If you want, you can try the additional weekend activities (not included)*.

*Additional weekend activities are available for an extra charge between $45 to $110. These includes horse riding, fishing, waterfalls and island tours.

Sunday
Brunch. The day is free for you to spend as you like!
(Departure day for those leaving).

Your program includes Spanish lessons from Monday to Friday*. Our Spanish classes are taught by licensed instructors and are designed to accommodate different levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced. On your first day, you'll take a brief assessment to determine your level and objectives. Each lesson consists of two 45-minute sessions, with a 15-minute break for you to recharge.

*On Wednesdays, regular Spanish classes will be replaced with Interactive Spanish classes in the afternoons.

You can enjoy either surfing lessons OR yoga sessions.

4 surf lessons (approx. 2 hours) are delivered by a local professional surf instructor. As well as showing you the basics - or taking you to the next level - you learn basic safety principles taking into account local issues such as rip tides. Boards are provided for surf lessons (guided/supervised surfing). Additional lessons are available on request as well as board rental.

Alternatively, you can enjoy 10 professional yoga sessions. For a long time now, this magical place has been a destination for yogis from all around the world. What better place to learn or practice yoga than on a wild beach with the sound of waves crashing on the soft white sand, or in our jungle lodge surrounded by lush foliage to the sounds of the river and birds? Many people come here every year to practice and teach yoga so there is a class to for every level from absolute beginner to advanced yogi.

Popular classes include Yoga for all, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Ashtanga, Hatha, Deep Restorative, Relaxing & Mediation. You are invited to try a variety of forms of yoga during your time with us. Each class is 90 minutes - a combination of group and private classes depending your needs. Yoga provides mental balance, body control and it will help you to relax and enjoy every part of your journey in Costa Rica. Enjoy the mantras and discover a new way to relax and be in tune with your body (and nature) by doing yoga and living the pura vida lifestyle.

During your time at the camp, you will participate in volunteer projects at the camp for approximately 2-3 hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, aiming to conserve the local natural resources. Project work varies with seasons and weather conditions. However, most of our efforts are focused on the following areas:

Blue Flag Initiative
Established to combat water and beach pollution, the government-backed Blue Flag Initiative seeks to reward communities adhering to conservation guidelines. Communities earning the Blue Flag not only receive international recognition for their beaches but also enhance their appeal to tourists and attract additional investments.

Beach Conservation
Here we work alongside the Santa Teresa Lifeguards. Having seen the amazing beaches of Santa Teresa, and adjoining Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen, the recreational opportunities are clear. However, beaches need to be maintained to keep them clear of debris that not only looks unsightly but can cause harm to people and wildlife. Work includes promoting Lifeguard issues with regard to beach safety and etiquette (through signage, presentations and speaking to visitors), organizing clean ups with focus on recycling.

Bionics Recycling
Leading local recycling initiatives, we've established two collection points on our street, reducing regular garbage by over 30%. Furthermore, assisting Bionics in Cobano, we organize and package collected plastic, turning it into valuable items like shoes and t-shirts. This program educates students about plastic's impact and the importance of repurposing.

Kids & Community Work
In collaboration with Santa Teresa's youth, our volunteer-led extracurricular projects cover sports, arts & crafts and environmental awareness and activities such English classes and swimming lessons in our pool.

Forest Conservation
Our primary focus is the preservation of the forest's vital resource: water. Contribute to our tree nursery's maintenance, planting selected saplings and supporting recently planted trees. We aid local 'Waterkeepers,' reporting contamination and clearing debris from streams. Additionally, we maintain walking trails, providing access to the area's biodiversity. Join us in safeguarding Santa Teresa's river systems and neighbouring tropical forest resources, ensuring a sustainable environment for wildlife.

During the weekends, there are a lot of opportunities to explore the area and try out different activities such as white water rafting, horse riding, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, a jungle canopy tour etc. There is always something to do and if it all sounds too active, you can just enjoy the beach or pool.

Please note: Travel on the weekends, or any of the extra activities is at your own expense and risk. We cannot be responsible but, if anything happens, we will of course be there to assist. Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance before you carry out any activity.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Nestled in the breathtaking Santa Teresa on Costa Rica's northwest Pacific coast, Jakera's Jungle Camp offers an peaceful retreat in this renowned destination, ranking among the top 10 global surf spots. Immerse yourself in Spanish learning, catch the waves, or enjoy yoga classes. Contribute meaningfully to environmental projects, working with international conservationists to protect turtles at our beachside volunteer station. After your day's activities, Santa Teresa's lively beach town unfolds with surf shops, cafes and nightspots for every taste and budget. Our Jungle Paradise, complete with a refreshing pool amid a rich tropical forest teeming with wildlife, is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable experience.

Our accommodation consists of single-sex dorms with bunk beds (single, twin and double rooms available upon request for a supplement), along with separate toilet and shower facilities featuring hot and cold water.

There is a laundry service in the local town for getting your clothes washed at a very reasonable price. Wifi is available for free.

Our arrival package includes airport pick-up, overnight stay in San Jose and transport to Santa Teresa the following day. When you book the arrival package with us, it will include a night in the beautiful hotel, La Rosa de America. Close to the airport and surrounded by nature, it offers a swimming pool and is nearby many restaurants.

You can either get to the project on your own, or make your arrival smoother by booking a transfer or an arrival package.

Transfer to Santa Teresa if not booking pre-night with Jakera
If you choose this option it includes a transfer from San Jose (accommodation not booked with Jakera) to Santa Teresa. It will be very early, so we recommend the arrival package.

Arrival Package
This includes an airport transfer on Saturday, 1 night’s accommodation in San Jose and a transfer the following day by shuttle and ferry to Santa Teresa departing from your hotel in San Jose at 06:40 am. We create a WhatsApp chat group privious days to your arrival, so we can garantee your safety at all times.

Departure Transfer
Shuttle buses can be booked locally for a transfer back from Santa Teresa to San Jose airport. The journey takes approximately 5½-6 hours. Alternatively, a domestic flight can be booked from Cobano to San Jose, the domestic flight is a 10-minute walk from the international airport.

Breakfast, lunch, and brunch on weekends are included. Our camp exclusively serves organic meals sourced from local farmers and fishermen, with garden-fresh garnishes. While our menu is mostly vegetarian, we also offer locally sourced meat and fish. Each meal includes, tea, coffee and natural soft drinks (beers and sodas not included). Enjoy popular choices like salads, soups, tortillas, sweet plantains and local dishes.

There is a kitchen at the camp where you can make your own food. You will need to help with cleaning dishes and keep your room and public areas tidy.

There are also social nights arranged at camp - pizza night, burger night, Mexican night etc where dinner costs approximately USD 15 (not included).

ARRIVAL TRANSFER & LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
1) Transfer to Santa Teresa if not booking pre-night with Jakera
If you choose this option it includes a transfer from San Jose (accommodation not booked with Jakera) to Santa Teresa. It will be very early, you need to let Jakera know where the customer is staying if they haven’t booked the arrival package. We recommend the arrival package.

2) Arrival Package
This includes an airport transfer on Saturday, 1 night’s accommodation in San Jose and a transfer the following day by shuttle and ferry to Santa Teresa departing from your hotel in San Jose at 06:40.

3) Other Transportation
If required your customer can book and pay for a departure transfer locally.