VOLUNTEER AT YACUMAMA
Live and work in a regenerative retreat community on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.
Yacumama is a regenerative cultural and wellness campus on 92 acres of forest, gardens and spring-fed water in Ojochal, Costa Rica.
Our volunteers are part of the team that keeps this place alive: welcoming retreat guests, caring for the land and gardens, supporting the kitchen and keeping our shared spaces beautiful.
In exchange for your time, you receive accommodation and a place in a close community, with river access, ocean views and the quiet of the jungle.
Whether you come for a month or stay for the season, we are looking for people who bring willingness, curiosity, clear communication and respect for the people and the land.
OUR VISION & COMMUNITY
Our prayer is to create a living field of connection where people feel they belong and remember their relationship with all life.
We gather to sing, dance, learn, share meals, care for the land, and support one another through everyday acts of service.
REGENERATION IN PRACTICE
We restore the soil, grow food and medicine forests, reduce waste, and nurture our vision of a residential eco-village.
YOUR PLACE HERE
Come as you are, bringing willingness, curiosity, clear communication, and respect for the people and land around you.
Who we’re looking for
willingness, curiosity, clear communication, respect
VOLUNTEER EXCHANGE
Hours Per Day Exchange
3 hours (standard), 5 days a week
$10 accommodation contribution [per night / per week]
4 HOURS / DAY
Accommodation contribution waived
5 HOURS / DAY
Accommodation covered, plus a $10 credit toward meals
6 HOURS / DAY
Accommodation covered, plus a $20 credit toward meals
(**Additional hours are available when we need extra support and are agreed in advance with a volunteer coordinator.)
EVENT PARTICIPATION
Many events offer opportunities to participate in exchange for helping. Other events may offer a discounted volunteer rate. Each event will be different and specified before the event with your “volunteer coordinator”.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation depends on the season and availability. Your assigned space will be confirmed before arrival.
low season: Private Glamping Tent
Volunteers generally stay in a simple private glamping tent, with two shared bathrooms nearby.
A tent, mattress, bedding, and pillows are provided.
low season: Jungle Cabin
When available, accommodation may be in a jungle cabin or an ocean-view glamping tent with a toilet and sink.
MEALS & LAUNDRY
COOKING FOR YOURSELF
You will have access to a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
Please bring or purchase your own ingredients, including oils, spices, and other cooking essentials.
Refrigerator space is limited and shared with others.
TEAM-PREPARED MEALS
When the Yacumama kitchen team is preparing meals, volunteers may purchase them at the discounted rates listed below:
Breakfast: $5
Lunch: $7.50
Dinner: $7.50
A meal with chicken or fish: $12
Meal availability depends on the retreat and kitchen schedule. Check with the team before planning around prepared meals.
LAUNDRY
Do your own laundry: $4 per load
Laundry service: $12 per full load
The self-service contribution helps cover biodegradable soap and electricity. Ask the team how to arrange laundry.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
Volunteer work generally falls into four areas. Expect to help with a mix of tasks according to the season, your abilities, and the needs of the community.
RETREATS & EVENTS
Preparing gathering spaces, welcoming guests, supporting event entry, and helping with setup and cleanup.
HOUSEKEEPING
Preparing accommodations and caring for bathrooms, communal spaces, and gathering areas.
LAND & GARDENS
Supporting garden projects, trail maintenance, land care, and other practical projects appropriate to your experience.
KITCHEN
Helping prepare meals and keeping kitchen spaces clean and organized.
A FLEXIBLE RHYTHM
Schedules can change from week to week as retreats, guests, weather, and projects change.
(Please communicate any questions, limitations, or scheduling concerns with the person coordinating your volunteering)
HELPFUL INFORMATION
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
Alcohol and drugs are not permitted onsite.
SMOKING
Please do not smoke inside accommodations or communal
spaces.
Outdoor smoking should not disturb other guests. Check
with the people around you before smoking.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi is available in the Shala, Tortuga Templo area, community kitchen and lounge, and some accommodations.
MOBILE SERVICE
The current guide recommends Kölbi for mobile reception
at Yacumama.
If you need a local SIM, arrange activation before arriving
at the land.
QUESTIONS & COMMUNICATION
Once you are part of the team, your volunteer coordinator will guide your schedule and tasks. If you are ever unsure about something, just ask
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Stay length:
Minimum stay is 1 month. We start with a one-month trial and a check-in conversation, and longer stays are warmly welcomed.
Retreat and ceremonial space:
Yacumama hosts retreats and gatherings, many of which include plant medicine ceremonies. Volunteers are not needed to assist during ceremonies and are welcome to take part where the facilitators allow it. We ask that you are comfortable living and working in a space that holds this work.