Poas Volcano National Park showcases one of the world's largest craters within Costa Rica's lush Central Volcanic Range. Recognized for its sustainable tourism practices, the park invites visitors to explore its trails amidst stunning natural landscapes, including the serene Botos Lagoon. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and accessibility of Poas Volcano, just a short journey from the country’s main cities.

On a MEDLIFE Reality Tour volunteers join MEDLIFE staff in the field to learn about our partner communities and the challenges they face daily. It is often our volunteers’ first exposure to extreme poverty, making it one of the most impactful experiences of their trip. The Reality Tour's main goal is to introduce volunteers to the area's culture and history. This lays the groundwork for cultural awareness and sensitivity, which are so important when you’re serving communities in another country. 

Finally, we will explore more of the beauty of San Jose, enjoying a walking tour of the city.

Wake up bright and early for your first day of volunteering on a Mobile Clinic! Staffed by local practitioners, our clinics offer basic medical treatment and preventative screenings to low-income patients. After returning to the hotel in the afternoon, we will hold our second Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion, focusing on the relationship between poverty and healthcare.

And finally, unwind with a lively salsa dance class at the hotel led by a skilled instructor guide.

Help MEDLIFE bring free healthcare to low-income communities with another day of volunteering on a Mobile Clinic. Upon arrival, we will work together to set up each station. Volunteers will spend the morning shadowing medical professionals as they provide treatment and identify patients in need of follow-up care. After returning to the hotel in the afternoon, we will hold our second Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion about the relationship between education and poverty.

Also, we will be visiting the San Jose Spirogyra butterfly garden.

Engage in meaningful community service projects that make a real difference.

Returning to the hotel you will have the chance to relax and enjoy a documentary movie on the important topic of global health.

On project day you’ll work hand-in-hand with locals on a community development project such as a home renovation, well construction, or bathroom complex. Development projects can vary, depending on community needs. We’ll leave the hostel at 9:30am to head to the project site. Remember to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as you might be involved in messy activities, like mixing cement, painting walls, and other manual labor activities. After the project has been completed, take part in an inauguration with the community to celebrate all that you’ve achieved! 

There, we will hold our third Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion about the relationship between poverty and development and conclude with a short reflection and debrief with the MEDLIFE team to wrap up the week.

Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The rich biodiversity of this area, paired with a wealth of activities, makes this a destination that offers something for everyone. Manuel Antonio is the premier destination of the Central Pacific region, offering a variety of small intimate hotels artistically built into a rainforest hillside between town and the popular Manuel Antonio National Park.

Depart San Jose anytime between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm.