If you are willing to commit 2 weeks or more and have a serious work ethic, you may qualify for our work exchange program. We are not, however, interested in short-term or drop in volunteers. If you feel you qualify, please see our profile on helpx.net


Casa Mariposa is a project in development. We have work exchange positions available for various skilled individuals. Construction skills, animal care skills, house hosting skills, gardening, stone and cement work, general cleaning and more.

We welcome outgoing, energetic and responsible couples or individuals to join our awesome team in our work-for-lodging barter program. We enjoy sharing simple, down-to-earth, environmentally conscious lodging with the independent travelers who visit us. As a Help Exchange intern you are an important part of our household because you will cover assigned tasks and share camaraderie and knowledge of the local area with the independent travelers who stay with us. As longer-term residents of the area interns can offer visitors a deeper understanding of the area and of the local residents here. As a member of our team, you provide reception and guest services to support a peaceful environment where people can relax and explore, connect to the surroundings, prepare for mountain trekking, and let go of some of the stress of traveling. In exchange for your participation you enjoy the same benefits as the guests at our cozy lodge, including cooking facilities, hot showers, free coffee & tea. Additionally, you receive free private accommodation/shared bath,laundry facilities, and the many other benefits of being a part of our family. Food is NOT included in the exchange, but we include you on regular trips to the Farmers' Market. There is a reasonably priced Spanish teacher in the area if you wish to further your language skills. Skills and Qualifications Basic proficiency in both written and spoken English and Spanish is required as duties include answering the phone, welcoming and orienting international guests, arranging tours/taxis, outfitting people for the mountain hike, etc. This position is 'people intensive" as we aim to help visitors get the most out of their stay in our area. You must be eager to assist others, happy to ask and answer lots of questions. Consideration in sharing common space with others is a must. Time management skills are required to accomplish all assigned duties in a timely way and also make the most of your free time. Must be able to attend to work obligations while in a social setting. The daily tasks and house leadership are divided among the team members and each person must assume "ownership" of their responsibilities and the environment that they create. You must be willing and able to complete expected tasks and contribute to the household team effort without supervision. (we provide training and a detailed 'checklist' outlining specific duties and responsibilities). All household members are expected to help with community recycling and environmental efforts. Must be physically fit. We are situated in a area of steep terrain. Most transportation in the local area is by foot. Hikes in the area are from moderate to quite difficult and as a Host, you will be expected to be familiar with the area in order to be a source of good information for the guests. Basic maths and ability to accurately settle accounts is a requirement of this position. Must be cat and dog and forest-creature friendly. The hostel is non-toxic and we do not use synthetic pesticides. We appreciate and re-locate wayward forest creatures. No Couch potatoes or IM addicts please. Computer use is limited to your non-work hours. This is a rustic guesthouse located at the trail head to Mt. Chirripo, Costa Rica. Many travelers come to the area not only for the Park, but to enjoy the cool air, free-access hiking, waterfalls, slow village life and beautiful high elevation forest. We are always working on interesting projects here and invite work-exchange interns to participate in their spare time! Though the village may be slow moving, days at the hostel can be active, multi-lingual and multi-cultural. Our Family style guesthouse has a common kitchen for guest use (no restaurant). We can house up to 22 guests and are often busy during the high season. Feel free to ask for more information!

What can I do with my free-time?
visit cloudforests, waterfalls, swim in the Chirripó river, visit local hot springs, climb the highest mountain of Costa Rica Chirripó (3 820 m, 12 532 ft).
There is also troutfishing, an exquisite local folk artist gallery, and more.
¤ Right around here, 263 species of amphibians and reptiles, and about 400 bird species have been observed. Chirripó National Park shelters the largest population of tapir in the country, puma jaguar, peccary, monkeys and many other species of mammals.
¤ Among the birds should be mentioned the most spectacular: The resplendent quetzal.