Volunteer in a Bribri indigenous community dedicated to community-based tourism
Stibrawpa is an association of 40 indigenous families in the community of Yorkin. The association is led by Bribri women and has more than 30 years of experience in community-based tourism. Its mission is to provide a source of income for families, promote indigenous culture and identity, and preserve the forest ecosystem.
As a volunteer, you will live with a Bribri family—either alone in a small private cabin or with other volunteers in a larger cabin. All accommodations include a full bathroom.
Volunteers participate in road rehabilitation and construction, trail maintenance and cleanup, and infrastructure improvements. They also help with harvesting and tending cacao and banana crops. They also help with firewood gathering and nursery maintenance, as well as reforestation efforts and the conservation of rivers and the natural beauty of the landscape.
Volunteers support host families in their economic activities or projects, such as making handicrafts, chocolate, plantain flour, jams, etc., and by teaching English to children and teenagers in the community.
In general, they will assist with activities related to the tourism project: translating for visitors, handling logistics, and providing support for productive projects, conservation efforts, and forest regeneration.
The Stibrawpa facilities can accommodate up to 60 visitors per day, so volunteers are welcome; in return, they will enjoy an immersive experience in the Costa Rican rainforest with one of the world’s few matrilineal cultures.
The Bribri community of Yorkin is surrounded by the Tscui and Yorkin rivers, so it can be reached by boat or on foot (a 2-hour walk). The cost of round-trip boat transportation is $100.00; one-way is $50.00.
The daily rate for volunteers is $60, which includes meals, lodging, and the immersive experience. Volunteers provide support for 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, and have 2 days off per week. The rate may vary depending on the duration of the volunteer placement.