We use an informal and hands on approach to teaching people about how cool bugs really are. Volunteers from all over the world are trained to guide people through 4 butterfly habitats, a leaf cutter ant colony and a collection of live insects from Costa Rica.
Here at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, we have been teaching people about Costa Rica's insects and arachnids for over 20 years. We have made it our mission to change the way people think about these small, misunderstood creatures. This may seem like a daunting task, but our bugs and tour guides can win over even the most skeptical visitor! With up to 30 species of butterfly in 4 different habitats, over 20 species of live insects and arachnids in our nature center, an active leaf-cutter ant colony and the best guides in the business, we truly have something for everyone!
Nestled in the mountains of Monteverde and just off the beaten path, our centre is the perfect setting for learning new things and conquering old misconceptions. On our three-acre property you will find not just our captive insects and arachnids, but also an abundance of Costa Rican wildlife including White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Agoutis, Coatis, Toucans, Motmots and many others. Whether you choose to search for every last butterfly or relax on our terrace and enjoy the view, your visit to The Gardens is sure to surpass your expectations!
What you do:
- 1 hour English tours through our gardens and insect collection. You don’t need
- experience or prior knowledge of insects; we will take care of training you.
- From 7:45 to 5pm you will work on facility maintenance, butterfly breeding, and tours!
- You can expect to give 1-4 tours a day
- You will work 5 days a week and volunteer a half day at the local public library
Who we are looking for:
- An outgoing, flexible and positive attitude!
- A hard worker who is committed to science education
- Someone willing to give up technology (for the most part) and really get into in the amazing nature around them
- A passion for nature
- Spanish is not necessary, though it is always helpful; any other second languages are also appreciated
- We teach science, and you must be comfortable talking to people about evolution
- The gardens are located in the mountains, therefore a certain level of physical ability is needed, not for the job but for getting around town.
What you get:
- In return for Volunteering with us, we will house you and feed you! This is one of the last no charge volunteer gigs on the planet! You will live in our off-gird volunteer house and enjoy fresh local Costa Rican food
- Two months experience in Education and Outreach
- Knowledge about neo-tropical insects and arachnids
- Amazing birding/wildlife viewing opportunities
