My connection to Pacuare began when I was just two years old. I spent part of my childhood there and, though I later moved to Heredia, I always returned to Pacuare during school vacations to enjoy time with my family. In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, I moved back to Pacuare, where my father was working on “El Coco,” an organic composting project using coconut shells. It was then that Eco Vida Pacuare was born—a decision that transformed my life.

Eco Vida allowed me to contribute to environmental conservation, help animals, meet people from all over the world, learn new languages, and discover different cultures and traditions. I’ve formed deep friendships in such a short time. One of my most special experiences has been protecting turtles and witnessing their nesting process, from their majestic emergence from the sea to laying their eggs and returning to the ocean. Every moment has been incredible and unforgettable. Seeing the impact we’ve achieved fills me with immense satisfaction. Now, as we embark on a new phase in Nandayure, I feel both joy and excitement for all that we have accomplished and the opportunities ahead.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with various governmental organizations on reforestation, recycling, and wildlife protection initiatives. Despite the challenges and threats we face, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect nature and local biodiversity. Our efforts have strengthened community collaboration, including beach cleanups and environmental education programs.

The pandemic brought us back to Barra Pacuare, where, together with volunteer Sophie Watt and Gloriana Castro, we formalized our conservation efforts under the Eco Vida Pacuare initiative. Our mission was to achieve the Blue Flag Ecological Award, a challenge in terms of organization and resources, but also a meaningful milestone for our cause. Through Eco Vida, we established a more formal and legal framework for environmental protection, ensuring the longevity and growth of our efforts while benefiting local communities.

Today, our association has entered a new chapter, focusing on Nandayure, Guanacaste. Here, we are attracting volunteers from around the world to participate in conservation projects such as beach cleanups, reforestation, and educational activities in local schools. Through this initiative, we aim to continue protecting Costa Rica’s natural habitats while improving the quality of life for local communities.

Through Costa Rica Eco Vida, we offer volunteer programs that include three daily meals, accommodations, and nature-based activities such as hiking and wildlife observation tours. The funds generated are reinvested in land purchases for conservation and the implementation of community and environmental projects.

Our vision is to continue sharing Costa Rica’s natural wealth with the world while fostering environmental awareness. Every day, we work toward building a more sustainable and mindful future for generations to come, in harmony with nature.

We warmly invite volunteers from all over the world to join us in this important effort, contributing to the preservation of nature while creating meaningful connections and experiences.