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Costa Rica

MEDLIFE is a nonprofit working alongside low-income communities in Latin America and Africa to expand access to medicine, education, and opportunities for growth.

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Costa Rica at a Glance

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Costa Rica is a small country in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the Pacific Ocean is to the west. Costa Rica is slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia. There are two major mountain ranges in the country: the Cordillera Volcanica and the Cordillera de Talamanca. As in many other Central American countries, Costa Rica suffers from occasional volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

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Official Name

Republic
of Costa Rica

Capital

San José

Population

4,987,142

Languages

Spanish, English

Currency

Costa Rican colon

Land Area

19,729 mi²
(51,100 km²) 

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Why we Work in Costa Rica

  • Costa Rica’s healthcare system is comprehensive but faces challenges in rural areas.
  • Costa Rica’s poverty rate in 2022 was 14.10%.
  • Despite high literacy rates, access to quality education varies, particularly in remote regions.
  • Rural areas sometimes lack adequate roads, water systems, and sanitation facilities.
  • Addressing cultural and linguistic diversity to ensure inclusive healthcare and education.

MEDLIFE in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, MEDLIFE collaborates with local healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders to expand access to medical care, health education, and sustainable development initiatives in underserved regions. 

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 The Impact of These Partnerships 

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Total patients attended:

4,231

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Toothbrushing patients:

335

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PAP smears:

476

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Breast exams:

228

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Requirements to Visit

Costa Rica travel requirements

A passport with a validity of the duration of your stay is required to enter Costa Rica. Before you travel, ensure that your passport is valid and up to date. If you need to renew your passport before traveling, do so as soon as possible.

Costa Rica visa requirements

Travellers entering Costa Rica do not need to obtain a visa if their stay is under 180 days.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Costa Rica?

While no vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica, it is advisable to get up to date on certain vaccinations like typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, and COVID-19. There are also potential requirements related to yellow fever.

Costa Rica travel restrictions

It is important to stay up to date on the travel advisories for Peru from your country’s government website.

Highlights of MEDLIFE's Service Learning Trips

Duration of Trips

8 days, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque sit amet porta risus, et pulvinar mi. 

Seasons

Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November).

Highlights of the destination

Fortuna waterfall, Arenal volcano, La paz volcano, Manuel Antonio Beach, Nauyaca waterfalls.

Other Service Learning Trips

Apart from our classic SLT, we provide a wide variety of Service Learning Trips. Our programs are tailored for college and high school students, educators, and group leaders.

Tamarindo,
Costa Rica

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San Jose,
Costa Rica

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Learn About
Costa Rica

Check our FAQs

How to join a Service Learning Trip in Costa Rica

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Book a meeting with a MEDLIFE Advisor

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Join an existing MEDLIFE SLT or organize one for yourself and your peers

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Pay the donation goal and secure your spot

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Start packing and get ready for a week of ethical service!

See our Long-Term Change in Action

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