Through a press release, the travel service company Cheapflights, pulled together their picks for 10 destinations to make a difference: top ecotourism impact spots with a line-up of hands-on, inspiring opportunities to play a role in protecting the planet.

“In honor of Earth Day, make your next vacation more meaningful by giving the gift of your time to the planet. To inspire travelers to roll up their sleeves and get involved, Cheapflights.com has pulled together a list of “Destinations to make a difference: top ecotourism impact spots”. Experience a destination in a whole new way while making a positive impact on the environment.”

One of the destinations featured is, of course, Costa Rica, the experience involves volunteering in a wild animal rescue center based on a private ecological reserve in northern Costa Rica:

Work at an animal rescue center in Costa Rica

Volunteer at a private ecological reserve in northern Costa Rica‘s San Carlos province to help out an animal rescue center and support wildlife conservation efforts in the area. The rescue center gives endangered, injured and abandoned animals a home and, whenever possible, releases animals back into the wild. Volunteers have a chance to work with the animals by feeding them and cleaning their living quarters. Volunteers will also help maintain trails on the reserve, work in the greenhouse and participate in community outreach projects in the area.