- Program
- Pura Vida Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- June 2025
- Hometown
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Traveled with
- A best friend, Hailey
- Program Leaders
- Gabby, Annie, Dan, and Danny
In this first-person account, Hudson Brockstedt of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Pura Vida Service program in Costa Rica in June 2025, with photos from the trip.
Hudson describes white water rafting with new friends, zip lining and meaningful service, and the time back in the room with roommates that made the trip.
Hudson’s Pura Vida Trip to Costa Rica With a Best Friend
Hi, my name is Hudson and I am from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This past June I went on the Pura Vida trip to Costa Rica. I set out for the trip with my best friend Hailey Allen, but I came out of the experience with so many friends from all over.
White Water Rafting, Zip Lining and Service in Costa Rica
My favorite activity that we did was white water rafting. Hailey and I went with our new friends Mia and Ella and it was the highlight of the trip to say the least. I also did zip lining, shopping, and meaningful service which was unforgettable. In addition to all the fun experiences, it was truly exciting to immerse myself in the Spanish language.
What Hudson Took Home: Roommates and Leaders on Pura Vida
Other than the activities, my favorite times were when I was back in the room with my roommates. Hailey, Ella, Helena, Aurora, Taylor, and Layna are the reasons why I had so much fun on this trip. Not only them, but our leaders Gabby, Annie, Dan, and Danny were the operators of this amazing experience and it wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Hudson describes setting out with a best friend and coming home with friends from all over. The memories concern the June 2025 session, and Hudson first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on August 28, 2025.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service. It runs 8 days for high school students ages 14–18 and includes about 16 hours of community service near Arenal Volcano, helping improve local schools and maintain park trails, along with ziplining through the rainforest and whitewater rafting. See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
