- Program
- Pura Vida Service, Costa Rica
- Traveled
- July 2026
- Hometown
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
In this first-person account, Layla Proudfoot of Glasgow, United Kingdom, looks back on Rustic Pathways’ Pura Vida Service program in Costa Rica in July 2026, a first trip outside Europe, with photos from the trip.
Layla describes coming home with a new perspective on making a difference, service that was sometimes challenging, and nights of Uno and time by the pool.
Layla’s First Trip Outside Europe, to Costa Rica
Hi, I’m Layla and I recently had the opportunity to take part in the Pura Vida Service in Costa Rica!!
Volunteering in Costa Rica was so much more than I ever expected. I have never been out of Europe before and I came home from my trip with a completely different perspective on what it means to make a difference, and a greater appreciation for the people, communities and experiences around me.
Challenging Service and Nights of Uno in Costa Rica
I learned that even the smallest acts can have an impact and also that it’s good to step outside your comfort zone sometimes and try new things.
Even though some of the service was quite challenging, nights spent playing Uno and chilling by the pool made it all worth it knowing that we were doing something good for a deserving community.
What Layla Took Home From Pura Vida Service
This trip gave me so many amazing memories but most importantly it connected me with so many other amazing people who I miss so much!!
Pura Vida
Layla describes a new perspective on what it means to make a difference. The memories concern the July 2026 session, and Layla first shared them on the Rustic Pathways Instagram account on August 14, 2026.
The program still runs as Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service. It runs 8 days for students ages 14–18 and includes about 16 hours of community service near Arenal Volcano, helping improve local schools and maintain park trails, plus ziplining through the rainforest and whitewater rafting. See the program page for the current itinerary, dates and activities.
