Costa Rica: Natural Wonders

Arrive at Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San José and meet your Rustic Pathways leaders who will help you board the bus. Head to the hotel in the capital and undergo an orientation. Get your first glimpse at why Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to the environment, from its rainforests and volcanic peaks to its two coasts.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and then hop in the van for the four hour drive to the small coastal community of Bahia Ballena. Relax and immerse yourself in the laidback lifestyle of this friendly Tico beach town with its palm-fringed beaches and clear blue water. After settling in, head to the beach for your first surfing lesson.

Depending on the tides, you’ll start or end the day whale watching. Head to Marino Ballena National Park – a favorite spot for humpback whales and dolphins to carry out their reproductive cycles from July – October. See the well-known whale tail rock formation that’s created by the bay’s currents. Walk along the seashore to the tail.

During the rest of the day, travel to the small coastal community of Uvita, where some families struggle to meet basic needs. Work in partnership with the Uvita Community Development Association on a range of community-identified projects. Rustic Pathways started working in 2017 with the association to improve infrastructure, education and sustainable development.

Spend the next two days splitting your time between surfing and service. Wake at sunrise and head down to the ocean for early morning surf. After breakfast and a quick recovery nap, head out to complete your community service projects in the village and get to know the local community members. End the day with a soccer game in the community court, animal-spotting walks with your Rustic Pathways program leader or simply soak up an amazing sunset at the beach.

After breakfast, hike for three hours through primary and secondary rainforest up a steep hillside in a privately owned and rarely visited forest. At the top of the hill, cool off in a small waterfall and natural pool. After your break, hike back down a rainforest trail to the top of a 100-ft waterfall. Get safety instructions and rappel off the side of the waterfall.

Settle into your new home for the evening – a cave behind the curtain of water that was once inhabited by a local shaman. Enjoy your comfortable, though rustic, accommodation that includes beds, bathrooms, and a kitchen. After dinner, make a small campfire, listen to music, and tell stories.

** For those who do not wish to rappel, our Rustic Pathways Staff member can walk you down a separate trail that leads to the cave. **

Wake up to the golden light of sunrise filtering through a shimmering curtain of falling water. After a hearty breakfast, take a morning hike through the rainforest in search of toucans, monkeys, and sloths.

After your trek, enjoy lunch and a well-deserved siesta on the bus as we head to our final destination in the small town of Turrialba.

Get set for an unforgettable day of rafting at one of the top rafting locations in the world. The Pacuare River’s class IV and V rapids will get your adrenaline pumping. Along the way, enjoy numerous waterfalls and the surrounding rainforest.

After a day of laughs and fun, return to San Jose for one final group dinner. At the program’s end, students reflect on their experiences and participate in the traditional Rustic Ties ceremony. This unique and powerful activity allows students to capture their memories and discuss how to share the lessons they’ve learned with their communities back home.

Say goodbye to your newfound friends and head to the airport. We hope the people you’ve met, perspectives you’ve gained and lessons you’ve learned will serve you well as you head home. After some final group photographs and high-fives with the Tico team, you’ll head through immigration and board your flight home. We trust you’ve had an incredible time in Costa Rica and hope to see you again soon. Pura Vida!