Costa Rica Natural Wonders

Arrive into San Jose Airport (SJO) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.

Take some informal language lessons over breakfast and begin your day in the breathtaking area of Bahia Ballena. This South Pacific pueblo boasts picturesque beaches, pristine rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and the famous “Whale Tale” reef formation. After a day of practicing your Spanish, introducing yourself to the local community, and settling into your new accommodation, reconvene with your group to watch the monkeys playing in the treetops as the high tide waves roll into the rainforest at sunset.

At sunset, head to the ocean and enjoy a soccer game at the beach. Then, will take part in the first of their nightly reflections and take some time to jot down first thoughts and impressions.

Wake at sunrise and head down to the ocean for an early morning surf, and participate in community work in surrounding towns in the afternoons. Not a surfer? No problem! Our Costa Rican professional surf instructors will have you standing within an hour.

Our community-focused service projects involve housing infrastructure for families living in substandard housing and working on projects for the community such as schools and public community centers, all in a sustainable way. End each day with a sunset walk down to the beach. You can also play in a community soccer game, walk along the Whale Tale rock formation, hike in the ocean-side rainforest, go animal spotting with your Program Leaders, or simply soak up the most beautiful sunsets. In the evenings, join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you will begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.

The eco-adventure begins! Hike through primary and secondary rainforest up a steep hillside. This forest is privately owned and rarely visited, resulting in tons of wild flora and fauna in every direction. As we reach the top of the hill, cool off and relax in the natural pool beneath a small waterfall. Next, we’ll hike to the top of a stunning 100ft waterfall. From there, put on your harness and rappel off the side of the waterfall down to our new home for the evening, the cave. For those who do not wish to rappel, a Rustic Pathways Staff member will walk with you down a trail that leads to the cave.

This cave was once inhabited by the local shaman and still maintains an air of magic and mysticism. Although it is rustic, there are beds, bathrooms, and a kitchen. After dinner, we’ll make a small campfire and play music, tell stories, and wind down after an epic day.

Wake up to the golden light of sunrise filtering through a shimmering curtain of falling water and soak up this incredible view. Take a morning hike through the rainforest in search of toucans, monkeys, sloths. Go for one last swim and head out of the bush for good. Enjoy lunch and well-deserved siesta on the bus as we head to our final destination. Spend the evening in the small town of Turrialba.

Today will be an unforgettable adventure! Whitewater raft one of the top rafting rivers in the world with Class IV and V rapids, waterfalls, and its thick surrounding rainforest. Return to San Jose for one final group dinner and some well-deserved rest.

At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home

We hope the people you’ve met, perspectives you’ve gained, and lessons you’ve learned will serve you well as you head home to use your new Spanish skills in your own community. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.