Costa Rica: Turrialba Service

Arrive at San Jose Airport (SJO) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel to settle in, and then join the group for an orientation discussion and an introduction to the local culture.

Wake up early for a traditional breakfast before heading to Turrialba, a peaceful mountain town with all the quaintness of home and flair of true Tico culture. Settle into our base house in the hillsides of Turri and get ready to start the adventure.

In the afternoon, we will take a walking tour around Turrialba, learn about the community, and get introduced to our home for the week.

Spend the morning working with community partners on different projects that will impact the local residents. Take breaks from service and play soccer with the local children. While projects vary depending on season and community need, each is designed in partnership with community leaders and includes group discussions on service, cultural immersion, global citizenship, and other topics related to your program.

Spend the afternoons enjoying Turrialba with adventure activities like canyoning (rappelling) and learn about the importance of farming for the local economy during coffee and cheese tours. 

Say goodbye to your new friends in Turrialba, and head to the Pacuare River for a white water rafting experience on your last day in Costa Rica. The thrilling class III and IV rapids and the flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest make this river one of the top rafting destinations in the world.

After your rafting adventure, join in a closing discussion and our traditional Rustic Ties ceremony. This unique and powerful activity allows us to capture memories and reflect on how we can share what we’ve learned with our communities back home.

Head to the airport with your program leaders as you bid farewell to Costa Rica. We hope the people you’ve met, perspectives you’ve gained, and lessons you’ve learned will serve you well as you head home.