Volcano and Rainforest Service Base

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. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.

Work on service initiatives in the villages around La Fortuna. Split your time between morning and afternoon service sessions. Choose from a variety of ongoing service initiatives designed and monitored by Rustic Pathways staff in cooperation with local community leaders. Projects will focus on community infrastructure development, educational facility improvement, and environmental initiatives. Spend your evenings hanging out at the Volcano and Rainforest Service Base, hiking to waterfalls and hot springs, or exploring La Fortuna’s markets.

Having completed your service projects, take advantage of Costa Rica’s exciting adventure opportunities. Choose from optional activities including zip lining or whitewater rafting. Learn about Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures through a presentation from a nearby community. Learn to salsa and merengue. Return to San José for your last night.

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.