Belize • Costa Rica • Dominican Republic • Ecuador & Galápagos • Peru • United States
Teen tours in the Americas with Rustic Pathways give high school students ages 12–18 an immersive experience across North, Central, and South America.
From Costa Rica’s rainforests and the Caribbean Sea to Peru’s Andes, the Galápagos Islands, and U.S. locations like Colorado, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon, teens explore different cultures, learn from local communities, and grow through hands-on adventure and meaningful travel programs designed for safety, confidence, and personal growth.
Why the Americas Are a Top Destination for Teen Tours
The Americas offer one of the world’s most diverse regions for teen travel, blending cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, history, and adventure activities across multiple ecosystems, from tropical coasts to mountain ranges and major U.S. cities.
Students experience:
- Cultural immersion and time with local communities
- Adventure activities like hiking, surfing, zip lining, and white water rafting
- Wildlife experiences, including sea turtles, Amazon rainforest species, and Galápagos wildlife
- History and unique traditions, from Inca sites like Machu Picchu to Mayan ruins
- Team building and shared experiences that encourage confidence and independence
- Safe, vetted accommodations and expert Program Leaders
Teens gain new perspectives by stepping outside their comfort zone, discovering new places, and building lifelong friendships along the way.
Best Teen Tours in the U.S., Latin America & the Caribbean — Quick Comparison
Costa Rica Programs (Multiple Options)14–181–3 WeeksVariesAdventure, Service, WildlifePacific Coast, Rainforest, Volcano Regions
| Program Name | Ages | Duration | Service Hours | Main Focus | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service | 14–18 | 8 Days | ~12 Hours | Environmental Stewardship, Surfing, Snorkeling | Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island), Kona Coast |
| Colorado Summer Camps: Outdoor Adventure in the Rockies | 12–18 | 8 Days | Varies | Outdoor Adventure, Stewardship, Rocky Mountain Ecology | Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park |
| Dominican Republic Programs | 14–18 | 1–2 Weeks | Varies | Community Service, Culture, Coast | Caribbean Coast, Mountain Communities |
| Belize Programs | 14–18 | 1–2 Weeks | Varies | Marine Conservation, Reef Ecology | Barrier Reef, Coastal Communities |
| Ecuador & Galápagos Programs | 14–18 | 10–14 Days | Varies | Wildlife, Conservation, Adventure | Andes, Amazon, Galápagos Islands |
| Peru Programs | 14–18 | 10–14 Days | Varies | History, Culture, Trekking | Sacred Valley, Andes, Amazon |
Teen Travel Programs in the Americas (By Country)
Costa Rica Teen Tours
Rustic Pathways’ Costa Rica programs combine adventure, biodiversity, and cultural immersion. Teens explore rainforests, coastlines, and volcano regions through activities like zip lining, white water rafting, surfing, turtle conservation, and community service.
Program Highlights
- Rainforest hiking and wildlife exploration
- White water rafting and zip lining
- Service with local communities
- Spanish language exposure
- Surfing on the Pacific Coast
Dominican Republic Teen Tours
Students experience vibrant Caribbean culture, coastal life, and community connection. Teens engage with local families, participate in service projects, and learn about regional traditions while staying in vetted accommodations.
Program Highlights
- Service in rural mountain communities
- Caribbean Sea views and coastal activities
- Local food, music, and cultural traditions
- Teen-friendly group lodging
- Adventure experiences near the coast
Explore Dominican Republic Teen Tours
Belize Teen Tours
Belize offers reef, rainforest, and cultural immersion. Teens support conservation initiatives, learn from Indigenous communities, and explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Program Highlights
- Marine ecology programs
- Snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef
- Cultural immersion in local villages
- Kayaking and coastal exploration
- Tropical wildlife encounters
Ecuador & Galápagos Teen Tours
Ecuador combines Andean culture, the Amazon rainforest, and the iconic Galápagos Islands—home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife. Teens explore volcanoes, islands, markets, and local traditions.
Program Highlights
- Galápagos Islands wildlife exploration
- Andes cultural immersion
- Amazon rainforest experiences
- Sea kayaking and snorkeling
- Conservation-focused service
Explore Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Teen Tours
Peru Teen Tours
Peru offers rich culture, history, and outdoor exploration. Teens visit local communities, explore Andean landscapes, and learn about ancient traditions.
Program Highlights
- Sacred Valley cultural immersion
- Visits to historical sites
- Andean hiking and village experiences
- Local markets and food traditions
- Optional journey to Machu Picchu (program-dependent)
United States Teen Tours (North America)
Rustic Pathways’ United States programs combine outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and cultural exploration. Teens experience iconic American landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coastline, while building leadership skills, teamwork, and independence in supportive group settings.
Program Highlights
- Outdoor adventure in national parks and coastal environments
- Environmental service and conservation projects
- Surfing, hiking, and hands-on ecological learning
- Leadership development and team building
- Small-group travel with experienced program leaders
Explore Colorado Summer Camps
Explore Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service
Other United States Destinations Include:
- Washington D.C. — culture, history, and civic learning
- Boston — universities, American history, and exploration
- New York City — arts, culture, neighborhoods, and urban discovery
- California — coasts, national parks, and adventure activities
- Grand Canyon & Southwest — hiking, desert landscapes, team building
- Alaska — wildlife, glacier landscapes, and outdoor adventure
