Costa Rica: Heart of the Jungle

Costa Rica: Heart of the Jungle

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Travel this program in the future

Start your journey by heading south to surf the hidden breaks and enjoy the secluded beaches of Dominical. Hike along beautiful trails and canyons to a series of impressive waterfalls where expert guides will teach you how to rappel. Set off on a three-day sea kayaking expedition through the Golfo Dulce in the Osa Peninsula. At night, camp on the beach and enjoy dinner next to a bonfire as you exchange stories about the day’s adventures. Venture into Corcovado National Park, keeping an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws. When not exploring the jungle, participate in a variety of infrastructure service projects to support the communities you visit. You might work on infrastructure for low-income communities along with local associations to achieve economic development or environmental conservation projects. Conclude your adventure by whitewater rafting the Savegre River.

Students love Corcovado National Park and rafting the Savegre River.

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student Travel
  • Duration:
    16 Days
  • Max. Students:
    18
  • Cost:
    $5,295 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    25
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student Travel
  • Duration:
    16 Days
  • Max. Students:
    18
  • Cost:
    $5,295 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    25
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Activities
Service
A Few of the Places You'll Stay

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Consider no checked bag. We strongly recommend that you consider packing only a carry-on size bag. This prevents your luggage getting lost or separated from you, keeps your bag manageable, and helps you be more mobile on your travel day.
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Daypack

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Photocopy of flight information
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the US State Dept but not required)
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Main Luggage

A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

  • Socks (8)
  • Underwear (8)
  • Long, loose-fitting shorts for service project work. Something that provides coverage and protection while keeping you cool. (3-4)
  • Long looser capris or quick dry pants (3-4)
  • Dry quick long sleeve shirts (4-5)
  • T-shirts (5-7)
  • Tank tops (2-3)
  • Long sleeve shirt and pants for colder camping nights (2)
  • Long sleeve rash-guard (2-3)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Rain jacket
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Closed-toed quick dry water shoes or strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers (2 pairs. One for daily use and another for community service – this pair will get dirty)
  • Rubber boots (Needed for service in agriculture. Bring with you as these cannot be purchased locally)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Work gloves
  • Quick dry towel
  • Beach towel/sarong
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Reusable bag for shopping
  • Bandana

Toiletries

(travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe) – preferably cream, not spray
  • Biodegradable/natural bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream
Important Reminders
  • *Community Service Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.