Location Highlights San Jose San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and its largest city by far. It’s located in the center of the country. This programs begins and ends in San Jose, but the program adventures take place in much-less densely populated parts of the country. La Fortuna Stay in the town of La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. This area has beautiful mountain views and rainforests teeming with wildlife, including sloths, coati and howler monkeys. The town is relatively small but has restaurants called sodas, along with stores for souvenir shopping. Many local residents speak English here.
Accommodations The students stay at our base house in La Fortuna throughout most of their program. Rustic Country Manager Wainer Ocampo, who was born and raised in Costa Rica, says the northern town is a great place for student travel. “What I love about Fortuna is it is very safe and well-managed. The town is clean and the people are welcoming and friendly. There also are many adventure activities nearby,” Ocampo said. The accommodations are close to Arenal Volcano National Park and other well-known attractions. The teens will share dormitory-style rooms based on gender. They’ll have access to basic Western amenities, such as bathrooms with hot showers and clean water. The site also has a beautiful pool and garden where the students can relax. At the beginning and end of the program, students stay in a hotel near the airport. These hotels serve as a transition point for multiple Rustic Pathways programs, giving students a chance to rest and connect with others before and after their trip.
Service Work Projects are chosen by the local community, based on need. A local leader spearheads the effort and ensures the right professionals are in place for projects. Supplies for each project are purchased by using a portion of the fees Rustic families pay for programs. This summer students are expected to complete infrastructure projects at a local school and park and environmental projects in various protected zones. The groups will help with the construction of a new classroom. They’ll also work on needed upkeep projects, such as painting and fixing sidewalks and cleaning up a vegetable garden. If school’s in session and everyone’s healthy, they’ll do cultural exchange activities with local kids. For environmental projects, the students will collaborate with an association called Millon de Arboles (1,000,000 trees). They’ll work at a tree nursery and do reforestation and maintenance projects along a biological corridor that’s adjacent to the river Rio La Danta. The students also will do service at Arenal Volcano National Park. They’ll work on maintenance projects at the rangers’ facilities and a bodega. This may include tasks like painting or wood working. If time allows, students may improve water access in parts of the national park. All projects are ongoing. When one group finishes a project, the next one will start a new one. Therefore, students in week 10 might not do the same service work as those in week one. Regardless, there are many tasks slated to be done. They could involve painting, mixing concrete, planting trees, gardening, assembling shelves or digging a foundation. They’ll stay busy and be able to see their progress! Each student will provide about 16 hours of community service while on the program. All together the students gave more than 7,000 hours of service during the Pura Vida Service program last summer. “We were always busy. We were always helping, and we made a lot of progress with the wall, which was amazing to see…I also got really dirty, so that was fun!” –Ella Russell, 2022 Pura Vida Service
Food Breakfast will be a little different every day. The students will have the traditional Costa Rican meal called Gallo Pinto at least once. It includes a mix of beans, rice, salsa lizano sauce, onion, red bell pepper, and cilantro. It’s often served alongside a fried egg, ripe plantains, white cheese and homemade tortillas. Other days there will be pancakes, fruits, eggs, cereals and milk. Plus, coffee will be available and fruit juices. Most of the lunches will be eaten in the communities or schools where the students work. In these places the meals will most likely be traditional Costa Rican dishes composed of rice, beans, steamed vegetables and a salad with a protein like chicken. Student dietary needs will be taken into account. Dinners will be more varied. Some of the meals will be adapted to North American standards with options like pasta, barbecue, fried rice chicken, burgers, vegetables, mashed potatoes, lasagna and many other dishes. The students also will have fruit or cereal bars during the community service breaks. The most common fruits in Costa Rica are pineapple, banana, papaya and watermelon.
What’s Included in Your Program Program Leaders & Guides English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders Airport Transportation Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport Comfortable Accommodations All nights of accommodation All Meals Included Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay Ground Transportation All transportation between program locations and activities All Activities Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary 24/7 Support On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind Emergency Coverage Included emergency evacuation assurance plan All Fees & Tips Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips What’s Not Included in Your Program International Flights Souvenirs Additional Snacks Visa Expenses Passport Fees
About the program Live surrounded by lush rainforest in our comfortable base beneath Arenal Volcano. Play with school children as you enhance their day with much-needed English language enrichment. Savor the tastes of tropical fruits while sipping smoothies and relaxing in natural hot springs during your breaks from service. Participate in a variety of adventure activities like zip lining over the jungle canopy and whitewater rafting the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiquí River. Work on a combination of service projects throughout your week at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base in La Fortuna. Whether helping out with service initiatives or participating in cross-cultural experiences, you’ll contribute positively to the community, practice your Spanish, and make new Tico friends. You’ll work hard and still have the opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica’s many adventure activities. Take a trip to secluded hot springs or hike through the rainforest. After action-packed days, relax in a hammock or take a dip in the freshwater pool. This program is great for first-time travelers and students interested in making new friends from across the globe. Questions about Traveling to Costa Rica: Do minors need a passport for Costa Rica? Yes, minors do need a passport for travel to Costa Rica. Are Costa Rica tours safe right now? Generally, it is safe to travel to Costa Rica. What can you not bring into Costa Rica? You cannot bring certain items into Costa Rica, such as firearms, illegal drugs, or fresh fruits and vegetables. Is Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast or Atlantic Coast better for teen travel? Both sides of Costa Rica offer attractions suitable for teens. Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast tends to be more popular for family vacations due to its calmer waters and kid-friendly activities. The Pacific Ocean is a wonderful backdrop to the exotic fauna and natural beauty. Questions about “Pura Vida” in Costa Rica: What does the phrase Pura Vida mean in Costa Rica? The phrase means “pure life” in English. You’ll hear it over and over again on your entire tour. Costa Ricans are friendly and you’ll feel like you’re at home. Why do they say Pura Vida in Costa Rica? The phrase is said in Costa Rica to express a positive attitude towards life, emphasizing simplicity, gratitude, and happiness. Where is it said? It is commonly said throughout Costa Rica in everyday conversation. Travel Planning Questions about Costa Rica: How many days in Costa Rica is enough? The ideal number of days to spend in Costa Rica depends on your interests and itinerary, but a week to 10 days is often recommended to explore the country’s diverse attractions. What is the best time to visit Costa Rica? The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is generally sunny and dry across the country. What is the average cost of a trip to Costa Rica? The average cost of a trip to Costa Rica varies depending on factors such as accommodation, activities, and duration, but budgeting around $100-$200 per day per person is a common estimate. What is the best way to travel to Costa Rica as a teen? The best way to see Costa Rica is with Rustic Pathways. We will explore the natural wonders, including its national parks, rainforests, beaches, and wildlife reserves. Costa Rica tours are a great way to see the country, enjoy Costa Rican cuisine, and enjoy Costa Rica’s climate. We will ensure you have a wonderful trip and and amazing tour of Costa Rica. Our team is extremely knowledgeable. Read more: Why Costa Rica Is the Perfect Place for Student Travel
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