Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

Q: Is Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service the Right Fit?

Which Students Thrive on This Program? Students who want to make a real difference while experiencing the adventure Costa Rica is famous for. This program suits teens who are ready to get hands-on with service work—reforesting sloth habitat, improving rural schools, and supporting local sustainability projects—while also zip lining through the rainforest canopy, rafting the Sarapiquí River, and soaking in volcanic hot springs. No prior experience required; just an open mind and a willingness to work hard and explore. What Does a Typical Day Look Like? Mornings often start with service project work near La Fortuna—painting, gardening, light construction, or reforestation. Afternoons rotate between continued service, cultural visits, or adventure activities like zip lining or an organic farm tour. Day 5 includes a soccer match with local school students. Day 6 is rafting on the Sarapiquí River followed by natural hot springs. Evenings include group reflections, conversations, and downtime at the hostel. Who Might This Program Not Suit? Students who require reliable high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the trip, air-conditioned private rooms, or strictly structured schedules. The program moves at a warm, spontaneous pace—service projects may shift based on community needs, weather can be unpredictable, and accommodation is shared hostel-style. Students uncomfortable with warm, humid conditions or physical outdoor work may find this program challenging.

Q: Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Costa Rica?

Why La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano? La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions, surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and wildlife. The community here faces real infrastructure challenges that student service teams can meaningfully address—school improvements, reforestation, and sustainability projects that create lasting impact. The region also offers extraordinary adventures that are unique to Costa Rica’s volcanic landscape. Why Costa Rica? Costa Rica protects over 25% of its territory as national parks and reserves, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth per square kilometer. It consistently ranks among the safest and most accessible destinations for teen international travel. English-speaking program infrastructure, excellent medical facilities, and a culture built around the “Pura Vida” philosophy—a way of life centered on gratitude, community, and joy—makes Costa Rica an ideal first or repeat international experience for students. What Cultural Experiences Are Built Into This Program? Students visit a local school for a cultural presentation and learn traditional dance on Day 2. Day 4 includes a visit to an educational organic farm where students learn about traditional agriculture and medicinal plants used by Costa Ricans for generations. Day 5 brings a cross-cultural soccer match with local students. Throughout the week, students eat traditional Costa Rican meals like Gallo Pinto and casado, shop in La Fortuna’s downtown market, and connect with local community members through service.

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

What’s Included? Lodging (all 7 nights) All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support What’s not included? International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending ($150-200)

What Will Students Experience?

Students on the Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service program experience a balance of meaningful service work and Costa Rican adventure: building infrastructure at rural schools, planting native trees for sloth corridors, exchanging language and culture with local students, and exploring Arenal Volcano National Park.

What Does an 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Depart for Costa Rica!

Chaperoned flight from Los Angeles to Costa Rica · Arrival in San José (SJO)

Welcome to La Fortuna

Transfer to La Fortuna · Volcano & Rainforest Service Base · Local school cultural presentation

Support local projects and a sloth shelter

Community service projects · Reforestation or infrastructure support · Sloth shelter assistance

Zip Lining and Farm Visit

Rainforest zip lining · La Fortuna town visit · Organic farm tour

Service & School Kids

Community service projects · School cultural exchange · Soccer match with local students

Raft the Sarapiquí

Whitewater rafting on Sarapiquí River · Natural hot springs

Final Day of Service

Community service projects · Return to San José · Souvenir stop

Pura Vida Costa Rica!

Chaperoned return flight

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students fly into and out of San José International Airport (SJO). Rustic Pathways staff meet arriving students at the airport and accompany them throughout the entire program. The program’s advertised dates include international travel time. Families will receive detailed flight and arrival instructions before departure.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid →

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers in the La Fortuna base house and San Jose hotel. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents also have access to Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from Rustic Pathways staff.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but can’t use them during group activities, meals, or service work. Wi-Fi is available at the base house, but speeds vary. Students are encouraged to disconnect and engage fully.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are limited to 20 students, ages 14–18. Most sessions average 15 students. Program Leaders group similarly-aged students together for activities.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Rustic Pathways programs are open to students worldwide, with participants from 50+ countries each year. International students usually book their own flights to San Jose (SJO), where staff coordinates pickup. Visa requirements vary by passport—contact a travel advisor for guidance.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students join without knowing anyone. 94% travel solo. No experience needed. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, so friendships form quickly and everyone has a place in the group.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay at a private Rustic Pathways base house in La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, with gender-separated rooms, private bathrooms, hot water, and common spaces. Nights 1 and 7 are in a comfortable hotel near the San Jose airport.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas. Students have relaxation time at the base house pool and common areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice. All dietary needs collected during enrollment and shared with meal providers.

How much spending money?

$100–150 recommended for souvenirs and snacks. US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Costa Rican Colón also used locally.

Do we need a visa?

US citizens don’t need a visa for Costa Rica. Travelers from other countries may need one—contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Learn about the Rustic Pathways approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service the Right Fit?

Which Students Thrive on This Program?
Students who want to make a real difference while experiencing the adventure Costa Rica is famous for. This program suits teens who are ready to get hands-on with service work—reforesting sloth habitat, improving rural schools, and supporting local sustainability projects—while also zip lining through the rainforest canopy, rafting the Sarapiquí River, and soaking in volcanic hot springs. No prior experience required; just an open mind and a willingness to work hard and explore.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Mornings often start with service project work near La Fortuna—painting, gardening, light construction, or reforestation. Afternoons rotate between continued service, cultural visits, or adventure activities like zip lining or an organic farm tour. Day 5 includes a soccer match with local school students. Day 6 is rafting on the Sarapiquí River followed by natural hot springs. Evenings include group reflections, conversations, and downtime at the hostel.

Who Might This Program Not Suit?
Students who require reliable high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the trip, air-conditioned private rooms, or strictly structured schedules. The program moves at a warm, spontaneous pace—service projects may shift based on community needs, weather can be unpredictable, and accommodation is shared hostel-style. Students uncomfortable with warm, humid conditions or physical outdoor work may find this program challenging.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Costa Rica?

Why La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano?
La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions, surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and wildlife. The community here faces real infrastructure challenges that student service teams can meaningfully address—school improvements, reforestation, and sustainability projects that create lasting impact. The region also offers extraordinary adventures that are unique to Costa Rica’s volcanic landscape.

Why Costa Rica?
Costa Rica protects over 25% of its territory as national parks and reserves, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth per square kilometer. It consistently ranks among the safest and most accessible destinations for teen international travel. English-speaking program infrastructure, excellent medical facilities, and a culture built around the “Pura Vida” philosophy—a way of life centered on gratitude, community, and joy—makes Costa Rica an ideal first or repeat international experience for students.

What Cultural Experiences Are Built Into This Program?
Students visit a local school for a cultural presentation and learn traditional dance on Day 2. Day 4 includes a visit to an educational organic farm where students learn about traditional agriculture and medicinal plants used by Costa Ricans for generations. Day 5 brings a cross-cultural soccer match with local students. Throughout the week, students eat traditional Costa Rican meals like Gallo Pinto and casado, shop in La Fortuna’s downtown market, and connect with local community members through service.