Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

2025 Travel Dates

June 12 – June 19, 2025 Limited Enroll Now
June 19 – June 26, 2025 (Age 12-14 Group) Limited Enroll Now
June 26 – July 3, 2025 Limited Enroll Now
July 3 – July 10, 2025 Available Enroll Now
July 10 – July 17, 2025 Very Limited Enroll Now
July 17 – July 24, 2025 Limited Enroll Now
July 24 – July 31, 2025 Limited Enroll Now
July 31 – August 7, 2025 Available Enroll Now
August 7 – August 14, 2025 Available Enroll Now

Spend a week at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base working on a combination of service projects and enjoying Costa Rican adventure. You’ll contribute to the community, practice your Spanish, and make new Tico friends while working on service projects including reforestation of an important sloth conservation area or improving and beautifying local schools. After service, experience some of Costa Rica’s best adventure activities like zip lining and whitewater rafting. Visit hot springs and a traditional Costa Rican farm to learn about the local culture. After action-packed days, take a dip in the freshwater pool or relax at the base house. This program is great for first-time travelers and students interested in making new friends from across the globe.

Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals

Students love the zip lining, rafting and the impact they create with the community service!

Program Profile
Program Profile
Discover the warmth and laid-back Tico culture in the beaches, towns, and jungles of Costa Rica. Experience for yourself the power of sustainable environmental development programs. Contribute to sea turtle conservation efforts, immerse in the indigenous culture of the Bribri, hone your Spanish skills through unique homestays, explore the jungle, and zip line through the rainforest.

Quote by: Ricardo Romero Country Director, Costa Rica

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


Photo of the food served at the program trip. Looks like a typical cafeteria layout with the foods in different containers ready to be served. We can see rice, salad and some small side dishes in smaller bowls in front. 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.

Activities

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

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
  • Journal and pens
  • Book
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Change of clothes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Ear buds
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 18, 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 (4-5) Some should be long socks for boots
  • Underwear (6-8)
  • Pants/capris (2)
  • Long, loose-fitting shorts for service project work. Something that provides coverage and protection while keeping you cool. (5-6)
  • Tank Tops (3-4)
  • T-shirts (6-8)
  • Long sleeved shirt (1)
  • Rash guard (Suggested for rafting)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Bathing suit cover-up/sarong
  • Rain jacket
  • Sandals for water (like Tevas or Chacos or water shoes for rafting)
  • Sneakers (Closed-toed comfortable shoes)
  • Sun glasses
  • Hat (for sun)
  • Rubber boots (Suggested for service. Try to bring with you as these can be purchased more easily in the US than locally) or extra pair of service sneakers
  • Long socks to wear with rubber boots

Toiletries

(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Biodegradable/natural bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam ear plugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream

Optional/Other

Portable games–Bananagrams, playing cards, Frisbee
Flash Light or headlamp (suggested)

Important Reminders
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.
  • *Community Service Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.

Connects Well With...