Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

How do flights work?

Chaperoned group flights are available from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), or Newark (EWR), to San José (SJO). Alternatively, students can travel independently. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders coordinate airport pickup and ensure safe departures for students not on chaperoned flights.

After enrollment, our Personal Travel Advisors can assist with booking and logistics.

International flights are not included in program tuition.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging (all 7 nights), all meals, all airport transfers and ground transport, all activities, excursions, and entrance fees, 24/7 staff support.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending money ($150–200 per week).

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 tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

What is the enrollment fee?

A one-time enrollment fee is charged when you enroll, separate from the program tuition. It covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising and trip planning.

The fee is non-refundable after the first 24 hours.

What if my family has an emergency and we have to cancel?

March 31 is the date that matters. Cancel up to then and the program tuition is refunded, less the non-refundable enrollment fee and any airfare already booked. The enrollment terms carry the full schedule.

We know some things are outside anyone’s control. If your family faces a serious documented emergency, contact us; we review these situations individually and will do what we reasonably can to help.

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

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.

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?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

Wi-Fi is available at the basehouse, but speeds vary.

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

Groups average 15 students and most programs cap at 20, with a median of one staff member for every 4.37 students. Students are ages 15 to 18, and 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 53 countries. 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.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

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.

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

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 for real service work, including elementary school improvements, educational exchanges, and trail maintenance in Arenal Volcano National Park, while also zip lining, rafting, 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, such as construction and improvements at the local elementary school or trail maintenance in Arenal Volcano National Park. 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 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 contribute through school improvements, educational exchanges, and national park trail maintenance 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. 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.