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Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School)

8 days | Ages 12-14 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School) is an 8-day travel program for students ages 12–14 that combines community service with rainforest adventure in the La Fortuna region. Students work on local school and reforestation projects, visit a sloth sanctuary, zip line through the Arenal canopy, raft the Sarapiquí River, and relax in natural hot springs.

What Will Students Experience?

Students split their week between hands-on service and outdoor exploration. Days include building and beautifying school spaces, supporting wildlife rescue and sloth habitat restoration, zip lining through the rainforest, whitewater rafting, and soaking in volcanic hot springs.

Program Tuition

$2,495

Excluding flights.
Payment plans, financial aid, and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

Summer 2026

Program tuition refundable until March 31

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being UN SDG 4: Quality Education UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities UN SDG 15: Life on Land

 

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals

155,829 students since 1983 · 38+ countries

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

What Does an 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities may change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Costa Rica!

Chaperoned flight from Los Angeles to Costa Rica · Arrival in San José (SJO)
2

Welcome to La Fortuna

Transfer to La Fortuna · Volcano & Rainforest Service Base · Local school cultural presentation
3

Support local projects and a sloth shelter

Community service projects · Reforestation or infrastructure support · Sloth shelter assistance
4

Zip Lining and Farm Visit

Rainforest zip lining · La Fortuna town visit · Organic farm tour
5

Service & School Kids

Community service projects · School cultural exchange · Soccer match with local students
6

Raft the Sarapiquí

Whitewater rafting on Sarapiquí River · Natural hot springs
7

Final Day of Service

Community service projects · Return to San José · Souvenir stop
8

Pura Vida Costa Rica!

Chaperoned return flight

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights / 6 full program activity days / 1 travel day. International flights are not included.

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

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

La Fortuna & San Jose, Costa Rica

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students fly into and out of San José International Airport (SJO). Upon arrival, Rustic Pathways staff will meet students at the airport and accompany them for the duration of the program. The group will travel together to La Fortuna by private bus. On the final day, students will return to San José for departure. The program’s advertised dates include international travel time, and detailed flight information will be provided after enrollment.

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. Student accommodations are separated by gender and supervised by staff.

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. Families can contact Rustic Pathways staff, and students usually have scheduled opportunities to check in.

How will I know they're okay?

Rustic Pathways staff monitor student wellbeing and will contact families if any issue comes up. Many families also receive direct updates from students during the program.

What is the phone/device policy?

Phone use is allowed at designated times, but devices should not interfere with group participation or safety.

Group & Logistics

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

Groups are made up of students within the listed age range for this program, and Rustic Pathways keeps staff support in place throughout.

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

Yes, in many cases. Visa and flight logistics vary by country, so families should confirm requirements before enrolling.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Both. Many students join on their own and make friends quickly, while others travel with a friend.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in Rustic Pathways-selected group accommodations with staff supervision.

Can friends room together?

Rustic Pathways tries to honor roommate requests when possible while balancing room assignments and supervision needs.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

This program is supervised. Any independent time is limited, structured, and staff-managed.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Share dietary needs and allergies in advance so the team can plan appropriately.

How much spending money?

Spending money depends on your student’s habits, but most families send a small amount for snacks and souvenirs.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements depend on citizenship and destination rules. Rustic Pathways shares guidance after enrollment, but families are responsible for securing required documents.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common and staff are trained to help. Read more about homesickness support.

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families on support planning. Learn more about inclusion.

What Should Parents Know?

Which Students Thrive on This Program?
Middle schoolers who are curious, socially confident, and ready for their first international experience. This program is designed for students ages 12–14 who want to do real service work alongside Costa Rican communities while also experiencing the country’s famous natural wonders. Students who enjoy being active outdoors, trying new foods, and making friends in a new setting thrive here. No prior travel experience is required—the program is fully chaperoned with experienced staff at every step.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Days start with breakfast at the hostel in La Fortuna, then move into service project work—improving school facilities, building community infrastructure, supporting wildlife rescue, or contributing to reforestation. Afternoons alternate between more service and adventure: zip lining above the Arenal Volcano canopy on Day 4, rafting the Sarapiquí River on Day 6, or visiting an organic farm. Evenings include group dinners and discussions where students reflect on what they’ve experienced and learned.
Who Might This Program Not Suit?
Students who are not yet comfortable being away from home for a full week, or who require significant private space or alone time. The program runs in a shared, group-focused environment—shared hostel rooms, communal meals, and a full daily schedule. Wi-Fi is available at the hostel but limited. Students who are uncomfortable with warm, humid outdoor conditions or physical service work may find the days challenging.
Why Costa Rica?
Costa Rica protects over 25% of its territory as national parks and reserves, making it one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth per square kilometer. It is consistently rated among the safest and most accessible destinations for young international travelers, with English-speaking program infrastructure, excellent medical facilities, and extraordinary natural environments. The combination of genuine service opportunities, wildlife, adventure, and the welcoming “Pura Vida” culture makes it a transformative first international trip.
Why La Fortuna and the Arenal Region?
La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. The surrounding rainforest, rivers, and wildlife create a unique setting where service and adventure exist side by side. Community schools and infrastructure initiatives in the La Fortuna area have real needs that student teams can meaningfully address, and the natural environment—from the zip line canopy to the Sarapiquí River to the natural hot springs—provides memorable experiences that connect students to the environment they’re working to protect.
What Cultural Experiences Are Built In?
A visit to a local school for a cultural presentation and dance on Day 2. A soccer match against local students on Day 5. A tour of an educational organic farm where students learn about traditional agriculture and medicinal plants on Day 4. Local meals featuring gallo pinto, plantains, and fresh tropical fruit throughout the week. Students shop for souvenirs in La Fortuna’s town center and interact with the community through daily service projects.

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 Other Program Types Are Available?

Costa Rica Americas Young Explorers