Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School)

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.

Use our flight search tool below to find flights for your session.

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. 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.

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?

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.

The basehouse has Wi-Fi, but speeds can vary.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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. 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.