Accommodations Students will mainly stay at our base house in the Dominican Republic. A base house is a home or lodge that is used throughout the summer for students. Here are details on accommodations: Hotel in Santo Domingo Students will stay in the Novus Hodelpa Hotel in the heart of the Colonial Zone. They’ll share rooms based on gender and have access to private bathrooms. Most teens will arrive in the evening, so their hotel stay will consist mainly of rest and relaxation. Eco-Lodge in Jarabacoa The students will drive to Jarabacoa the next day and settle into the Sondio del Yaque Eco-Lodge. The teens will stay in rustic bungalows on the banks of the Yaque del Norte River. Hotel in Las Galeras Next the students will stay at the Las Mariposas Hotel . This bed and breakfast accommodation has mountain views. The students will have access to private bathrooms and wifi. Eco-Lodge in Sabana de La Mar The next stop is Sabana de La Mar. There the students will stay at the hotel Paraíso Caño Hondo. It’s located near the Jivales River and includes natural pools on the grounds. The bedrooms are rustic style with native elements of the area. The rooms include wooden floors, a ceiling fan and private bathrooms with hot water. Hotel in Santo Domingo The students end their journey at Quality Hotel outside Santo Domingo. There they can give a fond farewell to their newfound friends.
Service Projects Each student will provide 15 hours of community service while in the program. Spend two days in the region of Bella Vista working with the Kerolle Initiative, a local NGO that supports health in batey communities. Learn about the healthcare challenges in rural Dominican communities and engage with community members, sharing stories, laughter, and mutual learning. Your service will include some or all of the following experiences: Measuring the height and weight of children in the community to monitor growth. Distributing basic anti-parasite medication and essential vitamins and minerals to children and families. Playing health-related games with children to promote hygiene and wellness. Participating in hands-on community-centered projects such as painting murals, improving water access, building cement floors, and assisting at a local plantain farm. “To date, this is the most fulfilling project I have ever been a part of. The idea of soon having running water, something I certainly took for granted, sparked joy in the eyes of the community members. I never again complained about the hot water running out once I returned home to the U.S.” – Quinn Bissetta, Rustic Pathways Alumna
Food Students will have the opportunity to try a variety of food during the program. Most meals will be prepared at the base house or the hotels where they’re staying. Foods on the menu will likely include los tres golpes for breakfast, which is fried cheese, fried salami, and fried eggs often served with plantains. For lunch and dinner, la bandera is a common choice. It’s a rice, beans, and chicken dish. Local residents frequently offer coffee to guests. Dominican-style smoothies made with local fruits are another popular choice. These options will be supplemented with some Western-style foods, including a stop at a pizzeria on the last day of the program.
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