Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Program (College)

Students in the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Program (College) stay in two main locations. The first and final nights are spent in a comfortable hotel near San José, with double- or triple-occupancy rooms and private bathrooms.

During the main portion of the program, students stay at the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Accommodations are simple, dorm-style rooms separated by gender, with shared bathrooms and flushing toilets. While amenities are basic, the experience is safe, clean, and designed to support meaningful conservation work close to the nesting beaches.

Students enjoy a variety of hearty, locally inspired meals throughout the trip. Breakfast often includes rice and beans (gallo pinto), eggs, bread, fruit, and juice, while lunch and dinner feature traditional Costa Rican dishes such as chicken, fish, rice, salads, and plantains. Occasional Western-style meals like pasta or barbecues are also served.

Purified drinking water is available at all times. Students should bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and help reduce plastic waste.

This program includes a moderate level of physical activity. Students participate in nightly turtle patrols, beach clean-ups, and hatchery maintenance. These activities can involve walking on sand, bending, and light manual labor. Additional recreation like surfing or snorkeling may be included.

While no advanced fitness level is required, participants should be comfortable being active outdoors for several hours each day in warm, humid conditions.

Students fly into and out of San José International Airport (SJO). Rustic Pathways staff greet students upon arrival and accompany them throughout the program.

The itinerary begins and ends in San José, with overland travel to and from the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge by private bus.

Program dates include travel time, and Rustic provides detailed flight and transfer information prior to departure.

Students may bring their phones, but they must follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not permitted during service work, group activities, or any time it distracts from the program experience.

Wi-Fi access is limited and is available only in the San José hotel and occasionally in the refuge’s main area. Students are encouraged to disconnect and fully engage with the group. Parents will receive updates through Rustic’s staff and can reach the 24/7 Global Operations Center in case of emergencies.

Most expenses (accommodations, meals, ground transportation, and program activities) are included in the program fee. Students should budget extra money for souvenirs, personal snacks, or any optional purchases.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing around $100–150 for incidentals. Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in most areas.

Students can expect warm, humid tropical weather along the Pacific coast. Daytime temperatures generally range between 75°F and 85°F (24–29°C). Rain showers are common, especially in the afternoons, but they pass quickly.

Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in these conditions.

Laundry facilities are not guaranteed during the program. Students should pack enough clothing to last the full eight days and plan to rewear items as needed. Quick-drying clothes are best for humid weather and conservation activities near the beach.

Students should wear casual, lightweight clothing appropriate for outdoor work and warm weather. Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal.

Pack t-shirts with sleeves, long shorts, and sturdy footwear suitable for sand, dirt paths, and fieldwork. A hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket are also recommended.

Rustic Pathways follows strict safety and risk management protocols across all destinations. All accommodations, transportation providers, and activity partners are vetted to meet safety standards.

Trained staff accompany students 24/7, and Rustic’s Global Operations Center monitors programs in real time to support emergency response, health needs, and overall student well-being.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in this program. The plan helps protect against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or travel delays.

Coverage details may vary, so families are encouraged to review the full policy through Rustic’s insurance partner before enrolling.