What Do Parents Ask?
Flights & Cost
Students fly into San José International Airport (SJO), where Rustic Pathways staff will greet them upon arrival. Group transportation to and from the airport is included. The program’s start and end dates include international travel time. There are no internal flights within Costa Rica, as all travel between destinations occurs by private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).
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 →
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
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.
Yes. Student rooms are separated by gender at both the San José hotel (night 1 and 7) and at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge (nights 2–7). Refuge rooms accommodate 4–8 students in bunk beds. Program staff are housed in adjacent rooms throughout.
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
Yes. Families can call or text their student directly, or reach the 24/7 Rustic Pathways emergency line at any time. At the San José hotel, students have reliable Wi-Fi. At Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, phone signal and Wi-Fi are limited—students disconnect to engage fully in the conservation work. Program leaders post regular updates and are always reachable.
Rustic Pathways program leaders send photo and activity updates throughout the program. Parents receive pre-departure communication with emergency contact details, and students have scheduled opportunities to check in with family. Staff monitor wellbeing daily and contact families if any concern arises.
Students may bring phones. Wi-Fi is available at the San José hotel but is limited or unavailable at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge—which is intentional, as it helps students fully engage with the wildlife and conservation work. Phone use is not permitted during turtle night patrols, service work, or group meals. This is one of the program’s most meaningful features: students are genuinely present in the experience.
Group & Logistics
Groups typically range from 12 to 18 students, all ages 14–18. The small group size ensures personalized staff attention and a close-knit dynamic. Most students arrive without knowing anyone else and leave with lasting friendships built around shared conservation work.
Yes. Students from 53+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year, including this one. International students fly independently into San José International Airport (SJO), where program leaders coordinate their arrival. Our Admissions team provides guidance on flights, Costa Rica entry requirements, and payment in USD. Contact Admissions with questions.
The vast majority of students arrive on their own. Many share that meeting strangers and bonding over turtle patrols and shared service work is one of the most memorable parts of the program. Group dynamics build quickly—students are united by the mission from day one.
Night 1 and the final night are spent at a comfortable hotel in San José with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and reliable Wi-Fi. Nights 2 through 7 are at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge—a rustic, beachside field station where students stay in gender-separated bunk rooms (4–8 per room) with shared open-air bathrooms, running water, and flushing toilets. The refuge is steps from the nesting beach. Rustic means real: this is an authentic conservation experience, not a resort.
Yes. Students who enroll together can submit a roommate request during the enrollment process. We honor these whenever possible while balancing room assignments by gender and group supervision needs.
Program Details
No. Staff supervise students throughout the program, including during meals, transportation, and all activities. Free time at the beach club on Day 5 and in Samara Town on Day 6 is staff-supervised. Turtle night patrols are always conducted with a park ranger and program leader.
Yes. Meals at the refuge are buffet-style with vegetarian and allergy-friendly options available. Traditional Costa Rican food—gallo pinto, casado, fresh fruit, rice, beans, and proteins—makes up most meals, alongside familiar options like pasta. Share dietary needs during enrollment and the team will plan accordingly.
Rustic Pathways recommends budgeting $150–200 USD for personal spending. This covers souvenirs, snacks, or optional purchases during free time in Samara and San José. U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica; local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
U.S., Canadian, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism (stays up to 90 days). Students from other countries should verify requirements through the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in their home country well before departure. Rustic Pathways shares entry guidance after enrollment. Families are responsible for securing required travel documents.
Support
Homesickness is common on first international trips, and Rustic Pathways program leaders are trained to support students through it. The structured daily schedule—turtle patrols, surf lessons, conservation work—helps students stay engaged and connected. Read more about how we support students with homesickness and anxiety.
Rustic Pathways welcomes students of all backgrounds and works with families before the program to understand support needs and ensure the experience is set up for success. Learn more about our inclusion policy.
