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Costa Rica

Young Explorers: Pura Vida

$3,295 | 8 Days | Ages 12–13 | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International Flights Not Included

A student ziplines over a lush rainforest canopy in Costa Rica
Picture of a sunset in the beach with 6 people walking along the coast.
Teen travelers walk a small Costa Rican town street lined with shops beneath the rising Arenal Volcano
A two-toed sloth hangs upside down from a branch amid green foliage
Students paint a building's exterior wall with orange paint
Students push a wheelbarrow of soil down a road during a service project
Students paint a wooden rail under an open-air shelter
Student travelers in Costa Rica stand on a railed platform admiring a tall waterfall in a lush rainforest
A red-eyed tree frog perches on a student's fingertip
Students play soccer on a grassy field with a local player
Children in school uniforms play on a rope swing set at a playground
A student rolls dough with local women wearing patterned aprons and headscarves
A student balances on a surfboard while catching a small wave
A chestnut-mandibled toucan perches on a branch amid dense green foliage
Students paint a surfboard on a palm-shaded beach
Students practice standing on surfboards set up in the sand for a surf lesson
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Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals

Students love the contrast between mountains and beaches

Program Tuition

$3,295

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

Program details last verified August 18, 2026

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic Pathways since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

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

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does an 8-Day Program Include?

A typical teen travel program itinerary. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Costa Rica!

Arrive at the Rustic Pathways gateway airport where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways flight leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Costa Rica. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic Pathways travelers before boarding your flight. Arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Settle into your hotel for the first night in San Jose, relaxing after your long flight. You'll share rooms with your fellow Rustic Pathways travelers with private bathrooms.
2

La Fortuna

Wake up early for breakfast before departing with your group to La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most scenic towns. After a beautiful three-hour drive, arrive at the Volcano and Rainforest Service Base in time for a fresh Tico lunch. Join in an orientation discussion about the week ahead and expectations for your adventure. Travel to a local school for a cultural presentation and try some dance moves. In the evening get to know your new friends and enjoy an opening discussion. You'll spend the next three nights at the Rustic Pathways Base House in shared rooms separated by gender. You will have private bathrooms with hot water and Western-style toilets.
3

Reforestation Service and Hot Springs

After breakfast dive into your service projects in the villages around La Fortuna. The service will consist in participating in a conservation project around La Fortuna by reforesting a biological corridor which is renowned for sheltering sloths and many species of birds, mammals, amphibians! If you are lucky you might see some of them while we work! At night we'll refresh in a natural hot springs pool where we can chill in water heated by the volcano and have dinner in a really nice setting.
4

School Service

Today we will work at a school in an infrastructure and maintenance project. It’s time to show your skills to the local community! Prepare to be surprised how much work a bunch of motivated high school students can do! There will be plenty of water breaks and activities during service, if the school calendar allows it, you will have the opportunity to play soccer or other games with your Tico friends during their break.
5

Volcano Hike then to the Beach

After a strong breakfast gear up and get ready for beautiful hike up to the edge of the Arenal Volcano. The first part of the hike will take you through the rainforest. Keep your eyes open as you might see wildlife if you are lucky. Go uphill and enjoy the view of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On the way you'll learn more about the history of the volcano and the reason for its perfect conic shape. After this hike go to the base house, to have lunch and get ready to head to the beach near Jaco! Enjoy the drive and the change of landscape as you get close to the coast. You will travel for about three and a half hours and get there before dinner! You'll stay the next two nights at a hotel near the beach with shared rooms with private bathrooms.
6

Surf's Up

Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach. We start the day taking surfing lessons from local instructors. Practice paddling, attempt standing up on the board, and take in the sun. Enjoy walks down the beach to explore this wonderful community and join in any pick-up soccer games that are happening along the way. There's no rush today, just a chance to soak up a fun time on the beach with our friends. At the end of each program, you participate in Rustic Ties, an activity to reflect on your experiences and capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share back home.
7

Zip-Lining and Back to San José

In the morning you will take the time to go enjoy the ocean before you hop on the bus to San Jose. Wait a minute, you are not done yet! There is a last surprise on the way to San Jose. You can not leave the country without knowing the feeling of zip lining over the canopy of the rainforest! After the adrenaline rush you can rest in the bus for a couple hour drive which will take you to your hotel in San Jose! Spend your final night in a hotel with shared rooms with private bathrooms.
8

Adios, Costa Rica!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your flight home or to your next Rustic Pathways program as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. If you’re staying in Costa Rica, your Program Leaders will take you to your next accommodation to meet your new group. If you're continuing on to another Rustic Pathways destination, you’ll board a connecting flight to that country.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Maximum Students Per Staff Member: 7:1

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.

Costa Rica

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

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. Monthly 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 →

Supervision & Safety

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. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

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. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

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.

Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, but speeds and signal strength may vary.

Group & Logistics

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

Groups average 15 students and most programs cap at 20, with a median of one staff member for every 4.37 students. Students are ages 12–13.

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

Yes. Rustic Pathways alumni come from 53 countries. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150–200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program tuition.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Costa Rica Americas Service + Adventure