Belize • Costa Rica • Dominican Republic • Ecuador & Galápagos • Peru • United States
Teen tours in the Americas with Rustic Pathways give high school students ages 12–18 an immersive experience across North, Central, and South America.
From Costa Rica’s rainforests and the Caribbean Sea to Peru’s Andes, the Galápagos Islands, and U.S. icons like California, Washington D.C., Alaska, and the Grand Canyon, teens explore different cultures, learn from local communities, and grow through hands-on adventure and meaningful travel programs designed for safety, confidence, and personal growth.
Why the Americas Are a Top Destination for Teen Tours
The Americas offer one of the world’s most diverse regions for teen travel, blending cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, history, and adventure activities across multiple ecosystems—from tropical coasts to mountain ranges and major U.S. cities.
Students experience:
- Cultural immersion and time with local communities
- Adventure activities like hiking, surfing, zip lining, and white water rafting
- Wildlife experiences, including sea turtles, Amazon rainforest species, and Galápagos wildlife
- History and unique traditions, from Inca sites like Machu Picchu to Mayan ruins
- Team building and shared experiences that encourage confidence and independence
- Safe, vetted accommodations and expert Program Leaders
Teens gain new perspectives by stepping outside their comfort zone, discovering new places, and building lifelong friendships along the way.
Best Teen Tours in Latin America & the Caribbean — Quick Comparison
| Program Name | Ages | Duration | Service Hours | Main Focus | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica Programs (Multiple Options) | 14–18 | 1–3 Weeks | Varies | Adventure, Service, Wildlife | Pacific Coast, Rainforest, Volcano Regions |
| Dominican Republic Programs | 14–18 | 1–2 Weeks | Varies | Community Service, Culture, Coast | Caribbean Coast, Mountain Communities |
| Belize Programs | 14–18 | 1–2 Weeks | Varies | Marine Conservation, Reef Ecology | Barrier Reef, Coastal Communities |
| Ecuador & Galápagos Programs | 14–18 | 10–14 Days | Varies | Wildlife, Conservation, Adventure | Andes, Amazon, Galápagos Islands |
| Peru Programs | 14–18 | 10–14 Days | Varies | History, Culture, Trekking | Sacred Valley, Andes, Amazon |
View Individual Program Details
Teen Travel Programs in the Americas (By Country)
Costa Rica Teen Tours
Rustic Pathways’ Costa Rica programs combine adventure, biodiversity, and cultural immersion. Teens explore rainforests, coastlines, and volcano regions through activities like zip lining, white water rafting, surfing, turtle conservation, and community service.
Program Highlights
- Rainforest hiking and wildlife exploration
- White water rafting and zip lining
- Service with local communities
- Spanish language exposure
- Surfing on the Pacific Coast
Dominican Republic Teen Tours
Students experience vibrant Caribbean culture, coastal life, and community connection. Teens engage with local families, participate in service projects, and learn about regional traditions while staying in vetted accommodations.
Program Highlights
- Service in rural mountain communities
- Caribbean Sea views and coastal activities
- Local food, music, and cultural traditions
- Teen-friendly group lodging
- Adventure experiences near the coast
Explore Dominican Republic Teen Tours
Belize Teen Tours
Belize offers reef, rainforest, and cultural immersion. Teens support conservation initiatives, learn from Indigenous communities, and explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Program Highlights
- Marine ecology programs
- Snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef
- Cultural immersion in local villages
- Kayaking and coastal exploration
- Tropical wildlife encounters
Ecuador & Galápagos Teen Tours
Ecuador combines Andean culture, the Amazon rainforest, and the iconic Galápagos Islands—home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife. Teens explore volcanoes, islands, markets, and local traditions.
Program Highlights
- Galápagos Islands wildlife exploration
- Andes cultural immersion
- Amazon rainforest experiences
- Sea kayaking and snorkeling
- Conservation-focused service
Explore Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Teen Tours
Peru Teen Tours
Peru offers rich culture, history, and outdoor exploration. Teens visit local communities, explore Andean landscapes, and learn about ancient traditions.
Program Highlights
- Sacred Valley cultural immersion
- Visits to historical sites
- Andean hiking and village experiences
- Local markets and food traditions
- Optional journey to Machu Picchu (program-dependent)
United States Teen Tours (North America)
Rustic Pathways also offers popular teen tours across the United States—perfect for students who want enriching experiences without traveling internationally. These trips explore iconic destinations, national parks, and major cultural cities.
United States Destinations Include:
- Washington D.C. — culture, history, and civic learning
- Boston — universities, American history, and exploration
- New York City — arts, culture, neighborhoods, and urban discovery
- California — coasts, national parks, and adventure activities
- Grand Canyon & Southwest — hiking, desert landscapes, team building
- Alaska — wildlife, glacier landscapes, and outdoor adventure
These programs blend nature, culture, team building, and personal growth—ideal for teen travelers seeking impressive landscapes, iconic national sites, and American history.
Explore United States Teen Tours
Top Activities for Teens in the Americas
Cultural Immersion
- Local homestay-style connection
- Learning about Indigenous traditions
- Spanish language exposure
- Visiting markets, villages, and historical sites
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
- Hiking, surfing, rafting, zip lining
- Snorkeling with sea turtles
- Exploring the Amazon rainforest
- National park adventures
Wildlife & Conservation
- Galápagos wildlife
- Marine conservation in Belize
- Tropical biodiversity in Costa Rica
- Amazon species and ecosystems
History & Unique Traditions
- Andean culture
- Caribbean history and music
- Incan and Mayan ruins
- Local customs, crafts, and celebrations
How to Choose the Right Americas Teen Tour
Consider your teen’s:
- Interest in adventure, culture, wildlife, or service
- Comfort level in rural, coastal, or city environments
- Desired program length
- Spanish language exposure interest
- Preference for United States or international destinations
- Readiness to step outside their comfort zone
- Need for vetted accommodations and strong safety standards
2026 Americas Teen Tour Dates
Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service
- June 11 – June 18
- June 18 – June 25
- July 2 – July 9
- July 9 – July 16
- July 16 – July 23
- July 23 – July 30
- July 30 – August 6
- August 6 – August 13
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School)
- June 25 – July 2
Costa Rica: Surf and Service
- June 11 – June 18
- June 18 – June 25
- June 25 – July 2
- July 2 – July 9
- July 9 – July 16
- July 16 – July 23
- July 23 – July 30
- July 30 – August 6
- August 6 – August 13
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project
- June 11 – June 18
- June 18 – June 25
- June 25 – July 2
- July 2 – July 9
- July 9 – July 16
- July 16 – July 23
- July 30 – August 6
- August 6 – August 13
Dominican Republic: Beachside Service
- July 9 – July 16
- July 16 – July 23
- July 23 – July 30
Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture
- March 21 – March 28 (Spring Break)
- June 25 – July 2
- July 16 – July 23
Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service Teen Travel
- June 18 – June 29 (Ages 14-18)
- July 16 – July 28 (Ages 14-18)
- July 2 – July 13 (Ages 16-19)
Peru: Sacred Valley Service
- July 9 – July 20, 2026
United States (All Regions)
- Finalized summer 2026 dates coming soon.
Americas Travel Logistics (Parents Always Ask These)
Arrivals
- Private airport pickup
- Program Leaders greet students after customs
Transportation
- Licensed drivers and vetted vehicles
- Safe walking routes and supervised movement
Accommodations
- Vetted hotels, lodges, and group accommodations
- Clean, safe, and student-ready
Meals
- Three daily meals
- Regional cuisine with teen-friendly options
Water
- Bottled or filtered drinking water always available
Optional Add-Ons
- Cultural workshops
- Extra excursions
- Adventure modules (destination dependent)
Leadership & Safety
- 24/7 Program Leader supervision
- Local partners vetted annually
- Comprehensive safety standards
Who These Americas Programs Are For
Great for teens who want:
- Adventure and outdoor exploration
- Cultural immersion and connection
- Wildlife, conservation, and environmental learning
- History and traditions across the Americas
- A fun, safe way to explore new places
- Growth in confidence, independence, and global awareness
Student Review
“Traveling through Latin America with Rustic Pathways helped me understand different cultures, make new friends, and see the world from a new perspective. It was exciting, safe, and life-changing.”
Stacey J., Alumni
Explore More Teen Travel Destinations
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- Oceania Teen Tours
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