Teen Tours in Costa Rica


RUSTIC PATHWAYS IN COSTA RICA
Rustic Pathways opened its operations in Costa Rica in 2003 with just seven programs. Today we offer twenty diverse programs in Costa Rica that range from helping save sea turtles on the Pacific Coast to working with an indigenous tribe in the Caribbean and exploring the jungle in Corcovado National Park. We have a beautiful Base in the rainforest, a house on the Pacific, and many local families who are waiting to open their homes to our students. Rustic Pathways also maintains a year-round office in Costa Rica located in the capital city of San José.

AIRLINE INFORMATION and PROGRAM CONNECTIVITY
Weekly escorted flights for Rustic Pathways students depart from both Newark and Houston and fly directly to San José. The flight leader escorts students both to San José and on their return to the U.S. Please see rusticpathways.com/flights for details. All of our Costa Rica programs connect together seamlessly and can also be connected directly to Panama and Peru programs. All departure dates show physical departures from the United States.

FACT FILE
 
Population 4.5 million
Capital City San Jose
Currency Colon – 1 U.S. dollar buys about 500 colones (as of September 2010)
Language Spanish
Well-Known Attractions Arenal Volcano – one of the most active volcanoes in the world
Beaches – whether on the Caribbean or Pacific Coast, the beaches are simply stunning Corcovado National Park – a showcase of Costa Rica's biodiversity and commitment to conservation


LOCAL LINGO

Pura vida Pura vida literally means "pure life," but more than anything, it's a way of life.
Ticos A Costa Rican man is a Tico, and a Costa Rican woman is a Tica.
Tuanis Originating from the English phrase "too nice," tuanis is a slang word for cool.

DID YOU KNOW?
Relatively small in size – it's comparable to West Virginia – Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet; it contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity. And with one-quarter of its landmass under some sort of environmental protection, it has become a global leader in conservation and ecological responsibility. In fact, there are plans to make it the first carbon neutral nation in the world by 2021. Costa Rica officially abolished its armed forces in 1948. The country's life expectancy is just over 77 years old, one of the highest in the world, and it is consistently ranked as one of the planet's happiest nations.

 

 
 

COSTA RICA ADVENTURER


16 days from USA
3 departures available
Price: $ 2,995
Ages: 14 and up

Enjoy this 2-week adrenaline-pumping tour through Costa Rica. Whitewater raft, hike, surf, horseback ride, and zip-line your way through some of the most beautiful parts of this exotic country. Amazing sights, unique animals, wonderful places, and non-stop adventure. Come join us on the Costa Rica Adventurer for the time of your life. Apply early – this program sells out every year!

THE GREAT COSTA RICAN SCAVENGER HUNT


16 days from USA
1 departure available
Price: $ 3,295
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 15 Community Service Hours
THE ULTIMATE COSTA RICAN EXPERIENCE

The Great Costa Rican Scavenger Hunt----six years in the making---- is an idea that has been passed down from Director to Director in Costa Rica. Now we’re finally turning this dream program into reality. Become the first to join us in this great Costa Rican hunt for adrenaline-pumping adventure, creative and meaningful service, mind-opening cultural experiences, high competition, and lots of fun - This is the ultimate Costa Rican experience. Let the Games Begin!
 

HEART OF THE JUNGLE


16 days from USA
3 departures available
Price: $ 2,995
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 32 Community Service Hours
Discover the secrets of Costa Rica’s South Pacific in a 16 day service adventure through the untouched rainforests, palm fringed beaches and welcoming communities of the Osa Peninsula.

INTENSIVE SPANISH LANGUAGE


16 to 44 days from USA
8 departures available
Price: $ 2,995
Ages: 14 and up

Spend two weeks of intensive Spanish language training while immersing yourself in rural Costa Rican village life. Enjoy four hours of daily individualized language lessons, while balancing your free time interacting with the local people and enjoying the many cultural aspects of this country.

 

TRAVELING SOCCER & SERVICE TEAM


16 days from USA
3 departures available
Price: $ 2,795
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 32 Community Service Hours
Learn about Costa Rica’s rich culture while contributing to community service initiatives and playing soccer with local teams. Spend two weeks traveling through amazing Costa Rica visiting some of the highlights this incredible country has to offer. You’ll see an active volcano, hike through a lush rainforest, surf the Pacific waves, and go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. All experience levels are welcome.

YOUNG EXPLORERS


16 days from USA
5 departures available
Price: $ 2,995
Ages: 12 to 13

Earn up to 12 Community Service Hours
Combining community service, language immersion, and action-packed adventure, the Young Explorers program is the perfect introduction to international travel for 12-14 year olds. Students will enjoy learning Spanish, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, rafting down an exhilarating tropical river, viewing an active volcano, playing sports with local Costa Rican children, working on worthwhile community service initiatives, hiking, playing beach volleyball & soccer, learning to surf, and much more. Along their journey, the Young Explorers will grow, learn, and bond together in ways that only the experience of travel can create.

 

COSTA RICA SUMMER CAMP LEADERSHIP PROGRAM


16 days from USA
8 departures available
Price: $ 2,895
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 70 Community Service Hours
Imagine a base camp hidden in the tropical Costa Rican countryside. All of a sudden, buses full of eager, laughing Costa Rican children arrive, enlivening the tranquil setting with their excitement for the next two weeks of soccer, arts and crafts, dance, games and songs with their new counselors in training.

THE MALEKU CULTURE AND SERVICE EXPERIENCE


9 days from USA
7 departures available
Price: $ 1,395
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 30 Community Service Hours
Immerse yourself in a small, Friendly indigenous village in northwestern Costa Rica. Paint house, tutor English, learn Maleku, speak Spanish, paint indigenous artesania, learn medicinal uses of local plant, participate in a traditional Maleku ceremony and much more. Live near Arena Volcano, perform satisfying service work, learn about a unique indigenous culture and have tons of fun on this brand new service project. Capi Capi and welcome to the Maleku Culture and Service Experience!

 

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION


16 to 44 days from USA
8 departures available
Price: $ 2,495
Ages: 14 and up

Spend two weeks in a Costa Rican village set on a hillside overlooking the rainforest. Study Spanish in a small group setting, live with a local family, interact with elementary and high school students, visit nearby museums and markets, and enjoy the many other fun activities while immersing yourself into the Costa Rican culture.

THE NICOYA TURTLE EXPEDITION


16 days from USA
3 departures available
Price: $ 2,495
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 40 Community Service Hours
Join the Nicoya Turtle Expedition for two weeks of spectacular landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, beautiful sunsets, and ocean adventures all while engaging in rewarding service work to preserve this beautiful environment and protect the endangered leatherback sea turtles.

 

RICARDO'S SPRING BREAK (Director's Program)


8 days from USA
2 departures available
Price: $ 1,595
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 12 Community Service Hours

Spring Break with our Loveable Costa Rican Director

Join one of only two week-long programs that will show you another side of Costa Rica. Join our Costa Rica Director as he takes you to his hometown of Turrialba, introduces you to his friends and family, and personally shows you the best Costa Rica Has to offer. You'll perform meaningful service at the school in Ricardo's hometown, practice Spanish, live like a local, and let Ricky introduce you to his favorite activity, whitewater rafting on the PacuareRiver.

THE CARIBBEAN ADVENTURER


9 days from USA
4 departures available
Price: $ 1,895
Ages: 14 and up

Crystal blue waters, coconut trees swaying in the breeze, the smooth beat of reggae drifting out of pastel colored houses…. Welcome to the Caribbean Adventure: a laid-back adventure through the natural treasures of the Costa Rican Caribbean Coast.

 

SERVICE & SURF


9 days from USA
9 departures available
Price: $ 1,495
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 15 Community Service Hours
Whether you are into surfing or service, speaking Spanish or snorkeling in the Pacific, there is something for everyone on the Costa Rica Surf and Service Program. Work closely with friendly locals on a variety of projects promoting sustainable economic development in the Bahia Ballena community. When not working on service projects, take surf lessons from local experts at an un-crowded break in Marino Ballena National Park. This program is a fun, relaxing addition to any of Rustic Pathways’ Costa Rican programs.

SOCCER & SERVICE LA PAZ


9 days from USA
5 departures available
Price: $ 1,095
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 30 Community Service Hours
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture through the world’s most popular sport – soccer. Live with local families and contribute to community service efforts in the rural village of La Paz. Milk cows, teach local school children, practice your Spanish, and play soccer with local teams. This program is designed for soccer players of all abilities and anyone interested in a great cultural experience.

 

VOLCANO & RAINFOREST SERVICE BASE


9 days from USA
9 departures available
Price: $ 1,495
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 28 Community Service Hours
Perfectly situated on the edge of a vast and beautiful rainforest reserve, the base is only 10 minutes away from the town of La Fortuna. It’s close to Arenal Volcano National Park, several communities with pressing needs, and lots of adventure activities. This convenient location makes the Base the ideal hub for this program, providing easy access to this region’s diverse community service and adventure opportunities.

SURF THE SUMMER


9 days from USA
9 departures available
Price: $ 1,495
Ages: 14 and up

Surf the Summer
Surf, sun, and fun on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches located near some of Costa Rica’s best breaks. Safety conscious staff make this the perfect program for students who have never touched a surfboard to those who are refining their cutbacks and aerials. Join us in Costa Rica and surf the summer away in Tico style!

 

PANAMA: KUNA CULTURE & CARIBBEAN PARADISE


9 days from USA
5 departures available
Price: $ 1,995
Ages: 15 and up

Earn up to 15 Community Service Hours
Panama: Kuna Culture & Caribbean Paradise
Brightly dressed Kuna women with glittering gold nose rings carefully arrange their colorful textiles, or molas, in the local market. Children, and the occasional parrot, dot the sandy paths that wind through the village, and men dart between boats and land with freshly caught fish and crustaceans. This is life in the Comarca de Kuna Yala, and you’re about to become a part of it on this Caribbean cultural adventure.

TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT


9 days from USA
8 departures available
Price: $ 1,395
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 32 Community Service Hours
Live on the beach and help save the endangered Lora sea turtle population. Work in the hatchery by day and patrol the beach by night. Play soccer or volleyball in the sand, zipline or go horseback riding through the jungle, or relax and read a book while enjoying the soothing Pacific breezes. An amazing and unique program!

 

SARAPIQUI SERVICE ADVENTURE


9 days from USA
4 departures available
Price: $ 1,595
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 15 Community Service Hours
Join us for village service surrounded by the stunning natural wonders of the Sarapiqui region. You will give back to your host community through service in the schools and on small construction projects, immerse yourself in rural village life, live in a fabulous tent suite, and explore the natural diversity of this stunning region during this awesome program.

THE BRIBRI VILLAGES: A RURAL SERVICE EXPERIENCE


9 days from USA
5 departures available
Price: $ 1,395
Ages: 14 and up

Earn up to 20 Community Service Hours
The Bribrí Villages will take you into the heart of the Talamanca countryside to a Bribrí village where you will gain a unique insight into an indigenous group that has integrated into mainstream Costa Rican society while at the same time maintaining aspects of their traditional culture.

 

RAMP UP YOUR SPANISH


9 days from USA
9 departures available
Price: $ 1,395
Ages: 14 and up

Spend one week ramping up your Spanish learning basic vocabulary and conversational skills. Immerse yourself in a rural Costa Rican village set on a hillside overlooking the rainforest. Live with a local family, study Spanish in a small group setting, interact with elementary and high school students, and visit nearby museums and markets while honing your Spanish skills.