The Great Costa Rican Scavenger Hunt
The Great Costa Rican Scavenger Hunt commenced last year
and has quickly become a one-of-a-kind service adventure and
a true phenomenon for Rustic Pathways! We invite you to join
us on this great Costa Rican hunt for adrenaline-pumping
adventure, high competition, and lots of fun and meaningful
service. This is the ultimate Costa Rican experience!
An Adventure with a Cause
The first step in the journey is getting to know the small village
that will benefit from your service adventure. The locals here
will welcome you like an old friend and happily introduce you
to their village. Play with the local school children, jump into a
soccer game, and share a meal. After learning of the community’s
needs and hearing about their preferred service project, you
will say farewell to the village and set out on your quest.t.
As you travel around Costa Rica, you will take part in incredible
adventures and cultural challenges. The more challenges you
master, the more money you’ll earn for the community service
project! David Venning, the owner of Rustic Pathways, has
pledged to donate money to the project for each task you
successfully complete. It will be up to you to rise to the challenge
and earn the funds necessary to finish the project. At
the end of your epic journey, you’ll return to the village
and present the money you have earned to the local leaders.
Then see your money transformed into action as you spend
two fulfilling days working on the project. Ultimately, the
community members will finish the project after you have left.
Your reward will be the grateful smiles on the villagers’ faces
and enough memories to last a lifetime!
Away We Go!
After leaving the village, you’ll head toward the Arenal Volcano
region to zip line (optional), hike, horseback ride, kayak,
photograph, and dance your way through a series of competitions.
From the top of an extinct volcano to the Children’s Eternal
Forest, your challenges will be both athletic and cultural and are
guaranteed to push you to new limits.
Then head out to phase two of your adventure: the Caribbean Coast! Along the way you’ll stop to bungee jump from a 280-foot bridge (optional activity). After facing the jump, get ready for a two-day rafting challenge on the Pacuare River. Emerge from the river and head to the coast to enjoy the laid-back vibe and pristine beaches of the Caribbean. Here in the funky towns of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, your team will surf, build sandcastles, and play soccer against locals during the final challenges.
* A signed and notarized waiver is required to participate in these activities
The more challenges your team wins, the more the community will benefit, so remember to give it your all! And always be prepared for the unexpected and unusual – as your journey progresses, your guides may plan surprise trips and crazy contests that come into play when you least expect them.
A Special Note for Scavenger Hunt Students
The Great Costa Rican Scavenger Hunt is designed for students
with great leadership skills and a competitive spirit. You should
be enthusiastic, energetic, and ready to adjust to different
challenges. You should also be aware that some challenges are
physically demanding and strenuous.
Make the Connection
Before joining the Scavenger Hunt, you may wish to spend a
week brushing up your language skills on one of our Spanish
language programs. After two weeks of heart-pumping
adventure, consider slowing the pace down a notch and joining
the Turtle Conservation Project, where you’ll become part of a
rewarding environmental service project. Or check out
Panama’s Caribbean Coast on the Kuna Culture and Caribbean
Paradise program. This program also connects easily with all of
our other great programs in Costa Rica.
For more information about the Great Scavenger Hunt Program please contact costarica@rusticpathways.com.
