Director's Program
Ricardo's Spring Break
Service Adventure
Travel Like a Local
There is no better guide to the cultures and landscapes of
Costa Rica than Ricardo, the Director of Rustic Pathways Costa
Rica. He will show you around his hometown of Turrialba,
introduce you to his friends and family, and personally guide
you through his favorite places. He will also work with you on
service projects that will benefit the people of his hometown.
Visit his elementary school and teach English through games and
songs. Help paint and remodel schools in order to provide the
students here with brighter learning environments. Or head out
to the field for a soccer game with the local kids.
Ricardo’s Hometown
Located in the Costa Rican province of Cartago, Turrialba is a
small town that is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. It is
a peaceful place, surrounded by bright pastures, dense forest,
and rustic scenery. Agriculture is the main activity in this region,
and the vast coffee, sugar cane, and macadamia nut plantations
will amaze you. This rich farmland is also home to several milk
processing plants and cattle ranches, where farmers are proud
to have their ‘Turrialba cheese’ made. The town is also the
jumping-off point for a number of adventure activities such as
rafting and river kayaking. Home to two world-famous rivers,
the Pacuare and the Reventazón, the area is a genuine paradise
for world-class whitewater rafters and kayakers.
Ricardo’s friends and family live in Turrialba, and they can’t wait to introduce you to this wonderful town. As you practice Spanish and immerse yourself in this new culture, they will be your local guides, helping you adapt and teaching you about their hometown and country. You will live in one of the family’s homes that overlooks the town center, and on clear days you may be able to spot the Turrialba volcano. There will be plenty to keep you busy in this charming town. Hang out at Ricardo’s favorite restaurants and cafes, eat Caribbean rice and beans and other hearty Costa Rican favorites, play pick-up soccer in the park, visit the largest arboretum in Central America, learn about the flora and fauna of the region, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee after visiting a local plantation, and learn how to make Turrialba cheese at one of the area’s dairy farms.
Adventure in a Tropical Paradise
Costa Rica is famous for its excess of adventure activities, and
you’ll have a chance to experience the best of them. Rappel
down beautiful waterfalls, zip line through the jungle, and ride a
horse in the nearby mountains. Then hit the river for an
adrenaline-spiked adventure. A former member of the Costa
Rica national rafting team, Ricardo will regale you with tales of
his time on the team, and his skills on the water will leave you in
awe. Surge through gorgeous tropical canyons and over heartpounding
drops, float through lush rainforest, and sail past
thundering waterfalls. Stop halfway down the river for an
overnight stay in a jungle camp, where you will fall asleep to the
sound of the rushing river. After two days of high adventure on
the river with Ricardo, head over to the beaches of the
Caribbean Coast for a final day of rest, relaxation, and reflection
* These are optional activities that come at an additional cost. A signed and notarized waiver is required to participate in these activities.
For more information about this program, email us at costarica@rusticpathways.com.
