Our 21-day program in Costa Rica introduces our teenagers to the people and cultures of this incredible country through travel, community service, and cultural exploration. You should come to this program with an open mind and positive attitude, excited about new experiences, ready to fully participate in cultural activities and community service, and willing to challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Each one of our teenagers is a partner in making Discover Costa Rica a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our adventure begins as we travel to San Jose, the exciting capital of Costa Rica. After fun introductions and a good night’s rest, we head to Turrialba, a hidden gem surrounded by lush hills and majestic volcanoes. We’ll do meaningful community service with CATIE, a non-profit organization that empowers local women to become entrepreneurs, and we’ll visit a local community and help with the guyaba and sugarcane harvest. Take in the views as we hike to the top of the incredible Irazu Volcano and take an exhilarating bike ride through the beautiful Costa Rican countryside.

Our next stop is Sarapiqui, known for its tropical rainforest, exotic wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities. We’ll spend time with the Sarapiqui Conservation and Learning Center, getting to know the local community through volunteering and cultural activities. Get ready for an exhilarating white-water rafting trip on the Pacuare River, learn how to make chocolate during our rainforest hike, and get up close and personal with different species of bats at Tirimbina Rainforest Center.

Onward to the adventure capital of Costa Rica – Arenal! The fun continues as we go waterfall rappelling, hike the Volcano View Lava Trail, and view the amazing wildlife on our walk through Hanging Bridges Adventure Park. Next, we head to Monteverde, a dynamic destination located in the heart of the tropical cloud forest. Spend time volunteering with Bosque Eterno de Los Ninos, an incredible organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the rainforest, soar high above the trees on our thrilling zip-line adventure tour, and view nocturnal wildlife on our guided night hike.

Next our journey takes us to Guanacaste province, and to magical Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where we’ll experience the giant jungle waterslide, take an exciting river tubing adventure, and soak in the relaxing hot springs. Our final stop is the hidden gem of Playa Carrillo, a picturesque piece of paradise surrounded by clear, aqua waters and quiet, gorgeous beaches. We’ll work with the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge to improve the local sea turtle habitats, hang ten during our surf lessons, and kayak to Isla Chora for an amazing sunset over this Pacific paradise.

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Itinerary Map for Discover Costa Rica Community Service and Cultural Immersion Teen Tour Program

The goal of the Discover Costa Rica program is for our participants to not only help the local communities but to also learn about themselves and to grow through their experiences. Upon completion of Discover Costa Rica, each participant will receive a certificate recognizing 40 HOURS of SUMMER COMMUNITY SERVICE. Our volunteer projects and cultural experiences are designed to create meaningful bonds between our participants and the people they are working with throughout the experience.

Group Size
The Discover Costa Rica program accommodates up to 30 participants, which fosters expanded social interactions and friendships within the group during all our activities.
Accommodations
During the Discover Costa Rica program, our participants stay in safe, secure, and centrally located hotels and lodges that reflect the local character of each part of the country that we visit. All our accommodations provide amenities and facilities that allow for a comfortable stay and a good night’s sleep.
Meals
The group typically eats in local restaurants and in our hotels. No matter where we are, there is always an option for every type of diet.
Staff
Our staff members are teachers and graduate school students who are committed to our ideals of volunteering, exploring, and learning from different cultures. Rein staff members are always present at each service site and all activities. All staff members attend our professional training workshops where the emphasis is placed on the safety and well-being of our teenage participants. Program leaders are trained in Basic First Aid and CPR. All service sites are additionally staffed by local bi-lingual volunteer coordinators.
Transportation
We use professionally driven buses to transport our participants to their various volunteer projects and activities.