El Sendero, the Spanish phrase for "The trail," is our community service summer program that takes us throughout the mountains, rainforest and beaches of Costa Rica. Work to improve your Spanish as we immerse ourselves in a rural community to make repairs to their school all while making time to surf, sea kayak, and whitewater raft through virgin rainforest. Pura vida! Click on Read More to learn more about our Central American summer travel adventure designed specifically for the teenager interested in service as well as the opportunity to improve their Spanish fluency.

Want to know more? View our El Sendero video!

Our journey down el sendero, our own trail, begins in San José. Upon arrival, we’re off to Turrialba where we get accustomed to our new surroundings and one another as we prepare for our next nine days in a nearby rural community in the Costa Rican countryside.

In the middle of the rainforest, the famous Jungle Train Route was once used to transport bananas across the country. When the coast-to-coast highway was built almost twenty years ago, the train stopped running through this area and the majority of the population moved on. Some courageous families refused to leave. It isn’t easy for them to make a living; they subsist on farming coffee, sugar cane and vegetables. Their children, ranging from first to sixth graders, share a one room school house.

Here in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano, we partner with villagers on a number of projects. The children of the area are the focus of our work. We dedicate our time to repairing the school's classroom, improving sidewalks and drainage systems, and creating a playground. The community invites us to immerse ourselves completely in its culture and language, offering us an exceptional opportunity to speak and learn Spanish. As we teach and play games with the children, we trade English and Spanish words. Our travels allow plenty of time to make tamales and empanadas, share meals, dance the merengue and explore the surrounding forests and rivers “off the beaten path," with the young students and teach ers as our guides.

After bidding farewell to the community, we head to the Caribbean Coast to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. This area, located in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, houses one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in all of Central America. With turtles, manatees, dolphins, 358 species of birds, beautiful white sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and lush forests, this area is a stunning natural secret. For three days we enjoy this paradise, with the opportunity to test our skills on a surf board or in a kayak — your choice. The relatively calm waters provide a perfect place to learn these activities. We ramble through the wilds of Cahuita National Park and take a much deserved opportunity to relax, reflect on our service work and enjoy the untouched beauty of this coastal paradise.

From the Caribbean we head inland to the Pacuare River, for a rafting adventure that takes us down 18 miles of Class III and IV rapids through the magnificent rainforest. On this quintessential tropical river, our route leads us through virgin rainforest and river-carved canyons which shelter jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and an incredible variety of birds. We steer through crystal clear rapids, take breaks to hike to hidden cascading waterfalls and stop to ride a zip line through the lush, green treetops.

Finally, with traditional tropical fare we feast, celebrating the people of Costa Rica as we camp our last evening among the banana trees swaying in our hammocks.

Settling In

Arrival in San José, Costa Rica; orientation; transfer to Finca Pacuarito near Turrialba; prepare for service project.

Our Work

9-day service project at a rural school; teach English; practice Spanish; cooking lessons; hikes; final party with community.

Our Play

Transfer to Caribbean coast; surf; sea kayak; snorkel; hike Cahuita National Park; explore markets; whitewater raft the Pacuare River; explore the rainforest; ride a jungle zip-line and high ropes course.

El Fin

Farewell banquet at Finca Pacuarito; transfer to San José; homeward bound.

A Certificate of Service indicating 72-80 hours of work will be issued upon completion of the program.

This course requires 2 years of previous Spanish instruction.