3 Things Most Families Don’t Know About Our Costa Rica
One of the most remarkable things about Costa Rica is its biodiversity. Despite its small size, the country is home to more than 500,000 species, including howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, toucans, poison dart frogs, and blue morpho butterflies.
On our Costa Rica trips, teens experience this incredible environment firsthand. Through community service, zip-lining, rafting the Pacuare River, hiking in Cahuita National Park, kayaking through mangroves, and living with local families, students spend their days immersed in landscapes that feel alive, untouched, and full of wildlife.
That alone makes the experience unforgettable. But what makes these programs truly special is how those adventures are woven into daily life and learning.
Below are three things most families don’t know about our Costa Rica trips.
Two-Day River Adventure on the Pacuare
Both middle school and high school students spend part of their trip rafting down the Pacuare River. Over two days, teens paddle through rainforest canyons, camp at remote jungle sites, and fall asleep to the sounds of the river and surrounding wildlife.
With towering canyon walls, star-filled skies, and frequent bird and animal sightings, this portion of the trip is consistently one of the most memorable experiences for students.
Living in the Community
A core part of both Costa Rica programs is time spent living with local families in rural communities.
During this week, teens share meals, participate in daily routines, and contribute to ongoing service projects. These projects may include building small structures, compost systems, furniture, or supporting local recycling and gardening efforts, depending on community needs.
Living in the community gives students daily opportunities to practice Spanish, build real relationships, and gain insight into everyday life in rural Costa Rica. Rather than observing from the outside, teens become part of the community during their stay.
This experience often becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the trip, helping students develop empathy, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding.
Caribbean Jungle Hikes and Mangrove Kayaking
After time in the mountains, students travel east to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo.
Here, teens explore Cahuita National Park, hiking coastal jungle trails and swimming in the warm ocean. They also kayak through quiet mangrove rivers, watching and listening for wildlife in the trees above.
Along the way, students frequently spot howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, and other native species. This portion of the trip highlights Costa Rica’s incredible ecological diversity and gives teens a chance to experience a very different region of the country.
