JUNE 15 – JUNE 28, 2026
JULY 2 – JULY 15, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
JULY 19 – AUGUST 1, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
JUNE 15 – JUNE 28, 2026 JULY 2 – JULY 15, 2026 (WAITLISTED) JULY 19 – AUGUST 1, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
Photos and stories that capture what makes this trip so special.
Catching your first wave on the black sand beaches of Playa Negra.
Tackling the rapids of the Pacuare River in one of Costa Rica’s most scenic canyons.
Spending your days building, cooking, and connecting alongside local families.
Flying through the rainforest canopy on a zipline deep in the jungle.
Playing a spontaneous game of fútbol with new friends in the Turrialba Valley.
Hiking misty jungle trails on your way to a remote campsite.
Learning how chocolate is made from the Bribri community in the Caribbean lowlands.
Want to hear what this trip is really like? One of our OG trip leaders—who’s led RLT trips for the past three summers—walks you through the journey from start to finish and shares what it’s like to be out there.
An at-a-glance look at the trip
Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.
Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.
Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.
We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.
Hands-on projects that support the people and places that make this trip possible.
Digging trenches to stabilize the hillside and manage water flow.
Playing games with local kids during breaks from service work.
Filling and hauling gravel to improve village walkways.
Spending time with families and hosting group meals in the village.
Spending downtime connecting through music and shared moments.
From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Costa Rica.
Trip Name
Costa Rica: Coast to Canopy
Trip Categories
Community Service, Spanish Immersion
Who It's For
High school students completing grades 9–12
2026 Sessions
Session 1: June 15 – June 28, 2026
Session 2: July 2 – July 15, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
Session 3: July 19 – August 1, 2026 (WAITLISTED)
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure from the U.S. and return to the U.S.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.
Location
San José, Turrialba Valley, and the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Trip Length
14 Days
Service Hours
24–36
Tuition
$5,995
This is the plan, but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Fly into Costa Rica and meet your group in San José. Spend the first evening playing games, building connections, and settling in at our hotel before heading out to the countryside.
Days 2–7: Community Service in the Turrialba Valley
Travel to a rural village in the Turrialba region that will be our home base for the next six days. Partner with local families and community leaders on meaningful projects that may include building chicken coops, compost systems, furniture, or small structures. Learn about permaculture, recycling practices, and rural Costa Rican life through hands-on collaboration.
In the afternoons, play soccer with local kids, practice Spanish with your host community, and take short hikes to nearby rivers or waterfalls. Nights are spent camping in tents on community land, with meals cooked by our local partners.
Day 8: Cross-Country Journey to the Caribbean Coast
Leave the mountains behind as we travel east toward the Caribbean. Take in Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes from misty cloud forests to winding river canyons, en route to Puerto Viejo.
Once we arrive, we explore Cahuita National Park, hike coastal jungle trails, and swim in the warm Caribbean Sea. Keep your eyes open for sloths, toucans, iguanas, and monkeys.
Day 9: Surf, Kayak & Explore Puerto Viejo
Start the day with a surf lesson at one of Costa Rica’s iconic beaches. Then trade boards for kayaks and paddle through quiet mangrove rivers, watching for wildlife in the treetops.
In town, experience the cultural blend of the region where Spanish, Afro-Caribbean Patois, and French influences all mix.
Day 10: Chocolate Tour & Bribri Cultural Exchange
Visit a Bribri community and learn how chocolate is grown, harvested, and used in traditional medicine. Participate in a hands-on demonstration and enjoy a deeper conversation about Bribri culture.
In the afternoon, we transfer to Finca Pacuarito, a remote jungle lodge that marks the start of our final adventure phase.
Days 11–13: Rafting, Zip-lining & Jungle Camping
Launch onto the Pacuare River for a 3-day whitewater expedition. Paddle through Class II–IV rapids, float past waterfalls, and camp each night at secluded jungle sites.
In between rafting sections, hike to swimming holes, explore the surrounding rainforest, and take in the incredible biodiversity.
One day includes zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, offering a completely different view of the jungle. On the final night, celebrate the journey with a special group dinner before returning to San José.
Day 14: Departure from San José
After two full weeks of service, adventure, and connection, we say goodbye and head to the airport for flights home.
🏕️ Accommodations
We stay in a mix of rustic hotels and remote campsites across Costa Rica.
Hotels + Community Stay:
In San José and on the Caribbean coast, the group stays in simple hotels with beds and bathrooms for 4 nights. In Turrialba, we tent camp for 6 nights near the local community where we work and live alongside host families.
Jungle Platform Camping:
During the rafting adventure we sleep at riverside campsites for 3 nights, on platform tents in the rainforest surrounded by sounds of wildlife.
Sleeping Arrangements:
Teens share tents or rooms based on gender and comfort. Expect group-based living with leaders close by.
Facilities:
Bathrooms range from hotel-style flush toilets to more rustic facilities. Short showers are available every 1-2 days.
Group Living:
Everyone helps with daily chores like setting up tents and keeping shared spaces clean. This is part of the experience and builds connection.
Meals are fresh, simple, and a meaningful part of the cultural experience.
Locally Prepared:
Most meals are made by local community members using regional ingredients like rice, beans, tropical fruits, and vegetables. Teens often help prepare meals during the community stay and jungle adventure.
Cultural Connection:
Food reflects Costa Rican traditions like plantains, fresh tortillas, and homemade sauces. During the Bribri visit, we also learn about traditional cooking and chocolate-making.
All Diets Welcome:
We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc). Just let us know in advance.
Snacks + Hydration:
Frequent water breaks and local snacks are especially important on hot days or when we're on the move.
Flights
Families book flights to and from San José, Costa Rica (SJO).
We’ll send flight windows and detailed instructions after enrollment.
Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from Miami (MIA).
Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.
Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.
Forms & Waivers
Once enrolled, you’ll get access to your RLT portal with required forms:
Health history, medical forms, participant agreement, and emergency contact info.
All must be submitted before the trip.
Medical Clearance
No doctor’s appointment needed unless a new or complex condition has developed.
We review every form to make sure we can support your teen.
Medications
All medications, prescription or over-the-counter, must be listed in your medical form.
Trip leaders will manage and dispense meds as needed.
Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send a Code of Conduct to review with your teen before departure.
This helps set a shared standard for safety, respect, and inclusion.
Trip Insurance
Required for this international program. You’re free to use any provider. For guidance, visit our FAQ or contact our team.
Vaccinations
Because some parts of Costa Rica carry a risk of malaria transmission, families should know that anti-malarial medication is recommended for this trip. We encourage everyone to speak with a physician or travel health specialist about whether prophylactic medicine is advised. Additionally, we recommend reviewing CDC guidance for recommended vaccines and preventive medications for this trip. Your pediatrictian or a dedicated travel doctor can provide final guidance tailored to your child’s health needs.
Passport
A valid passport is required and must be valid at least 6 months beyond the trip’s end date.
Device-Free Philosophy
This trip is intentionally phone-free.
On Day 1, leaders collect all phones and electronics for safe keeping.
Devices are returned on the final day before departure.
Why?
Because disconnecting helps teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech
Cameras Welcome
Digital cameras and GoPros are allowed, as long as they don’t connect to the internet.
Trip leaders also take photos and share them afterward in an online gallery.
Communication
We’ll stay in touch with families during the trip through regular updates.
In case of emergency, our on-call team is available 24/7.
Just a few spots left. Reserve yours now and get ready to dive in.