Costa Rica, Central America -
Pura Vida

Highlights

Costa Rica // You Don't Want to Miss...

#1 Butterflies, Whales, Oh My! 

From some of the biggest and strongest creatures on the planet to some of the smallest and most delicate, we hone our wildlife spotting skills along the journey. Whales spout in the distance, butterflies flutter around our noses, and magically colored macaws are sprinkled throughout our surroundings.

#2 "Across the Gulf Adventure" to Puerto Jimenez

The last town on the Osa Peninsula before entering Corcovado National Park, Puerto Jiménez is rooted in gold mining and logging. With the creation of the park, the mining and logging have decreased drastically, while the sunsets, dolphin sightings, and tranquil beaches still remain. We soak in the tranquility along with the history of this gem of a town.

#3 Small schools, big differences

Not far from our basecamp, we visit a local school to spend time with youth and help out with ongoing projects. The inevitable dance, song, laughter, and knowledge shared make for priceless moments for everyone involved. Trade some English language skills for some Spanish language practice after jumping into a game of fútbol!  

#4 Marino Bellena National Park

Established in 1990, Marino Ballena protects 5,510 hectares of beach, mangrove, marine, and rainforest habitats. It's tough to decide what's more impressive: the landscape or the diversity of living organisms throughout it!

#5 Iguanas

There are plenty of reptiles for which Costa Rica is famous, and iguanas are the stars. They can be found just about everywhere, including the beaches. Costa Rica is home to about 30 species of mammals but many, many more reptiles. 

#6 Practice Your Spanish

Costa Rica is the ideal place to hone Spanish language skills with the warm and friendly ticos!

#7 The Jungle

Widely referred to as “jewels of the earth,” rainforest jungles are home to two-thirds of all animal and plant species on the planet. A magnificent world awaits discovery with brightly colored birds, in-your-face howler monkeys, and slow-as-molasses sloths.

#8 Zip Through The Rainforest Canopy

We strap ourselves into a harness, latch to a cable, and zip along 525-foot-high lines through the canopy surrounded by the scenic beauty of the rainforest.

#9 Work Alongside Local Artists

Join forces with local artists to learn about the rich artisan tradition in Costa Rica and work alongside local development organizations to renovate public spaces in Puerto Jimenez.

#10 Howler Monkeys

Even if they aren’t seen, they definitely are heard. Pound for pound, the howler is one of the loudest animals on the planet!

#11 Gallo Pinto

A tico-style meal of mixed rice and beans served with eggs and tortillas is a great way to start the day. Add a dollop of sour cream and there is nothing quite like the country’s national dish!

#11 The Beaches

With 750 miles of coastline, there is a special place for everyone. Many of the country's beaches (playas) are part of a national forest or nature reserve, making it easy to see wild creatures only a shell's throw away from the beach.

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Overview

16-20 Community Service Hours

Community Service Work in Agua Buena and Puerto Jiménez: Public Space Renovation, Recyling Projects and Environmental Garden Work, Art, School Visit

A Certificate of Community Service indicating the total hours worked and a Presidential Volunteer Service Award will be issued upon successful completion of the program.

Language Exposure

Exposure within community and country

Activities

• Snorkel and Kayak: South Pacific waters

• Hike: Jungle Treks to Waterfalls

• Zip Line: Rainforest Canopy

• Explore: Butterfly Farm, Puerto Jiménez, Marino Ballena National Park, Organic Farm, San Jose

• Culture: Bribri Indigenous community, visit with a local school, homestay in Agua Buena, local artisan visit

Completing Grades

6-8

Days

10

Tuition (Airfare and baggage fees not included)

$3,395

Accommodations

In San Jose we stay in a hotel. During our time in Agua Buena, we stay with two local families. In Puerto Jimenez, we move to bunkbeds in a dormitory near the beach. While in the jungle, we sleep in platform tents with mattresses. Showers are available; however, we shower every three to four days to conserve resources and support sustainability. 

Arrive/Depart

Newark, NJ (EWR)

A leader-escorted round-trip flight will be available (but not required) for those travelers who wish to fly with a leader. Please contact our office for details.

Social Media

Join in on the fun! Check out #PuraVidaRLT for a behind-the-scenes look at photos from past participants and leaders. 

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Description

Costa Rica is more than a summer vacation destination – it’s a place of nonstop adventure. We arrive in San José and become oriented to the Costa Rican sights and sounds. We take time to get to know one another, the country, and our tico hosts.

We spend time with the Bribri. One of the main indigenous groups in Costa Rica, with numerous settlements and several dialects, the Salitre group moved from the Caribbean to the Pacific many years ago by crossing the Talamanca Mountain Range. Here we share music, meals, language lessons, and explore the land together.

Next, we transfer down the coast to one of the most peaceful places in the country. During our time in Agua Buena, we connect with local artists, teachers, and development associates to restore community spaces and exchange stories. Working alongside our new friends, we garden, paint, sand, and replant. While in Agua Buena we also assist on an organic farm and learn about agriculture on the equator. Helping around the farm, hiking through the jungle, and playing soccer fill our time in this magical space and place.

Transfering to Puerto Jimenez, qe exuberantly zip-line through the roof of the rainforest and then hike alongside a creek to swim under crystal clear waterfalls. We see Marino Ballena National Park, spot incredible wildlife, and snorkel the refreshing waters of the South Pacific.

We end our journey with a traditional feast on the beach, celebrating our support of Costa Rica’s monumental conservation efforts to protect this amazing land.

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Itinerary

Arrival/Orientation (Day 1):

Arrive in San Jose, transfer to accommodations. Get oriented by exploring the local area.

Indigenous Community Stay (Day 2):

Spend time with the Bribri, one of Costa Rica's main indigenous groups. Share in culture, music, and meals with a community that moved from the Caribbean to the Pacific many years ago. 

Community Service Project and Organic Farm Visit (Days 3-6):

Joining forces with community members, artists, and local development associations in Agua Buena, our group works to renovate a local park. We complete projects such as gardening, replanting, painting, and sanding while learning about Costa Rican culture from local experts and exchanging stories with community members. Learn how to live in harmony with the land and help care for the earth and community. Exchange ideas and swap visions alongside the town's amazing artist. Stay overnight with local host families and share ideas over authentic Costa Rican cuisine and visit a local organic farm to learn about agriculture on the equator. 

Puerto Jiménez (Day 7):

Ferry across the Gulf to visit a butterfly farm, spotting crocodiles and other wildlife along the way. In swim-friendly locations, cool off beachside, kayak, and soak up the sun.  Visit a local school to help out with improvement projects, swap stories, and play soccer with the students. 

Zip Line, Marino Ballena N.P., and Final Banquet (Day 8-9):

Zip through the leafy green canopy, hike to hidden waterfalls, snorkel wonderfully warm waters, and close the trip with a traditional banquet.

Homeward Bound (Day 10):

Say goodbye to our new friends and head home. 

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Need To Know!

Traveler’s Health

The Road Less Traveled does not require any vaccinations or immunizations to travel with us, other than an up-to-date tetanus shot or booster (within the last nine years).

Please visit the CDC’s website to read more about recommended vaccinations for travel to Costa Rica. The decision to get some, none, or all of the recommended vaccinations is a personal one, and should be discussed with your family doctor.  

Packing List

Please click below to view your program’s equipment and packing list!

Costa Rica: Pura Vida Packing List

Day-To-Day Calendar

For an emailed copy of this program’s day-to-day calendar, please call our office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST at 773-342-5200 and we’ll happily send you one!

General Travel Info

It is imperative that no one make any travel arrangements until RLT provides instructions for specific arrival and departure time windows. Those details are typically released in mid-spring.

Families are individually responsible for booking their own airfare to get their student from home to the starting destination on the first day of the trip, and from the ending destination back home on the last day of the trip.

The Pura Vida program offers an optional escorted flight for participants. All interested students will meet a leader at the Newark International Airport (EWR). Students also have the option of meeting a leader incountry on arrival day in San Jose, Costa Rica. 

If you wish to have your participant fly directly into the starting location, please call the office for details.

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