Exploring Costa Rica

In recent years Costa Rica has become a familiar destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. As a tropical region with numerous ecosystems and natural beauty, this small Central American country encompasses a variety of beautiful beaches, national reserves, scenic rivers, dense jungles, active volcanoes, and a seemingly endless variety of plant and animal life. Unlike other Central American countries, Costa Rica has long embraced a democratic tradition that has helped create political stability and a degree of economic viability. Our trips allow students to visit the central region of Costa Rica while living with host families in a small village and exploring the varieties of the tropical Rainforest. 

Home stays and community service in Pacayitas

Pacayitas is a small village of about 300 residents located in the central Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Here the students will pair up to stay with Costa Rican host families in the evenings.  During the day our group will work togther refurbishing community buildings, working on ecological projects, and tutoring children at the local elementary school.

Learning about the culture of Costa Rica

Students first learn about Costa Rican culture by experiencing daily life in a small, agricultural village. Throughout our stay our Costa Rican guide teaches us about how agriculture is practiced both by multinational corporations and by local subsistence farmers. Additionally, we learn about how cheese is processed locally, how coffee and sugar cane is grown and processed, and how to take care of animals on a small farm.

Outdoor Adventure

The last several days of our trip we spend visiting the central region of Costa Rica. Here we hike, go rafting, zip lining, and canyoning, and learn about the many wonders of the Rainforest. Finally, we end our trip in the capital city of San Jose where we witness how the bustling urban life of a developing country stands in contrast to the more laid-back agricultural regions.