25-Day Costa Rica Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Course Description: 25-Day Costa Rica Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Costa Rica Volunteer Program for Teens �*

Experience the magic of Costa Rica while giving back to local communities through meaningful service. This teen volunteer program combines hands-on projects with cultural immersion, adventure, and the warmth of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Work alongside long-standing service partners to support wildlife conservation, help local families, preserve beaches, and assist schools. In between service days, enjoy unforgettable adventures like surfing, canyoning, ziplining, and exploring the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. With a service-learning framework designed for high school students, you’ll reflect on your impact while building empathy, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Work on a community project such as helping to build homes.

• Learn to surf with professional instructors.

• Protect endangered sea turtles through volunteer work with LAST.

• Experience a canyoning adventure in Arenal.

• Enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion.

• Zipline over Monteverde’s renowned cloud forest.

• Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a local guide.

• Clean beaches and help protect oceanside wildlife.

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Service Projects �*

Refugio Animal — Central Valley

Volunteer at this wildlife sanctuary focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing endangered Costa Rican animals. Students support daily care tasks and learn about conservation efforts.

About Refugio Animal:

This organization protects vulnerable wildlife and helps animals recover from physical and psychological injuries.

Siempre Amigos — Flamingo Beach

Support this coastal community by helping preserve beaches, painting and building homes for underprivileged families, renovating classrooms, and revitalizing local facilities.

About Siempre Amigos:

Founded in 2011, this NGO assists low-income families in rural Guanacaste through community improvement projects completed with local and international volunteers.

Life Monteverde Co-op — Monteverde Cloud Forest

Participate in reforestation efforts by planting native trees, protecting young plants from invasive species, and learning about coffee cultivation.

About Life Monteverde:

A cooperative focused on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and education to promote long-term ecological balance.

Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST)

Help support sea turtle conservation by participating in in-water studies via boat, assisting at a rescue center, working on mangrove reforestation, and conducting beach cleanups.

About LAST:

For nearly 30 years, LAST has worked toward a future where sea turtles and coastal communities coexist sustainably.

Somos Picnic — Central Valley

Help improve local schools by enhancing classroom spaces and engaging with students through games and activities.

About Somos Picnic:

An organization dedicated to promoting community welfare through social, economic, and environmental initiatives including school support, food distribution, and aid for vulnerable families.

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Activities �*

Central Valley

Begin your adventure with a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the Pacuare River.

Arenal Volcano

Visit La Fortuna, relax in thermal hot springs, and rappel down a waterfall during a canyoning experience.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Explore the Monteverde Reserve, zipline through the canopy, stroll through Santa Elena, and enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson.

Rincón de la Vieja

Horseback ride to Las Chorreras Waterfall, relax in mud baths, swim after a scenic hike, and unwind at the eco-resort pool.

Flamingo Beach

Take professional surf lessons at Tamarindo Beach, learn Latin dance, and enjoy an evening bonfire with friends.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Relax on pristine beaches, go on a sunset sail, hike rainforest trails, and spot iguanas, monkeys, and possibly even sloths.

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Accommodations �*

Central Valley — Hotel Adventure Inn / Hotel Autentico

Comfortable hotels with air conditioning, internet access, and a swimming pool.

Rincón de la Vieja — Hacienda Guachipelin

A lodge-style property featuring a pool, hammocks, air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and outdoor recreation space.

Flamingo Beach — Hotel Casas del Toro Hacienda

A welcoming hotel offering air conditioning, internet access, and a refreshing pool.

Monteverde — Hotel Don Taco

Located near the Cloud Forest with scenic views and Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Arenal Volcano — Hotel Lavas del Arenal

Air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi, a pool, and impressive volcano views.

La Palma — Delfines del Golfo

Conveniently located near service sites with AC, Wi-Fi, and a pool.

Manuel Antonio — Hotel Mimos

A beach-area hotel featuring air-conditioned rooms, a pool, wireless internet, and a restaurant.

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What It’s Like �*

A meaningful balance of service, cultural immersion, and exciting adventures — all experienced within a close, supportive group.

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Cultural Sensitivity �*

Participants should arrive with an open mind, ready to experience new foods, environments, and ways of life.

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55 Service Hours �*

A letter of completion outlining service hours and projects will be provided after the program.

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Service Projects

All participants take part in each project. Final project assignments are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.

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Local Guide

A professional local guide travels with the group to deepen cultural understanding and enhance the experience.

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Key Details �*

Accommodations:

Hotels & lodges.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Activities:

All activities listed.

Transportation:

Chartered, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.

Group Size:

Up to 24 participants.

Dietary Options:

Most dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to San José, Costa Rica:

A chaperoned flight is offered from South Florida (and possibly New York, depending on enrollment). Participants may connect into the chaperoned route or fly independently within approved arrival times. Staff greet students upon clearing customs.

Return Flight From San José:

A chaperoned return flight is provided to South Florida and/or New York depending on group composition. Participants may fly home independently from San José, with staff assisting at check-in and staying until all designated flights depart.

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Where We Stay

Accommodations are chosen for comfort, cleanliness, and suitability for students. Volunteer programs do not include homestays to preserve group cohesion and maintain consistent program quality.

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Meals & New Cuisines 🍽️

Meals feature a blend of Costa Rican and North American–style dishes. Traditional Costa Rican cuisine includes rice, beans, meat dishes, and fresh fruit. The program happily accommodates dietary requests including vegetarian, lactose intolerance, celiac, allergies, and kosher-style preferences.

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Drinking Water �*

Tap water is generally safe in most regions. Purified water will be provided in large containers so participants can refill reusable bottles throughout the program.

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Vaccinations

Follow CDC guidance and consult a physician for current travel immunizations. Updated information will be provided in March or upon enrollment.

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Laundry

Weekly wash-and-fold services are available for student use.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• All listed activities and recreation

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and gratuities

Not Included:

• Transportation to/from the program

• Personal spending money (snacks, souvenirs, laundry)

• Optional travel insurance