Join the Costa Rica Adventure & Service program for an 11-day immersive experience that balances genuine community impact with unforgettable outdoor adventures. You'll spend your time across three stunning regions of Costa Rica—Turrialba, La Fortuna, and Sámara Beach—working alongside local partners who have been supporting youth in rural communities for over a decade.

Your service work takes place in two different communities where you'll volunteer for up to 20 hours, working directly with local children through art projects, English teaching, environmental conservation, and school maintenance. These aren't passive observation opportunities—you'll be actively engaged in the projects alongside local association staff, creating meaningful connections with the communities you serve. This authentic approach to volunteering sets Travel For Teens apart from typical tourist-focused programs.

When you're not volunteering, you'll experience some of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural wonders. Begin in Turrialba with a thrilling two-day whitewater rafting adventure on the world-renowned Pacuare River (rated one of the top whitewater rivers globally), complete with an overnight stay in a rainforest eco-lodge. In La Fortuna, you'll zipline through the jungle canopy, hike to a stunning 210-foot waterfall where you can swim in a natural pool, and relax in natural hot springs fed by the nearby Arenal Volcano. Your final days in Sámara Beach combine more service work with surfing lessons, sea kayaking to Chora Island for snorkeling, and beach relaxation.

Accommodations are thoughtfully selected family-run hotels and eco-lodges rather than impersonal chain hotels—from a rainforest lodge to a volcano-view inn—ensuring you experience Costa Rica authentically while staying safe and well-supervised. The program includes all ground transportation, meals (featuring authentic local cuisine with accommodation for dietary restrictions), chaperones, guides, and program activities. You'll encounter incredible wildlife including monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, sea turtles, and iguanas in their natural habitats. The program is designed for high school students (grades 9-10) from around the world, with optional group flights available from Miami.

This is more than a vacation or a check-the-box volunteer trip—it's a chance to develop meaningful cross-cultural friendships, gain real hands-on experience in community development, and challenge yourself physically while contributing to causes you care about. Parents consistently praise Travel For Teens for daily photo updates, transparent communication, perfect balance between structured activities and free time, and exceptional staff caliber.