Join a transformative 21-day summer adventure in Costa Rica where you'll work alongside wildlife professionals at a rescue center caring for exotic animals while immersing yourself in Caribbean culture and adventure. Based in Puerto Viejo, you'll spend your mornings and early afternoons at an animal rehabilitation facility, earning up to 80 hours of community service credit while assisting with the care and recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife—including sloths, monkeys, sea turtles, and even some of the world's most venomous snakes. Due to Costa Rican law, direct animal handling is reserved for trained professionals, but you'll observe their rehabilitation work, assist with animal care tasks, prepare medicine, clean enclosures, and support maintenance projects that keep the shelter operating smoothly.

Your afternoons and free time showcase the beauty and adventure Costa Rica is famous for. You'll ride the waves at pristine Caribbean beaches, try your hand at surfing, and experience world-class whitewater rafting on one of the planet's most celebrated rivers. Thrill-seekers can zipline through the rainforest canopy, while those preferring a slower pace enjoy beach volleyball, soccer, and sunset strolls through the laid-back village of Puerto Viejo. The program balances meaningful service work with genuine adventure and relaxation, ensuring you don't just volunteer—you truly experience the country.

Cultural immersion is woven throughout your stay. You'll visit the indigenous Bribrí tribe to learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy authentic cuisine passed down through generations. A visit to a local chocolate facility reveals how this beloved Costa Rican product grows and is produced from bean to finished bar. Every meal celebrates tico (Costa Rican) flavors—expect hearty tropical breakfasts of seasoned rice, beans, chicken, fresh fruit, plantains, and Caribbean spices. The program fully accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs, ensuring everyone eats well and authentically.

Accommodations are carefully chosen family-run hotels in central locations rather than large chain hotels on the outskirts. In Puerto Viejo, you'll stay steps from the wildlife rescue center in a hotel surrounded by trees where monkeys, iguanas, and toucans roam freely. Staff are attentive and experienced—the program is known for exceptional daily photo updates and recaps that keep parents informed and give you peace of mind. Travel for Teens handles ground transportation, meals, guides, and program activities, so your tuition covers nearly everything except airfare.

This program is ideal for high school students (grades 9–12) from around the world who want to combine meaningful wildlife conservation work with personal growth, adventure, and cultural connection. You'll return home with a deeper understanding of animal rehabilitation, the threats facing Costa Rica's biodiversity, and tangible actions that protect endangered species. More importantly, you'll have forged friendships with peers from across the globe and gained confidence in your ability to make a difference in the world. Whether you're drawn to animal welfare, conservation, or simply want a summer unlike any other, this 21-day immersion offers the perfect blend of purpose, adventure, and unforgettable memories.