Description

Make your way across breathtaking Northern Costa Rica and play soccer with local clubs, hike through lush cloud forests, visit active volcanoes, and surf tremendous waves along the way. This action-packed program combines competitive and pick-up soccer with fun community service projects, immersion into Tico life, and adventures in Costa Rica's diverse natural landscape.

The Tico Way of Life
Your first stop will be the famous La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a stunning series of waterfalls tumbling through lush mountain greenery. Then head over to the small town of Poás, where you will begin a small-scale service project for the local school and have your first chance to test your soccer skills during a quick indoor game against a local team. Before leaving the area you will get a chance to peer into the steamy crater of the active Poás Volcano, one of Costa Rica's most impressive natural wonders. The mile-wide crater is over 8,000 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Hike through the gnarled, moss-covered trees of the dwarf cloud forest on the volcano's outer edge before descending in search of a pick-up soccer game at its base.

Then it will be time to get a first-hand introduction to authentic Tico life. You will spend a couple of days with a Costa Rican host family in the small town of Orosi for a true cultural immersion. Feast on delicious, home-cooked native cuisine, practice your Spanish, and learn to live as a Tico. Each home stay family will house at least two Rustic Pathways students.

While in town you will participate in cultural exchanges with the local kids, contribute to an ongoing service project with the community, and spend some time at the school teaching English. School visits are subject to school vacations and closings.

High Adventure
After saying goodbye to your adopted family, get ready for a few days of action-packed adventure. You'll embark on a full-day whitewater rafting trip on the world-famous Pacuare River. Once the group makes it to Siquirres, where the rafting journey ends, you will spend a relaxing night in a nearby hotel to rest up for the next set of adventures.

Soccer, Surf, and Sailing
The journey continues at the world-famous Arenal Volcano, where you'll play pick-up soccer and fútbol cinco with local teams on small turf fields. Those seeking another adrenaline rush can zip line (optional) above the rainforest canopy with Arenal Volcano looming in the background. Then spend the night soaking your tired muscles in the relaxing waters of private hot springs not far from the volcano. With a little luck, you'll see an eruption of glowing lava cascade down the side of the darkened volcano right before your eyes.

After exploring the lush interior, you'll arrive at the palm-fringed Pacific Coast to play soccer, work on service projects, and chill out on some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. You will really embrace the country's famous pura vida spirit on this portion of the trip. Play big games of barefoot beach soccer or volleyball, surf the epic waves (optional), and savor eclectic international cuisine at the peninsula's many restaurants. Top off your trip with a day sailing to the pristine Isla de Tortuga for the perfect end to an unforgettable journey.

Make the Connection
If you can't get enough soccer and want to settle in a little after two weeks of traveling, check out the Soccer and Service La Paz program. You'll get to know Tico culture in depth while living with a friendly local family and taking part in rewarding service projects. If you want a break from service, check out the Caribbean Adventurer program. This trip also connects with our other Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Panama programs.

Highlights

PLAY in competitive indoor and outdoor soccer matches and test your skills against village teams and local clubs.

TUTOR and teach English to local students in elementary schools and work on small community development projects.

DEVELOP your Spanish abilities and your soccer skills in beautiful locations across.

LIVE with welcoming host families who are excited to meet you and help you learn about Tico culture.

RAFT the rapids of the world-famous Pacuare River, visit the active Arenal Volcano, and sail to the beautiful Isla de Tortuga.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Rafting
• Soccer/Football
• Sports
• Student Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

2,795 + International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Building Maintenance
• Community Development
• English Teaching
• Sports
• Tutor
• Youth

Age Range

14 years old and up

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983