Description

Travel Like a Local
There is no better guide to the cultures and landscapes of Costa Rica than Ricardo, Rustic Pathways' Costa Rica Director. He will show you around his hometown of Turrialba, introduce you to his friends and family, and personally guide you through his favorite places.

Ricardo's Hometown
Known as the gateway to the Caribbean, Turrialba is a small town that is home to friendly people, bright pastures, and rustic scenery. Most people here earn their living through agriculture, and vast coffee, sugar cane, and macadamia nut plantations stretch out across the surrounding countryside. The town's proximity to two world-class rafting and kayaking rivers  the Pacuare and the Reventazón  has made it a veritable paradise for adventure seekers looking for a rush on some of the planet's best whitewater.

Many of Ricardo's friends and family members live in Turrialba, and they can't wait to introduce you to their town. As you settle in to your new surroundings, they will be your guides and friends, helping you practice Spanish and teaching you about the local culture and customs.

There will be plenty to keep you busy in this charming town. Hang out at Ricardo's favorite restaurants and cafes, feast on Caribbean rice and beans and other hearty Costa Rican favorites, play pick-up soccer in the park, enjoy a barbecue with Ricardo's friends and family, and visit a butterfly garden.

You will also work on a few service projects that will benefit the area's youth. You may teach English through games and songs, help paint and remodel schools, or head out to the field for a soccer game with the local kids.

Adventure in a Tropical Paradise
Costa Rica is famous for its excess of adventure activities, and you'll have a chance to experience the best of them. Rappel down waterfalls, zip line through the jungle, and ride a horse in the nearby mountains. Then hit the river for an adrenaline-spiked adventure. A former member of Costa Rica's national rafting team, Ricardo will regale you with tales of his time on the team, and his skills on the water will leave you in awe. Surge through gorgeous tropical canyons and over heart-pounding drops, float through lush rainforest, and sail past thundering waterfalls. Stop halfway down the river for an overnight stay in a jungle camp, where you will fall asleep to the sound of the rushing river. After two days of high adventure on the river with Ricardo, head over to the beaches of the Caribbean Coast for a surf class and a final day of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

Highlights

TRAVEL like a local with Ricardo, Rustic Pathways' Costa Rica Country Director and a native Tico.

TEACH and tutor English at an elementary school in Ricardo's hometown of Turrialba and make a lasting impact on the lives of these bright and appreciative students.

RAFT the class III and IV rapids of the famous Pacuare River.

RAPPEL down magnificent waterfalls surrounded by beautiful mountains in hidden places off the normal tourist trail.

Travel Types

• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (River)
• Rafting
• Student Tours

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$:

1,595 + International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• 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

• English Teaching
• Teaching
• 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

• Group living

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