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Summer Camp in Costa Rica | Spanish Camp & Volunteer Camp logo

Summer Camp in Costa Rica | Spanish Camp & Volunteer Camp

by: MAXIMO NIVEL

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Costa Rica 2026
4.96 (23)VerifiedSince 2003

Turn your summer into an immersive adventure with Maximo Nivel’s teen Summer Camp programs in Costa Rica. Designed for teens aged 13 to 17, you can choose between two impactful tracks—Spanish Camp or Volunteer Camp—and explore the beauty of Manuel Antonio and San José as you discover a world of travel, language, service learning, and intercultural exchange. Both camps run simultaneously, and every day students from each track participate in a variety of activities together, including creative workshops, sports, and adventure tours, before splitting into their respective tracks. During weeknights, planned activities for all campers include bonfires, karaoke, game nights, movie nights, and even salsa dance lessons. Spanish Camp: This immersion program has 3 hours of daily afternoon classes focused on real-world use. Teens build adaptability, confidence, and communication skills for college and careers. Includes an official certificate. Volunteer Camp: Teens do 3-4 hours of daily afternoon service, like tutoring and construction. It fosters empathy, problem-solving, and global citizenship while exploring Costa Rican culture. Includes an official certificate.

Program Highlights

Choice of Meaningful Tracks: Campers customize their experience by choosing between daily afternoon Spanish classes or volunteer projects, earning an official certificate upon completion.

Epic Adventures: Teens enjoy thrilling daily morning excursions like jungle ziplining, surfing, and optional scuba diving while exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

Authentic Cultural Immersion: Participants deeply immerse themselves in the local culture by staying with host families and enjoying hands-on activities like salsa dancing and cooking classes.

All-Inclusive Experience: The comprehensive program covers host family accommodations, three daily meals, airport transfers, and private transportation for all tours.

Safety and Parent Support: Parents receive exceptional 24/7 support and peace of mind with continuous supervision, an 8:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, weekly updates, and mandatory arrival calls home.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
Starts At: $2,395 for 1 week
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year Round
Age Requirement: 9-17
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Summer Camp
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion
  • Outdoor Education
  • Student Exchange
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Language SchoolTop Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistTop Rated Language School 2022Notable Mention 2021 - Gap YearTop Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.96

Total Reviews

23

Excelente experiencia

July 23, 2026by: Teddy Bermúdez - Costa Rica
5

Hola. Yo soy el papá de Isabella Bermúdez. Ella quedó encantada con la experiencia que tuvo durante la semana del campamento de verano en Manuel Antonio. Me dijo que la mamá anfitriona fue excelente. Las actividades y la puntualidad no puede ser mejor. Gracias

My trip

July 22, 2026by: Nate Bradley - United States
5

I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. It is a beautiful country and Maximo Nivel enabled me to see all of it at its peak. I also racked up community service hours while having a great time with my friends. Would recommend to anyone.

Amazing

July 22, 2026by: Harlowe Schneider - France
5

I had a wonderful 2 weeks at the summer camp. I enjoyed discovering new cultures through the host families. The volunteer part was also rewarding seeing communities and helping them in Quépos and San Jose. The activities didn’t leave any time for boredom. I loved exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful nature with a bunch of visits. We did surfing, cooking classes, scuba diving and a lot more great activities! The group was also the perfect size with between 20-14 campers and was great for a warm atmosphere. I made friends I definitely have to visit. The staff was also professional and friendly. Would recommend to any teenager who likes travelling and meeting people! Loved it.

A unique experience

July 21, 2026by: Brooke Bennett - United States
5

I enjoyed a deep immersion in the the culture and history of Costa Rica. The counselors were very knowledgeable and helpful. I especially enjoyed Zip-lining in San Jose and and hiking with Rainmaker. I highly recommend coming with a friend as I think it greatly improves your overall experience.

Great experience

July 21, 2026by: Ben Blaxk - United States
5

Very fun and eye opening experience, with lots of great immersion and opportunity to make new friends. The program felt very smooth and was fun day to day with new things to learn and experience as the days goes on.

A trip i’ll never forget!!

July 20, 2026by: Brooke Schneider - France
5

During these two weeks, i made so many new friends and new memories i will cherish forever. I really enjoyed spending time with them and experiencing new things together. The counselors were always there to make sure we were okay and were very supportive. I will miss Nico and Rosa a lot as well as all the friends i have made these past two weeks. Time went by too fast and i wish it lasted a little longer. The hardest part of this trip was saying goodbye. I’m very thankful for everyone who made these two weeks what they were and everything we experienced together will stay with me for a long time. Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart and i hope our paths will cross again someday. Thank you for everything.

Best week ever!

July 20, 2026by: Kathleen Gayle - Costa Rica
5

I had an amazing time at camp. I got to try so many new things, like surfing and scuba diving, which I had never done before.I made friends from different places. The instructors were awesomethey were really fun, supportive, and made every activity even better. It was such a great experience, and I’m really glad I was part of it

I had so much fun!

July 20, 2026by: Cambelle Fawell - United States
5

The trip was very fun, I felt really immersed in the culture. I learned a lot and made a lot of friends, and counselors were really fun. Taking the spanish classes taught me a lot and I feel like the experience was even better because we were with locals.

Best time ever

July 20, 2026by: Mary Marley - United States
5

I made so many new friends and I was very immerse in the culture there I had the best time ever. I love this game so much even if it has a few bumps the smooth bumps outweigh the bad bumps. Nico is the best.

Thanks for helping with our flight

Great experience

July 19, 2026by: Alejandro Romainville - Peru
5

This summer camp was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I came here expecting to have a good time, but I left with so much more than that. I met incredible people from different parts of the world, made friendships I’ll never forget, and created memories that I’ll carry with me forever. Every day was filled with fun activities, new experiences, and moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. The staff and counselors were amazing, always supportive, welcoming, and genuinely dedicated to making sure everyone had an unforgettable experience. What made this camp truly special wasn’t just the activities, it was the atmosphere. It felt like one big family where everyone looked out for each other, laughed together, and made every moment count. The two weeks went by way too fast, and saying goodbye was much harder than I ever imagined. I’m incredibly grateful for everything this camp gave me. It helped me grow, meet amazing people, and create memories I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. I would recommend this experience to anyone without hesitation, and if I had the chance, I would come back in a heartbeat. Thank you for an unforgettable summer.

Fantastic experience for a first time solo traveller

July 17, 2026by: Michelle Betty - United Kingdom
5

My 17 year old daughter joined this camp from the UK. It was the first time she had travelled on her own. I was extremely pleased with how she was looked after right from arriving at the airport to when she left to come home. She has made some great friends and had some wonderful experiences. I would thoroughly recommend for a teenager wanting to experience travel and volunteering.

Great opportunity and wonderful experience

July 15, 2026by: Dirk Nielsen - Canada
5

My 16 year old daughter was part of this program and had a wonderful time. A great balance of good food, great adventure and a nice safe environment for travel and exploration. Nico the guide was very helpful and a great communicator. This was a great program.

the best experience

July 14, 2026by: Lucy Betty - United Kingdom
5

My experience was honestly unforgettable and one of the best experiences I have ever had. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the staff and the other people on the programme. The activities and trips were definitely some of the highlights of the camp. Every day felt different and exciting, and I had the opportunity to experience a new culture, explore amazing places and try things that I probably wouldn’t have done at home. The programme was well organised, and the staff were supportive, approachable and always made sure everyone felt safe while still allowing us to have fun and be independent. One of my favourite parts was meeting people from different places and creating friendships and memories that I will never forget. The experience helped me become more confident, independent and open-minded. I learned so much about the local culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. Overall, I would definitely recommend to any teenager who loves travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new things. It was an incredible experience filled with fun, adventure and unforgettable memories, and I would happily do it all over again.

Unforgettable Experience

July 12, 2026by: Maya Blumin - Canada
5

**Unforgettable Experience** This Costa Rican summer camp was an unforgettable adventure filled with exciting activities and amazing memories. The counsellors were caring, supportive, and always made everyone feel welcome. I’d highly recommend this camp!

I had a good trip

July 12, 2026by: Timmy Wood - United States
5

I had a great time meeting new people and going and doing fun activities and volunteering. I liked eating the costa rican food and practicing my spanish. I would recommend this program to my friends and i will tell people about jt

I made some good memories

July 12, 2026by: Oliver Cisneros - United States
5

it was good there were a lot of long bus rides but also a lot of good memories made such as playing soccer with the kids or talking to the local girls at paddle ball. The kids were really nice and so were the instructors

The best 2 weeks.

July 12, 2026by: Giana Rive - United States
5

This summer, I joined a summer program in Costa Rica. It was a very fun and exciting experience. I met many new people from different countries, and we became good friends. Everyone was kind and friendly, so I felt welcome from the first day. The program had many interesting activities. We learned about the culture, practiced our language skills, and worked together on different projects. We also visited beautiful places like beaches, forests, and small towns. Costa Rica has amazing nature, and I loved seeing the animals and plants. One of my favorite parts was spending time outside because the weather was warm and the views were beautiful. The teachers and staff were very helpful. They always answered our questions and made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. I learned many new things from the people around me. This program helped me become more confident and independent. I improved my communication skills and learned how to work with people from different backgrounds. I also made memories that I will never forget. I think this summer program is a great choice for students. It is a wonderful way to learn, make new friends, and enjoy the beautiful country of Costa Rica. I would recommend it to anyone

I had the best two weeks

July 12, 2026by: Sophie Ribeiro - United States
5

Two unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica, lush rainforests, stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and the kindest people. Every sunset, adventure, and moment made this trip truly unforgettable. Pura Vida!

A great time!

July 08, 2026by: Lucy Nielsen - Canada
5

I had such a fun time during my stay in costa rica! I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to travel aboard for the first time alone it’s a great experience! All the activities were so fun and it was so cool experiencing the culture!

Lots of fun

July 05, 2026by: Charlie Benson - United States
5

This program was so much fun. I did so many things I’ve always wanted to do but never did before. I got to see things like I have always wanted to see. The host family’s were so nice and the food was so good.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Summer Camp
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion
  • Outdoor Education
  • Student Exchange

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer

Age Requirement

9-17

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Starts At

  • 1 week: $2,395

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs

Program Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Changes Allowed
  • Upfront Deposit

Refund Policy

Full Refund

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's included in the program cost?


    − All tours and social activities
    − Private transportation to/from all activities
    − Chaperones 24/7; 8:1 student-chaperone ratio
    − Airport pick-up and drop-off
    − Host family accommodations
    − Breakfast, lunch, dinner, 7 days/week
    − Small group Spanish classes, 15 hours/week
    − Program and safety orientation
    − Official certificates for Spanish and volunteering
    − Summer Camp T-shirt
    − Free WiFi and computer lounge

    − 10-Year Payment Guarantee

    What are the accommodations

    During the Summer Camp program, you stay with pre-approved, middle class family-stays in Manuel Antonio and San Jose. Accommodations include shared rooms with 1-2 other campers of the same gender and similar age. In the family-stay, breakfast and dinner is included every day and lunches are catered in at the Maximo Nivel institute. Private rooms are available on request.

    What are your support services for parents?

    Pre-Departure Support
    -Flight booking advice and unaccompanied minor assistance
    -Spanish & Volunteer track guidance and program expectations
    -Passport and visa support

    In-Country Support (24/7)
    -24-hour emergency phone line & direct access to the Camp Director
    -Mandatory arrival call home & departure flight notifications
    -Weekly updates on your teen’s progress
    -Immediate communication for any urgencies or updates

    What is Spanish Summer Camp

    Maximo Nivel’s full-immersion Spanish Camp features 3 hours of daily afternoon instruction grounded in a rigorous academic curriculum. By using Spanish in real-world situations, students develop adaptability, confidence, and communication skills essential for higher education and future careers. An official certificate displaying the Spanish level achieved is awarded upon completion.

    What is Volunteer Summer Camp

    Volunteer Camp offers a safe environment to explore Costa Rican culture through 3–4 hours of daily afternoon service. Teens engage in high-impact projects like light construction, English tutoring, and youth activities. This hands-on experience builds empathy, collaboration, and global citizenship well beyond the classroom. An official volunteer certificate is provided at the end of the program.

    MAXIMO NIVEL

    MAXIMO NIVEL

    4.96Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Turn your summer into an immersive adventure with Maximo Nivel’s teen Summer Camp programs in Costa Rica. Designed for teens aged 13 to 17, you can choose between two impactful tracks—Spanish Camp or Volunteer Camp—and explore the beauty of Manuel Antonio and San José as you discover a world of travel, language, service learning, and intercultural exchange. Both camps run simultaneously, and every day students from each track participate in a variety of activities together, including creative workshops, sports, and adventure tours, before splitting into their respective tracks. During weeknights, planned activities for all campers include bonfires, karaoke, game nights, movie nights, and even salsa dance lessons. Spanish Camp: This immersion program has 3 hours of daily afternoon cla...

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