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Costa Rica Summer Program | Pacific Discovery
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure in Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries on earth! This jam-packed program for individuals ages 18-22 throws you into the heart of the action. Hike through lush rainforests in Los Santos, navigate thrilling rapids on the Pacuare River, and kayak through the serene Golfito – no experience necessary, just bring your sense of adventure! Discover the secret to Costa Rica's happiness: the laid-back "Tico" vibe meets a globally inspiring model of eco-stewardship. Learn about sustainability firsthand at a permaculture ranch, living alongside the local community and immersing yourself in the authentic culture. You'll even have the chance to contribute to conservation efforts at a wildlife rescue center, helping to rehabilitate exotic animals like sloths and howler monkeys. Leave Costa Rica feeling empowered, connected, and with a heart full of happy memories.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure in Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries on earth! This jam-packed program for individuals ages 18-22 throws you into the heart of the action. Hike through lush rainforests in Los Santos, navigate thrilling rapids on the Pacuare River, and kayak through the serene Golfito – no experience necessary, just bring your sense of adventure! Discover the secret to Costa Rica's happiness: the laid-back "Tico" vibe meets a globally inspiring model of eco-stewardship. Learn about sustainability firsthand at a permaculture ranch, living alongside the local community and immersing yourself in the authentic culture. You'll even have the chance to contribute to conservation efforts at a wildlife rescue center, helping to rehabilitate exotic animals like sloths and howler monkeys. Leave Costa Rica feeling empowered, connected, and with a heart full of happy memories.
Program Highlights
Surf on the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast with professional surf gurus.
Take a 3-day whitewater rafting trip through rapids and waterfalls on the Pacuare river.
Join a volunteer project rehabilitating sloths, monkeys, and other exotic animals at an animal rescue center.
Sea kayak through the Golfito on a multi-day adventure through secret islets.
Hike the Ruta Sukia, a pristine rainforest with lots of exotic birds and flowing cascades—live under the same roof as local families in homestays along the way.
Quick Details
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Cooking
- Eco Tours
- Ecology
- Hiking
- Homestay
- Nature Tours
- Rainforest Tours
- Scuba
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Trekking
- Conservation
- Eco-Tourism
- Education
- Environment
- Adventure Travel
- Animals
- Experiential Learning
- Scuba Diving
- Self-Discovery
- Sports
- Study Abroad
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Best Summer experience
December 03, 2021by: Caroline EdgeI was really able to get back to my best self. I lost some of that during the last year of online school and lots of other challenges, but I was able to see myself and what I want from a different perspective which allowed me to get back on my path of life. This trip was exactly what I needed to get out of my funk. Thank you, Amelia, Justin, and PD.
Incredible volunteering experience
December 03, 2021by: Nyla Hekier - United StatesI had an incredible experience with Pacific Discovery! I became more confident in myself as a person and my abilities to make friends, meet new people from around the world, travel, cook, be active, and live life how I want to. After the trip, I came home fully ready to go to college. I knew that I could face any challenge that came my way. There will, as expected, be ups and downs throughout the whole trip, but that is how we grow - being outside our comfort zone. Traveling with Pacific Discovery is a truly unique opportunity to explore the world, form close relationships, experience something new every day, and build your confidence.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- San Jose, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Adventure Types
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Cooking
- Eco Tours
- Ecology
- Hiking
- Homestay
- Nature Tours
- Rainforest Tours
- Scuba
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Trekking
- Causes
- Conservation
- Eco-Tourism
- Education
- Environment
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Animals
- Experiential Learning
- Scuba Diving
- Self-Discovery
- Sports
- Study Abroad
Availability
Years Offered: 2026
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
- After College
- Post High School
- During College
Age Requirement
18-25
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- Required Equipment
- Guide / Chaperone
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Certificate of Completion
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Guest House
- Home-stays
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
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