Travel For Teens: Costa Rica

Travel For Teens: Costa Rica

Location
  • Costa Rica

Program Details

Timeframe
Summer
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
2000
Dec 07, 2023
Nov 21, 2025
58 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join us on one of our Costa Rica programs this summer and experience the country like a true local! All of our Costa Rica trips are created by our local director who will share with you the essence of this majestic country and show you the true meaning of Pura Vida! You are guaranteed an authentic experience! Explore beautiful rainforests, discover a vast array of wildlife, hike to hidden waterfalls, learn to surf and so much more! We offer a variety of programs that are great for first-time travelers, adventurists, and those looking to brush up on their Spanish or participate in meaningful service projects.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers a well-organized mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful volunteer work, with supportive counselors who foster a close-knit community.

Video and Photos

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 33 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.94%
  • 4 rating 6.06%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.85
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Housing 4.75
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 33 reviews
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience of my life!

This trip will change your life! I met the most wonderful people on this trip, got to try an abundance of new foods, the staff was amazing, and everyday was spent laughing till my stomach hurt. If I had to do this again I wouldn’t change a thing. The service projects we worked on like working with the locals, painting classrooms, and teaching kids how to surf, were so rewarding. I loved connecting with the locals. Then we spent our afternoons going on fun and adventure and exploring the nature and fun that Costa Rica has to offer. I was there for 10 days but I would have stayed as long as I could if given the chance.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I am a super picky eater but I promised myself when I went that I would eat everything. I tried sushi, which was probably the most unfamiliar thing except maybe this amazing seafood pasta
Pros
  • Made some amazing lifelong friendships
  • Got to see a gorgeous landscape and go swimming, hiking, rafting,
  • Engage in service projects
Cons
  • Water pressure in the showers
  • Lots of bugs
  • Service at restaurants wasn’t always best
51 people found this review helpful.
Addison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best 11 days of my life!

Last summer I got to go on the trip of a lifetime with Travel For Teens! Traveling has always been a passion of mine, so when I found Travel For Teens I was so excited. The thought of traveling alone with a group of strangers scared me, but as soon as I stepped off the plane I was filled with excitement. There was never a dull moment in the 11 days we were there. Each day was filled with so many fun activities. We zip-lined, surfed, ate sooo much food, and even repelled down a waterfall. The counselors never failed to make my friends and I feel safe. Even as a shy person, I felt comfortable to go to the counselors if I needed anything. My favorite memory during the trip was swimming in the blue ocean with my new lifelong friends. No words can explain how happy I was in that moment and even those 11 days.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
During this trip we repelled ourselves down into a waterfall and then had to climb back up. I was so nervous standing at the top of the waterfall looking down, but with the help of the leaders I convinced myself to repel down. IM so glad I got the courage to do this because it was truly a once in a lifetime experience and some of my favorite memories are laughing with my friends in the water under the waterfall.
47 people found this review helpful.
Arianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Travel for Teens Costa Rica Adventure and Service

This past summer I had the opportunity to go on Costa Rica Adventure and Service through TFT! I had the best time, it’s truly hard to put into words. I had the pleasure to participate in a number of unique activities such as white water rafting, snorkeling, surfing and more. I was able to try new foods and learn about new cultures, while helping the community I was visiting. Throughout all of this, I was able to make 11 new best friends. I highly recommend this program and I cannot wait for my next trip with TFT this summer!

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment was creating inside jokes with our friends and using them all throughout the trip
Pros
  • For worldwide travelers
  • Bilingual Directors
  • Diverse groups
43 people found this review helpful.
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Trip of a Lifetime

This was the trip that I will never forget. It sounds almost crazy, to be traveling alone at a young age to another country, but it teaches you so much. I learned to be present in the moment, how to be comfortable when being put out of my comfort zone, and so much more. I made countless memories, and became close with every teen and counselor within only 13 days. I still communicate with most of the teens that were on this trip, to this day. I was fortunate enough to do service at two schools in Costa Rica, and communicate with these students in Spanish, as well as teach them some english. We were able to see the lives of these students, and benefit their environment for school. One of our counselors always picked who would stay in the room together, so everyone was able to get to know one another. We went white water rafting, and stayed in these beautiful ecolodges along the river. We went ziplining, surfing, snorkeling, and we were able to go in the hot springs at one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Also, the food was incredible, everything was so fresh and delicious. This trip was just so wonderful, it almost felt like a dream. I will never forget the late night talks with everyone, the bus rides, inside jokes, and so much more! This truly was the trip of a lifetime, that I will never forget.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers with Travel for Teens, is to just do it! I was nervous about going on the longest trip i’ve ever been on with teens i’ve never met. But, just understand everyone is in the same situation as you are. It was nerve wracking at first, but don’t let the nerves set you back. I promise, this will be a trip you never forget, the experiences, memories, and skills you learn are wonderful. I promise, you will have so much fun, and even create lifelong friendships.
Pros
  • Diverse activities
  • Confidence
  • Cultural immersion
Cons
  • Snakes
46 people found this review helpful.
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Adventure and Service

This trip was one of the best experiences and I would highly recommend it if you are interested. I was able to go on some amazing adventures like a two day river rafting trip, zip lining through the jungle, and learning how to surf. The day activities are so much fun and give you a chance to explore the beautiful nature around you. The trip also includes volunteer activities to give you a chance to help local communities. We went to visit a local school, where we got to meet an amazing group of young kids and help to improve their area. We were able to play soccer with them and had an amazing time. Overall, this trip was unforgettable and one of a kind.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment on the trip was when we played a huge soccer game with all of the kids from the local school we volunteered at. It had just rained and the grass became muddy and slippery, but we still wanted to play before we left. Everyone was falling all over the place and got all dirty from the mud, and it was so much fun playing all together. There was so much laughter and it is one of the best memories I have.
Pros
  • Great adventures
  • Good food
  • Meet new people
268 people found this review helpful.
Mayah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica: Service and Adventure

I am so happy I chose TFT for my first summer trip abroad as a teen. My trip was the Costa Rica Service and Adventure. I was able to go kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, zip lining, and swimming, while also doing community service and giving back to students at a local school.  It was an incredible adventure; all the staff was nice, friendly, welcoming, and made the whole trip a positive experience. I met a very nice group of friends, and created bonds and friendships I can hold onto forever, as well as tried awesome new activities that I would never have the good fortune to do! I felt such pride in being able to help the children.  I am extremely thankful that I had this opportunity, and excited to take another trip this summer! 

Pros
  • Thrilling activities
  • Unique and Delicious food
Cons
  • Some hotels were not up to par
501 people found this review helpful.
Gabrielle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

a life-changing experience that exceeded all my expectations

Travel for Teens Costa Rica Animal Rescue Service was a life-changing experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I felt a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship that continues even after the trip. Engaging with exotic animals sparked a deep passion for veterinary medicine within me, fueling my aspirations for future volunteer work in Costa Rica. However, this journey meant more than just volunteering; it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the vibrant Costa Rican culture, embark on thrilling day trips, explore the beautiful beaches, and create lasting connections with my fellow teenage volunteers.

Beyond the volunteering aspect, the trip was brimming with unforgettable moments. Exploring Panama and its picturesque islands, delving into the intricacies of cocoa farming and crafting chocolate from scratch, and visiting the BriBri tribe left an indelible mark on my heart. Witnessing the daily life of the BriBri people provided a unique perspective, enriching my understanding of diverse lifestyles.

Above all, the trip felt like a voyage with close friends I had known for years, fostering an environment of mutual support and adventure. Travel for Teens Costa Rica Animal Rescue Service has undoubtedly left an indelible imprint, igniting within me a desire to continue exploring and contributing to the world in meaningful ways.

Pros
  • Learn Spanish
  • Fun adventures
  • Volunteer with cute animals
Cons
  • Although TFT is amazing at accommodating dietary needs, be aware that aside from rice and beans, it can be difficult to find vegan options!
504 people found this review helpful.
Molly
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Adrenaline

This was my first year going on a Travel For Teens program, and it will not be my last! When I was thinking about signing up, I thought "what if I do not make friends?" "What if the activities are boring?" "What if I do not feel safe?" But all of my worries were a waste of time. The staff, other teens, landscapes, and activities were all worth it. I cannot stress enough on how amazing this program is along with the company! Costa Rica is a phenomenal place which I feel like I experienced all of it in a safe space!

Pros
  • Amazing staff
  • Unique and fun activities
  • Landscapes out of this world
Cons
  • The group flight was not that helpful
514 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers