The Turtle Conservation Project was a completely life-changing experience. At first, I thought it would be a bit awkward, but upon arrival at the airport, I was greeted by the staff and other travelers and instantly made new friends. In regards to making new friends, everyone is so welcoming and amiable, and you definitely are given free time to get to know them better. The friendships that were built over the course of the 9 days are strong and definitely life-long. The service work made me feel a different level of appreciation and inspiration for the environment and conservation, alongside with guidance and talks from different park rangers and biologists. Through the 30 hours of service, they definitely breeze through after a while if you make them more fun for yourself and it made my group and I feel a big difference, especially when we released the baby turtles to the ocean. Though the night walks are tiresome, you begin to appreciate them more and more as this would usually be a one person job, and you gain an abundance of knowledge about nests and turtles. Aside from service, we also participated in thrilling activities, such as ziplining, rafting, surfing and canoeing. They overall give you plenty of time to rest in the lodge, which is made out of wood, and even the lodging gives you a better sense of appreciation for nature. The program leaders most definitely made this experience what it was, where them as well as the cook, made it seem like family and home. There are so many moments and experiences that are indescribable, but this trip is definitely worth the money.
Tip: Always stay hydrated and bring a large water bottle, and stay off your phone because it will make the experience so much better! Also, bring extra clothes because you get dirty really easily.

This summer I went on Rustic Pathways Turtle Conservation Project. The experience was great from the moment I met the Rustic staff at the airport. The volunteer work made you feel like you are truly making a difference. In the down time you get really close with the people on your trip. The off days from service were great. We participated in exciting activities with knowledgable guides. The lodging is pretty rustic so if you're not okay with camping than this will not be the program for you. This trip is truly worth the money. I have memories to last a lifetime, but can't wait for my next trip!
Tips: a full size quick dry towel and an extra large water bottle would have come in handy.

This trip was absolutely amazing.

For starters, airport organization was extremely professional. I instantly felt confident in traveling abroad on my own for the first time. My mom also had peace of mind, for they sent photos to all of the parents once we had all arrived safely!

My leaders were some of the coolest people I have ever met. Our driver was basically another leader, and he was the absolute best. He worked with us every day. Throughout the trip, we got to work alongside members of the Sarapiquí community. We partnered with a family of 6. We not only cemented the floors of their home, but we fixed their roof and leveled the ground. It was definitely hard work. You must be willing to work hard throughout this trip! You do not have to be strong, just remember that will power, motivation, and optimism can go a long way.

Furthermore, I want to share an experience I had on my Rustic trip with you, because I feel like you might benefit from hearing my story.

One day during my trip, I had a flare-up of my stomach condition. To my surprise, one of my leaders drove on his motorcycle to get me coconut water because he says it makes everyone feel better. It made me feel better too! It was so kind. All of my leaders came in to check on me, and honestly, they couldn't have been nicer.

I sat out for service that day. While I was sitting on a nearby bench, the two sisters of the family we were working with began to play bingo with me. I taught them how to play Go-Fish, for they had never seen playing cards before. I gave them the cards to keep, and they were SO excited! Even though I was feeling a bit down, all of the people around me lifted my spirits and truly made my day.

If you have any sort of medical condition you are nervous about, or if you have food sensitivities, you WILL BE FINE with Rustic. The food was great and extremely easy and accomadating, the people were caring, and my leaders were extremely responsible.

I would recommend this trip to any first-time traveler looking for a life-changing trip that is not only service work, but also includes an element of fun. We played lots of soccer, did a ton of nighttime activities like tree-frog hunting, and we went white water rafting, ziplining, and to a waterfall. We also went to a chocolate plantation which was the yummiest thing ever. They even took us for pizza lunch and icecream one day in the village! On the last night, we showed the family how to make smores!

My experience with Rusic was life changing. Sarapiquí Costa Rica is AN AMAZING TRIP. I would highly, highly recommend.

Amazing trip! If you are new to travel abroad or have been traveling for years this trip is perfect for everyone! A nine day trip to Costa Rica with up to nineteen other surfers, feels like five minuets while you're having the time of your life. If you're one to get homesick, you won't have time to be, It's constant go go go, and having tons of fun! I learned some new Spanish as well as construction techniques when working in the village, Uvita. If you've never surfed before the awesome guides will teach you and give you tips throughout the week, and if you think you're a pro... I promise you'll learn new tricks and see some incredible waves when you're there. You get to see wild life from sloths to monkeys to iguanas and ALL KINDs of bugs. Hands down the most amazing trip I've ever been on! You make friends with people from all over the country who are friendly and share the same interests as you! They'll become your friends for life, I know mine are, we've already planned our first reunion for later this year! The only tears that will be shed on this trip are at the airport on your last morning together! 100% recommend this trip for anyone who wants an exhilarating, unforgettable trip. Pura Vida!

The Heart of the Jungle trip in Costa Rica was the first trip I had ever been on alone. I definitely think I chose the perfect trip! It was perfect for first time travelers because the sleeping conditions were never overly "rustic" and the meals were never too adventurous in any way. The counsellors made sure that I felt safe at every given moment of the trip and I felt that I could ask them anything. If you are an experienced traveller I still would recommend this trip because there were so many fun and adrenaline filled activities with an abundance of nature involved that I never was bored.

This past year was really difficult for me and I ended up "losing myself." I took the summer to rediscover and reinvent myself. My Rustic trip genuinely helped me become a person I am very happy and proud to be. I found peace with myself and the world around me. My life feels completely enriched. What affected me the most was probably our group (including the leaders). The students in my program and the students in the camp made me learn to have patience, be grateful, and never judge someone without knowing their story. The leaders helped put my future into perspective and made me excited to dream big. I loved every minute of my experience on the trip.

I went on the Rustic Pathways Summer Camp Leadership in Costa Rica, and it impacted me in more ways than one. Meeting the Tico kids allowed me to make connections despite the language barrier (I barely spoke any Spanish) and allowed me to improve my Spanish skills. The leaders treated us as their equals and were always open to talk with you about anything or to take suggestions or critiques. Everyone on the program made me feel like I was part of their family. I would recommend this experience to everyone.

My trip to Costa Rica was SO FUN. The trip was extremely exciting and interesting. My favorite part was seeing a different part of the Americas (in Costa.) The food was delicious, I loved the chicken. My trip was so adventurous and the views were breathtaking, I loved the waterfalls. Also, the people in Costa Rica were welcoming and happy. To anybody that wants a quality trip... Pick Rustic Pathways Costa Rica.