Summer High School Programs in Costa Rica with Rustic Pathways

The most adventurous future of my trip was staying in different places, most memorable was stay at the Maleku village where I got to experience their indigenous culture, interact with members of the tribe. We got so friendly that their dog snuck into our bus as we were leaving, he was discovered and put outside. Sadly... he was jogging behind the bus for sometimes...as if he did not want to part with newly made friends.
Worth mentioning daily trips to different activities such as zip-lining, surfing, white water rafting. Food was delicious all along and I made lots of friends.

If you are deciding between Rustic or any other teenage travel program, choose Rustic. Although I've never traveled with any other programs, I've heard stories about other programs that were not so impressive. Rustic has to be the most organized and well thought out travel program out there. From people greeting you at your home airport, to flight leaders, to someone greeting you when you land at your destination, Rustic Pathways values safety above all. Although it is total chaos trying to move over 100 other rustic kids through airports, customs, and baggage claim, Rustic really makes every effort to make sure no one gets left behind and everything is in order. Which is pretty impressive. So after you choose Rustic, you start looking at prices and program lengths. As a first time traveler, I knew I wanted a community service and adventure component, without spending a month in a foreign country. For what you are getting with rustic, paying $3,000ish dollars sounds like a lot, but for what you are getting, its an amazing deal. If you want to save money, book your trip early and pay in full (I think it's like a 15% discount). For me, I ended up choosing Sarapiqui, which ended up being one of the best choices of my life. I traveled alone (which I recommend if you really want to have a new exciting experience) and I met some of the best friends I will ever meet. Our program leaders all were amazing and we made such strong bonds with them as well. What is really cool about Rustic is that they have connections with local people and tribes all over the world, so one of our team leaders was actually a local that got us the coolest "ins" such as taking us to a hidden waterfall, arranging soccer matches with the locals, and showing us to the best shoppes in town. You won't follow the iternary necessarily because Costa Rica weather will be unpredictable, but don't worry! Your team leaders do their best to make sure you are having a blast, and if you want to do something, just let them know and they will do everything to make sure its arranged. As for lodging for this trip, you stay in "eco-tents" If you want to learn more, you can just go on their website and look at the tents and their bathrooms. For being immersed in the rainforest, it is the perfect balance of luxury and rustic (which is what your trip should be based around). This will seriously be the best week of your life if you willingly let go and enjoy being in such an amazing country. I found that everyone on our trip was being super real with each other, which only made our bonds stronger. Don't be afraid of getting wet, making new friends, or speaking spanish, because I promise that if you step out of your comfort zone you will have some great benefits! If you have any questions about Rustic or specifically about Sarapiqui, please email me at kkunkle4@gmail.com because I would love to tell future Rustics about my trip or help them find a trip to suit them!

There are many things that made my jaw drop and my heart race during the Sarapiqui program, especially the white water rafting and the ziplining, but I honestly think the best part of it was the service work we did. At least it was for me.
I can honestly say it was very humbling experience. Especially when we had to mix cement ourself, mainly because at home we take that for granted. To do it yourself is back breaking work. It takes maybe 30-45 mins to make a batch, so don't even get me started on if they need more batches after you've made about 3.
It was also quite neat that we got to work with some of the locals on the project. I wish I understood them more, but that added to the amazing experience. The language barrier was tough at first, but soon you seem to comprehend everything they're trying to tell you, even if you only know obvious phrases and saying.
The trip was an eye opening experience, it makes you realize how fortunate you are. I would strongly recommend Sarapiqui to anyone that wants to have a perfect balance of adventure and service. Pura Vida everyone!

I extremely enjoyed my time in Costa Rica on this trip. I loved the service that we did and the locals that we worked with. It was especially empowering when you got to see a project from start to finish. Adventure activites like zip lining and rafting were also a blast. I will say that it is the rainy season, so be prepared to get wet and maybe muddy. I suggest bringing closed toe shoes that aren't brand new, maybe rain boots? And be prepared to eat lots of rice and beans at every meal. I loved every experience I encountered on this trip because it was the perfect balance between adventure and service, I highly recommend it for anyone.

My daughter just returned from her RP Costa Rica Summer Camp trip for two weeks. I can say without a doubt this company took excellent care of my child. We were supported effortlessly prior to the trip and updated during the trip. Her travel adviser was always available to me. All of the accommodations were nice and clean and safe. Airport travel was well coordinated. All of the activities were well planned and very fun!!! She loved them!!! Plenty of food, and time for friend bonding. The time with the children in the summer camp was life changing. I can certainly recommend this organization.

I decided early in my sophomore year that I would spend a part of my summer in a different country helping people I didn't know. I chose to go to Costa Rica on the Heart of the Jungle trip, alone. The idea was daunting and I spent the rest of the year mildly freaking out about the decision I had made. When I got to Costa Rica I instantly made three friends who I know will be in my life for a long time. The trip was good for me because it mixed service, which I was pretty excited about, and adventure, which I was very excited for. My leaders were nice, but one stood out above all. If you ever get to go on a trip with Katherine, you'll know instantaneously that she's the kind of person you want to be around. She's super upbeat and funny and I was lucky to have spent two weeks with her leading me through this beautiful country. If you're considering this program, I would highly recommend it and if you choose it, I'm positive you'll have an amazing time!

My daughter just returned from the Costa Rica/BriBri Village trip. She went alone and was initially a bit nervous. The friends she made, however, likely will be hers for life and the village experience showed her how others in the world live -- challenges and opportunities, joys and hardships, and being human through it all. It was amazing for her to travel so far to find that people are people ... you just have to open your mind and let yourself experience their world. And, she participated in some rather difficult work while there (building a ramp into a school for disabled children), learning that hard work has its rewards and knowing that she made a small difference in someone's life through her couple of days of giving. Thank you RP and staff!

The Bri-Bri Village Experience was an incredible trip that I will never forget. We worked in an indigenous community with no electricity or hot water that gave me a new perspective on the world. I cannot wait to do another trip just like this.