Costa Rica – Rainforest, Wildlife & Volcanos for Teenagers

Join us on a transformative journey with our two-week Teen program in Costa Rica. This unique experience combines educational projects, cultural immersion, and recreational activities. With a group size of 8 to 13 participants aged 15-17, this program offers a blend of adventure and conservation efforts in the picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica.

Program Highlights:

• Join a meaningful program designed for teens aged 15-17 years
• Explore San José through a scenic hike
• Venture to the enchanting Volcan Poas
• Contribute to tropical rainforest conservation
• Experience a boat excursion
• Dive into thrilling underwater activities
• Immerse in local culture through tastings
• Engage in snorkeling at Cahuita National Park

Your Schedule at a Glance (Two-week commitment):

• Day 1 – Friday: Touch-down in San Jose – Arrive in San Jose, be warmly welcomed, and settle into your accommodation. Spend time with your Tour Leader, explore the small yet vibrant city by foot, and consider a visit to the colorful Mercado Central. In the evening, experience typical Costa Rican entertainment by visiting a local restaurant for refreshments and ‘bocas’ (local snacks).
• Day 2 – Saturday: San Jose City Tour – Embark on a guided walking tour through San Jose, delving into its markets, landmarks, and parks. Interact with the city, tasting local treats, exploring the Metropolitan Cathedral, and learning about Costa Rican culture from a local guide.
• Day 3 – Sunday: Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Embark on a full-day tour to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Witness the diverse fauna and flora, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch, and experience a coffee tour on the Hacienda Alsace. Return in the late afternoon.
• Day 4 – Monday: Onwards to the Rainforest Conservation Project – Leave San Jose for the Rainforest Conservation Project in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands. Stay in a volunteer house, surrounded by tropical gardens and rainforest. Begin understanding the project’s goals and engage in volunteer work.
• Day 5 – Tuesday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Receive an introduction from the Project Coordinator, focusing on biodiversity, reforestation, and sustainable living. Engage in volunteer work, starting with a hike into the tropical rainforest reserve and various projects.
• Day 6 – Wednesday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Continue volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project. After work, enjoy relaxation in the community house, play games, or participate in organized activities like night tours or yoga.
• Day 7 – Thursday: Pacuare River Nature and Wildlife Boat tour – Experience the nature and wildlife of the Caribbean by boat on the Pacuare River. Glide through navigable canals surrounded by rainforest, spotting diverse wildlife. Immerse in the ‘Central America’s Amazon’ experience.
• Day 8 – Friday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Continue your volunteer efforts at the Rainforest Conservation Project, contributing to the ongoing conservation and research activities.
• Day 9 – Saturday: Volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project – Engage in another day of volunteering at the Rainforest Conservation Project, immersing yourself in the diverse tropical environment.
• Day 10 – Sunday: Calypso in the Caribbean – Leave the Rainforest Conservation Project for Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. Explore the town, relax on the beaches, and embrace the diverse cultural atmosphere.
• Day 11 – Monday: Cahuita Boating and Nature Hike – Embark on a day trip to Cahuita National Marine & Nature Park for snorkeling and hiking. Encounter coral reefs, diverse marine life, and tropical rainforest. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
• Day 12 – Tuesday Animal Wildlife Rescue Center & Cooking Class – Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center to meet resident wildlife. Participate in a Caribbean cooking class, utilizing regional ingredients and enjoying your culinary creations.
• Day 13 – Wednesday: Traveling to San Jose – Return to San Jose with free time to explore the city’s attractions, museums, or indulge in last-minute souvenir shopping. Consider visiting the Mercado de Artesania and enjoy a farewell evening in the city.
• Day 14 – Thursday: Homeward Bound – Depart from San Jose. Transfer to the San Jose International Airport for your journey home, bidding farewell to Costa Rica with memories of a unique and enriching experience.

Note: The schedule is flexible, subject to weather conditions and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.

Note for Parents: This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program. GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to assist in coordinating participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.

Location of the Project: Nestled in the Caribbean lowlands, our project spans 140 hectares near San Miguel village and banana plantations

Project length: 14 days, 13 nights

Arrival Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Volunteer Work:  Rainforest conservation with a focus on biodiversity, reforestation, and community involvement.

Age:  15 – 17

Number of Volunteers: 8 to 13 participants

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared single-gender dorm room in a volunteer house.

Food: Three meals per day

Airport Transfers:  Round trip airport transfers are included on the arrival day and departure day.

Support: Teen groups benefit from designated support staff for itinerary support and chaperoning, comprehensive pre-departure travel guidance, a 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, and an experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses