In a country of abundance such as Costa Rica, with rich rainforests, untouched beaches, and a rainbow of exotic wildlife, we find there are also many people in need. Dive into the heart of Costa Rican culture by working with school children and rural farmers on community service projects designed to positively affect their lives. See the beauty of the country by whitewater rafting one of its rivers, surfing its unspoiled coastline, and getting to know its people. Focus on conservation and ecological preservation, come together with a rural community to build a shelter, plant a vegetable garden, and educate Costa Rican youth. Take pleasure in contributing to one of Latin America’s most amazing countries.
“ARCC is an amazing company and completely on top of it 100% of the time. If you are considering teen tours, ARCC is definitely #1 on my list!”
— Averi G., ARCC Student
San Jose and Spanish Language School
Our introduction to Costa Rica begins in its capital city, with an orientation and two fun days of Spanish language classes. Here we are able to adjust to “Tico time” while touring lively markets and sampling typical local fare, before traveling to our next destination.
Pacuare River Rafting & Rainforest Zip Line
The volcanoes and mountains of the Andean-Sierra Madre chain form the spine of Costa Rica, from which pour gorgeous rivers to whitewater raft. The Pacuare River is arguably the best. As we paddle the Class II-IV rapids of this pure and pristine river, we pass silvery waterfalls, a wilderness of dense vegetation, and the calls of tropical birds and monkeys. We overnight at a jungle river lodge, which offers an exhilarating ride by zip line through the rainforest canopy, as well as a trip to a natural rock waterslide.
Teaching English & Cultural Exchange with Costa Rican School Children
This community service project brings us directly into the lives of Costa Rican youth. We arrive with much needed supplies for their rural school and for two days we offer our help by teaching English to the village’s children. There will be less of an emphasis on a strict curriculum; the experience will be more of a cultural exchange as we engage them through activities, songs and play. Our efforts are rewarded by the smiles and laughter of our new Costa Rican friends.
Sea Turtle Preservation & Education on Conservation and Ecology
In the Pacuare Reserve we spend four days working with a local non-profit organization designed to preserve near-extinct sea turtles. By day we learn about sea turtle ecology, explore the Reserve on a canal tour to the river mouth, and spend time journaling and sharing with our group. We will also patrol the nesting beach nightly to collect monitoring data on sea turtles and protect recently laid eggs. The turtles only nest at night, and we work on their schedule. Though the numbers of sea turtles are dwindling, we may be lucky enough to see turtles nesting along the beach, or to help out with the newborn hatchlings.
Service in Rural Costa Rica
ARCC groups have visited the coffee-growing high country of Savegre every summer for 14 years. The families in this region live quietly and humbly, yet annually welcome us with open arms. For three days, we peek into another world where life is blissfully simple and pure. Side by side with our village hosts, we lend a hand in any way we can to make improvements to their modest village. We may paint and repair communal buildings in the village or work on a greenhouse project to grow saplings of native plants. The joy and gratitude of the village for our efforts is something we will not soon forget.
Surfing the Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is known for its superb surf and “undiscovered” feel. Here we learn the art of surfing along beaches lined with coconut palms. After three days of surf camp, we are practically guaranteed to be standing on our boards and riding waves with confidence. Our final day on the coast allows us time to shop for souvenirs such as hammocks and handicrafts before heading to our next destination.
