Escape to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast for a transformative program combining service, leadership, and adventure.
Contribute to community-led projects, such as beach clean-ups, ecosystem restoration, or infrastructure improvements, while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Explore local culture and natural landscapes, then unwind at Home Base or enjoy activities like river tubing, ziplining, and a catamaran snorkeling tour with fellow participants.
Highlights
During the course of your itinerary, you may:
- Live in a coastal village near a beautiful beach
- Volunteer on community development or environmental conservation projects
- Go tubing down the spectacular Rio Negro river
- Engage with locals and practice some Spanish
- Zipline through the forest canopy
- Enjoy a catamaran boat excursion and snorkel among marine wildlife
Program Duration
This itinerary is designed to run for 9-11 days by default, but can be customized to any length of time that fits your group’s needs.
The actual schedule of activities may vary. The information provided here reflects the typical experiences planned; however, activities and excursions are subject to change due to factors such as weather conditions, community partner availability, and other unforeseen circumstances. Adjustments may also be made to best meet the needs and interests of the student group.
You will arrive at Liberia Guanacaste Airport and transfer to Home Base, taking in your first glimpses of Costa Rica’s lush coastline along the way.
Once you arrive, you’ll settle into your accommodations and get comfortable in your new surroundings.
The day will ease you into the program with an orientation that outlines what’s ahead, followed by time to unpack, relax, and adjust. In the evening, everyone comes together for a welcome dinner, marking the start of your journey and setting the tone for the days ahead with a sense of community and shared purpose.
The second day focuses on connection and foundation-building, beginning with team-building activities both on the property and along the nearby beaches.
These exercises are designed to help you get to know your peers while also developing trust, communication, and collaboration skills. You will also learn more about your service sites, the surrounding local communities, and the environmental context that shapes the work you’ll be doing.
As the day winds down, you’ll participate in an evening mentor session and a leadership activity, giving you space to reflect on your role, your goals, and how you can contribute meaningfully throughout the program.
Over the next two days, you’ll begin engaging directly in hands-on service projects such as beach cleanups, school playground renovations, and community resource improvements that have a visible and lasting impact.
Alongside the service work, you’ll take part in cultural workshops that bring Costa Rican traditions to life, including cooking classes and traditional dance experiences that connect you more deeply to the local culture.
Evenings are intentionally slower and reflective, offering time for group discussions, leadership development sessions, or more relaxed activities like yoga or beach soccer, allowing you to recharge while staying connected to the group and the experience.
This day brings a surge of adventure!
Zipline through the forest canopy across eleven different cables, gliding above the treetops with sweeping views of Costa Rica’s vibrant landscape. The experience combines adrenaline with awe, as you move from platform to platform high above the jungle floor.
In the afternoon, you shift from the heights of the forest to the flowing waters of the Rio Negro for a river tubing excursion, drifting through scenic pools and light rapids. It’s a mix of thrill and relaxation, with plenty of time to take in the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the rhythm of the river.
These two days are dedicated to meaningful turtle conservation work, where you may be involved in track identification, hatchery support, egg relocation, and beach cleanups. The work is hands-on and impactful, offering a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the protection of endangered sea turtles and their nesting habitats.
In addition to conservation efforts, you’ll also complete final touches on ongoing community and environmental projects, helping bring longer-term initiatives closer to completion.
Each day blends purpose with perspective, reinforcing the importance of sustained environmental stewardship.
You’ll head out on a catamaran excursion to snorkeling spots known for their clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral formations, and abundant tropical fish.
The day unfolds at a relaxed pace, with opportunities to swim, explore, and simply enjoy being out on the open ocean.
Between snorkeling stops, you can unwind on white-sand beaches, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board, and take in the coastal scenery. Keep an eye on the horizon as well. You may even spot dolphins or sea turtles along the way, adding a memorable touch to an already unforgettable day.
The final days of the program are centered on closing reflections and ceremonies, giving you time to look back on the experiences, friendships, and growth that have defined your journey.
These sessions offer space to share stories, recognize achievements, and thoughtfully wrap up your time together as a group.
Eventually, you will travel back to Liberia Airport for departure, saying farewells to the community that has become home over the course of the program, carrying the experience forward with you well beyond Costa Rica.
About This Location
Lodging
Home Base is a coastal hotel in Costa Rica with ocean views, a pool, and spacious outdoor areas, offering dorm-style rooms with 6–8 students, private bathrooms, and air conditioning.
Meals
Costa Rica is known for its simple diet of rice, beans, and a side of meat. The food at Home Base will reflect the traditional dietary staples of the people in Costa Rica, with lots of typical Western options blended in. It will be simple, but fresh and healthy, and include delicious, locally grown fruits.
Climate
Guanacaste enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November. Even during the rainy season, sunny periods are common, with warm temperatures and occasional evening showers. Weather can change quickly, so be sure to follow the packing list.
The TEPA Difference
Terra Education Programs Abroad (TEPA) partners with schools and private groups to offer pre-designed and fully custom international experiences that align with academic goals while fostering global citizenship.
Building on over 20 years of youth development expertise from its parent organization, Terra Education, TEPA delivers transformative experiences for young leaders worldwide.
Whether you’d like to match this sample itinerary word-for-word, or you prefer to design a customized program experience for your group, we’re here to help! You can reach us at tepa@terraeducation.com anytime or call us at +1 (858) 220-7878 during office hours.
