Costa Rica Active
Surfing, whitewater rafting, hiking, ziplining, snorkeling, community service
Your high adventure Costa Rican experience awaits
Pura vida! Experience the best of Costa Rica, from whitewater rafting down tropical rivers, to surfing on world-class beaches and hiking through lush rainforests. Wildlife abounds in this diverse landscape; don’t be startled the first time you hear a howler monkey—they’ll keep their distance! We’ll see incredible views of volcanoes, visit cascading waterfalls, and walk in the country’s famous cloud forests. We’ll also get to know some of the local communities we travel through by participating in meaningful service projects.
Length
14 DAYS
Download the Sample Itinerary
Curious what a Bold Earth Costa Rica trip looks like? Download a sample itinerary to get a feel for the types of activities, destinations, and experiences your adventure may include. Every trip is a little different — that’s part of the magic — but this will give you a great sense of what’s in store!
What You'll
experience
Everything You Need for Adventure
Preparing for your child’s adventure is an exciting journey! We’ve compiled all the essential information you need to ensure a smooth experience. From paperwork to packing tips, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Included
- All meals and accommodations (13 nights)
- Professional instruction for all activities
- Technical gear and equipment
- Transportation during the trip
- Experienced Bold Earth trip leaders
- Entry fees to all parks and attractions
What to Bring
- Personal clothing and toiletries
- Travel to/from Costa Rica (flights not included)
Accommodations
Accommodations will be a mix of hotels, ecolodges, and b&b’s.
Trip Preparation
Getting ready for your adventure is part of the excitement! Join a Bold Earth summer director in the spring for a webinar about preparing for our international trips. Your Trip Leader will call you two days prior to departure to help you feel confident and prepared for your Bold Earth experience.
You’ll receive a comprehensive preparation information that includes:
- Detailed packing lists specific to Costa Rica ‘s varied climates
- Physical preparation recommendations to get the most out of your adventure
- Travel information and arrival/departure logistics
- What to expect on your first day and throughout the trip
- Tips for going tech-free and making the most of your unplugged experience
Our goal is to make sure you feel excited and ready to dive into 14 days of epic Costa Rica Active adventure with your new Bold Earth crew!
...What Past Adventurers Say
“Disconnecting from her phone (digital detox) allowed [my daughter] to strengthen connections with others and fully immerse in the physical environment. The daily activities stimulated [her] and hopefully will inspire her to continue seeking challenging outdoor adventures.”
What Past Adventurers Say
“My daughter had the summer of her life, all wrapped up in two weeks! From surfing to tubing to making great friends-every day was an adventure. The smiles from the pictures and the nightly blogs were a wonderful way for parents to live vicariously through their kids!”
What Past Adventurers Say
“We had a fantastic experience with Bold Earth for our 15 year old son. Their communication before the trip was excellent, making us feel well-informed and confident. It’s clear they’re highly experienced with teen travel programs—everything was thoughtfully planned and executed.”
FAQS
Find answers to your questions about our adventure programs and get ready for an amazing experience!
What's the physical fitness requirement?
Bold Earth is designed as an active camp for teenagers. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to participate, but we do recommend regular aerobic exercise for at least a month before your trip to get the most out of your Bold Earth experience. Walking, jogging, swimming, or riding a bike are all great ways to prepare for your summer adventure!
What gear do I need to bring?
All technical equipment is provided. You’ll find a complete packing list specific to this adventure in your enrollment materials.
What about weather and seasons?
Rarely falling below 74°F, Costa Rica feels like summer all year round. Throughout your time in the tropics, you’ll experience a varying day and nighttime temperature ranging from 73°F to 88°F, though it is so humid, it often feels hotter. Rain is common throughout Costa Rica, with light daily showers, so be sure to have the proper gear necessary!
What are the arrival and departure windows for this trip?
For all Costa Rica trips, students will fly into and out of Juan Santamaria International Airport (SFO) in Alajuela, Costa Rica. They will need to arrive at SJO between 1 p.m. and 1o p.m. on the first day of their trip, and depart SJO between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the last day of their trip.
Our trip leaders will be awaiting each student’s arrival at the airport. As per international unaccompanied minor policy, a representative will bring each UM student to meet trip leaders directly outside of security. For all other, non-UM students, please follow your group off the plane down to baggage claim. Once bags have been picked up, students will exit security to meet trip leaders waiting directly on the other side. Students will call home as soon as they meet with our group.
Please do not book flights until your child has been officially accepted and enrolled on their Costa Rica trip and you’ve received the detailed travel guidelines.
Explore More Adventures
Looking for longer or gap programs? Check out our sister program, ARCC Programs
time to be bold
Your Costa Rica Adventure Awaits
We’re excited to welcome you into the Bold Earth community! Questions about Costa Rica Active? Call us at +1 828-435-3971 or email info@boldearth.com. You can also join one of our Info Sessions to learn more about what makes our adventures special.
Ready to apply? Complete our enrollment form to secure your spot on this incredible Costa Rica Active adventure.
