This Impact Adventure to Costa Rica with somos.travel is designed to inspire personal growth, strengthen global awareness, and empower students to be changemakers in the world.
Through hands-on service work, immersive cultural exchange, and outdoor adventure, students will connect with local communities in Coope San Juan, hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and experience Costa Rica’s world-famous surf culture on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Travel through Costa Rica on a transformative adventure that blends community service, cultural immersion, and outdoor exploration. From rural homestays in Coope San Juan to surfing the waves of Santa Teresa, this journey highlights Costa Rica’s unique mix of community, nature, and adventure.
Students will make a tangible impact through service projects in partnership with Coope San Juan, a grassroots cooperative working to preserve culture and environment. Afterward, they’ll explore Costa Rica’s lush jungles, iconic waterfalls, and pristine Pacific beaches.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s an opportunity to engage deeply with Costa Rica’s people and landscapes while having a blast in the process.
Hands-on community impact project in Coope San Juan
Rural homestay with Costa Rican families
Hike to the Bajos del Toro waterfalls and picnic lunch
Nighttime bonfire celebration with the community
Guided jungle nature walk
Transfer to Santa Teresa, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful surf towns
Surf lessons with local instructors
Relax on the beach and soak in Santa Teresa’s surf culture
Choose your adventure: Isla Tortuga day trip or Montezuma waterfalls + tide pools
Authentic Costa Rican cuisine throughout the trip
Earn over 10 certified volunteer hours while making a meaningful impact
The heart of a Somos Travel Impact Adventure is the “Impact” portion of the trip. In Costa Rica, students will live and work alongside residents of Coope San Juan, supporting projects that strengthen the community and protect the environment. Through two days of service, homestays, and cultural activities, students will gain firsthand insight into rural life and Costa Rica’s strong values of sustainability and community.
Impact Location: Coope San Juan – Central Costa Rica
Causes: Community Development & Environmental Sustainability
What Will I Do?
Partner with Coope San Juan on a community-led project
Support initiatives such as light construction, reforestation, painting, or agriculture
Learn directly from host families about rural Costa Rican life and traditions
Celebrate cultural exchange through meals, music, and bonfire gatherings
Flights to/from San Jose, Costa Rica
Rural homestays in Coope San Juan + beach hotels in Santa Teresa. Shared rooms (3–6 per room) with individual beds
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners included. (Budget $60–$90 for meals not included; dietary needs accommodated.)
All group transport within Costa Rica (private vans + local transfers).
Professional Somos Adventure Guide + local specialists for service, nature tours, and surfing.
Welcome dinner, Bajos del Toro waterfalls, 2 days of service, jungle nature tour, bonfire celebration, surf lessons, optional Isla Tortuga or Montezuma trip.
You will be on your own for a few meals where you can explore local cuisine with recommendations from your guides. Meals in Costa Rica cost $10 – $20.
Travel insurance is required for trips. Policies start at around $75. As soon as you book, you'll get a confirmation email with info about how to get the best insurance policy for you.
$30-$40 is the cost of this activity.
Souvenirs, snacks, or personal spending
Your impact starts today! We give you tools to support the NGO by fundraising in your local community. We strongly recommend every traveler fundraise or donate $250 to support the local impact partner
Meet your guides at the airport in San José. Transfer to a local hotel, settle in, and enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation.
Travel to Coope San Juan with a stop at the Bajos del Toro waterfalls for a hike and picnic lunch. Meet your host families and settle into your homestays. Evening cultural activity with the community.
Spend the day working on a hands-on service project that benefits the community and environment. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory bonfire with local families.
Continue your project work in the morning. In the afternoon, join a guided jungle walk to explore Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Evening potluck dinner with the community.
Say goodbye to your host families and transfer to the Pacific coast. Arrive in Santa Teresa, check into your accommodations, and enjoy free time on the beach.
Take a beginner-friendly surf lesson with local instructors in the morning. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring Santa Teresa.
Choose your adventure:
Isla Tortuga Day Trip – Boat ride to a tropical island, snorkeling, and beach picnic
Montezuma Waterfalls + Malpais Tide Pools – Swim in jungle waterfalls and explore the natural tide pools of Malpais
Enjoy a final morning at the beach before traveling back to San José. Group farewell dinner and overnight near the airport.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for international departures.
