Discover Costa Rica’s lush beauty and pura vida spirit through hands-on impact and authentic connection.
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.
About the Journey
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.
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.
Flights to/from San Jose, Costa Rica
8 Nights. 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.
Travel insurance is required for all trips. Policies start around $75.
World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
To save your spot on the trip a $500 Deposit is required. Payment plans are available.
If payment is a challenge, some guests choose to fundraise for their trip which is super easy with our guest software WeTravel. We can help advise students on how to fundraise.
To pay for the materials for the project you will work on, we ask that each guest donates or fundraises $250.
Costa Rica is a very safe country, full of amazing, kind, and hospitable people (just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there). Safety is our #1 priority and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask and we are happy to answer questions!
This trip is designed for high school and college students and can be adapted for travelers of any age.
Absolutely. Costa Rica is a wonderful destination for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.
somos.travel will get you everything you need to get prepared for the trip and help you prepare if you are accepted. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for some more info about this.
Click the button and apply! At the end of the application, you will be prompted to schedule a call with a Somos team member who will answer all of your questions.
Or you can use the chat feature in the bottom corner of the page.
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.
In Coope San Juan, you’ll stay with vetted host families for a safe and immersive homestay experience. In Santa Teresa, accommodations are in comfortable, locally owned hotels with shared rooms (3–6 per room).
Daily breakfasts plus 3 lunches and 3 dinners are included. Meals with host families are homemade and authentic, while Santa Teresa offers fresh seafood and classic Costa Rican dishes. A few meals are on your own to explore local restaurants ($60–$90 budget).
You’ll be working directly with the Coope San Juan cooperative, supporting projects that benefit both people and the environment. Beyond service hours, the homestay and cultural exchange build understanding and community ties.
Yes. All host families are vetted, and you’ll be supported by bilingual Somos guides and trusted local partners throughout the trip.
Moderate. Expect hiking to waterfalls, surfing, and light manual service work. Activities are beginner-friendly, and accommodations can be made for different fitness levels.
No, but a willingness to try is encouraged! Guides and interpreters will support communication.
Yes. somos.travel provides fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible.
Yes. Costa Rica is an excellent destination for groups who want to combine meaningful service with adventure.
This page will help you with the essentials:
Passports: Must be valid through your return date. Renew early if needed.
Flights: If you would like Somos to book your group’s flights, just let us know.
Travel Insurance: Required. This should cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and injury. We recommend World Nomads and you can get a quote here.
Vaccinations: Costa Rica does not require specific vaccines for entry, but Hepatitis A & Typhoid are recommended. Check with a doctor or travel clinic in advance.
Fundraising: Somos can provide fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible and also to support and raise awareness for local impact partners we work with.
Payment Timeline:
Traveler Forms & Onboarding
To ensure a safe and smooth journey, all travelers complete a short onboarding process that includes:
If you’re organizing a group trip—such as a school, Rotary club, or corporate team—please reach out for custom onboarding and registration options tailored to your group.
Packing List: Will be shared closer to departure (includes recommended clothing, surf/beach gear, and service work supplies).
Pre-Trip Meet-up: Zoom or In-person orientation to meet the group and guides before departure.
