COSTA RICA
WHY WE GO
Despite a massive increase in tourism, there is still great need in Costa Rica. With an average income of only $5000 per year and a poverty rate of 20%, many families struggle to make ends meet. Despite the difficulties, Costa Ricans are quite social and friendly. They are also very educated and proud of their country. Locals are eager to share everything they know about their beautiful country with you!
Money goes a long way here. We work with communities and charities within and around San Jose and Liberia to identify ways we can help. Food scarcity is an issue many families face daily. Simple luxuries we take for granted at home are out of reach for many. We will work with your group to identify the best ways you'll be able to utilize your teams talents in meaningful ways.
WHAT WE DO
Although tourism has helped the economy in recent years, disparity of income is huge and the general population is usually poor in most areas. Modern conveniences, like having a wooden floor instead of living on dirt, is out of reach for many families.
Most projects we complete here are tiny in size, but have a huge impact, both materially and emotionally. This could be food distribution, sponsoring a sports or play camp for children, simple repairs or remodeling a family home with a fresh coat of paint. Many light construction projects that would be financially difficult or impossible can be completed by your group in one day!
WHAT WE DO FOR FOOD AND FUN
With the exception of departure and arrival hours, three meals will be provided each day by a local Costa Rican cook. Traditional local cuisine is prepared daily with a few American styles dishes too. Traditional meals are a blend of Spanish, Native American and African cuisine. Rice and beans and can be found at almost every meal, even breakfast. Fresh fish, chicken, pork, fruit and salads are common and prepared in a variety of mild (but very rarely spicy) ways! Purified drinking water is provided at all times at all locations we serve at.
Typically a full day and one afternoon and evening is reserved for outdoor fun and exploration. Costa Rica has many volcanoes, national parks, exotic bird species and historical places to visit. From surfing to horeseback riding to zip lining to shopping the choices here are substantial.
LOGISTICS & COSTS
Depending on the size of your group, one or more locally based bilingual staff representatives will be with your group, 24 hours a day, for the entire duration of your trip. San Jose trips tend to be more urban and trips to Liberia are more rural in nature. Pricing includes all meals, ground transportation within Costa Rica, purified drinking water, group t-shirt, materials, and relief supplies necessary for your trip.
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Safety is our top priority. We only serve and visit areas identified as being safe and secure. Generally speaking there may be a language barrier, but only at times. English is spoken throughout Costa Rica, but less so in rural areas. Credit cards are readily accepted throughout Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica serving trips include the option of floor sleeping at a local school, community center or church at NO CHARGE. Not included in the trip price is airfare. Approximately $150 per participant is dedicated towards relief supplies, and is included in your trip cost.
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Serving trips are 7 days and 6 nights.
Trip availability: Year Round. (5 person minimum group size)
Registration fee: $595 (per group) *
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Trip cost: **
Option 1: $845 (floor sleeping)
Option 2: $1145 (hotel accommodations)
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Arrival Airport: LIR or SJO Sample Itinerary Register Now
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*The registration fee is non-refundable, but in the event of a cancellation can be applied to another trip within one year of the original departure date.
** Individual trip costs are 100% refundable up to 60 days before departure less a $50 cancellation charge.
Individual trips cancelled within 60 days of departure receive no refund.