Young Explorers in the Rainforest
Eight days of service, culture, and adventure in Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano region
Service and Adventure in Arenal
Conservation Service in the La Fortuna Communities
Two days of hands-on environmental service work in the communities surrounding La Fortuna. Projects focus on conservation initiatives that support the area's natural ecosystems — the specific tasks vary based on current community needs. Your group works alongside local partners on projects that contribute directly to ongoing, community-led efforts. Between service shifts, there's time to recharge at the base with pool access and group activities.
Arenal's Volcano, River, and Rainforest
The adventure side of the program makes full use of the La Fortuna region. Your group hikes the foothills of Arenal Volcano National Park, rafts the Sarapiquí River, and hikes to the turquoise waterfall at Río Celeste. A visit to the Maleku indigenous territory offers a window into ancestral traditions, medicinal practices, and a traditional ceremony led by community members. An organic farm tour at Finca Don Juan and an evening at the natural hot springs round out the week. The program is based in La Fortuna for six nights, which means less time on buses and more time in the field.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight days of conservation service and adventure based in La Fortuna, Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano region. This itinerary is fully customizable — adjust the service-to-adventure ratio, swap activities, or extend the program.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
We'll meet your group at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and transfer to the hotel. After a long flight, the evening is for settling in and resting up before the drive to La Fortuna in the morning.
Lodging: Hotel in San José
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Travel to La Fortuna
Wake up for an early breakfast before the scenic three-hour drive north to La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica's most popular base towns for volcano and rainforest exploration. Arrive at the service base in time for lunch, followed by an orientation covering the week ahead. In the afternoon, visit a local school for a cultural presentation and the chance to try some some dance moves.
In the evening, explore La Fortuna, famous for its coffee shops, the central park, and local markets at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.
Lodging: Accommodation in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Environmental Service Project and Hot Springs
After breakfast, your group dives into the first day of service work in the communities surrounding La Fortuna. Your project will focus on environmental conservation — hands-on work designed to strengthen and sustain the area's natural ecosystems. Tasks vary based on the specific needs of each project and your time of travel.
In the evening, unwind at a natural hot springs resort with dinner in a setting unlike anything back home.
Lodging: Accommodation in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Arenal Volcano Hike and Finca Don Juan
An exciting morning hike through Arenal Volcano National Park along the foothills of the volcano, surrounded by dense vegetation and wildlife. After the hike, lunch at Finca Don Juan, followed by an organic farm tour covering how fresh produce is cultivated, local farming traditions, and Costa Rican agricultural culture. The rest of the day is free at the base for games, group time, and relaxing by the pool.
Lodging: Accommodation in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Reforestation Service Project
Second day of service work. Your group continues conservation projects in the La Fortuna area, building on your prior experience. The day follows a structured schedule — morning service work, lunch, afternoon service work— with plenty of time for water breaks and stretching. After the workday, back to the base for the pool and downtime.
Lodging: Accommodation in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Maleku Indigenous Territory and Río Celeste Waterfall
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Maleku indigenous territory. The Maleku community hosts your group for a visit that includes a traditional ceremony, a walk through the forest to learn about medicinal plants used for centuries, and a traditional lunch prepared by community members.
After the Maleku visit, head to Río Celeste for a hike to the renowned turquoise waterfall — the distinctive color comes from a chemical reaction between two rivers carrying different mineral concentrations.
Lodging: Accommodation in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Rafting the Sarapiquí River
Early breakfast, then suit up for white water rafting on the Sarapiquí River, one of Costa Rica's most scenic runs. Raft through lush greenery with a riverside picnic stop along the way. After the rafting, change clothes and have a hot lunch before the two-hour drive south to San José for the final evening in Costa Rica.
Lodging: Hotel in San José
Day 8: Departure
Final group photos and goodbyes with the Offbeat Travel team before we transfer the group through immigration and on to their flights home. Pura Vida.
Meals: Breakfast
What happens when you visit Costa Rica
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Once you complete our inquiry form and one of our program managers will respond within 24 business hours.
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