Challenging Adventure Treks and Volunteering Projects in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• Other Cities in Costa Rica: 
Rural Areas
• San Jose: 
San Jose

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year

Description: Face the ultimate challenge with a Raleigh expedition. You will trek over 250 kilometers in 19 days, learning navigation, camping and survival skills along the way. While you will only need a basic level of fitness for this phase, determination and the ability to work as a team are essential. The 4am starts, tough climbs and up to 10 hours trekking a day are all worthwhile when rewarded with the incredible views, abundance of wildlife and beautiful beaches. This phase is a tough physical and mental challenge that will not only give you a huge sense of achievement but the belief that you can overcome anything!

For further examples of volunteer projects you may be working on, please see our website. Here is an example of a trek we run in Costa Rica & Nicaragua. Please be aware that this may change and is just a guide to the types of adventure treks you can expect on a Costa Rica expedition:

The Guanacaste Trek
The setting for this trek covers a huge variety of different ecosystems from cloud forest above 3,000 metres down to one of the last remaining stands of primary dry tropical forest left in the Americas. The group will start by circumnavigating Volcan Tenorio via the Caribbean slopes visiting Turquoise waterfalls and moist rainforest. After passing by Volcan Miravalles the group will head to Rincon de la Vieja national park to climb one of the volcanoes and to witness steaming mud pots, geysers, and hot sulphur springs. After several days of walking through the forest you will arrive at the foot of Cerro Cacao in Guanacaste National park where you will steady yourself for a climb up the volcano. The trek will finish at Playa Junquillal to relax by the beautiful calm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The adventure challenge is for people who choose a 5-week expedition. This is an an eight-day extravaganza of trekking, problem solving, survival exercises and a lot of fun. It is tough challenging and an unforgettable experience. To make it more difficult the group is not told where they are going but they'll be sent to some of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. During this period the group will climb a mountain, experience the rainforest and spend time surviving on a beach.

Raleigh is a youth charity that inspires people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

We run different length gap year expeditions throughout the year to fit your study or work patterns. Choose from our unique 10 week (with 3 and a half and 7 week shorter options) or 5 week expeditions. You will be working with other young people from all around the world, on much needed community projects and environmental projects alongside our volunteer managers (aged 25+) and local skilled workers.

Highlights:
* Really challenge yourself by pushing yourself to the limit both physically and mentally

* Learn the importance of team work and develop leadership skills vital for further education and employment

* Trek through some of Costa Rica's most beautiful and diverse landscapes

"We passed through some of the most amazing scenery I have ever seen. Almost everyday was a challenge in some way, but every night we ended up staying in a very friendly and hospitable community where every person we met would be so accepting." Alex Jaggard, venturer, Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Qualifications:
* Venturers must be aged between 17 and 24 and up for a challenge!

* Our expeditions are tough, but enable you to develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, perseverance and leadership, all of which are sought by universities and employers and will help set you apart from the crowd.

* We advise venturers to sign up between 6 and 12 months before the expedition departs, the reason being the earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting your first expedition choice. This also gives you more time to raise funds and you'll benefit from our training workshops.

Cost in US$: 1500 - 2995 GBP

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-24

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of in groups of 8-12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Raleigh 's Mission Statement: We are a youth and education charity. Since 1984 we have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Year Founded: 1984