Program Directed by
Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Leadership
Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12
Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities
Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships
High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity
Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12
Live and volunteer in a rural Costa Rican community and work side by side with local people on meaningful community service projects. Wake each morning to the sounds of howler monkeys and birds and spend the day contributing to a construction-based project, playing fútbol with local kids, and learning how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes.
These itineraries represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Miami, and fly together to Liberia, Costa Rica. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Upon arrival, travel to a secluded ecolodge and working ranch. Settle into your rustic accommodations and participate in an in-depth program orientation to discuss life in Costa Rica, break the ice with games, and get to know your group. Explore the property with local guides and learn about permaculture, renewable energy, and sustainable practices at the lodge. Take a morning yoga class, visit a coffee farm, and kayak on the calm surface of Lake Arenal. Follow hiking trails through the rainforest to waterfalls and swimming holes. During your time here, learn about Costa Rica’s history, language, and culture, get to know your group and leaders, set goals for your independent project, and prepare for the rest of your trip.
Travel to your host community, a small town surrounded by lush mountains and fertile farmland. Immerse yourself in everyday life as you work with warm and welcoming Costa Rican people to undertake several community-initiated volunteer projects. Lend a hand laying the foundation for a community center, or shadow a farmer to learn how to milk a cow or harvest bananas and pineapple. In the evenings, relax with Tico friends, hike to a hidden swimming hole, learn new songs on the guitar, play games of fútbol in the town plaza, or join local fiestas. Each Putney group lives and partners with different host communities and do not meet during the program.
Stay overnight in an ecolodge perched in the mountains overlooking the southern Pacific coastline. Snorkel off a secluded beach, take a surfing lesson with guides, or hike to a beautiful vista for a picnic lunch. In the evening, go salsa dancing, take a night hike under the stars, or play guitar around a beach bonfire.
Near the end of your program, undertake a final challenge with your group. Spend a day whitewater rafting with professional guides through the Río Sarapiquí or Río Pacuare, surrounded by breathtaking, lush rainforest.
Fly from Liberia, Costa Rica, to Miami with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Miami, and fly together to Liberia, Costa Rica. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Upon arrival, travel to a secluded ecolodge and working ranch. Settle into your rustic accommodations and participate in an in-depth program orientation to discuss life in Costa Rica, break the ice with games, and get to know your group. Explore the property with local guides and learn about permaculture, renewable energy, and sustainable practices at the lodge. Take a morning yoga class, visit a coffee farm, and kayak on the calm surface of Lake Arenal. Follow hiking trails through the rainforest to waterfalls and swimming holes. During your time here, learn about Costa Rica’s history, language, and culture, get to know your group and leaders, set goals for your independent project, and prepare for the rest of your trip.
Travel to your host community, a small town surrounded by lush mountains and fertile farmland. Immerse yourself in everyday life as you work with warm and welcoming Costa Rican people to undertake several community-initiated volunteer projects. Lend a hand laying the foundation for a community center, or shadow a farmer to learn how to milk a cow or harvest bananas and pineapple. In the evenings, relax with Tico friends, hike to a hidden swimming hole, learn new songs on the guitar, play games of fútbol in the town plaza, or join local fiestas. Each Putney group lives and partners with different host communities and do not meet during the program.
Take a weekend excursion to explore Costa Rica’s stunning coastal rainforest, pristine beaches, and astounding biodiversity. Stay in bungalows, hike to a remote waterfall, interview local wildlife experts, and scout for howler monkeys and sloths.
Stay overnight in an ecolodge perched in the mountains overlooking the southern Pacific coastline. Snorkel off a secluded beach, take a surfing lesson with guides, or hike to a beautiful vista for a picnic lunch. In the evening, go salsa dancing, take a night hike under the stars, or play guitar around a beach bonfire.
Near the end of your program, undertake a final challenge with your group. Spend a day whitewater rafting with professional guides through the Río Sarapiquí or Río Pacuare, surrounded by breathtaking, lush rainforest.
Fly from Liberia, Costa Rica, to Miami with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
These itineraries represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Miami, and fly together to Liberia, Costa Rica. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Upon arrival, travel to a secluded ecolodge and working ranch. Settle into your rustic accommodations and participate in an in-depth program orientation to discuss life in Costa Rica, break the ice with games, and get to know your group. Explore the property with local guides and learn about permaculture, renewable energy, and sustainable practices at the lodge. Take a morning yoga class, visit a coffee farm, and kayak on the calm surface of Lake Arenal. Follow hiking trails through the rainforest to waterfalls and swimming holes. During your time here, learn about Costa Rica’s history, language, and culture, get to know your group and leaders, set goals for your independent project, and prepare for the rest of your trip.
Travel to your host community, a small town surrounded by lush mountains and fertile farmland. Immerse yourself in everyday life as you work with warm and welcoming Costa Rican people to undertake several community-initiated volunteer projects. Lend a hand laying the foundation for a community center, or shadow a farmer to learn how to milk a cow or harvest bananas and pineapple. In the evenings, relax with Tico friends, hike to a hidden swimming hole, learn new songs on the guitar, play games of fútbol in the town plaza, or join local fiestas. Each Putney group lives and partners with different host communities and do not meet during the program.
Stay overnight in an ecolodge perched in the mountains overlooking the southern Pacific coastline. Snorkel off a secluded beach, take a surfing lesson with guides, or hike to a beautiful vista for a picnic lunch. In the evening, go salsa dancing, take a night hike under the stars, or play guitar around a beach bonfire.
Near the end of your program, undertake a final challenge with your group. Spend a day whitewater rafting with professional guides through the Río Sarapiquí or Río Pacuare, surrounded by breathtaking, lush rainforest.
Fly from Liberia, Costa Rica, to Miami with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Miami, and fly together to Liberia, Costa Rica. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Upon arrival, travel to a secluded ecolodge and working ranch. Settle into your rustic accommodations and participate in an in-depth program orientation to discuss life in Costa Rica, break the ice with games, and get to know your group. Explore the property with local guides and learn about permaculture, renewable energy, and sustainable practices at the lodge. Take a morning yoga class, visit a coffee farm, and kayak on the calm surface of Lake Arenal. Follow hiking trails through the rainforest to waterfalls and swimming holes. During your time here, learn about Costa Rica’s history, language, and culture, get to know your group and leaders, set goals for your independent project, and prepare for the rest of your trip.
Travel to your host community, a small town surrounded by lush mountains and fertile farmland. Immerse yourself in everyday life as you work with warm and welcoming Costa Rican people to undertake several community-initiated volunteer projects. Lend a hand laying the foundation for a community center, or shadow a farmer to learn how to milk a cow or harvest bananas and pineapple. In the evenings, relax with Tico friends, hike to a hidden swimming hole, learn new songs on the guitar, play games of fútbol in the town plaza, or join local fiestas. Each Putney group lives and partners with different host communities and do not meet during the program.
Take a weekend excursion to explore Costa Rica’s stunning coastal rainforest, pristine beaches, and astounding biodiversity. Stay in bungalows, hike to a remote waterfall, interview local wildlife experts, and scout for howler monkeys and sloths.
Stay overnight in an ecolodge perched in the mountains overlooking the southern Pacific coastline. Snorkel off a secluded beach, take a surfing lesson with guides, or hike to a beautiful vista for a picnic lunch. In the evening, go salsa dancing, take a night hike under the stars, or play guitar around a beach bonfire.
Near the end of your program, undertake a final challenge with your group. Spend a day whitewater rafting with professional guides through the Río Sarapiquí or Río Pacuare, surrounded by breathtaking, lush rainforest.
Fly from Liberia, Costa Rica, to Miami with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
In 1949, declaring itself a peaceful nation, Costa Rica disbanded its army and has since enjoyed seven decades of democracy and peace. Known for its astounding biodiversity, warm and inviting culture, and miles of tropical beaches, Costa Rica is a pioneer in innovative approaches to ecotourism. Although a small country, the nation boasts incredible geographic diversity—from tropical rainforest to pristine beaches to active volcanoes.
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: wet and dry. We visit during the wet season. It rains often in brief, heavy showers rather than all-day storms. In the host communities, daytime temperatures range from 75–95°F (23–35°C), while nighttime temperatures drop between 60–70°F (15–21°C).
Costa Rican cuisine is hearty fare with rice, beans, and a delicious array of tropical fruits, such as papaya, mango, and pineapple, at almost every meal. A typical lunch consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans), fish or chicken, vegetables, cheese, tortillas, and fruit.
In 1949, declaring itself a peaceful nation, Costa Rica disbanded its army and has since enjoyed seven decades of democracy and peace. Known for its astounding biodiversity, warm and inviting culture, and miles of tropical beaches, Costa Rica is a pioneer in innovative approaches to ecotourism. Although a small country, the nation boasts incredible geographic diversity—from tropical rainforest to pristine beaches to active volcanoes.
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: wet and dry. We visit during the wet season. It rains often in brief, heavy showers rather than all-day storms. In the host communities, daytime temperatures range from 75–95°F (23–35°C), while nighttime temperatures drop between 60–70°F (15–21°C).
Costa Rican cuisine is hearty fare with rice, beans, and a delicious array of tropical fruits, such as papaya, mango, and pineapple, at almost every meal. A typical lunch consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans), fish or chicken, vegetables, cheese, tortillas, and fruit.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
During your time in Costa Rica, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—light construction projects where you may learn to mix cement and lay blocks or paint a community building, and environmental projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open-mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects on a rotating basis, and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. To learn more about our Service programs click here.
In addition to group projects, pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—learn to cook gallo pinto, interview local girls and women, or organize a community-wide soccer tournament.
Proficiency in Spanish is not required; however, students who study Spanish in school will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. Students who do not speak Spanish will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work and afternoon activities can be strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside; playing with local children, surfing, trekking , and swimming. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Living accommodations in the host community are very simple. We live together as a group in a community building or school. We sleep on camping pads and share simple bathrooms and showers. During excursions, we sleep in beds in simple but comfortable ecolodges, bungalows, or family-run inns. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.
In the host community we eat delicious, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks. Each day several students from the group form cooking and cleaning crews and help the cooks prepare meals, Tico-style. During excursions, we eat most meals in restaurants and occasionally visit local markets to shop for picnic lunches.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
During your time in Costa Rica, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—light construction projects where you may learn to mix cement and lay blocks or paint a community building, and environmental projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open-mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects on a rotating basis, and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. To learn more about our Service programs click here.
In addition to group projects, pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—learn to cook gallo pinto, interview local girls and women, or organize a community-wide soccer tournament.
Proficiency in Spanish is not required; however, students who study Spanish in school will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. Students who do not speak Spanish will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work and afternoon activities can be strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside; playing with local children, surfing, trekking , and swimming. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Living accommodations in the host community are very simple. We live together as a group in a community building or school. We sleep on camping pads and share simple bathrooms and showers. During excursions, we sleep in beds in simple but comfortable ecolodges, bungalows, or family-run inns. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.
In the host community we eat delicious, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks. Each day several students from the group form cooking and cleaning crews and help the cooks prepare meals, Tico-style. During excursions, we eat most meals in restaurants and occasionally visit local markets to shop for picnic lunches.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
During your time in Costa Rica, you can expect to work on several different volunteer projects—light construction projects where you may learn to mix cement and lay blocks or paint a community building, and environmental projects such as planting seedlings or shadowing local farmers. The focus of this program is learning about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open-mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects on a rotating basis, and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. To learn more about our Service programs click here.
In addition to group projects, pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—learn to cook gallo pinto, interview local girls and women, or organize a community-wide soccer tournament.
Proficiency in Spanish is not required; however, students who study Spanish in school will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. Students who do not speak Spanish will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
This is a physically active summer travel program. The service work and afternoon activities can be strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside; playing with local children, surfing, trekking , and swimming. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Living accommodations in the host community are very simple. We live together as a group in a community building or school. We sleep on camping pads and share simple bathrooms and showers. During excursions, we sleep in beds in simple but comfortable ecolodges, bungalows, or family-run inns. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.
In the host community we eat delicious, home-cooked meals prepared by local cooks. Each day several students from the group form cooking and cleaning crews and help the cooks prepare meals, Tico-style. During excursions, we eat most meals in restaurants and occasionally visit local markets to shop for picnic lunches.
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Providing immersive summer travel programs for middle & high school students since 1951.