Sample Program
Deep in the hills of Palmichal de Acosta, just an hour from San José, you’ll find something rare: a rural community rooted in tradition, committed to sustainability, and ready to welcome you like family. This 8 day journey blends environmental exploration, hands-on service, and cultural immersion to create an experience that is both transformative and unforgettable.
8-Day Educational Service learning | Ideal for Faculty-led Programs, Gap Year Travelers, Educators & Purpose-Driven Traveler
This itinerary is an example! Final locations, partners, activities and sequencing are confirmed through the proposal process.
Every GreenTico program is customized. These starting points help faculty and study abroad teams see what is possible.
Learning outcomes
Through environmental exploration, hands-on service, and cultural immersion, students will develop greater environmental awareness, intercultural competence, and civic responsibility while creating an experience that is both transformative and unforgettable.
1. Environmental Exploration
Students will analyze Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and sustainability practices through direct field observation, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationships between biodiversity, conservation, and human communities.
2. Hands-On Service
Students will apply academic knowledge and collaborative problem-solving skills through meaningful service activities, contributing to community-identified initiatives while reflecting on the social, environmental, and ethical dimensions of engagement.
3. Cultural Immersion
Students will develop intercultural competence by engaging with local communities, exploring Costa Rican traditions and perspectives, and critically reflecting on cultural similarities, differences, and global citizenship.
Day 1
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, GreenTico will welcome your group and provide transportation to Palmichal. Here, local hosts and community leaders introduce you to the rhythms of rural life and the values that guide our work: hospitality, humility, and harmony with nature. Settle into an eco-lodge, enjoy fresh local snacks, and gather for a warm welcome and safety orientation in the environmental classroom.
Day 2
Nature in Action – Stewardship
Hike through lush trails to a Nature Reserve that supplies clean water to over 40,000 people in the region. Guided by local conservation leaders, you'll explore the importance of watershed preservation and participate in an immersive stewardship project supporting the reserve or nearby eco-lodge. In the afternoon, return to the lodge for a tortilla-making workshop, where you’ll connect with Costa Rican tradition through flavor, movement, and shared stories. As the day winds down, relax in the hammocks, enjoy the fresh air, and reflect on your role in protecting these vital natural resources.
Day 3
Wild Trails & Local Tastes
Start the day with a hike to a local coffee farm. Walk with farmers, pick coffee cherries, and learn how coffee is grown, processed, and shared with the world. Explore its role in Costa Rica’s history, economy, and daily life. Return to the eco-lodge for a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, take part in volunteer work or a group learning session. Close the day with a bonfire, sharing reflections and stories as a group.
Day 4
Learning Across Cultures
Start your morning stepping into the shoes of a Costa Rican teenager. You'll visit a local high school for an authentic exchange, sharing stories, practicing language skills, and discovering what daily student life is like in Costa Rica. In the afternoon, dive into the world of Costa Rican coffee as local baristas show you the art behind the perfect brew (and let you taste the difference!). Finally, shake off any shyness in a high-energy cultural dance class. You and your new local friends will pair up to master the rhythms, steps, and music that bring Costa Rican culture to life.
Day 5
Local Impact and Wood Fired Pizza
Engage in a morning of service through projects like building forest trails, restoring green spaces, or painting murals with local meaning. In the afternoon, join a conversation with students, elders, and local leaders on leadership and sustainability. End the day at a nearby family farm with wood fired pizza from La Leña, where tradition, connection, and hospitality come together.
Day 6
Volcano Trails and Canopy Views
Spend the day exploring Volcán Poás, one of Costa Rica’s most impressive natural landmarks. Walk through lush cloud forest trails with a local guide, learn about the volcano’s geology and ecosystems, and experience breathtaking views of the active crater. In the afternoon, head to a nearby adventure park and experience the forest from above while you zipline through the canopy. This day offers a full
view of Costa Rica’s wild beauty.
Day 7
Culture, Celebration and Farewell Moments
Spend your final day exploring San José, where history and creativity come to life. Visit a local museum to reflect on Costa Rica’s cultural heritage, then stroll through artisan markets to find handmade gifts and souvenirs to bring home. In the evening, gather at a beautiful restaurant for a special farewell dinner. Enjoy traditional food, live folklore performances, and a celebration of the journey you’ve shared, filled with laughter, gratitude, and lasting connections.
Day 8
Departure
With your bags packed and your heart full, it’s time to say goodbye to the hosts, forests, and friendships that defined your time in Palmichal. As you make your way to the airport, take with you more than memories; carry the stories, connections, and values that GreenTico is proud to share. This is not the end of your journey, but the beginning of a deeper commitment to responsible travel, community engagement, and a more connected world.
