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Learn Spanish and Rescue Turtles in Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica through authentic cultural immersion


This is our most immersive camp option and takes place in the mountain valley town of Turrialba. Here you learn Spanish and rescue turtles, Students will dive deep into the Costa Rican culture by staying with local host families and taking Latin cooking and dance classes. There are daily Spanish Lessons Monday through Thursday that are combined with service projects and adventure tours (River Rafting!). On the weekends we volunteer at a private turtle conservation center and visit a remote cooperative village community high in the cloud forest. This is a two week only program.

  • Ages: 14 -17 yrs
  • Duration: 2 weeks
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What’s included

  • 12 hours/week of classes to learn Spanish

  • Airport pick-up and drop off from SJO International Airport
  • Homestay lodging with a local family
  • 3 meals per day
  • White water rafting tour in the Pacuare river
  • Two more adventure activities (such as mountain bike, canyoning, zip-line)
  • Full-time, local, bilingual guides
  • Latin dance classes
  • Cooking classes
  • Turtle rescue volunteering
  • Visit to Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica

  • Rural experience visiting the Mollejones community
  • Accident insurance

$3 495

2 Week Program

When


  • Start date:

    • June 22 2024
  • End date:

    • July 6 2024

Discounts

  • Teen Long Term Discount:

    Residential campers attending 4 weeks or more will receive a $500 discount. Please see our Terms & Conditions below for more details and exclusions.

  • Sibling Discount:

    If two or more siblings sign up to attend our camps at the same time, they will each receive a discount, applicable as follows: $50/week off for Teen residential campers, $25/week off for Teen day campers, $25/week for the Children’s Spanish Camp. (Adult and Pre-K students are not eligible for this discount.)

Class to learn Spanish

  • Classes to learn Spanish are given at our private Spanish Institute in Turrialba.

  • Classes are Monday to Wednesday 8am – 12:00pm, with a snack break at 10am.
  • All students are given a language evaluation to determine their level and then split up into classes that best fit their abilities.

Flight details

  • Airport pick up is included in the camp price.
  • Students are asked to fly into and out of San Jose Airport (SJO).
  • A Friday pick-up option is available for an additional fee of $194,40 (VAT tax included) *. If you plan to travel with your teen before the camp, please let us know your arrangements. We will happily try to accommodate your needs as long as we are given prior notice.

    *This fee covers up to six people, as long as they all arrive on the same flight.

What to bring

  • Sturdy water shoes, rain ponchos, flashlights, multiple swimsuits, beach towels, at least one pair of pants, bug repellent and sunscreen are required.

  • Students are asked to bring all their belongings in a waterproof backpack.
  • It is not recommended that students bring any unnecessary electronic devices that might be ruined by exposure to rain or water.

Learn Spanish and Rescue Turtles in Costa Rica FAQ


What is the Learn Spanish and Rescue Turtles program in Costa Rica?

Our program is designed to give teens the opportunity to learn a new language and help the environment by participating in turtle conservation efforts. This program is not only educational, but also a rewarding experience that will leave a lasting impact on both the participant and the local community.

What is Turrialba?

Turrialba, a charming small town in the Cartago Province of Costa Rica, is renowned for its picturesque coffee plantations and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy a unique and immersive experience by opting for a homestay lodging with a local family, who will warmly welcome them into their homes and provide three daily meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For those seeking adventure, the Pacuare River offers an exhilarating white water rafting tour, as well as the opportunity to enjoy two additional thrilling activities such as mountain biking, canyoning, or zip-lining. The entire experience is guided by full-time, local, bilingual guides, who ensure guests' safety and enjoyment throughout.

To add a cultural touch, guests can participate in Latin dance and cooking classes, where they can learn about traditional Costa Rican cuisine and experience the vibrant rhythms of Latin music.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Pacuare Reserve, a protected rainforest area home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Guests can observe the wildlife and learn about the conservation efforts in the region.

To complete the rural experience, visitors can explore the Mollejones community, where they can learn about sustainable agriculture practices and local traditions.

For peace of mind, accident insurance is provided to ensure guests' safety during their stay.

With its combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and nature exploration, Turrialba offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to Costa Rica.

About the Pacuare River Reserve?

The Pacuare River Reserve is a nature lover's paradise that boasts of stunning rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of exotic wildlife. The reserve is also home to a successful turtle rescue program, which plays a crucial role in the conservation of four species of sea turtles, including the endangered hawksbill and green turtles.

Poaching and habitat destruction pose a significant threat to these precious creatures, and conservationists in the reserve have established a 3 day turtle rescue program to protect their nests from predators and human interference. The project involves patrolling the beaches at night and collecting the eggs, which are then carefully relocated to a hatchery where they are protected until they hatch.

Watching the release of dozens of baby turtles into the ocean is a heartwarming experience that captures the dedication of those who work tirelessly to preserve these beautiful animals. The Pacuare River Reserve is a special place, where the natural world is given the respect and care it deserves. It serves as a testament to the power of conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting our planet's rich biodiversity.

Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica?

No, most organizations that offer sea turtle conservation programs in Costa Rica provide training and support in English. However, learning some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for communicating with locals and immersing yourself in the local culture.

Why Learn Spanish in Costa Rica?

Learning Spanish is an important skill in today's global society, and there's no better place to learn it than in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican accent is one of the clearest and most neutral in the Spanish-speaking world, making it an ideal place for beginners to learn the language. 

Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish. With its friendly people, laid-back culture, and immersive language programs, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for language learners of all levels. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to practice your skills with locals and fellow students alike.

Not only will learning Spanish help you connect with the local community, but it will also enhance your travel experience. You'll be able to communicate more effectively with locals, order food in restaurants, haggle at markets, and navigate your way around the country with ease.

How Can You Help the Environment?

As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to work with a local turtle conservation organization. The organization has been actively involved in protecting sea turtles and their nesting sites for many years. 

Sea turtles are an endangered species, and their nesting sites are threatened by human activity, including poaching and development. 

By participating in turtle conservation efforts, participants will be contributing to the preservation of this important species and its habitat.

What Does the Program Include?

Our program offers a unique and immersive experience for participants, with homestay lodging provided by welcoming local families who provide three daily meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

In the mornings, students can take language classes taught by experienced and passionate native speakers, who use interactive methods to help beginners learn Spanish.

In the afternoons, participants can engage in conservation work, which may include activities like patrolling the beach for nesting turtles, relocating turtle eggs to a protected hatchery, and releasing baby turtles into the ocean.

For those seeking adventure, the program includes a thrilling white water rafting tour on the Pacuare River, as well as the opportunity to participate in two additional exciting activities such as mountain biking, canyoning, or zip-lining. The entire experience is guided by full-time, local, bilingual guides, who ensure participants' safety and enjoyment throughout.

To add a cultural touch, participants can take Latin dance and cooking classes, where they can learn about traditional Costa Rican cuisine and experience the vibrant rhythms of Latin music.

Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to the Pacuare Reserve, a protected rainforest area home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Participants can observe the wildlife and learn about conservation efforts in the region.

To complete the rural experience, participants can explore the Mollejones community, where they can learn about sustainable agriculture practices and local traditions.

For peace of mind, accident insurance is provided to ensure participants' safety during their stay.

With its combination of language learning, conservation work, adventure, cultural immersion, and nature exploration, our program offers a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for participants in Costa Rica.

Why Choose Our Program?

Our program offers a unique and rewarding experience for teens who are interested in learning Spanish and making a positive impact on the environment. By participating in this program, teens will gain valuable language skills and practical conservation experience.
The program is designed to be safe and fun, with experienced staff and accommodations in a secure location. 

The program has been designed to cater to the needs of teens, ensuring that they have a memorable experience that they will cherish for years to come.

Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?

No, citizens of most countries, including the US and Canada, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. However, you will need a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of onward travel.

Is it safe to drink the water in Costa Rica?

Yes, the tap water in most parts of Costa Rica is safe to drink. However, if you're traveling to more remote areas or have a sensitive stomach, it's always a good idea to stick to bottled water.

What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón. US dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

The weather in Costa Rica can vary depending on the region and time of year. The dry season, from December to April, is generally sunny and dry, while the rainy season, from May to November, is wetter and more humid.

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Costa Rica offers a unique combination of adventure, natural beauty, and sustainable tourism practices. From volunteering with sea turtles to exploring the rainforest, there is something for everyone in this vibrant country.

In conclusion, our program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn Spanish and participate in turtle conservation efforts in beautiful Turrialba, Costa Rica. We invite you to join us and become part of a global community of language learners and environmental activists. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for our planet.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Costa Rican adventure today!

Additional Information

Consider for classes to learn Spanish in Costa Rica: