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Young Adults

Costa Rica – Pathfinder – Coast to Coast Expedition & Surf

Embark on a 30-day coast-to-coast journey across Costa Rica—hiking rainforest valleys and cloud forests, surfing the Pacific coast, connecting with local culture, and discovering your passions, strengths, and path forward.

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Central America

A group of people stands on a grassy hilltop, their backs to the camera, gazing out at a vast, mountainous landscape. The sky is blue with scattered clouds. The people appear to be a team or group, possibly hikers or conservationists, enjoying the scenic view after a trek. The lush greenery suggests a tropical or temperate climate.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a blue icon of a folded map against a black background. The map appears to depict a geographical area with contour lines, possibly indicating elevation changes. There are also some circular shapes that could represent lakes or other bodies of water. The map is stylized and simplified, suggesting it's an icon rather than a detailed cartographic representation. Cultural Immersion
  • The image shows a stylized, elongated oval shape in blue against a black background. The shape appears somewhat irregular and hand-drawn, with a slightly blurred or textured effect. At the bottom of the oval, there are some horizontal blue lines or streaks, suggesting a base or a connection to the ground. The overall impression is abstract and minimalist. Surfing

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a dark background with blue, pixelated shapes clustered in the lower-left and upper-left areas. These shapes might represent landmasses or abstract forms, with some resembling islands or coastlines. The pixelated style gives the image a retro or digital aesthetic, and the contrast between the blue and black creates a stark visual effect. Coastal
  • The image shows a simple, cartoon-style drawing of two mountains. The mountains are depicted with triangular shapes and jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. Dashed lines adorn the sides of the mountains, possibly representing snow or rocky textures. The drawing is done in a single color, giving it a minimalist and somewhat childlike appearance. The overall impression is one of a basic, almost iconic representation of mountains. Mountains
  • airplane Course Start Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
  • airplane Course End Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

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What You'll Learn

Welcome to Pathfinder; here’s your reset button. As in the field, so in life: challenge yourself to dream big, then identify your steps to get there and start moving. We’ll put the map in your hands. You chart your path.

What You'll Do

Hike coast-to-coast across Costa Rica, trekking deep into rainforests, wildlife zones, and rural villages. Build backcountry skills as you learn to set up your own shelter and master outdoor cooking, then immerse yourself in local culture through group homestays. Cap the journey off surfing the beautiful Pacific coast.

A person with a backpack stands in front of a waterfall. The person is wearing a red shirt and dark pants. They are smiling and making a hand gesture. The backpack is yellow and green. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green vegetation and moss-covered branches. The scene suggests a hike or outdoor adventure in a natural setting.

Where You'll Be

Trek through rural towns and some of Costa Rica’s most remote and breathtaking regions. Journey from rainforest valleys and dense cloud forests to hidden waterfalls and the stunning Pacific coastline, where wild beaches, rich ecology, diverse wildlife, and vibrant natural history come alive.

Why It Matters

Sometimes you need to disrupt your routine to find your path to success. Discover your unique strengths while navigating new landscapes and new relationships. Communication skills and teamwork provide lessons that reach far beyond your Outward Bound course, and time away offers clarity for what you want to do next.

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Pathfinder Expeditions

What if this is where your path unfolds?

Educational Approach

A balanced experience

This course balances adventure with time to reflect, skill building with setting goals for what’s ahead. You have so much potential; we’ll help you uncover it!

A new chapter

We get it, launching into a new life stage can be exciting, confusing, fun, and a little scary at times. And we know you have a lot of options to help you navigate that; join us for the backcountry option: grab a map and compass and navigate stunning landscapes, new connections, and the awesome realization that there is more in you than you know.

An experience just for you.

Pathfinder expeditions meet you where you are to focus on increasing self-knowledge, strengthening decision-making skills and processes, and setting goals – all life skills to help you chart a path forward with passion and confidence.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Trek coast-to-coast through Costa Rica’s remote forests and villages, building skills, exploring rich ecology, immersing yourself in local culture, and surfing Pacific beaches.

Embark on a 30-day coast-to-coast expedition designed to challenge you, build confidence, and expand what you believe you’re capable of. You’ll begin your journey backpacking through the heart of Costa Rica, trekking rainforest trails, rural towns, and cloud forests with your crew. Build backcountry skills, cook under the stars, and sleep in remote campsites. Along the way, immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture through group homestays with local families—learning traditional skills, practicing Spanish, and experiencing daily life firsthand. The journey culminates on the Pacific coast, where you’ll soak up the tropical sun and refine surfing techniques through hands-on instruction. As you explore new terrain, try new things, and gain new perspectives, each day will bring discovery, challenge, and connection in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.

The image shows a group of people gathered near a building with a covered porch. The building appears to be in a rural or natural setting, with lush greenery and flowers in the foreground. A white flag is visible on the right side of the image. The people seem to be resting or preparing for an activity, possibly hiking or exploring the area.
A group of people are gathered on a grassy path, some with large backpacks, possibly preparing for a hike or trek. They appear to be consulting a map or instructions. The setting is a rural, possibly mountainous area with lush green vegetation and a dirt path leading uphill. A wooden structure with a roof is visible to the left.
A group of hikers is walking up a dirt path on a grassy hillside. The hikers are wearing backpacks and hiking boots. There is a sign on the left side of the path. The sky is cloudy and the sun is shining through the clouds.
A man stands in a forest clearing, with a clothesline strung behind him holding various items. Other people are visible in the background, amidst lush greenery and tall trees. Camping gear is scattered around, suggesting an outdoor campsite. The scene conveys a sense of being immersed in nature, with the man as a central figure in this woodland setting.

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CB39 Table Feature

Sample Itinerary

Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.

Swipe on table below to view more.

30-Day Course

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Day 1 Fly into San José International Airport (SJO)
Day 2-4 Orientation and gear packing at Tres Ríos Basecamp
Day 5-25 Coast-to-Coast backpacking expedition starting at the Caribbean Sea towards interior Costa Rica, with group homestays and tarp tenting, and finishing on the Pacific coast.
Day 26-28 Surfing expedition
Day 29 Return to Tres Ríos basecamp. Gear clean, final dinner, and course close
Day 30 Fly out of San José International Airport (SJO)
CB27 Pull Quotes

I’ve always loved the outdoors, but I’ve grown to appreciate nature in so many new ways. The birds, the wind, the flowing rivers. Everything around us lives solely in the moment, so why shouldn’t we?

Jameson

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

I don't have a lot of outdoor experience—can I still be successful?

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Absolutely. Your motivation to learn new skills and work with others is just as important as what you already know. Many of our students have never spent an extended period of time in the wilderness. From the moment you arrive, your instructors will teach you and your group the skills necessary to be safe and successful.

What gear will I need?

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After enrollment, your Course Advisor will be in touch to provide you with a link to your Course Page, where you will find a list of required clothing specific to your course – including items such as footwear, clothing, and other personal equipment.

Outward Bound will provide technical gear that includes expedition items like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents/tarps, packs, and cooking gear.

Can I bring my phone or tablet on course?

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This course is a technology-free adventure! Although you may travel to and from your course with your cell phones, iPods, tablets, and laptops, once you arrive, everything will be stored in a locked area in your luggage until course end.

Although some students are hesitant about this at first, many reflect on their experience as a well-needed break from screens and social media. It means more time to be present with nature—and your crewmates too.

What does the cost of the course cover?

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The total cost includes all tuition and fees for the course. Tuition covers the cost of food, instruction, permits, technical gear, and equipment while on course. Courses going to Costa Rica and the Bahamas also include on-call international insurance (more information provided after enrollment).

Not included in this total cost are personal expenses such as clothing, health & travel insurance, airfare, and baggage fees.

Can I earn college credit from this course?

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Yes! Academic credit is available for Outward Bound courses by transferring credit through our partner colleges or by arranging your own independent study. Click here for more information about receiving academic credit.

Can I use my 529 Plan or college fund to pay for this?

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Thanks to Outward Bound’s partnership with Western State Colorado University, we can accept 529 College Savings Plan through their Extended Studies program, and anyone can register. You do not have to be a current Western State Colorado University student to take advantage of this opportunity. Please click here for more information about accepting 529 College Savings Plans.

What types of training do Instructors receive?

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Outward Bound Instructors receive regular training in the outdoor activities and environments in which we run our courses. New Instructors receive extensive training in teaching and facilitation, risk management, judgment, decision making, conflict resolution and emergency procedures. After completing initial training, instructors work directly under experienced staff before being promoted to a Lead Instructor position. Lead Instructors receive continuing training and professional development annually.
Click here to learn more about instructor training and development on our Safety & Risk Management page.

How is safety managed on course?

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Outward Bound courses take place outdoors and include activities that present risks that can be managed but not eliminated. Running our courses safely is central to our educational goals and our safety record is excellent. Our instructors not only identify and reduce risks but also teach students to assess and address hazards with preparation and care, rather than fear and avoidance. Students and their families participate in our safety systems by familiarizing students with the course description prior to the course and by filling out our application and medical forms completely. We regularly review our safety training systems with our peers and other industry experts and continually seek to create or adopt the most effective practices. Every course is equipped with the ability to get help in an emergency.
For more information, click here to visit our Safety & Risk Management page.

Can I use an Americorps Award to pay for a course?

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Thanks to Outward Bound’s partnership with Western Colorado University, we can accept AmeriCorps Education Awards through their Extended Studies program. You do not have to be a current Western Colorado University student—anyone can register. Click here to learn more and reach out to [email protected] or (970) 943-2885 with any questions.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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