COURSE OVERVIEW

Democracy Prep Costa Rica Backpacking & Homestay Expedition

On the course, you will journey through Central America’s tropical rainforest as you trek through spectacular valleys, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers that lead you from a series of trail campsites to a mountain eco-lodge. Discover unique flora and fauna, impressive bird habitat, and rugged trails as you navigate your way from the central mountains to the sea.

Discover the “Pura Vida” way of life from locals while lending a helping hand on community development or conservation projects, like rainforest reforestation, trail maintenance, and more.

Arriving physically fit will enhance your experience and ability to do well on the course and ultimately allow you to take full advantage of the expedition.

Course Skills

Backpacking

  • Proper fit and loading of packs 
  • Moving efficiently over rugged terrain 
  • River crossings
  • Distributing group gear fairly amongst the group
  • Group travel
  • Route Planning
  • Weather signs and forecasting

Expedition Skills

  • Emergency preparedness
  • Safety management and basic first aid
  • Shelter construction
  • Outdoor cooking
  • Conservation practices
  • Ropes and knots
  • Stove use and maintenance
  • Recreate Responsibly wilderness ethics
  • Nutrition and ration planning

Group Dynamics

  • Leadership and decision making
  • Followership and expedition behavior
  • Communication & Conflict Resolution
  • Individual and group goal setting
  • Independence and Interdependence
  • Intercultural Communication and Exchange
  • Community Building and Empathy
Course Area

The coastal and river environments of Costa Rica provide a perfect backdrop for expanding wilderness travel skills. This small tropical nation is fast becoming a renowned destination for whitewater rafting, surfing, rainforest trekking, and eco-adventures in general. About the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has a variety of climates including tropical dry forest, rainforest, and cloud forest. 

 These regions are the ancestral lands of the Chorotega, Malécu, Rama, Bostos, Nicarao/Nahoa, Huetar, Tjer-di/Teribe Broram, Brunka, Bribri, Buglé and Ngäbé nations.

Course Activities
Solo

The solo experience is a standard element of Outward Bound courses. With sufficient food and equipment, you will set up camp at a site on your own. The solo will last anywhere from a few hours to a whole day, depending on the length of your course. Your solo site is chosen to offer as much solitude as possible, yet be within hearing distance of other group members. If your instructors plan an overnight solo, you will set up camp at a site on your own with sufficient equipment and food. You will not travel during this time alone, and your instructors will check on you occasionally. The solitude and break from the fast pace of your expedition allows for rest and personal reflection, which is necessary to make the most of your experience.

Backpacking

Journey through Central America’s tropical rainforest as you trek through spectacular valleys, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers that lead you from a series of trail campsites to a mountain eco-lodge. Discover unique flora and fauna, impressive bird habitat, and rugged trails as you navigate your way from the central mountains to the sea. Spend your evenings camping under the stars and, if homestay is part of the course, living on host family farms and learning to cook using local ingredients – all the while learning more about yourself, your passions and capabilities.