2025 Costa Rica - Menlo Abroad

We're soaking up every moment of this incredible adventure, and today was no exception!  After a restful night and a hearty breakfast at our hotel in La Fortuna, we set out for an adventure at Reserva Catarata de La Fortuna,  and it did not disappoint! Our journey began with a scenic hike through the lush rainforest, down 530 steps surrounded by breathtaking views and even a few sloth sightings! At the bottom, we were rewarded with the stunning sight of the waterfall, it truly felt like something out of Jurassic Park . Some of us even braved the cool water for a swim at the base. Then came the climb back up another 530 steps that doubled as our workout for the day! After drying off and catching our breath, we headed into town for lunch. We all enjoyed a Costa Rican take on classic American favorites, delicious and comforting. We had heard that Arenal Volcano is usually hidden behind clouds this time of year, so we didn’t expect to see it. But just as we were about to board t...

Today’s adventure took us to the Guatuso region, where we had the incredible opportunity to walk through the rainforest with members of the Maleku indigenous community of Costa Rica. During our visit, we were welcomed with traditional songs and dances that offered a glimpse into their vibrant culture. One of the highlights of the day was getting to try a traditional Maleku bow and arrow, an unforgettable experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for their connection to the land and their ancestral practices. After a delicious lunch, we got hands-on and painted our own Maleku masks, a fun and meaningful way to connect with their artistic traditions. Throughout the day, we learned so much about the Maleku way of life and the serious threats they face, including deforestation and the expansion of pineapple plantations, which continue to shrink their ancestral rainforest lands. Later in the afternoon, we traveled to the town of La Fortuna, where we unwound in the natural hot springs, t...

Hello everyone! We’re really starting to see the results of our hard work, and it’s been amazing to watch our projects come to life. The elementary school is coming along beautifully, and our group’s creativity is truly shining. One especially fun update: the back wall of the school building, facing the soccer field, is being transformed into a cheerful, soccer-themed mural for the kids to enjoy. It’s already bringing smiles to everyone who sees it! We’ve also been spending time playing with the students, and even introduced them to the game of Four Square! It was such a hit. The kids picked it up quickly and had a blast learning a new game they can play during recess. Today, the women’s co-op moved to a new location where they’re helping plant a tomato garden. The garden will supply fresh, organic produce used in cooking classes offered to both tourists and locals. It’s such a cool way to combine sustainability, education, and community building. Meanwhile, at the organic farm, the gr...

¡Hola from Costa Rica! Today was another exciting and productive day in the field for our crew. The Organic Farm group spent the day with Mr. Bowden, capturing stunning photos for the farm’s Instagram, Facebook, and upcoming website. They worked together to photograph some of the farm’s star products, pepper and vanilla, and had a blast bringing their creative vision to life. Meanwhile, the Women’s Cooperative group focused on their butterfly feeders, producing some truly beautiful artwork. They also painted adorable garden signs that will add color and charm to the space. And yes, there was plenty of delicious vegetable ice cream to go around! The Elementary School group continued their painting project and made tons of progress. One of the highlights? Getting to use a power washer, not only a great tool for the job, but also the perfect way to cool off in the heat! After some rest and a much-needed shower, we all gathered for an ethnobotany class , where we learned about the incr...

¡Hola from Costa Rica! Today marked our first full day of service, and what an inspiring start it was! We divided into three groups and headed out to different worksites, each with a unique mission and opportunity to connect with the community. One group partnered with the Women’s Cooperative, helping to paint beautiful butterfly feeders and plant trees to attract butterflies. Another group spent the day on an organic farm, gathering lumber for future bench-building projects and learning the fascinating process of harvesting peppercorn straight from the source! The third group rolled up their sleeves at a local elementary school, brightening up the space with fresh coats of paint in areas that truly needed some love. After a full day of hard work, we returned to the eco-lodge for some well-earned fun. We played a team-building game called “The Maze,” which had us laughing, thinking, and working together in new ways. As the sun set, we headed back to our homestays for a delicious dinner...