LearnServe Costa Rica 2026 Highlights + Photo Log
From July 1 and July 11, 2026, six LearnServe students from Washington, DC and six students from the non-profit Dale Una Mano in Bataan, Costa Rica engaged in service, professional development, and cultural exchange in San Ramon, Bataan, and Pacuare, Costa Rica. Below are photo highlights from the trip, as curated and narrated by travel leader Carla Gott.
LearnServe Global Costa Rica participants at the Dale Una Mano a Costa Rica community center.
July 1-2, 2026 - From Washington, DC to San Ramon, Costa Rica
Team-building, ice-breakers, and cultural immersion in San Ramon.
“Llegamos Sanos y Salvos!”
“Estamos en el bus rumbo a nuestra primera parada”
“Ocupados y felices”
“Decirles que estamos bien!!!”
July 3, 2026 - from San Ramon to Bataan, Costa Rica
After wrapping up their orientation in San Ramon, the group traveled to Bataan, Costa Rica, home to LearnServe’s community partner, the local nonprofit Dale Una Mano a Costa Rica.
“Tuvimos una mañana ocupada en el mercado y museo en San Ramon. Pero ahora tomando un descanso para almorzar y luego continuarse rumbo a Bataan”
“Acabamos de llegar a Bataan! Safe and sound. Cenando comida casera.”
July 5, 2026 - Bataan
The group visited Semillas de Esperanza (Seeds of Hope), a non-profit that provides meals and food assistance to families with limited means — in coordination with the venture project of a LearnServe Fellow in Costa Rica.
July 6 - Bataan to Pacuare
The group headed to Pacuare, a nature reserve, where they joined a beach trash collection effort to protect sea turtle nesting sites — a project inspired by a LearnServe Fellow in Costa Rica.
“Estamos en Pacuare, tenemos poca señal pero estamos felices.”
“Los chicos prepararon esta deliciosa comida! Asi que cuando vuelvan a la casa, díganles que les hagan el mismo plato.”
“Pasamos la mañana limpiando una playa! Ahora descanso y más tarde tenemos una reunion con todos los jóvenes para nuestra noche de talentos!!”
July 8 - 11 - Bataan, Puerto Viejo, San Jose, and Home
The group wrapped up their experience with a talent show, reflections, and a day at the beach in Puerto Viejo before heading to the airport in San Jose for their travels home.