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San Jose Costa Rica
Trips starting at $999
Our international trips are available year-round and can be customized specifically to your group’s needs. We have a trip advisor ready to speak with you, please call 1-844-258-9616, or chat with us now online to book your next life-changing international mission trip.
9.9129727, -84.0768294
Overview
Lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and mountain volcanoes make Costa Rica a popular tourist destination. With much to explore, Costa Rica is an eco-adventurer’s dream come true! But regular tourists don’t get to see an often-hidden side of Costa Rica. Just outside the capital city of San José is the suburb of Alajuelita. Outside that suburb is a small migrant community of people who piece together houses with scraps and garbage they find throughout the city.
Many years ago, our local ministry partner was stirred into action. He recruited a couple of church contacts and began to build simple and well-built homes for those who are truly in need. Just as on our Guanacaste trips, we’re involved with the local church in San José while we serve, and the church maintains a long-term relationship with the families after we build their new home, to ensure our impact is truly helpful and sustainable.
Dates and Pricing
| Date | Availability | Age | Price (per person) | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | AvailableCall for Availability |
Families/Adult Groups (All Ages) | $999 | Register |
Lodging
Typically a small hotel. Teams have stayed in multiple hotels through the years depending on the location of the worksite, size of the team, and the time of year. Rooms typically have multiple beds per room with 2-4 people per room and a private bathroom.
How You’ll Serve
Here are examples of the types of projects you might be involved with:
- Replace an inadequate house with an adequate one, complete with a sturdy frame and a solid roof
- Provide much-needed conversation and company for elderly residents
- Play games and read Bible stories to neighborhood children
- Assist with other ministry opportunities provided by the local church
Our Partners
Our local ministry partner is passionate about giving local residents the hope and pride that come from having a home with a concrete floor, stable framing, and a roof that doesn’t leak. That’s a major blessing to residents who are doing what they can to survive and provide for their families. The local church in San José is also involved throughout the week we serve and maintains a long-term relationship with the families.
Schedule
Sample Itinerary
Saturday – Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport - in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO); transport to lodging facility
Sunday – Attend a local church; possibly see a local site or free afternoon
Monday-Thursday – Perform service work and outreach projects; evening devotions and God Sightings
Friday – Free day (Visit the beach or do activities such as zip lining)
Saturday – Depart for SJO airport; fly home
*Optional pre- or post-mission trip add-ons available for this location; call Robin for details.
Need to Know
- A passport is required to travel to Costa Rica.
- Be up to date on all standard vaccines, such as Tetanus, Mumps, Measles, and Rubella. Hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended. Be sure to bring bug spray (at least 25% DEET).
- Fly into the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Average flight cost is $500-$600.
- Lodging will be in a local hotel.
- Currency is the Colón. $1 = about 565 Colones.
- Electricity is the same as the U.S., and a converter or adapter is not needed to plug electronics into the wall.
- Spanish is the primary language.
Program
Worth It
Program 2021 Theme
This summer at Group Mission Trips your group will experience a fresh look at the idea of worth through the parable of the prodigal son.
Through each powerful, transformational mission trip experience, your group will see how Jesus wants each of us to know we are valuable, loved, accepted, and worth it to him.
What's Included
Lodging
Most meals
On-site staff
Organized service projects
All project materials for each worksite*
Participant t-shirt
Devotional Journal
Personalized 'Group Page' - provides easy online access to your group's forms, promo materials, etc
Unlimited customer support from your personal Mission Trip Advisor
*Additional fees required for project expenses in Belize
FAQs
What about COVID-19 safety precautions?
Our goal is do our best to ensure the safety of participants, local partners, and members of the communities we serve. We are in contact with our partners in each community and working to make sure we provide the safest environment and follow all local guidelines when it comes time for your trip. As we get more specific details and plans, we will be sure to share them with you and your group.
Who can participate?
Our international trips are family-friendly, so, in most cases, kids can serve along with adults. We require 1 adult (18 years or older) for every 5 youth (17 years or younger). Contact us at 1-844-258-9616 for more location-specific age requirements.
How do I book my international mission trip?
Contact one of our mission trip advisors at 1-844-258-9616, or chat with us online.
Is airfare from North America included in the international mission trip price?
Prices do not include airfare from North America.
What is your policy on deposits, payments, and cancellations?
To reserve space on a trip, a non-refundable $100/person deposit is due when you register.
Are all meals included in the cost?
Most meals are covered as part of your registration, except for free days if you're serving in Alaska or Puerto Rico. Please see the detailed itinerary of your international trip for any exceptions.
What types of meals are served?
Most meals will be provided by our ministry partners, who have been carefully trained to prepare safe and nutritious meals for our teams. You will get a taste of local food on all of our trips, and some locations will include American food as well.
How strenuous are the activities and service?
While some mission trips are more physically strenuous than others, most international trips will include at least four 8-hour service days in hot and humid environments. Your group can work at the level of physical exertion with which they’re comfortable.
Are tips included in the cost?
Your international mission trip covers gratuities for meals in restaurants that are included for the week. Gratuities for porters or housekeeping staff if you stay in a hotel during your trip are at your discretion. Airport porters who help with your bags will expect to be tipped $1-$2, and if you participate in a guided tour or fun activity on your free day, you may want to consider tipping your hired guide.
Are the trips safe?
The safety of your group is a top priority for us, as we’re sure it is for you. In all the areas we serve, we take extra precautions to make sure you or your group is as safe as possible. Guided by our local, experienced ministry staff partners, we avoid situations that are inherently dangerous. We’re also proactive by choosing lodging facilities and transportation that are safe and reliable. Our mission trip advisors are glad to answer further safety questions.
Can you put together a custom trip for my group?
Our international trips are available year-round and can be customized specifically to your group’s needs. We have a trip advisor ready to speak with you, please call 1-844-258-9616, or chat with us now online to book your next life-changing international mission trip.
How do I get a printable version of these FAQs?
Click HERE for a downloadable version.
When FAQs open you can right-click your mouse and save them to your computer or print them.
Payment Policy
Our payment policy is designed to give you the most flexibility when reserving your mission trip experience with Group Mission Trips.
- When you register for a trip, a $100 non-refundable deposit is due per person to reserve your space.
- Full payment balance is due 60 days prior to the trip departure.
- Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card.
- For groups reserving more than 50% of a trip’s capacity, a $200 per person non-refundable deposit is required.
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