Island Living: An Eco Adventure
Location: Dominican Republic: Jarabacoa, Santiago
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2012 Departing/Returning dates from the United States: June 26th- July 4th, July 10th- July 18th, July 24th- August 1st
Call Us
Phone: (800) 321-4353, 1 + (440) 975-9691
Fax: 1 + (440) 975-9694
Description
From the mountains to the Ocean
The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, visited by thousands every year. It is known for beachside hotels and romantic Caribbean getaways, but this rich country has so much more to offer! Step off the tourist trail and explore the beauty of the Dominican Republic during a week- long adventure that will take you to some of the must-see sites and DR's hidden gems. Take a trip to Jarabacoa, a cool mountain town surrounded by three peaks over 3000 meters! Then head out to the white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters of the Samana peninsula. After your time in nature head to Santo Domingo and experience city life. Walk through the cobblestone streets of this walled colonial city, learn about its rich history, and spend your last night dancing to the beats of merengue, bachata, and salsa.
Sustainable Living
Experience firsthand the different eco-systems present in the Dominican Republic, and the diversity of flaura and fauna. Learn about the efforts to make the Dominican Republic more sustainable as well as strides toward an eco-friendly style of tourism. Work alongside park rangers and volunteers at national parks, and contribute to efforts that will maintain these protected territories. Learn about farming techniques, while you lend a hand on a real farm. See firsthand where our food comes from, and how we can take better care of what we are putting into our bodies.
Raise your adrenaline
When not working hard on service projects, take part in some of the best adventure activities the country has to offer. Get your heart pumping as you take advantage of Jarabacoa, the adventure capital of the Dominican Republic. Go for a horseback ride through the jungle to hidden waterfalls and swimming holes. Take an optional rafting trip down the whitewaters of the Rio Yaque del Norte and feel the rush of class III & IV rapids or rappel down waterfalls, all while enjoying the clean mountain air. Take a boat ride across the Samana Bay, and through the mangroves and small islands of the Los Haitises National Park.
Dominican Life
Join eager youth for a game of pick up baseball, learn some merengue dance moves and practice your Spanish with new friends. Discover this unique culture that finds its routes in a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. Feel the laid back Caribbean vibe and soon you will realize what makes the Dominican Republic one of the happiest countries in the world.
Highlights
CRUISE through the mangroves and around the reef formations at Los Haitises National park.
TAKE a horseback ride through the jungle to hidden waterfalls, and enjoy the clean mountain water.
RELAX on the white sand beaches of the Samana peninsula, a jewel of the island rarely enjoyed by tourist.
GET your hands dirty as you work on a farm, learn about food production, and get in touch with nature.
SWIM to hidden caverns, where you have the opportunity to explore and appreciate cave paintings thousands of years old.
RAFT down the white waters and over the rapids of the Rio Yaque de Norte, the longest river in the Caribbean.
Travel Types
- Eco Tours
- Ecology
- Horseback Riding
- Overland Tours
- Rafting
- Student Tours
- Tours
- Volunteering
Qualifications
Students must be 15-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.
Type of Programs
- Adventure Travel
- Community Service / Volunteerism
- Cultural Exploration
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Cost in US$:
1,595 USD + International airfare
Cost Include Description:
The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- Agriculture
- Biological Research
- Building Maintenance
- Food
- Gardening
- Organic Farming
- Painting
- Reforestation
This Program is open to
American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Dormitory
- Group living
Application Process Involves
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
1-2 business daysRustic Pathways's Mission Statement
Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.
Year Founded
1983
