Orosi Valley, Costa Rica

Our home base for the two-week Costa Rica Odyssey program is the beautiful Orosi Valley – about an hour outside of the capital city of San Jose. Thanks to our local partner and leading international volunteer organization, Cross-Cultural Solutions, you will be matched with a volunteer placement in the nearby communities of Cartago or the Orosi Valley, where you’ll spend your mornings giving back.

In the afternoons and evenings, you’ll experience some the best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, with the chance to explore the landscape, immerse yourself in cultural activities, and connect with locals impacted by cancer. In addition, you’ll participate in A Fresh Chapter in-country programming, featuring activities and group sessions designed to explore the emotional impact of cancer while also helping you to reimagine the next chapter of your life. During the weekend, you’ll travel winding roads into the breathtaking Costa Rican rainforest to witness the unforgettable majesty of the Arenal Volcano.

Struggle is Universal

If you are looking for an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, but don’t feel ready to travel to the other side of the world, Costa Rica is the perfect international destination for you. The country is rich in culture and provides plenty of lessons on resilience. From meeting Costa Ricans who have had to fight for years to get access to cancer treatment or spending your time supporting schools with multiple ages in a single under resourced classroom, you will be forever changed by the experience. While traveling to and from your volunteer placement through the rolling hills of the stunning Orosi Valley, you will have the opportunity to reflect on what you have to be grateful for and how far you’ve come.

An experience with cancer can make your world feel small – like you have lost the capacity to contribute. A Fresh Chapter’s Odyssey programs give you the opportunity to step beyond your story of cancer and connect with inspiring volunteer projects that will remind you of your strength and resilience. You will come home with a tribe of new friends and the resources and support to dream new dreams for your life. Long after you return, you’ll still carry the memories of the Costa Rica Pura Vida (pure life) culture with you.

Your time in Costa Rica is only a part of the broader A Fresh Chapter Odyssey framework, which includes significant pre- and post-trip programming designed to help you address the emotional scars of cancer and envision how you want to move forward to a life filled with renewed meaning, connection, and adventure. Through personalized support from our team – including on-the-ground support from our trained facilitators – and extensive online resources, our framework is designed to offer you a road map and an invitation to explore your life beyond cancer.

COSTA RICA ODYSSEY PHOTO GALLERY