Overview
Welcome to the jungle! Step into a Caribbean Costa Rica that defines biodiversity with its rich environment, stunning aquatic life, and incredibly friendly people.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in San José
Groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart on Day 0.
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Irazú Volcano guided excursion
Gape at the 11,260-foot Irazú Volcano, the highest in Costa Rica. Still active, it last erupted in 1963 on the day that Kennedy visited; the eruption sent enough ash into the air that it dammed a nearby river and flooded the towns below. From its peak you can look inside the crater to see the bright green, sulfurous water inside or look out on the more tranquil view of both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.
LEAP Cocina Tica
Cook Costa Rican style! Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.
Day 3
Tropical Agricultural Research Center
At TARC, you will meet local scientists and participate in hands-on activities that teach about local plant cultivation.
Travel to Punta Uva
Day 4
Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve
Begin today with a visit to the Green Iguana farm and medicinal plant garden with the Kekoldi and BriBri community.
Cahuita National Park visit (optional)
Escape to the Caribbean coast to explore Cahuita National Park. The park is considered one of the nicest in Costa Rica and is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife on both land and sea and is also a nesting ground for sea turtles.
Day 5
Travel to Tortuguero
Day 6
Tortuguero National Park visit
Canal tour
Get up close with some of Tortuguero’s coolest inhabitants. Make your way through the park’s narrow waterways, where the overhanging vegetation can bring 300 species of birds, 168 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 60 species of mammals right up under your nose.
Day 7
Rainforest Aerial Tram ride
Travel to San José
LEAP Dance the El Torito!
Costumed Costa Rican folklore dancers teach you the El Torito, as well as other traditional dances, then relax and watch the pros perform.
Day 8
End tour
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.