Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to immerse your students in authentic Costa Rican culture, language, and environment as you join multiple community projects on this journey from San José to Coastal Puntarenas. When not working on their projects, your students can look forward to visiting a coffee plantation, kayaking along Lake Arenal, and visiting the Sarchí craft village to learn more about traditional Costa Rican artisanal handicrafts.
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
Coffee Plantation visit
World-renowned Costa Rican coffee has grown to be an emblem of local culture. Join a local tour to learn how the country's elevation, eco-system and volcanic history have all contributed to its unique taste.
Travel to Arenal
Arenal is famous for its volcano, an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall, imposing, perfectly symmetrical shape makes it instantly recognizable.
Day 3
Community-based project
Engage with rural communities in Los Santos, exchanging experiences and working alongside locals on community-driven initiatives. Assess local needs upon arrival in collaboration with community members. Paint at the local school, prepare a garden, restore riverbanks, assist with waste management, or support maintenance efforts in schools or churches. Gain a deeper understanding of life in a Costa Rican rural community through hands-on experiences, fostering mutual learning and meaningful connections.
Lake Arenal kayaking tour
Glide along the still waters reflecting the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rolling hills. Lake Arenal, the country's largest, is also among its most scenic, and the area has become popular area to kayak, windsurf, sail, fish, and hike. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Hot springs visit
Let the volcanoes take you away. At Arenal’s hot springs, bubbling lava fields heat the waters to make nature’s own jacuzzi.
Day 4
Travel to Monteverde
Because of its humidity and latitude, the entire city of Monteverde can disappear in a second under a massive cloud cover. Founded by Quakers in 1951, the city boasts the best in Costa Rican creatures. Observe a proud display of howler monkeys, revered quetzals and native frogs in the dense cover of the cloud forest.
Canopy zipline tour
Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip line tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Day 5
Travel to Coastal Puntarenas
Community-based project
Engage with rural communities in Los Santos, exchanging experiences and working alongside locals on community-driven initiatives. Assess local needs upon arrival in collaboration with community members. Paint at the local school, prepare a garden, restore riverbanks, assist with waste management, or support maintenance efforts in schools or churches. Gain a deeper understanding of life in a Costa Rican rural community through hands-on experiences, fostering mutual learning and meaningful connections.
Day 6
Travel to San José via Sarchí
On the way to San José, travel to Sarchí, a highly artistic city known for its painted designs and brilliantly colored wheels of local ox carts.
LEAP
LEAP: Traditional Ox Cart Painting
Spend some time learning how to paint a national symbol of Costa Rica, the wheel of an Ox Cart. While we are painting there will be contests, games and little dances. All fees and materials for this opportunity are included.
Sarchí craft village visit
Costa Rica's premiere crafts village provides the perfect opportunity for souvenir shopping. Sarchí became famous in the mid-1800s for its elaborate hand-painted oxcarts, and now its artisans create clothing, shoes, chess sets, and other items all decorated in the traditional manner.
Optional
Folklore evening (optional)
Costa Rica’s culture draws on African, Caribbean, and Spanish roots to create a unique and lively blend. Sit back and surround yourself with this colorful culture during an evening of fine food and fiesta. Brightly costumed locals serve up a typical Costa Rican meal of beans, rice, white cheese, fruit, and a main dish of fish, chicken, or beef, and a performance of traditional music follows.
Day 7
Community-based project
Engage with rural communities in Los Santos, exchanging experiences and working alongside locals on community-driven initiatives. Assess local needs upon arrival in collaboration with community members. Paint at the local school, prepare a garden, restore riverbanks, assist with waste management, or support maintenance efforts in schools or churches. Gain a deeper understanding of life in a Costa Rican rural community through hands-on experiences, fostering mutual learning and meaningful connections.
Day 8
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Community-based projects
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
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.