Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Bring your students to discover the beautiful sights and rich culture of Costa Rica. Your group will contribute to an ongoing, community-led project and participate in daily reflections and group discussions. You'll also learn how to cook staples of Costa Rican cuisine, visit a local school, and snorkel off the coast of Caño Island.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in San José
Groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart on Day 0.
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 2
Travel to Camp Salitre
Camp Salitre orientation
Stay at a permanent camp located along the edge of the wetlands, where water borders much of the site and wildlife is often visible nearby. Students sleep in simple wooden lodges with bunk beds and share communal spaces for meals, downtime, and learning. Camp activities, including daily life and conservation work, can be conducted in Spanish or English, allowing students to build language skills and apply them in real-world settings. Time in camp includes shared meals, group discussions, reflection, and team activities, with local staff on site to provide guidance and support throughout the stay.
Introduction to the community project
Today we start our service project work at the camp. Students will work in small teams to achieve various different elements of the current projects. The service work elements that the group will be involved in with could include: Megafauna - using camera traps to locate megafauna species, identifying them and marking the location of the trap. Establishing boundary markers to ensure that the land under the protection of SINAC is clearly defined and therefore not encroached upon by farming, which is an important part of the work of conservation in the area. Beehive making – to help in the protection of bees we are working with apiarists in the area to build beehives. Bee numbers are under threat across the world and their role in pollinating plants is therefore at risk. Reforestation and the planting of saplings.
Tortilla-making class
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 3
Continue the community project
Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.
Talk on history of indigenous community and its beliefs
Talk on history of indigenous community and its beliefs
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) group discussion
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) group discussion
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 4
Continue the community project
Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.
Afternoon soccer match with the community
Talk on chocolate and its significance
Talk on chocolate and its significance
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 5
Continue the community project
Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.
Traditional food and dance experience
Traditional food and dance experience
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 6
Complete community project
Local school visit
Jicaras painting workshop
Traditional dance class
Campfire evening
Day 7
Travel to Uvita via Whale Tail Beach
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 8
Caño Island snorkeling excursion
Travel to San José
Final reflection and group discussion
Students take part in a student-led reflection session to look back on the week’s experiences, discuss personal and group achievements, and bring closure to the service journey. Time is set aside for final journal entries and optional sharing in a supportive group setting.
Day 9
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
Authentic accommodations such as tents, traditional bandas (huts), or hammocks in the jungle, all within local communities
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
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.