Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Tell your students to pack their tastebuds on this delicious adventure through Costa Rica! During visits to a coffee plantation and organic pineapple farm, your class will learn about the influence of the volcanic ecosystem on agricultural practices. Your students can also look forward to learning from members of an Indigenous BriBri family about the traditional methods to make chocolate, enjoy an authentic Costa Rican cooking class, and participate in a Caribbean dance class.
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.
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 3
Arenal Volcano and 1968 lava trails hike
Hike through historical lava trails from the 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption that covered most of the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy impressive views of the volcano along the way.
Travel to Sarapiqui
Organic pineapple tasting experience
Immerse yourself in the world of organic farming: Learn everything you want to know about growing pineapples in a sustainable way: from the indigenous roots to modern sustainable crops. At the end of the tour, relax in a lush tropical setting with a refreshing fruit smoothie or a slice of sweet, fresh pineapple.
Day 4
Yoga class
Exercise your body and mind in Sarapiqui. Whether you're new to yoga or a self proclaimed yogi, a teacher will guide you through different poses in a lush setting. Please dress for movement, yoga mats are provided.
Sarapiqui river kayaking tour
In tropical, rainforest surroundings, the Sarapiqui River won't disappoint as you navigate the warm waters in your Kayak. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Tirimbina Bat Tour
Costa Rica is home to more than 100 bat species, several of which you’ll see on this tour. Start by viewing a multi-media presentation on the history and classification of bats, then follow a trained guide and observe the bats who are studied for research projects.
Day 5
Travel to Puerto Viejo
Bri Bri Indigenous reserve and chocolate tour
Guided by members of a local BriBri indigenous family, learn about the traditional BriBri way of life. The vegetation surrounding the area is put to good use: discover how chocolate and other plants are traditionally used for medicinal purposes and witness the traditional way of making chocolate.
Day 6
Sloth Rescue Center visit
Enjoy a fun, informative introduction to the world of sloths (and maybe meet our mascot, Tico, along the way!). Visit sloth enclosures in the Learning Center before boarding a fiberglass canoe to experience the animal’s natural habitat. Learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, research and release of Costa Rican sloths at this family-run sanctuary. *Though you will see sloths up close, only sanctuary staff can handle sloths.
Caribbean flavours cooking class
Learn how to pair ingredients behind traditional Costa Rican cuisine from the Pacific coast. Work with the flavors of the local area to create diverse dishes that tie back to African, European and local indigenous roots. And after a lesson in slicing and dicing, you’ll educate the palate the old-fashioned way with a well-earned hearty dinner.
Day 7
Cahuita National Park visit
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.
Punta Uva beach time
Caribbean dance class
In the mid-1800s, fisherman from Jamaica and the West Indies began settling along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Today, this laidback Afro-Caribbean community influences the “other side” of Costa Rica with Trinidadian Calypso and Jamaican Reggae beats. Indulge in the Afro-Caribbean rhythm and get ready to move your feet to the fresh sound of the marimba, banjo and drums!
Day 8
Travel to San José via Cartago
Cartago TourDdirector-led sightseeing tour
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins visit, Cartago Municipal Museum visit
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Puntarenas and San José
Soar through the treetops on a canopy zip line tour, harnessed to cables as you glide from platform to platform for a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the forest. (Weight restrictions apply.) Visit a Butterfly Farm to observe vibrant species up close, then explore the lush landscapes and wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park before returning to San José.
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)
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
Scenes from Costa Rica
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.