Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Bring your class to discover the lush natural beauty of Costa Rica. Your students will be immersed within the vital work of nature conservation on a wildlife boat tour through Tortuguero National Park, a kayaking tour down the Sarapiqui River, and a horseback ride through the forest around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.
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
Travel to Tortuguero
Caribbean Conservation Cooperation Museum visit
Run by the American Caribbean Conservation Corps, this museum centers on the corps’ work with the park’s sea turtle population. Learn about the area’s ecology through life-sized exhibits and videos.
Day 3
Tortuguero wildlife boat 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.
Tortuguero National Park visit
Day 4
Travel to Sarapiqui
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.
Red-eyed tree frog night walk
With a naturalist as your guide, take a walk by the light of the moon and discover the wonders of the nighttime rainforest, when most wildlife species are active. You will learn about the natural history of different rainforest species, with a focus on nocturnal species such as frogs, insects, spiders, sloths, kinkajous, porcupines, opossums, and others, revealing a completely different perspective of the rainforest.
Day 5
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.
Rainforest chocolate tour
Explore the origins and cultural significance of cacao while surrounded by the lush rainforest near Arenal Volcano. Participate in a hands-on experience that guides you through harvesting, grinding, and crafting traditional chocolate drinks. Taste organic chocolate and learn how ancient civilizations revered cacao as both currency and a sacred ritual ingredient.
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 6
Travel to Rincón de la Vieja
Tenorio National Park visit
Day 7
Optional
Canopy zipline tour (optional)
Soar through the treetops for the unmatched close-up of the New World’s best wildlife refuge. Harness yourself to cables that run between platforms high in the trees, then step into thin air and zip from tree to tree. Experience a true bird-eye view from your new aerial perspective. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Horseback ride
Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, ride on gentle horses that know the way through this blessed land. On this journey, nature is at your fingertips, as you ride through the forest and its surroundings, passing through rivers, with views of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Day 8
Travel to Guanacaste
Mosey on through Costa Rica’s “Old West.” Cows, horses, and sabaneros (Costa Rican cowboys) ride across the sun-struck landscape of this arid region. Seek out the local Guancaste tree, whose oddly shaped seedpods have given it the name “Monkey Ear Tree.”
Palo Verde boat tour
Cruise by river boat through the winding waterways and mangrove forests of Palo Verde National Park. Watch for American alligators along the banks, white-faced monkeys in the trees, and colorful macaws soaring overhead as you explore this rich wetland ecosystem.
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
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.