Overview
Stage your next show in one of the world’s most diverse landscapes on a performance tour to Costa Rica. Students will find inspiration visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens, relaxing in natural hot springs, and soaring through the treetops on a canopy zipline tour. Experience the magic of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a guided walk and stand above the crater on an excursion to Irazú Volcano. Along the way, grow as performers while sharing your music with international audiences.
Itinerary
Day 1
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
Arrive in San José
Groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart on Day 0.
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.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens visit
Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the most beautiful and fascinating attractions in Costa Rica. Enter the Aviary to explore the birds of Costa Rica. Continue into the huge Butterfly Garden featuring a variety of species and an excellent learning center. View the monkeys and explore the hummingbird and orchid gardens. Hike down the perfectly laid out trails to viewing points along the 4 La Paz Waterfalls, each viewing point seemingly more impressive than the last.
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
Canopy zipline tour
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.
Arenal performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Costa Rican cooking class and lunch
Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.
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.
El Trapiche farm visit and chocolate tour
Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve night walk
Step into the Monteverde Cloud Forest and be transported to the lush world of the Costa Rican rainforest. The towering trees, abundant shrubs and vibrant flowers create a luscious oasis for a huge array of animals, including jaguars, toucans and monkeys.
Day 5
Travel to San José via Zarcero and Sarchí
Parque Francisco Alvarado visit
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.
Ox Cart art class
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.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
Return home
Optional Extension
Add a trip to Coastal Puntarenas
Travel to Coastal Puntarenas and visit a local butterfly farm to learn about Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and the life cycles of native species. Continue to Manuel Antonio National Park to explore rainforest trails, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and examine the balance between conservation and tourism.
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
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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
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.