Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Begin your adventure in Panama City, where your students can look forward to visiting Biomuseo, Panama’s newest museum dedicated to biodiversity. Your class will also enjoy a panga boat ride around Gatun Lake and a cruise around Dolphin Bay to explore the vibrant natural marine life. In Costa Rica, your group will explore the vibrant coral reefs and jungle canopy of Cahuita National Park, visit a sloth rescue center, and kayak along Lake Arenal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Panama City
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
Panama City guided sightseeing tour
Casco Viejo, The National Handicraft Market visit, Biomuseo
Miraflores Visitors Center visit
Discover the fascinating history and global significance of the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Visitor Center. Enjoy interactive exhibits, an engaging short film, and observation decks where you can watch ships navigate the locks. Experience history on the big screen at the IMAX theatre.
Day 3
Gatun Lake boat tour
Lake Gatun is situated in the heart of the Isthmus of Panama. It was constructed between 1910-14 to make the Panama Canal possible. From the lake's shore you will board a fast panga style boat for a voyage of discovery. Navigate ancient routes that crossed the isthmus long before the lake’s creation. Huge ships can be seen transiting across the ocean, the canal is a water bridge that links the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Go past the rainforest to a scenic region of the lake and witness firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings.
Chagres National Park and Emberá village excursion
Sail a traditional piragua canoe through the lush rainforest of Chagres National Park, rich with wildlife and tropical flora. Enjoy a guided hike to a refreshing waterfall, then visit an Emberá village. Share a traditional lunch and learn about their vibrant culture, ancestral traditions, and handmade crafts.
Day 4
Fly to Bocas del Toro
Representing Panama’s vibrant Caribbean culture, the Bocas Del Toro province comprises part of Panama’s mainland, as well as a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea. In Bocas, expect to find a relatively undeveloped landscape, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. Bocas is also home to a tropical rainforest, some of the area’s indigenous cultures, like the Ngäbe and NasoTjerdi, as well as many of the country’s most popular beaches. There are three main islands in Bocas Del Toro: The main island, Isla Colon; Isla Bastimentos, which is one of the largest islands in Panama; and the small island of Isla Carenero.
Bocas Town city walk
Follow your Tour Director on a walking tour of the small town of Bocas, a resort located on the southern tip of Colón Island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.
Day 5
Bocas del Toro islands excursion
Snorkel in Coral Cay, Dolphin Bay Preserve, Zapatilla Island
Day 6
Ferry to Almirante
Cross the Panama border into Costa Rica
You will be dropped off at the border in Panama to cross customs by foot and board a new bus on the Costa Rica side. Border crossing taxes are included in your tour fee.
Travel to Puerto Viejo
Punta Uva beach time
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.
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.
Day 8
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.
Canopy zipline tour in Braulio Carrillo National Park
Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zipline tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. 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 9
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.
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.
Travel to San José
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 10
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 1 Day of Whitewater Rafting in San José
Set out on a whitewater rafting adventure through Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and thrilling rapids, then return to San José for an overnight stay before your flight 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 Panama & 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.