Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs
Students will enhance their Spanish language skills and discover Costa Rica’s amazing natural attractions in this immersive learning program. Start each day with a Spanish language class, and then head out to practice what you've learned while discovering the biodiversity and culture of this unique country. See a bubbling volcano, hike through the rainforest, and learn to prepare local dishes in a cooking 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.
Travel to Heredia
Begin homestay
Stay with welcoming homestay families in Heredia, with three daily meals included. The capital of Heredia Province, the city sits in the foothills of the dormant Barva Volcano and is surrounded by coffee plantations, tropical forests, and national parks. It’s an ideal base for exploring Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Overnight in homestay
Day 2
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Doka Coffee Plantation tour
Visit the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica and learn about every step of the coffee process, from cultivation and processing to sustainable practices. Discover how coffee shapes both the natural environment and local culture.
Overnight in homestay
Day 3
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Heredia city walk
Take a walking tour of Heredia, a relaxed and welcoming Costa Rican city. Explore pleasant plazas, green parks, and open public spaces while getting a feel for daily life and the laid-back rhythm that defines the local lifestyle.
Costa Rican dance class
Enjoy a dance class conducted by professional instructors.
Overnight in homestay
Day 4
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Overnight in homestay
Day 5
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Costa Rican cooking class and lunch
Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.
Overnight in homestay
Day 6
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Free time
Overnight in homestay
Day 7
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
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.
Baldi Hot Springs visit
Relax in natural, mineral-rich hot springs and enjoy multiple pools at varying temperatures, all surrounded by lush tropical scenery at Baldi Hot Springs.
Day 8
Arenal Volcano National Park visit
Explore a national park in northern Costa Rica known for one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Hike trails through tropical highland and lowland wet forests, and see Lake Arenal, the country’s largest lake and a major source of Costa Rica’s renewable energy.
La Fortuna Waterfalls visit
Hike through lush rainforest alongside La Fortuna Waterfall, where water cascades 240 feet into a tranquil pool. End the experience with a refreshing swim at the base of the falls.
Travel to Heredia
Overnight in homestay
Day 9
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Community-based project
Exploring new places is just the beginning. Real impact comes from connection and participation. We work with trusted local partners to offer community-driven experiences that encourage thoughtful, respectful engagement and support existing initiatives. As your group travels, you’ll connect, contribute, and learn through meaningful activities rooted in local priorities. These experiences may include restoring schools, supporting sustainable farming, taking part in cultural exchanges, or assisting with community-led projects that deepen understanding and create lasting impact.
Overnight in homestay
Day 10
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Zoo Ave wildlife rescue center visit
Explore Zoo Ave and see Costa Rica’s wildlife up close, from scarlet macaws, toucans, owls, and raptors to iguanas, monkeys, deer, and a 12-foot crocodile. Zoo Ave serves as a sanctuary for animals that are injured, donated, or confiscated, offering them a safe and caring home.
Movie night
Overnight in homestay
Day 11
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Artisan open-air market visit
Spend some time in the Costa Rican artisan open-air market that sells everything from handcrafted jewelry, elaborate woodwork, and dairy products.
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica visit
Visit the National Theater. Designed after the Opera House in Paris, it is considered to be Costa Rica's most important architectural landmark.
Folklore farewell dinner
Overnight in homestay
Day 12
End homestay
Travel to San José
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
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
Language-intensive classes (details in itinerary)
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
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.