CENTRAL AMERICA
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Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Central America, a country with no armed forces. Arrive in San José, the capital city.
Visit volcanic hot springs for a relaxing soak!
Visit a Costa Rican school to meet local students, practice Spanish and see the differences between schools there and schools at home.
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.
Visit Arenal Volcano National ParkArenal Volcano National Park is located in the northern region of the country and is home to one of the world’s most active and impressive volcanoes. Besides the volcano, this national park has various hiking trails that wind through the tropical highland forest as well as the lowland wet forest. Also within the park is a magnificent man-made lake, Lake Arenal (the largest lake in Costa Rica), which provides over 40% of the country’s energy production.
Nature WalkStep 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.
Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip line tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest.
Cook Costa Rican style! Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.
Take a morning guided walking tour of the reserve. At an altitude of 4,000 to 5,800 feet, this "cloudy" forest straddles the low continental divide and is known for abundant fauna and flora.
Continue to Manuel AntonioCombining white sandy beaches with lush tropical forest, Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to see a variety of Costa Rican wildlife, from white-faced monkeys and sleepy-faced sloths, to green turtles and orange-and-black-shelled land crabs. Explore the cays and inlets of this national park during a full-day excursion.
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.
LEAP Ox Cart CraftsReturn to San JoséLEAP Dance the El Torito
A local artisan introduces you to the origins of traditional Costa Rican craftmaking, such as Ox Cart painting. Try your own hand at painting and take home your art as a souvenir.
Costumed Costa Rican folklore dancers teach you the El Torito, as well as other traditional dances. After your lesson, relax and watch the pros perform.
Board your flight home OR extend your stay with the following excursion:
Add on: San José RaftingDays 8 & 9: Add an extra day to your itinerary to experience a white water rafting expedition through the Costa Rican landscape. Drive through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and raft on the Reventazon River.
Through our Discovery for Credit Program, students traveling on an international WorldStrides program have the opportunity to earn academic credit by completing an online course that allows them to reflect upon many of the themes and topics explored during their travel program. Those in grades 6–12 at the time of travel can earn free elective high school credit upon successful completion of both the travel program and online course. Through our university partner, George Mason University, eligible students in grades 9-12 at the time of travel can earn up to three college credits upon successful completion of both the travel program and online course. Students who earn credit with WorldStrides will find this distinguishes them as online learners and gives them a jump-start on their path to a successful higher education experience. Click here for more details.
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Class is in session. And, by that, of course we mean the endless lessons that travel brings. So, no matter if you’re out trotting the globe or at home planning your next trip, adventure is never far! These must-read blog posts open a world of learning through inspirational travel stories, destination spotlights, classroom resources, and other buzzworthy news.
Melissa Harris is an account manager with our Discoveries programs. She recently spent time in Costa Rica on a WorldStrides Coastal Conservation program. Read about Melissa’s trip, and the lesso...
