Costa Rica Explorer
Teachers, contact us to get more info on offering this program at your school! Call or text us at 978-255-4601, or email us to learn more and get started!
Students and Parents, if your school is offering this program, please search below by your school or teacher’s name to find your program details:
Continue reading below for day-to-day activities!
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Flight to Costa Rica
Board your flight to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Upon arrival, meet your local Travel Director and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, embark on an orientation walk with your Travel Director, delving into San José’s colonial history and Spanish influences. Tonight, connect with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Day 2 - San Carlos
Depart San José in the morning and drive to the town of La Fortuna. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for an educational tour that provides a closer look at the active volcano and its geological significance. Explore the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, which cascades nearly 250 feet. Later, relax in natural hot springs, learning about the geothermal activity that heats these waters.
Day 3 - San Carlos
Travel north this morning, passing through plantations of sugar cane, teak, pineapple, and oranges. Cruise by boat on the Rio Frio to the renowned Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Here, study the diverse migratory birds unique to this region, such as black turtles, whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, and more. Observe local wildlife, including caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, green iguanas, and basilisk lizards.
Day 4 - Monteverde
Begin your day with a horseback ride through the picturesque countryside, gaining insight into the local ecosystem and agricultural practices. In the afternoon, visit a local school to interact with students, learning about the educational system and daily life for teens in Costa Rica. Participate in organized activities such as soccer, arts and crafts, and dancing, fostering cultural exchange.
Day 5 - Monteverde
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 400 species of birds and 100 species of animals, including jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and the elusive quetzal. In the afternoon, experience the forest from above on the Monteverde Canopy Tour’s zip line course. Later, participate in an interactive cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Costa Rican dinner, understanding local culinary traditions and ingredients.
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio
Visit an orphanage in the morning to spend time with the children, teaching them English and engaging in play. Consider bringing school supplies to donate. Later, travel to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coastline, immersing yourself in the local culture and enjoying the beach.
Day 7 - Manuel Antonio
Spend the day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park. Study the small beaches, lush forests, and hiking trails, observing the biodiversity, including Capuchin monkeys that frequent the trees near the beach. This day offers hands-on learning about coastal ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Day 8 - San José
Depart Manuel Antonio for San José in the morning. Stop at the Crocodile Bridge in Tarcoles to observe the large crocodiles that inhabit the area, learning about their behavior and habitat. Tonight, join your farewell dinner!
Day 9 - Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare
Accommodations
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
All Attractions and Activities
Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides
All Tips and Gratuities
24-Hour Support
All Taxes and Fees
Global Citizen Certificate
Pre-Travel Preparation Meetings and Seminars