Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to immerse your students in authentic Costa Rican culture, language, and environment as you join multiple community projects on this journey from San José to Coastal Puntarenas. When not working on their projects, your students can look forward to visiting a coffee plantation, kayaking along Lake Arenal, and visiting the Sarchí craft village to learn more about traditional Costa Rican artisanal handicrafts.
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.
Day 2
Coffee plantation visit
Explore the role of coffee in Costa Rican culture and the economy. Learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, then enjoy a fresh cup at the end of the tour.
Travel to Arenal
Arenal is famous for its volcano, an unavoidable presence while travelling within this part of the country. It is tall, imposing, perfectly symmetrical shape makes it instantly recognizable.
Day 3
Community-based project
Engage with rural communities in Los Santos, exchanging experiences and working alongside locals on community-driven initiatives. Assess local needs upon arrival in collaboration with community members. Paint at the local school, prepare a garden, restore riverbanks, assist with waste management, or support maintenance efforts in schools or churches. Gain a deeper understanding of life in a Costa Rican rural community through hands-on experiences, fostering mutual learning and meaningful connections.
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.
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 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.
Canopy zipline tour
Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip line tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Day 5
Travel to Coastal Puntarenas
Community-based project
Engage with rural communities in Los Santos, exchanging experiences and working alongside locals on community-driven initiatives. Assess local needs upon arrival in collaboration with community members. Paint at the local school, prepare a garden, restore riverbanks, assist with waste management, or support maintenance efforts in schools or churches. Gain a deeper understanding of life in a Costa Rican rural community through hands-on experiences, fostering mutual learning and meaningful connections.
Day 6
Travel to San José via Sarchí
On the way to San José, travel to Sarchí, a highly artistic city known for its painted designs and brilliantly coloured wheels of local ox carts.
LEAP: Traditional Ox Cart Painting
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.
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.
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 colourful 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 7
Community-based project
Engage with rural communities in Los Santos, exchanging experiences and working alongside locals on community-driven initiatives. Assess local needs upon arrival in collaboration with community members. Paint at the local school, prepare a garden, restore riverbanks, assist with waste management, or support maintenance efforts in schools or churches. Gain a deeper understanding of life in a Costa Rican rural community through hands-on experiences, fostering mutual learning and meaningful connections.
Day 8
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
