Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Bring your students to experience authentic Costa Rican culture when you join an ongoing community project in rural Los Santos! Students can look forward to activities like painting the local school or preparing a garden. When not working on their projects, your class will also enjoy taking a dip in natural hot springs, soaring through jungle canopy on a zipline, and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park.
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
Travel to Los Santos
Introduction to Los Santos project
The rural communities of Los Santos will benefit from your group's visit and on arrival our team will assess what needs are most urgent. Activities include painting at the local school, preparing a garden, restoration by the river banks, garbage collection or construction restoration in the school or church. These activities not only help the community but give students the opportunity to experience life in a Costa Rican rural community.
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 3
Bio coffee adventure
As part of the biocoffee tour, you'll experience the full organic coffee process, from the fields to the processing plant. The tour includes walks through both shade & sun-grown coffee with true Costa Rican coffee experts & farmers.
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 4
Travel to Coastal Puntarenas
Canopy zipline tour (optional)
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
Manuel Antonio National Park visit
Combining 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.
Day 6
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.
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 7
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.
Travel to San José
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 8
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
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.
