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 discover the beautiful sights and rich culture of Costa Rica. Your group will contribute to an ongoing, community-led project and participate in daily reflections and group discussions. You'll also learn how to cook staples of Costa Rican cuisine, visit a local school, and snorkel off the coast of Caño Island.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in San José
Groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart on Day 0.
Meet Camps International staff and transfer to your hotel
Reflection and group discussion
We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience - John Dewey
Day 2
Travel to Camp Salitre
Camp Salitre orientation
Stay at a permanent camp located along the edge of the wetlands, where water borders much of the site and wildlife is often visible nearby. Students sleep in simple wooden lodges with bunk beds and share communal spaces for meals, downtime, and learning. Camp activities, including daily life and conservation work, can be conducted in Spanish or English, allowing students to build language skills and apply them in real-world settings. Time in camp includes shared meals, group discussions, reflection, and team activities, with local staff on site to provide guidance and support throughout the stay.
Introduction to the community project
Tortilla-making class
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 3
Continue the community project
Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.
Talk on history of indigenous community and its beliefs
Talk on history of indigenous community and its beliefs
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) group discussion
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 4
Continue the community project
Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.
Afternoon soccer match with the community
Talk on chocolate and its significance
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 5
Continue the community project
Continue working in small teams on meaningful, long-term projects that have been developed in partnership with the local community over many years. Guided by experienced project leaders, students gain hands-on experience in infrastructure work while learning how these projects create lasting impact. The focus is not only on contributing through service, but on taking home practical knowledge that can be applied in students’ own communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves. Gloves and clothes you can get dirty are recommended.
Group session on fairtrade and environmental impacts
Traditional food and dance experience
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 6
Complete community project
Local school visit
Jicaras painting workshop
Traditional dance class
Campfire evening
Day 7
Travel to Uvita via Whale Tail Beach
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 8
Caño Island snorkeling excursion
Travel to San José
Final reflection and group discussion
Students take part in a student-led reflection session to look back on the week’s experiences, discuss personal and group achievements, and bring closure to the service journey. Time is set aside for final journal entries and optional sharing in a supportive group setting.
Day 9
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
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Transportation to and from your destination
Authentic accommodations such as tents, traditional bandas (huts), or hammocks in the jungle, all within local communities
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)
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
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.