Overview
Take your players to a country where soccer is life — Costa Rica — to grow their skills and love for the game. They’ll learn from professionals in exclusive coaching clinics, compete against local teams, attend a professional soccer match, and get a private tour of Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica via a visit to La Paz Waterfalls Garden, a crocodile river safari, a guided excursion up Irazú Volcano, and a full-day guided rafting trip down the Sarapiqui River.
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.
Welcome meeting and orientation
Training session led by your own coaching staff
Participate in a training session at a local field in the area.
Dinner
Day 2
Training session led by your own coaching staff
Participate in a training session at a local field in the area.
Lunch
San José guided sightseeing tour
Democracy plaza, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, Proyecto Gol
National stadium of Costa Rica guided visit
Take a guided tour of the National Stadium of Costa Rica (Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica). The stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in La Sabana Metropolitan Park, San José. It is the first modern sport and event arena to be built in Central America. The stadium was completed in 2011 and officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday, March 26 of that same year, with a capacity of 35,175 seats. The stadium serves as the home stadium of the Costa Rica national football team and it was used to host matches during the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, including the opening game, the third place match and the Final.
Dinner
Day 3
La Paz Waterfall Gardens visit
Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the most beautiful and fascinating attractions in Costa Rica. Enter the Aviary to explore the birds of Costa Rica. Continue into the huge Butterfly Garden featuring a variety of species and an excellent learning centre. View the monkeys and explore the hummingbird and orchid gardens. Hike down the perfectly laid out trails to viewing points along the 4 La Paz Waterfalls, each viewing point seemingly more impressive than the last.
Lunch
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. Compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and build connections that can turn into lasting friendships.
Dinner
Day 4
Travel to the Tarcoles River
Crocodile safari
Enjoy getting your adrenaline pumping again on your tour through a crocodile safari. There are two native species of crocodiles in Costa Rica: the American crocodile and the Spectacled Caiman. American crocodiles can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Caimans are much smaller, around 8 feet in length, and weigh less than 100 pounds.
Lunch
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. Compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and build connections that can turn into lasting friendships.
Dinner
Day 5
Training session led by your own coaching staff
Participate in a training session at a local field in the area.
Travel to the Central Pacific Coast
Lunch
Beach time
Attend professional soccer match
Experience a professional soccer match like never before as you chant and cheer alongside passionate fans and watch world-famous players compete on the pitch (subject to league schedule).
Dinner
Day 6
Professional coaching clinic
Participate in this special clinic with a guest coach, player, or instructor. The clinic is designed exclusively for your team and to enhance your skills in the areas identified by your coaching staff.
Lunch
Travel to Cartago
Irazú Volcano guided excursion
Gape at the 11,260-foot Irazú Volcano, the highest in Costa Rica. Still active, it last erupted in 1963 on the day that Kennedy visited; the eruption sent enough ash into the air that it dammed a nearby river and flooded the towns below. From its peak you can look inside the crater to see the bright green, sulfurous water inside or look out on the more tranquil view of both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.
Dinner
Day 7
Sarapiqui River full-day guided rafting trip
The perfect way to experience Costa Rica at its best. After getting full safety and paddling instructions from your guide, head off into lush rainforest teeming with toucans, herons, and iguanas. Be on the lookout for basilisk lizards — these reptiles can scurry across the water on their hind legs, a feat that earned them the nickname “Jesus Christ lizards.” End your tour of Costa Rica’s most popular river with a traditional lunch prepared by your guide. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Lunch
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. Compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and build connections that can turn into lasting friendships.
Dinner
Day 8
Flight home from San José
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)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tickets to local games/matches (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Dedicated team practice time (details in itinerary)
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.