Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Adventure awaits in Costa Rica! Bring your students to explore Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Park on horseback, take a dip in the Arenal hot springs, and hike the historical lava trails around Arenal Volcano. Your class can also look forward to visiting Santa Elena Biological Reserve, walking along the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and keeping an eye out for hundreds of native species on a cruise through the mangroves of Palo Verde National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Rincón de La Vieja
Groups flying from the West Coast may be required to depart on Day 0.
Meet your Tour Director, travel to Rincón de la Vieja, and check into hotel
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Rincón de La Vieja Volcano Park visit
The vaporous clouds of this area were once said to hide a witch, a local princess whose angered father had thrown her husband into the volcano. The devastated princess retreated into the volcano’s shadow, where she spent the rest of her life concocting spells for the town’s residents. The volcano’s name, “The Nook of the Old Woman,” comes from this legend. View this haunting landscape of bubbling craters as you approach this 6,285-foot-high, very active volcano.
Horseback ride
Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, ride on gentle horses that know the way through this blessed land. On this journey, nature is at your fingertips, as you ride through the forest and its surroundings, passing through rivers, with views of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Day 3
Canopy zipline tour
Soar through the treetops for the unmatched close-up of the New World’s best wildlife refuge. Harness yourself to cables that run between platforms high in the trees, then step into thin air and zip from tree to tree. Experience a true bird-eye view from your new aerial perspective. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
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.
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
Arenal Volcano and 1968 lava trails hike
Hike through historical lava trails from the 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption that covered most of the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy impressive views of the volcano along the way.
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.
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.
Day 5
Santa Elena Biological Reserve visit
Climb into the clouds for unforgettable wildlife encounters at the Santa Elena Reserve. Shrouded in mist, this lush cloud forest is home to spider monkeys and offers sweeping views across the landscape, stretching all the way to Arenal Volcano on a clear day.
Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve night walk
Step into the Monteverde Cloud Forest and be transported to the lush world of the Costa Rican rainforest. The towering trees, abundant shrubs and vibrant flowers create a luscious oasis for a huge array of animals, including jaguars, toucans and monkeys.
Day 6
Travel to Guanacaste
Mosey on through Costa Rica’s “Old West.” Cows, horses, and sabaneros (Costa Rican cowboys) ride across the sun-struck landscape of this arid region. Seek out the local Guancaste tree, whose oddly shaped seedpods have given it the name “Monkey Ear Tree.”
Palo Verde boat tour
Cruise by river boat through the winding waterways and mangrove forests of Palo Verde National Park. Watch for American alligators along the banks, white-faced monkeys in the trees, and colourful macaws soaring overhead as you explore this rich wetland ecosystem.
Travel to Papagayo Gulf
Free time on Guanacaste Beach
Day 7
Snorkel along the Pacific Coast (optional)
Snorkel in the calm, pristine waters of Samara beach, viewing the colourful coral reef below the surface.
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 1 Day of Whitewater Rafting in Guanacaste
Enjoy an extra day in Guanacaste with a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. Navigate the rapids with expert guides amid Costa Rica’s lush scenery before returning to Liberia for your overnight stay and 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)
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 Northern 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.