Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Begin your adventure in Panama City, where your students can look forward to visiting Biomuseo, Panama’s newest museum dedicated to biodiversity. Your class will also enjoy a panga boat ride around Gatun Lake and a cruise around Dolphin Bay to explore the vibrant natural marine life. In Costa Rica, your group will explore the vibrant coral reefs and jungle canopy of Cahuita National Park, visit a sloth rescue centre, and kayak along Lake Arenal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Panama City
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
Panama City guided sightseeing tour
Casco Viejo, The National Handicraft Market visit, Biomuseo
Miraflores Visitors centre visit
Discover the fascinating history and global significance of the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Visitor centre. Enjoy interactive exhibits, an engaging short film, and observation decks where you can watch ships navigate the locks. Experience history on the big screen at the IMAX theatre.
Day 3
Gatun Lake boat tour
Lake Gatun is situated in the heart of the Isthmus of Panama. It was constructed between 1910-14 to make the Panama Canal possible. From the lake's shore you will board a fast panga style boat for a voyage of discovery. Navigate ancient routes that crossed the isthmus long before the lake’s creation. Huge ships can be seen transiting across the ocean, the canal is a water bridge that links the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Go past the rainforest to a scenic region of the lake and witness firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings.
Chagres National Park and Emberá village excursion
Sail a traditional piragua canoe through the lush rainforest of Chagres National Park, rich with wildlife and tropical flora. Enjoy a guided hike to a refreshing waterfall, then visit an Emberá village. Share a traditional lunch and learn about their vibrant culture, ancestral traditions, and handmade crafts.
Day 4
Fly to Bocas del Toro
Representing Panama’s vibrant Caribbean culture, the Bocas Del Toro province comprises part of Panama’s mainland, as well as a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea. In Bocas, expect to find a relatively undeveloped landscape, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. Bocas is also home to a tropical rainforest, some of the area’s indigenous cultures, like the Ngäbe and NasoTjerdi, as well as many of the country’s most popular beaches. There are three main islands in Bocas Del Toro: The main island, Isla Colon; Isla Bastimentos, which is one of the largest islands in Panama; and the small island of Isla Carenero.
Bocas Town city walk
Follow your Tour Director on a walking tour of the small town of Bocas, a resort located on the southern tip of Colón Island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.
Day 5
Bocas del Toro islands excursion
Snorkel in Coral Cay, Dolphin Bay Preserve, Zapatilla Island
Day 6
Ferry to Almirante
Cross the Panama border into Costa Rica
You will be dropped off at the border in Panama to cross customs by foot and board a new bus on the Costa Rica side. Border crossing taxes are included in your tour fee.
Punta Uva beach time
Day 7
Cahuita National Park visit
Escape to the Caribbean coast to explore Cahuita National Park. The park is considered one of the nicest in Costa Rica and is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife on both land and sea, and is also a nesting ground for sea turtles.
Sloth Rescue centre visit
Enjoy a fun, informative introduction to the world of sloths (and maybe meet our mascot, Tico, along the way!). Visit sloth enclosures in the Learning centre before boarding a fiberglass canoe to experience the animal’s natural habitat. Learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, research and release of Costa Rican sloths at this family-run sanctuary. *Though you will see sloths up close, only sanctuary staff can handle sloths.
Day 8
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.
Canopy zipline tour in Braulio Carrillo National Park
Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zipline tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. 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 9
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 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.
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)
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 Panama and 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.
