Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Students will enhance their Spanish language skills and discover Costa Rica’s amazing natural attractions in this immersive learning program. Start each day with a Spanish language class and then head out to practice what you learned while discovering the biodiversity and culture of this unique country. See a bubbling volcano, snorkel with dolphins, and learn to make local dishes in a cooking class.
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.
Travel to Heredia
Begin homestay
Stay with welcoming homestay families in Heredia, with three daily meals included. The capital of Heredia Province, the city sits in the foothills of the dormant Barva Volcano and is surrounded by coffee plantations, tropical forests, and national parks. It’s an ideal base for exploring Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Overnight in homestay
Day 2
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Doka Coffee Plantation tour
Visit the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica and learn about every step of the coffee process, from cultivation and processing to sustainable practices. Discover how coffee shapes both the natural environment and local culture.
Overnight in homestay
Day 3
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Heredia city walk
Take a walking tour of Heredia, a relaxed and welcoming Costa Rican city. Explore pleasant plazas, green parks, and open public spaces while getting a feel for daily life and the laid-back rhythm that defines the local lifestyle.
Costa Rican dance class
Enjoy a dance class conducted by professional instructors.
Overnight in homestay
Day 4
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Overnight in homestay
Day 5
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Costa Rican cooking class and lunch
Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.
Overnight in homestay
Day 6
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Free time
Overnight in homestay
Day 7
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
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.
Baldi Hot Springs visit
Relax in natural, mineral-rich hot springs and enjoy multiple pools at varying temperatures, all surrounded by lush tropical scenery at Baldi Hot Springs.
Day 8
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.
La Fortuna Waterfalls visit
Hike through lush rainforest alongside La Fortuna Waterfall, where water cascades 240 feet into a tranquil pool. End the experience with a refreshing swim at the base of the falls.
Travel to Heredia
Overnight in homestay
Day 9
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Community-based project
Exploring new places is just the beginning. Real impact comes from connection and participation. We work with trusted local partners to offer community-driven experiences that encourage thoughtful, respectful engagement and support existing initiatives. As your group travels, you’ll connect, contribute, and learn through meaningful activities rooted in local priorities. These experiences may include restoring schools, supporting sustainable farming, taking part in cultural exchanges, or assisting with community-led projects that deepen understanding and create lasting impact.
Overnight in homestay
Day 10
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Zoo Ave wildlife rescue centre visit
Explore Zoo Ave and see Costa Rica’s wildlife up close, from scarlet macaws, toucans, owls, and raptors to iguanas, monkeys, deer, and a 12-foot crocodile. Zoo Ave serves as a sanctuary for animals that are injured, donated, or confiscated, offering them a safe and caring home.
Movie night
Overnight in homestay
Day 11
Spanish language and culture classes
Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.
Artisan open-air market visit
Spend some time in the Costa Rican artisan open-air market that sells everything from handcrafted jewelry, elaborate woodwork, and dairy products.
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica visit
Visit the National Theater. Designed after the Opera House in Paris, it is considered to be Costa Rica's most important architectural landmark.
Folklore farewell dinner
Overnight in homestay
Day 12
End homestay
Travel to 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 or homestay accommodations as per itinerary
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
Language-intensive classes (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.