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Stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make Costa Rica a paradise for geographers and scientists alike. As one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world, it is home to a tremendous variety of habitats including volcanoes, mangroves and rainforests.

Described as Central America’s Garden of Eden, this jewel-like nation shines, emerald green, in the imaginations of many. Home to an amazing array of flora and fauna, there is much to be explored in Costa Rica for budding geographers and biologists.

Alongside the incredible learning opportunities, a school trip to Costa Rica also opens up a range of exciting activities. Soak in hot springs, try your hand at surfing, and get your adrenalin racing with Costa Rica’s most famous activity – canopy zip lining.

There are fewer places on Earth that can offer as many life-changing, inspirational and educational experiences as Costa Rica.

We are constantly monitoring the situation in Costa Rica and continue to work with our partners to ensure the complete safety of every person travelling with us. Check out our Covid Money-Back Assurance to discover the changes we have made for any new bookings. Discover the World Education adheres to travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. As a member of ABTA and STF, we follow the codes of practice of these organisations.

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About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a treasure trove of scientific wonders. As one of the world’s foremost nations for the development of eco tourism, it offers students an unrivalled opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience.

Costa Rica’s central highlands are situated within the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, and active volcanoes dot the landscape. The fertile volcanic hillsides provide a key agricultural area for the country; much Costa Rica’s famous coffee is grown here. You will also be able to appreciate the character of Costa Rican country cooking in these hillsides, where many of the nation’s favourite dishes find their home, from warm corn cakes to simply prepared fresh water fish.

The town of La Fortuna, and Arenal, the active volcano which it lies at the foot of, forms the epicentre of Costa Rica’s tourism industry. Here you can hike past old lava flows, bathe in geothermally heated hot springs and engage in a vast growing number of  activities  in the surrounding protected reserves. Arenal is Costa Rica’s most famous volcano, thanks in part to its recent activity.

Since pre-historic times, the Playa Grande, a beautiful beach on the Caribbean coast, has been a nesting site for the majestic leatherback turtles. School groups can come face to face with this remarkable creature and take part in the conservation efforts which hope to help preserve the species for years to come.

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Why take a school trip to Costa Rica?

A study trip to this safe and welcoming Central American country provides an educationally-rich learning experience, with pupils and teachers brought closer to the environment than ever imaginable. Whether rafting down a river; being high amongst the rainforest tree canopy; hiking up a volcano; riding horseback, assisting with wildlife conservation or simply relaxing on a stunning beach, engaging with the environment in so many special ways will remain in the minds of all participants.

Although the links to  geography  and biology might be clear, there are also ways to weave in strands of physics and chemistry into students’ experiences as they travel through Costa Rica. Students are encouraged to take part in scientific study which will help them to develop vital experimental and investigational skills.

Lodged between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is home to diverse landscapes and some of the world’s most charismatic species. Its friendly people live amongst rainforest, alongside some truly beautiful beaches, and at the foot of volcanoes. And to top it all off, your students can enjoy hands-on conservation work, helping save such endangered species as the leatherback turtle!

These activities are just a few of the available opportunities for experiential learning – we have detailed information packs with suggested tour itineraries that blend high adventure,  science  and geography.

Students will return from a school trip to Costa Rica with a new-found appreciation for their subject matter – learning, living and playing in a tropical paradise gives students a unique perspective on course materials as well as a well-earned holiday, all in one! Many students find these kinds of trips spark a life-long love for geographical and scientific study.

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School Trips to Costa Rica

School trips to Costa Rica offer students the opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for both geography and science school trips . Plus, as a real pioneer of ecotourism, this is the ideal destination for encouraging your students to become more environmentally conscious.

Why visit Costa Rica?

Incredible biodiversity.

Costa Rica is a country that takes its biodiversity very seriously and so it should – despite making up just 0.03% of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica makes up 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Boasting the perfect mix of forests, volcanoes, beaches and nature reserves, Costa Rica offers a wealth of opportunities to learn more about conservation and the practice of scientific research that would be hard to find anywhere else!

On your educational tour to Costa Rica, you’ll explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest, which is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Here you’ll find out about the local conservation efforts and the contributions being made to scientific research.

You’ll also take a boat tour in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, where you should be able to spot monkeys, sloths, birds and reptiles.

A pioneer of sustainable tourism

A school trip to Costa Rica is a great option for educating the travellers of the future to travel more responsibly, as the country has led the way in terms of sustainable tourism since the early 1990s. An estimated 26% of Costa Rica’s land area has been devoted to national parks, wildlife reserves and protected areas.

Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond tourism too – in 2018 the country hit the milestone of 99% of its energy coming from renewable resources, including hydropower, solar power and wind power.

The country is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025 and looks set to be on target for that. In fact, to date, Costa Rica is the only country in the world to meet all five of the criteria set by the United Nations Development Programme to measure environmental sustainability!

Dramatic geology

Costa Rica is geologically active and is part of the Central America Volcanic Arc. The geological activity is caused by the Cocos Plate being subducted beneath the Caribbean Plate, on which Costa Rica sits.

This means that your students can learn more about plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes on their geography school trip to Costa Rica.

We can arrange for you to hike the Arenal Volcano lava trails, where you’ll have the most fabulous views of the Arenal Volcano. And, after a sweaty hike, your students will love the opportunity to bathe in the thermal water pools at Baldi Hot Springs.

Book with Halsbury

Take a look at our range of Costa Rica school trips below, and then get in touch with one of our tour advisers to discuss your requirements.

Browse our trips

Geography Trip to Costa Rica

Explore incredible biodiversity and learn more about sustainable tourism.

• Multi-centre trip

Where to visit

Arenal Volcano Hiking Trails

During this unforgettable experience you will enjoy hiking on the lava trails of the Arenal Volcano. On the privateproperty where… Read More

During this unforgettable experience you will enjoy hiking on the lava trails of the Arenal Volcano. On the privateproperty where youwill be hiking, you will find two different walking trails formed by lava during the Arenal Volcano’s 1968 eruption. Los Patos Lagoon, the medium difficulty trail, takes youthrough an amazing landscape and gives you great panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and the Arenal Lake.

Baldi Hot Springs

Baldi Hot Springs is located in La Fortuna de San Carlos at the base of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Baldi… Read More

Baldi Hot Springs is located in La Fortuna de San Carlos at the base of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Baldi is the largest hot springs resort in the world, containing25 pools of thermal water rich in minerals and healing properties. Set amongst the beautiful forest, the springs allowyou the chance to relax and unwind whilst sampling mother nature's work at its best.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

CañoNegro lies in the north of the country, lying very close to the border of Nicaragua. A nature lover’s paradise… Read More

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

CañoNegro lies in the north of the country, lying very close to the border of Nicaragua. A nature lover’s paradise and a region of extreme biological importance due to the huge variety of flora and fauna found here, the refuge is also a key migratory route for birds from the north as well as the habitat of many migrant and endangered fish, reptiles, birds and plants.

The refuge is home to Emerald Basilisk, Giant Bear Ant, jaguars, ocelots, iguanas, river turtles, monkeys, pumas and caimans. It is also the abode of rare birds like the northern jacanas, ibises, jabiru storks, anhingas, cormorants and roseate spoonbills. In the waters of the Caño Negro lagoon one can find rare fish such as the snook and guapote.

La Casona del Rio

Casona Río Fortuna is therenowned Costa Rican historical and elegant turn-of-the-century country home of the former Costa Rican president, Rafael… Read More

Casona Río Fortuna is therenowned Costa Rican historical and elegant turn-of-the-century country home of the former Costa Rican president, Rafael Yglesias Castro.

The house is now part of the Cultour foundation,an educational trust whichpromotes visits to the house to experience local traditions and the music and arts of the local rural school children. Yourvisit helps provide scholarships to keep these students in school and not working in the fields.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Set atop the spine of Costa Rica's continental divide, Monteverde is a high altitude (1,440 m) region in the north… Read More

Set atop the spine of Costa Rica's continental divide, Monteverde is a high altitude (1,440 m) region in the north of the country that is best known for its private reserves.The cloud forest reserves display a different variety of flora and fauna than lower altitude forests due tothe moisture fromthe low hanging clouds that sit permanently at the treetops. Thesecatchon the branches of the tallest trees and dripdown to the other organisms below, helping to support a complex and far-reaching ecosystem that harbours over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insectsand over 2,500 varieties of plants.

Why choose Halsbury?

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.

Learn more about Halsbury Travel

School trips tailored to your curriculum

We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.

Discover how we’ll tailor your school trip

Health & safety prioritised

As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.

Find out how we ensure your health and safety

Support every step of the way

We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.

Find out about the support we offer

Financially secure school trips

We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected , so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.

Find out more about our accreditations

Rewarding loyalty scheme

You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.

Explore our loyalty scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer travel insurance.

Yes, all of our trips include comprehensive travel insurance, which now includes Covid cover. This group travel insurance covers individuals needing to drop out of the trip in the following circumstances:

• Because a Qualified Medical Practitioner has diagnosed them as positive for Covid-19 within up to 14 days of departure.
• Because they have been hospitalised due to Covid-19 within up to 28 days of departure.
• Because they have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace for a period of time that prevents them from taking part in the trip.

The insurance also covers reasonable additional costs of accommodation and flights should an individual contract Covid-19 and have to self-isolate while abroad.

And the policy also covers reasonable additional costs to account for a family member to come across or a group leader/teacher to stay with the individual.

Please contact us for details.

How far ahead should I start planning my trip?

As a general rule, we recommend that you start planning your next school trip 12-18 months before your travel date. This gives you plenty of time to get sign-off from senior leadership and to launch your trip in school to students and parents. Planning early will also mean you have a greater choice of accommodation and travel options.

If you start planning your trip later, don't worry. It is definitely possible to plan a trip in a shorter amount of time. We're here to support you and we have a selection of templates and useful guides to guide you through the process.

Can the trip itinerary be adapted to my curriculum and requirements?

Every trip we organise is unique and your itinerary manager will work with you to understand your curriculum and adapt the itinerary to suit your learning objectives. The itineraries featured on our website are just a sample of what's achievable within a given timeframe. The trip duration and the activities and excursions can be tailored to your needs and budget.

What accommodation options are available?

You can see examples of the types of accommodation we have available in different destinations on the sample trip pages linked above.

All of our accommodation partners have been chosen based on their suitability for school groups. As a member of the School Travel Forum (STF), you can be certain that all accommodation contracted by us complies with local legislation with respect to fire and general safety, is contracted by trained Halsbury Travel staff or reputable agents, receives a standard audit and risk assessment prior to use by Halsbury Travel and receives a supplementary audit if it is used on five or more occasions in a year.

Your Tour Adviser will discuss your accommodation preferences with you when putting together your tailor-made quote and will assist you in choosing the best accommodation for your budget and requirements.

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The Halsbury Difference

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!

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COSTA RICA STUDENT TOURS

 With the national ethos of Pura Vida , Costa Rica’s beauty and charm is sure to stun your students. The country’s diverse set of must-see attractions and hidden gems will make your Costa Rica school trip one to remember. Whether you’d like to help a local community grow, partake in an immersive Spanish language experience, or discover your next great adventure, Costa Rica has you covered.

COSTA RICA ADVENTURE TOUR

Travel across Costa Rica and discover the cloud forests and its abundant biodiversity

COSTA RICA VOLUNTEERING TOUR

Give back to the community and experience life as a local

COSTA RICA IMMERSION PROGRAM

Live like a true Costa Rican and learn Spanish in ‘El Rancho’ school in La Guacima

COSTA RICA STEM GEO & ECO TOUR

Explore the natural sites of Costa Rica, the Venado Caves, and the Poas Volcano

COSTA RICA CARIBBEAN TOUR

Travel on the eastern coast of Costa Rica and explore the famous Tortuguero village

COSTA RICA CLASSIC TOUR

Discover Costa Rica by visiting La Guacima, Arenal, Monteverde & Quepos

ADVENTURE & VOLUNTEERING

Experience adventure & explore the country whilst helping local communities

COSTA RICA STEM BIO & ECO TOUR

Discover the many natural sites in Costa Rica and admire its rich biodiversity

COSTA RICA CULTURAL TOUR

Live the Pura Vida and explore the wild cloud forests and discover San Jose

Download your Free Guide to Traveling to Costa Rica with Students

Our Spanish Immersion & Language classes make learning & practicing Spanish in Costa Rica fun! Prométour’s exclusive ‘El Rancho’ lodge even offers courses in cooking and dancing, making for a truly authentic experience.

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Active volcanoes, palm-fringed surf beaches, pristine waterfalls and tropical rainforests filled with exotic wildlife - Costa Rica is a nature-lover's fantasy. With its rich biodiversity and outrageous natural beauty, this is a fascinating destination for students, particularly of biology.

Here you can witness biodiversity in full living colour as you explore the mist-shrouded heights of the Monteverde Cloud Forest or raft down the Pacuare, a spectacular river gorge flanked with steep jungle-clad cliffs.

Encounter abundant wildlife as you explore the lush canals and rainforests of Tortuguero National Park, marvel at the imposing symmetry of Volcano Arenal and explore the white sand beaches, rocky headlands and estuaries of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Explore Costa Rica's raw, majestic beauty in its many national parks and wilderness reserves, soak up culture, art and history in the vibrant capital of San Jose or simply kick back on one of the country's countless unspoiled beaches.

Talk to us about tailoring a School trip to suit your needs and budget.

School trip and project ideas in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Community Service Learning & Outdoor Adventure Program

Activities:.

Introductory to Moderate

Costa Rica: Sea to Summit Traverse

Moderate to Challenging

Costa Rica Conservation Journey

Costa Rica School Biology Adventure

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Important information, popular activities.

Self Guided Walking

Self Guided Cycling

Guided Walking

Guided Cycling

Explore Tortuguero National Park

Visit Arenal Volcano

Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Hike Manuel Antonio National Park

Popular regions in costa rica.

Safety - our number 1 priority

Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when travelling with World Expeditions Schools.

Minimising risk

Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners our track record is exemplary.

Service Learning specialists

School Service Learning Community Projects offer a unique way to experience genuine cultural interaction while also providing real tangible benefits to underprivileged communities. Every Service Learning project is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Trusted accommodations

We only utilise trusted accommodation on a twin-share basis (unless otherwise requested) which we know to be clean, reliable, in a safe location and are regularly inspected by local authorities. Wherever possible, adjoining rooms are provided to ensure that students are provided with adequate supervision.

When camping your group will be provided with all group camping equipment including tents, quality sleeping bags, sleeping mats, eating utensils, kit bags as well as three hearty meals per day prepared by our trained cooks in a hygienic and controlled environment.

Reliable, private internal transport

We only use trusted transport providers and always use private buses. Using private buses not only ensures we can control the safety of the service but it also provides a measure of flexibility in our trips with each group provided vehicles dedicated to their needs. It also means the group is not taking seats away from locals who are in more need of the local services.

Hygienically prepared meals

When trekking, our trained staff and team of cooks provide a hygienic camp as well as fresh, nutritious meals.

Experienced & highly trained local guides

We believe local guides provide the best experience. Their local knowledge is unparalleled in terms of interpreting the natural and cultural environments, outlining the history of a region, engaging local dialogue and also re-arranging services if required.

Many of our local guides have worked for our company for a decade or longer. They are first aid trained, experienced, passionate about their country and we have the utmost confidence in their ability to provide an experience for your school better than any western guide can.

Well thought out, tailored itineraries

If itinerary design was an art form our work would be hanging in galleries around the world. At the very least it is most certainly a science and we have years of destinational experience to ensure your itinerary is safe and achievable.

When it comes to travelling at altitude we always allow ample days to allow for proper acclimatisation as well as to allow for inclement weather.

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Where to Go

See the raw, majestic beauty of Costa Rica in its many national parks and wilderness reserves

Relax on the white sand beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts

Witness biodiversity in living colour in mist-shrouded cloud forests

Soak up culture, art and history in the vibrant capital of San Jose

Get your heart racing with rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, rafting or ziplining

Hike or climb forest-clad slopes and active volcanoes along the country’s rugged mountain spine

Marvel at the hundreds of mysterious stone spheres of the Diquís Delta

Experience the culture of Ticos first hand at one of the country’s many colourful festivals

There are several distinct climatic zones in Costa Rica and as it is a tropical country there is no winter or summer.

Most regions experience a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.

In the rainy season, short afternoon showers are common, although not daily.

Because of the severe changes in altitude throughout Costa Rica coastal temperatures can reach 28 – 32ºC (82 – 89ºF) while mountain regions can be considerably cooler with temperatures dropping to as low as 5ºC (40ºF).

Time in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is -6 hours behind UTC/GMT

Spanish is the official and primary language, with Costa Ricans speaking a Central American variant known as Costa Rican Spanish

English is the most commonly spoken and taught foreign language, followed by French, German, Italian and Cantonese

Indigenous communities speak a variety of indigenous languages from the Chibchan language family, including Bribri

A unique dialect of Jamaican Creole English called Limonese Creole or Mekatelyu is spoken in the Limón Province on the Caribbean coast

Costa Rican colón

US dollars cash are the most easily convertible currency

Credit cards and ATM are available in most large cities and hotels, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

Electricity in Costa Rica is 110 Volts, at 60 hertz. The most common pin type is A. (2 flat prong).

Visas are exempt for passport holders from the following countries:-

New Zealand

United States

United Kingdom

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

If you are travelling to Costa Rica through the United States of America (USA), or if you are transiting in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you are required to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Make sure you check with your nearest US Embassy or Consulate your visa requirements well in advance of your travel.

Please ask your reservations consultant about visa requirements for any country you may transit en-route to Costa Rica.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

Ready to tailor a school trip to Costa Rica?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project in Costa Rica to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.

Assisted over 14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we   have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow .

400+ Service Learning Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

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Costa Rica Trips and Tours

School trips to costa rica.

In Costa Rica there is a saying—“Pura Vida” or “the simple life.” While there you are encouraged to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Through this belief Costa Rica is widely known as the happiest country in the world. ACIS Student trips to Costa Rica embody that spirit and provide endless opportunities for fun, learning, excitement and relaxation. From zip-lining through cloud forests and hiking through rain forests to relaxing in hot springs and shopping for treasures in local markets, before you know it, you too will be shouting “Pura Vida!”

Our Tour Manager’s love for nature and his country was contagious! One of the hardest things was having to say goodbye to him. There were many tears from the entire group” Valerie E. Group Leader

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Free resources to plan and inspire your next school trip to Costa Rica

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Download our educational travel brochure to lean more about ACIS’ approach to delivering exceptional educational tours. Our teachers love the hotels, cultural connections and food, but what they say really sets us apart is the level of care. With ACIS it feels like a true partnership.

How to Plan an Educational Tour

Get a 101 guide on how to plan an educational tour with ACIS. From tour selection, to recruiting a group all the way through preparing for departure, you’ll learn each step of the process and the tools and resources ACIS provides to make it easy.

Guide to School Support and ACIS Travel

As you start to consider an ACIS educational tour for your school, you’ll need to determine which level of school support makes the most sense for your group: School Sponsored, School Supported or Independent. Our guide helps you find the level that’s right for you.

2024 Spanish Language Calendar

We’ve put together a 12-month calendar comprised of inspiring photos and significant dates from across the Spanish-Speaking world.

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A comprehensive guide of free, online resources, from curated university libraries to embassy sites, that explore the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Plus, free ACIS lesson plans and blog posts.

Perdido en Madrid

This two-part video lesson plan is for high school level Spanish classrooms. Each video comes with an exercise packet, carefully crafted by Spanish teachers and native speakers, that puts essential Spanish language skills into practice in a funny, relatable format.

Spanish Visual Vocabulary

Whether you are traveling abroad with students or looking to make language come alive in the classroom, our Visual Vocabulary piece is a great way to practice vocab basics. Test your knowledge and see how many items you can name. The worksheet also includes a series of useful phrases.

Did You Know?

ACIS tours are independently deemed so educational that teachers can earn professional development units and students can earn college credit !

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High School Trips to Costa Rica

High school trips to costa rica.

High school trips to Costa Rica offer students an opportunity to live the rich culture, history, and wildlife of this small country. Here's what you can see during your trip: 

Coffee Plantation

Arenal volcano.

San Jose is the heart of Costa Rica and home to roughly half the country’s 4.9 million citizens. It is the perfect area to discover its humble blend of tradition, grit, and culture. Students on a field trip to San Jose would be able to truly immerse themselves in this city! San Jose’s   cultural attractions   are located in a wonderfully compact area downtown. There are many museums too. Jade Museum, an archeological museum that sheds light on Costa Rican culture and pre-Columbian communities.

Further along on the Avenida Central, pass through the Plaza de la Democracia for its lively open-air markets. Originally built as a military barracks, the Costa Rican National Museum sits directly to the east of the plaza.

Make sure to take a tour of a coffee plantation. Coffee is one of Costa Rica's richest resource enjoyed by many of us around the world. Firstly, students get to see how the 'berries' are picked by hand. Secondly, they see the process used to extract the bean. Finally, how the beans are dried and bagged for transportation. So much work goes into having a simple cup of coffee.

Located in northern Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica for students. Arenal, spanish for sand, has rainforests, waterfalls, a volcano, the country’s largest lake. While you cannot hike up the volcano itself, we recommend hiking through Arenal Volcano National Park with a bilingual guide in search of old lava flow and native wildlife. Take an evening walk to see some of the little colorful and exotic frogs. 

Slight changes in altitude create unique micro-climates and ecosystems through this region, making it home to a variety of exotic species. Here you can enjoy some zip lining and walk through some of the well known hanging bridges,.

Tortuguero is a huge rainforest dominating the northern coast of Costa Rica. It means the means the 'land of turtles'. Tortuguero's biggest draws are the large numbers of turtles that come to nest along the shoreline. Most importantly, students get to learn more about these enduring creatures and the fragile eco-system around them.

The forest has a network of canals and rivers. Exploring these canals and observing the wildlife by boat, kayak or canoe is a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful way to experience nature. Tortuguero is a must on any high school trip to Costa Rica.

If surfing is something your students would like to experience then Jaco is your place. Take a surfing class is a great way to get some exercise and also to enjoy the beach on the Pacific side.

These and many more locations are why you should consider Costa Rica. Learn more how to customize and personalize your high school trips to Costa Rica,   here . 

Topics: Costa Rica , High School Trip to Costa Rica

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Costa Rica School Trips & Expeditions

About costa rica expedition.

Costa Rica is in many ways the ideal place for a school expedition. Its incredibly varied topography means that pupils on Costa Rica school trips can trek in the rainforest one day, visit an active volcano the next, and finish relaxing on a hot sandy beach on the Caribbean coast. Choice and variety are the name of the game here.

Our volunteers have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs of La Fortuna and venture deep into the Cloud Forests of Monteverde, where they might see exotic wildlife including the endangered quetzal, a bird of paradise once worshipped by the Mayans, to whom its long tail feathers were worth more than gold.

As one of the most biodiverse regions, Costa Rica is the ideal school trip location for many subjects including biology, environmental sciences as well as History School trips.

Costa Rica is also one of our Expedition Leader Training bases and our unique agreement with the National Parks department ensure off the beaten path access to this amazing country.

Suitable for:  Science School Trips , Geography School Trips , Outdoor Education School Trips , World Religion School Trips

Support we offer on a Costa Rica expedition

We support schools embarking on a Costa Rica expedition in a variety of ways, including:

• Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
• A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
• One point of contact for planning and preparation
• A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
• A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group

For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to Costa Rica with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.

Sample Itinerary

Arrive Costa Rica

Fly from London to San Jose. On arrival, you will be met by your Gapforce Leader and transferred to your accommodation in Alajuela. After checking in to your rooms, you will receive a welcome & safety briefing over dinner followed by an early night.

Travel to Monteverde

After breakfast, we pack up our kit and head to Monteverde's fabulous Cloud Forest where you'll have lunch and orientation, followed by a briefing about the volunteering project. LIFE is an award winning fair trade and educational organisation with coffee plantation focussing on sustainability, tourism and conservation.

LIFE MONTEVERDE PROJECT

Your first full day of volunteering typically involves an introduction to the project as well as sustainable production and Life farm evolution. Field Work activities include planting trees, collecting seeds and work in the organic garden.

Your second full day at Life will include more work planning trees, collecting seeds and working in the organic garden. There will also be a chance to visit the coffee roaster to see how coffee is processed and try some different coffees and roast levels!

ZIP LINING & FOREST WALK

In the morning, you'll have the chance to navigate around a high ropes course and whiz down zip-lines that are set into the canopy. After lunch, you'll take a guided walk along the forest's many trails during which a guide will point out any animals or fauna along the way.

LA FORTUNA & ARENAL

Time to say goodbye to Monteverde as we head towards La Fortuna, set in the foothills of Arenal Volcano. You'll cross Laguna de Arenal via boat, keeping a lookout for crocodiles, sloths and Tapir along the way, before arriving in La Fortuna in time for a relaxing soak in one of the many natural hot springs

Cerro Chato

Today your group will ascend above the cloud line to hike around Cerro Chato's infamous green crater. The hike will also take you through Arenal National Park where you can expect to see and hear the exotic wildlife.

TRAVEL TO PUERTO VIEJO

After breakfast, we begin the long journey east towards the Caribbean coast. We'll take a few scenic stops along the way, arriving into Puerto Viejo mid- afternoon and chance to prepare kit and have an early night before our jungle adventure.

Jungle Survival Training

Carrying what you need, you walk into the jungle to our base camp for the next two nights. After setting up camp, your leader will teach you the skills required to operate in the jungle including basha set up, jungle observations and fire lighting.

Today starts with some practice of the skills you've learned before beginning a two day trek through the jungle. With the help of knowledgeable local guides, we will follow one of the many hiking trails through the forest, passing waterfalls and caves and looking out for wildlife along the way

Waking up to the sights and sounds of the jungle, you continue your trek arriving back at base camp in the early afternoon. After packing away the kit, you will walk out of the jungle and transfer back to Puerta Viejo for a shower and well deserved restaurant dinner!

After breakfast, you head to Pacuare and the beginning of an epic two day rafting adventure on the Pacuare river! Using experienced local guides, you'll spend the afternoon cruising down the river, negotiating rapids and enjoying a different perspective of the rainforest. You will overnight at a beautiful riverside camp!

You will wake up the sounds of the river and, after a hearty breakfast, board the rafts again and continue down the river arriving at the finish point in the early afternoon. After lunch, you will transfer back to Puerta Viejo and spend the afternoon at the beach where your leader can arrange a volleyball competition!

RETURN TO ALAJUELA

This morning there will be another opportunity to visit the beach for a swim followed by lunch. In the afternoon, you'll board the coach back to Alajuela for a farewell dinner and final night.

Travel Flight to London

Subject to flight times, there may be a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping before transfer back to San Jose airport. Arrive back into the UK the following day.

What's Included

Gapforce Costa Rica Expedition Leader

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Costa Rica Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.

We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 3-month Costa Rica Expedition Leader Training which includes:

• Mountain Leader Training
• RGS Off-site safety management
• RLSS Water Safety
• QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
• Rescue Training
• Wilderness Medical Training
• Advanced Survival Training
• Expedition Planning
• Incident Management

Enjoy some shots from our various expeditions and group trips.

Costa Rica Service and Adventure

Costa rica school trip overview.

Our Costa Rica school trip is an immersive cultural experience that offers a perfect introduction to Latin America. In addition to volunteering with a meaningful service project, students will also have the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the country, including a visit to a coffee plantation, a whitewater rafting adventure, and a visit to the La Fortuna waterfall.

Students will earn up to 15 hours of service and enjoy unique experiences that can only be had in Costa Rica. Students will also have the chance to practice their Spanish skills as they interact with the friendly locals and learn about the country’s history, culture, and customs. We believe that experiencing authentic Costa Rican culture is an essential part of any student tour of Costa Rica.

At Travel For Teens, our goal is to help students step outside their comfort zone and discover the joy of traveling. With our years of experience leading young travelers around Costa Rica, we are experts in creating unforgettable and inspiring educational tours . Join us on this one-of-a-kind cultural experience and leave your students with memories to last a lifetime!

Did You Know? Teachers travel for free! Learn more about the Benefits for Teachers .

Starting at $3595

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Airfare and transportation
• Authentic local meals
• All listed activities and entrances
• Full-time trip director
• Expert local guides
• 24/7 support and marketing materials
• A customizable itinerary

This Trip is Ideal For...

Biology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Language, Science

Map and Route

• Day 1-2: Turrialba
• Days 3-4:  La Fortuna
• Days 5-7: Sámara Beach
• Day 8: Depart for home from San Jose

Interested in learning more about this tour?

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Learn more about what each day is like on tour! Click on the day to discover the different sites and activities you will experience

DAY 1: ¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!

The adventure begins as you fly from your preferred airport to San José. Your Travel For Teens guides will meet you at the San José Airport and accompany you for the duration of your journey. Upon arrival, board our private coach and head out to the town of Turrialba. Get settled into the hotel and enjoy your first dinner of authentic tico cuisine.

DAY 2: Turrialba

Morning activity: Coffee Plantation. On this tour, you’ll visit an iconic plantation established in 1890. You will learn everything about the different types of coffee beans, and how they produce different flavor profiles of coffee. You’ll understand how the bean is harvested, paid, selected, dried, and stored for it to fuel the needs of productive minds all over the globe.

In the afternoon rappel down four waterfalls, zip line down four canopy cables, and walk across a 132-foot hanging bridge! We will be accompanied by several expert guides. Canyoning involves rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls within the canyon

Tour Highlights

• Coffee Plantation Tour
• Waterfall rappelling and canyoning

DAY 3: Turrialba & La Fortuna

This morning we’ll take an incredible whitewater rafting journey down the Pacuare River! The Pacuare is one of the world’s top-rated rafting rivers, and is perfect for beginners and advanced rafters alike. Float through the dense rainforest and keep an eye out for local wildlife, like monkeys, toucans, and sloths.

This evening, board our private coach to La Fortuna. Towering over this quaint town is the impressive Arenal Volcano. Enjoy another delicious Costa Rican dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants and take a walk to explore the village.

• Whitewater rafting

DAY 4: La Fortuna

In the morning, we’ll head out for a zip line tour stretching from mountain to mountain, reaching incredible lengths and heights, crossing canyons, going into the forests, and even sometimes in between clouds!

After lunch, hike deep into the jungle to the La Fortuna Waterfall. This 210-foot ribbon of water forms natural pools that are perfect for going for a refreshing swim!

• Zip lining tour
• La Fortuna Waterfall

DAY 5: Sámara Beach

Say hasta luego to La Fortuna as we depart for our third and final destination: Playa Sámara! This idyllic beach town features long white sand beaches, turquoise waves perfect for surfing, and friendly locals. Travel For Teens have been leading service trips here for over a decade, and our relationships in the community give us unique insider access to show students authentic Costa Rican culture. Today we’ll meet our local partners to learn more about the service projects you’ll be working on, and get a few key Spanish words under your belt. For the next two days we will be working on projects alongside local school children in Playa Samara.

• Community Service

DAY 6: Sámara Beach & Chora Island

This morning, head out onto beautiful Chora Island, snorkeling through the clear water in search of vibrant fish and other incredible marine life! You can even try sea kayaking if you like!

Afternoon service: The group will participate in workshops that will include fun interactive activities between our local program kids and the Travel for Teens volunteers.

• Chora Island Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking

DAY 7: Sámara Beach

Surf’s up! Take a surfing lesson at a beach famous for its waves perfect for both beginners and avid surfers. Whether you’re a beginner or rival Kelly Slater, hone your skills as you learn how to surf in one of the best places in the Pacific side of Costa Rica! In the afternoon, we’ll head back to San Jose for our final evening in Costa RIca!

• Surf Lesson

Day 8: ¡Adiós, Costa Rica!

Your TFT guides will accompany you to the airport and assist you with check-in for your flight. Wave goodbye as you head through security and sit back and relax on your flight home.

Looking for a shorter or longer adventure? this trip can be adapted!

For teachers who are short on time, we can make this a 7, 9, or 10-day adventure! One of our expert trip designers will help adapt this itinerary to suit your specific needs. Contact us for more details.

The TFT Difference

We never combine groups (unless you want to).

Your tour is special and just for you and your students! We will never combine two or more groups on the same bus or tour unless you request traveling with another teacher. We will lead a trip with as few as six people and a teacher. Your Trip Director travels with you for the duration of your educational tour. If you have another group you would like to travel with, let us know and we can arrange for that as well!

Stress-Free Planning and 24/7 Support

We are there for you every step of the way, and our support begins the moment you decide to do a TFT educational tour! We will provide you with a team member who will help bring your tour to life, along with everything you need to help get students to sign up for the adventure! On the tour you will have 24/7 dedicated staff with you to ensure everything runs smoothly and because we know travel is full of surprises, solve anything that may pop up along the way.

Photos and Email Updates

We make sure your travel memories are captured forever! Expect frequent personal email updates and hundreds of photos from your TFT staff shared with you and your students’ families so everyone can follow along on the journey. We are the only educational tour company to offer this in-depth trip communication and it truly makes all the difference!

Central Accommodation and Local Meals

Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. We stay at locally owned accommodation in the center of town so you don’t waste your valuable time commuting. We dine at charming authentic restaurants to get a real flavor (literally!) for the local culture. The best way to travel is like a local. So ditch the tour bus and have a real traveler’s experience with us!

Request A Free Custom Quote For This Itinerary

Photo gallery.

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Ready to share the world with your students?

Download Your Free Guide

Sign up for your free guide to planning your next school trip or private trip. Our special teacher travel newsletters offer exclusive tips, new trips, and other announcements. Stay in the know.

• +1 (617) 301-1237
• [email protected]

Costa Rica school trips: Rainforest and canal

Rainforest, animals and canal

Costa Rica  for school groups

You can extend Costa Rica tour by adding a few days in Panama, Nicaragua or Guatemala.

7 days start from $1795 9 days start from $1995 (all inclusive) with Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala extensions start from $2295 Add airfare: $365-$570

Do you know that...

• Costa Rica generates 99% of its electricity using renewable energy
• Nicoya, in Costa Rica is a well-known Blue Zone , where people live active lives past the age of 100
• Costa Rica has no army
• Costa Ricans are known to be the happiest people in the world
• The whole country is slightly smaller than Lake Michigan

Costa Rica is great for learning about

Ecology   Animal life Indigenous communities: Bribri and Sarapiqui Agriculture coffee and cocoa growing Spanish language And much more

Costa Rica and Panama Itinerary

This is an example of the Costa Rica with Panama extension itinerary.

Remember: We are very happy to customize this itinerary to accommodate your group specific interests. We can make it longer or shorter and adjust the cost to fit different budgets.

  Day 1 San Jose

“Costa Rica and Panama are more than a vacation destination; it is an interactive sensory experience .”

Arrivals in San Jose

Historic tour of San Jose: National Theatre , Main Square and ruins of XIV century church (part of the UNESCO list) Welcome group dinner

Day 2 Tirimbina Reserve

Tour of the coffee plantation – we learn about cultivating and processing Costa Rican gold and discover what makes their coffee so good during the coffee tasting  through Tirimbina Reserve

We walk through the longest suspension bridge to a cacao plantation. The sahe of the cacao fruit resembles an American football ball. And what does its beans tastes like? You can find out for yourself, as well as learning about the process of fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding beans, and brewing a wonderful chocolate drink 

Day 3 La Fortuna

Hike the low-impact 3-mile trail at Arenal National Park to Costa Rica’s most active volcano by La Fortuna Waterfall . The waterfall is located just outside the main town, with a deep pool that is perfect for swimming. We reach it by easy hiking and then refresh in its waters

Time to relax in Baldi Hot Springs : The thermal pools are all-natural and filled with minerals, and there are plenty of them to enjoy

Day 4 Drive to Monteverde

Drive to Monteverde

One of the most amazing things in Monteverde is walking along some of the hanging bridges in the forest. There are various hanging bridges throughout Monteverde but we choose the most famous one: Sky Bridge

Night walk through the jungle

Day 5 Monteverde

Monteverde Cloud Forest is the most popular, so we start very early to avoid the crowds. This amazing forest with rich flora is situated in high elevation reaching the clouds. It makes the forest moist and prone to rain and is a unique ecosystem for certain animals

Free time – our staff can help you choose different activities in the area such as: zip lining through the Rain Forest with one of the longest zip lines (over 1 km); visit the butterfly and humming day gardens  

Departure to San Antonio Park

Day 6 Manuel Antonio Park

Manuel Antonio Park is a real animal paradise. We arrive as soon as the park opens to see as many animals as possible. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing sloths, bats, monkeys, and colorful birds in their natural habitat

Relaxing afternoon at Playa Manuel Antonio

We enjoy dinner in a lively but less touristy town of Quepos

Day 7 San Jose – Departure to Panama City

Departure to Panama City

Historic tour of Casco Viejo – the old town

Free evening and d inner on your own

Day 8 Panama City

Panama canal tour . We board the boat to learn the history of the world’s most famous canal

Goodbye group dinner

Day 9 Departure

Example of organizations, school, artists in Costa Rica

Kids saving the Rainforest

Ara Project

Indigenous communties: Bribri and Sarapiqui

Sustainable cocoa and coffee plantations

Sloth sanctuary

Tour Operator

Sylvia   +1 617-301-1237 

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Costa Rica  –  Country Code   +506 | Police 117 | American Embassy: (+506) 2519 2000 Address: Via 104, C. 98, San José, Costa Rica

• Accommodation

Air condition

Towels and soap

Example from past accommodations

What’s included.

• Flights between countries
• All activities listed on itinerary
• Airport transfer
• Tickets to all scheduled sites
• Ground transportation
• 24h bilingual tour director support
• Pre-departure Q&A

What’s not included

• Tips (recommended $45 -50) total per person
• Additional health & evacuation insurance

Why teachers and students love our educational trips

Our prices include everything listed on itinerary, all meals etc.

Rich itinerary

Designed to create more travel experiences customers love.

Centrally located hotels

We stay in 3-4 stars hotels, mostly 2 students per room

Scholarships for students

We offer full or partial scholarships for the students with financial need.

Interaction with locals

Joint activities or dinner discussions with local students, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs.

Teachers and parents travel

Teacher travel for free and parents/chaperons receive 200-300 USD discount.

Essential Travel Information

for Costa Rica school trips

visa requirements, health, currency and more

▹ Visa requirements for Costa Rica school trips

There are no special visa requirements for U.S. citizens entering Panama and Costa Rica for less than 90 days. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least another 6 months and has empty pages.

▹ Health, Vaccinations

✔︎ All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should be able to walk at least 2-3 miles a day and be able to climb at least two sets of stairs. ✔︎ You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. ✔︎ There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Costa Rica and Panama. ✔︎ At least 30 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov . ✔︎ If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays ( we recommend additional 1-2 weeks of supply). ✔︎ If you tend to get motion sickness please travel with appropriate medication. If you have a sensitive stomach consider bringing imodium as well.

Health Insurance: international health insurance, evacuation or cancelation insurance are not included. We recommend purchasing those before the trip. See the insurance box on the sidebar of this page.

▹ Electricity

Costa Rica and Panama operate on 110 volts and use the same plug as in the U.S. (Type A, with two flat pins)

▹ Connectivity, Internet

✔︎ The internet is available in all hotels although speed may vary. ✔︎ Please consult your phone plan provider for phone call and text messages, international charges and plans.

▹ Time zones ✔︎ Costa Rica is 1 hour behind Eastern Time (ET). 12pm in New York is 11am the same day in Costa Rica from November through March and 10am the same day from April through October. ✔︎ Panama is the same as Eastern Time (ET). 12pm in New York is 12pm the same day in Panama from November through March and 11am the same day from April through October.

▹ Currency, cash, credit cards

✔︎  The currency in Costa Rica is Costa Rican colón and in Panama is U.S. dollar. ✔︎  Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas. ✔︎  ATMs are available in all major towns and cities and credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are better than American Express, Diners. Smaller venues accept cash only.

▹ Baggage allowance

✔︎ Our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights. Additional baggage can be a subject of extra fees. Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. ✔︎ We recommend that you make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents and a set of clothes, pijamas and cosmetics (travel size) in your carry-on bag in case of baggage delays. ber of your first hotel printed out.

✔︎ It’s customary to offer your guide and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind. ✔︎ We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10 per day per person and giving the tips to tour leaders to distribute between drivers, guides etc. ✔︎ Tips can only be paid in cash.

▹ Itinerary

Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

We LOVE to talk about travel. If you have any questions please give us a call: 617 301 1237 or email us: [email protected] .

We are always happy to talk to our travelers and answer the questions!

How can teachers plan safe and successful student trip in 2021?

Quiz: Can you identify the places

Register now, steps to enroll:.

• Fill up the registration form on-line here.

Or download the registration form, medical release and contract below , fill it out, sign and send to [email protected] or mail to Colibri Travel & Tours, 341 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139.

2. Send us a copy of your passport and deposit check via password protected email or regular mail.

3. Pack your bags and enjoy!

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STUDENT TRAVEL REGISTRATION FORM COLIBRI BOSTON

NOTE: Dear student, if you feel more comfortable with a hard copy, please download medical release, registration form , contract and send to [email protected]

1. Send request

2. Receive confirmation and registration forms

3. Send completed form

4. You are ready to go!

Send request

Receive confirmation and registration forms

Send completed form

Submit final payment and you are ready to go!

Complete the form

1. Deposit and final payment are refundable in case the trip has to be canceled due to national emergency, for example pandemic. Deposit and final payment are not refundable in case you cancel the trip due to personal reasons. We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance in order to protect your trip.

2. We reserve the right to cancel the trips due to reasons that do not depend on us like natural disasters etc. In such case we will refund all payments.

COLIBRI TRAVEL REGISTRATION FORM

NOTE: Dear traveler, if you feel more comfortable with a hard copy, please download it here and send to [email protected] .

1. Send request to book your spot

2. You will receive registration forms, waivers and invoice

Send all forms and pay the deposit

Send request to book your spot

You will receive registration forms, waivers and invoice

You are ready to go!

1. In order to register students must send registration form, waivers, copy of US health insurance and passport. Waiver and rules must be signed by student and parent or school official.

2. All payments are final and non-refundable.

Send completed form and $500 deposit

1. Deposit and final payment are final and non-refundable. We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance in order to protect your trip.

2. Cuban insurance is automatically included in every flight ticket to Cuba.

3. We reserve the right to cancel the trips due to reasons that do not depend on us like natural disasters etc. In such case we will refund all payments.

School trips to Costa Rica

Costa rica is the perfect destination geography and biology school trips or an adventurous school expedition..

We have a fantastic selection of educational tours and school expeditions in this small but beautiful country. Defined by its natural wonders, Costa Rica is nature’s jewel in Central America. Trek through the jungle, raft raging rivers, help out with turtle conservation work.

Costa Rica is an amazing destination for school trips, holding an astonishing 5% of the world’s biodiversity. It is possible to experience the best this country has to offer within as little as 9 to 10 days. Longer would be better but even in this short time you can enjoy a huge variety of educational experiences.

There are few, if any, other countries where you can do all the following in a ten day school trip: rainforest and waterfall hikes, hands on conservation work with sea turtles, up-close experiences with wildlife both at a conservation shelter and in the wild, night rainforest tours, kayaking at Lake Arenal and mangrove swamps, bathing in hot springs, witnessing fiery volcanoes, zip lining and canopy walks as well as the thrill of white-water rafting. 

At the end of all this activity, a beach on the Pacific or Caribbean Coast is simply the perfect place to unwind. If you are a teacher looking for an adventurous expedition, then you really should check out our coast to coast crossing of Costa Rica by bike, trek and raft. One of our signature old school expeditions, this really is adventure at its best.

Contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail:

Suggested expeditions and educational journeys

Costa rica coast to coast, 25 days crossing costa rica coast to coast on an epic adventure, turtles, teenagers and super-hero teachers, 11 days in costa rica - the most ecologically diverse country on the planet., matriarchs, magma and monkeys, a 15 day journey discovering the lives of indigenous women and spectacular wildlife of costa rica., costa rican expedition, 24 days exploring the unique flora and fauna of costa rica., can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us for a tailor-made quote..

Best Places to Live In Costa Rica For Families

I have talked to so many families who want to relocate to Costa Rica. In 2019, we packed up our kids and moved to Costa Rica for a year. There were pros and cons to that decision, but we wouldn’t change it for the world!

In this post, I won’t go into as much detail about our experience living in Costa Rica in this post, but I will outline some of the best places to live in Costa Rica for families. We loved being near family, living in a safe place in Central America, and the “second world” feel of the small country- for example, you can drink the water and often use US dollars .

I’m a former school teacher- I taught high school for 15 years before starting this blog. My main recommendations for where to live in Costa Rica center around the schools located in each community. If there aren’t great schools and you are not homeschooling or online schooling, it can be hard to feel good about your decision to move. My best advice is to make sure you tour the schools in the communities you are considering.

Here are my top recommendations for where to live in Costa Rica with your family. If you aren’t moving with a family, please read my post about the best places to live in Costa Rica .

The capital city has it all for families. Top international accredited schools- bilingual, International Baccalaureate, and more are located in San Jose. You’ll find private schools that range in price from $5,000 a year to upwards of $17,000 a year. The highest concentration of accredited bilingual schools is in the San Jose area- it’s the perfect place to get your kids an American education.

The cultural capital of Costa Rica is also in San Jose. Think museums, theater, international shopping, and more! You also have really easy access to the Caribbean coast and the pacific Coast from San José.

Many people in San Jose speak English, so if you aren’t speaking Spanish yet you can get around just fine. There are lots of Spanish teachers for ex-pats too.

Medical care in San Jose is great for those with local insurance or international medical insurance. The best international hospitals and doctors are in San Jose.

The cost of living in San Jose tends to be less expensive too- price ranges on rentals and properties for investment are much larger due to so many options on the market.

You’ll find tons of grocery stores, and farmer’s markets in San Jose. Walmart and PriceSmart (like a local Costco) are in San Jose, making the cost of buying food similar to that of the United States.

Schools in the San Jose area include the British School , the Pan American School , and the Country Day School.

Neighborhoods popular with ex-pats in San Jose include Barrio Escalante, Escazu, Pavas, and Santa Ana.

The small town of Atenas boasts ”the best climate in the world.” There is a tight-knit ex-pat community here, despite the town’s relatively small size. The views from the hills for Atenas are sweeping, and you are in the heart of Costa Rican coffee country.

The Green Valley Atenas School is a bilingual school here. It goes through 11th grade and is accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education.

Close proximity to Jaco and San Jose makes this a fun rural community for families to consider when moving to Costa Rica.

San Ramon has the largest ex-pat community in Costa Rica outside of San Jose, and I would be remiss not to include it on this list.

We lived in San Ramon when we lived in Costa Rica because my husband’s family is from there. We love the town as it’s large enough to have everything you need.

From shopping to restaurants to hiking and biking trails, you’ll find San Ramon has everything you need and most of the things you want.

You are in close proximity to the cloud forest, and the bird-watching is second to none. La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano are just a quick 90 minutes away, and San Jose is just an hour away too .

One of the best things about San Ramon is that the ex-pat community here is united and tight-knit- members meet for breakfast once a week, engage in community service and have a private Facebook group to support each other.

What San Ramon lacks is a strong bilingual school. There is one bilingual private school- Colegio Bilingue San Ramon. Given that the university of Costa Rica has a campus here, you’ll find the public schools brimming with good teachers- albeit instruction in Spanish only.

San Ramon is a great option for those who want to live a truly authentic Costa Rican life. Relocating to San Ramon means you’ll have an instant community of ex-pats and Costa Ricans alike.

If you want to live near Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific beaches , you have tons of options. Virtually every beach town has an ex-pat community, so it really comes down to where you want to settle.

A few of the top beach towns are Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa. These are the best areas from which to beach hop to some favorite hidden beaches.

Each of these communities offers a private school education with varying ranges of tuition. You’ll find lots of bilinguals and bilingual schools.

You’ll want to secure housing with air conditioning as the heat in northern Guanacaste can be a bit oppressive.

Make sure to find a place with a strong internet connection if you plan to work from these areas- the internet in these more rural areas can be spotty at best in the rural areas.

Living in Guanacaste can also be more expensive- there are luxury hotels , fancy restaurants, and more in the area. It’s such a popular destination for tourists that the popular towns here are expensive.

Guanacaste is a great choice, however, if you are looking for a bit less rain during the rainy season as the rain doesn’t come as hard and fast on the Pacific Ocean as it does in other areas of the country.

Your home base for hospitals, large American grocery stores, and other goods will be Liberia, which is about an hour away from all of these towns except Montezuma and Santa Teresa, which are more rural.

Join the Costa Rica With Kids Facebook Group. Ask all the Costa Rica Travel questions you want- we will answer them!

Schools in Guanacaste include:

• Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)  
• Flourish Children’s School  
• IREN Instituto Renacimiento
• Journey School of Costa Rica
• La Paz Community School  
• Pacific Waldorf School  

Jaco/Playa Hermosa

There’s a nice little ex-pat community in Playa Hermosa, and the kids go to school next door at Jaco . Both beaches are gorgeous and have the advantage of being about an hour away from San Jose. This is a good place to get your feet wet when moving to Costa Rica or exploring where you might want to live.

We’ve written extensively about where to stay in Jaco and where to eat in Jaco , and that’s because it’s one of our family’s favorite beaches.

There are several pre-k to middle school places to study here, but the only k-12 school is the Las Nubes School.

Dominical, Costa Rica is the next hotspot of ex-pat living- and it’s in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica. Right on the beach, it has a thriving community and several options for bilingual and Montessori schools.

The sleepy fishing town has slowly turned into a popular surf beach in southern Costa Rica. Located just an hour south of Manuel Antonio National Park , this laid-back haven for ex-pats has grown exponentially in size over the past 10 years.

Here you have a myriad of beaches within a 25-minute drive, and the rainforest is just behind the beach. The natural beauty here is unparalleled, and it’s a popular spot for locals and expats alike to live and work. There are three hospitals located within 30 minutes of Dominical.

The schools of Dominical are located in Uvita, which is just a 20-minute drive south.

Dominical tends to be more expensive than Central Valley cities as it’s a beach town. Digital nomads and North Americans with dollars do drive the price of goods up. Make sure to plan ahead if you want to move to Dominical- rental housing is more limited than in other areas of Costa Rica.

Rise is its own community near San Isidro El General- offering a Waldorf education, 1-acre land with different housing footprints, and even a relocation specialist.

The couple who started RISE is originally from California they relocated to Costa Rica because they felt a strong disconnect between the life they had and the life they wanted. They created a sustainable community in which families live.

They offer healthy food, on-site glamping and group retreats, and an accredited bilingual Waldorf school.

Close to San Isidro for goods and services, as well as a good hospital makes RISE a great place to relocate if you want a sort of American feel while living in Costa Rica. I have a good friend who relocated from San Ramon to RISE and she is thriving. Her kids adore the school and as a single mom she has found a lot of support from the community.

As you make your decisions about where to live with your family, I highly suggest you take a look at this international and private school guide from Two Weeks in Costa Rica. That can help you narrow down where you want to live if it’s based on schools.

If your decision is not based on schools, then I can help you as you make your transition to living in Costa Rica. Everything from what to pack to when is the best time of year to making sure your kids have a strong transition are things that I can help with. Just book a video chat or phone call with me here – I promise no sales! You just get to pick my brain. 

The post Best Places to Live In Costa Rica For Families appeared first on Pura Vida Moms .

Costa Rica Middle School Trips

Over the years we developed specific programs to accommodate middle school students on travel abroad cross-cultural experiences. While many student travel programs are reserved and designed for  high school or college-aged students, we have developed various itineraries that cater to teachers with students ages 12-14 years old.

Our middle school program itineraries expose younger students to genuine Costa Rican lifestyle with Spanish-language immersion and community service (with the additional support that this age group requires). Here are examples of how we customize our student programs to fit the needs of middle school students:

• Shorten the trip length
• Increase the length of the orientation phase to provide a more in-depth introduction to the program and its elements, thus easing the students into the experience and providing the necessary preparation to ensure a successful outcome
• Homestays are closer together and homestay communities cater to younger students
• More down time is added to the daily itinerary so students can recuperate energy
• Later morning start times are implemented to allow for more hours of sleep each night

Middle School Program Focuses

All of our Costa Rica middle school student travel programs include the following 3-phase program design:

1. Homestays

Middle-school aged students are exposed to a different culture when they are paired up and placed with approved Tico families within a homestay community. Our middle school homestay communities are middle-class neighborhoods and are in small, rural towns located nearby essential resources such as health clinics, hospitals, supermarkets, and banks. Oftentimes, the homestays we use for middle school groups have more experience and are more accustomed to our homestay process. They have experience hosting younger students, and their homes are in close proximity of one another, so the host teacher and our guides are minutes away if needed.

All Students, host educators and our guides live within the community. The homestay families and community service projects are typically within walking distance. Find more information regarding the Homestay Selection Process and Homestay Communities .

Empowering middle school students to make a positive difference in the world through community-based service projects is an essential element of our programs. This is even more important with middle school students, who appreciate extra direction and tend to thrive under additional supervision in this environment. Our desired student-to-adult ratio during service projects is 2:1.

While middle schools students adhere to the same rules as high school students such as not using electrical tools and always wearing closed-toed shoes, the work tends to be done in shorter spurts while doing less-strenuous activities. Middle school groups are typically partnered with community service partners such as elementary schools, local kindergartens, and/or community parks.

Most projects consist of 8-16 total hours of work and are completed in half-day sessions in order to keep this age group’s interest and motivation. Projects often consist of light construction such as light carpentry work, painting murals, cleaning, planting trees or flowers, teaching English to elementary students and/or kindergarteners, etc. We also offers the option to coordinate a “sports day” or community BINGO.

3. Reflection & Travel

Our travel experiences for middle school students expose student travelers to a new language and culture through a structured and highly-monitored program. There is a high student-to-adult ratio in all aspects of the itinerary. Through light adventures and educational excursions about the rainforest, jungle and beaches of Costa Rica, students will be able to travel through and learn about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity, history, and geography.

Extra Care with Middle School Students

Middle School student groups traveling with us are encouraged to take an extra day and/or night in the orientation phase. This allows the middle school students to soak in the new culture, environment and differences for a slightly longer period of time in a familiar hotel environment before heading to the homestay community.

For many middle school student travelers, this is their first time out of the country (without their parents) for an extended period of time. This might not be an issue for some middle school students who have experienced overnight camps or international travel in the past, but for many middle schoolers, it puts students out of their comfort zone right away.

Additional time in the orientation phase allows for the our guides to build trust and confidence within the group. Feeling emotionally safe within a group is essential for a positive travel experience. Extra time during orientation also allows for more collaboration between the guides and host educators to run group meetings, team-building exercises and role-playing ensuring all questions have been answered and appropriate topics covered as the group prepares for the homestay and service phases.

Our program planners work closely with middle school host teachers before their group arrives to Costa Rica by providing suggested pre-program topics and mini-lessons to cover with their students in preparation for their trip to Costa Rica. This allows middle school students to begin familiarizing themselves with the program and its inclusions far before actually landing in San José, Costa Rica.

Our Costa Rica Middle School Student Itineraries

Based on the group’s goals & budget, our student travel itinerary options range in duration from 8 to 12 days. All of our middle school travel programs include Homestays, Culture and Service, however, many schools are motivated to travel to additional destinations to experience the variety of different environments Costa Rica has to offer.

Our itineraries should be thought of as “templates” to further craft to your particular needs and interests. While we can implement an itinerary exactly how it’s laid out, we also welcome you to contact us about customizing a trip to tailor it to your desires and goals that you want to be accomplished during the middle school students’ travel to Costa Rica.

Please feel free to browse our most sought-after itineraries listed below. If your group would like to make adjustments to the itineraries, we are open to customizing our programs to fit the needs of the group.

• 8-day Homestay, Culture, Service & Spanish Immersion Student Itinerary
• 10-day Homestay, Culture, Service & Beach Student Itinerary
• 12-day Homestay, Culture, Service, Beach & Volcano Student Itinerary

If your middle school group would like to opt out of the homestay phase of our program, we are open to arranging hotel accommodations for the duration of the program. Please inquire about this option, as the price will differ from those listed on our itineraries.

What Our Middle School Students Say:

“I would definitely recommend this program because this trip left such a positive program on me as a person.” — Lauren “This trip opened my eyes to other cultures which expanded my awareness and will help me to relate to other people.” — Katie “By far my favorite trip I’ve ever been on.” — Grace

Ready to Plan a Costa Rica Middle School Trip? Contact Us!

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