Adventure Trip to Costa Rica Costa Rica
8 Days from £2000pp
based on a group size of 26 students and 3 teachers (free places)
From zip lining through a rainforest to horse riding, hiking and tubing, you are hard pressed to find a destination more perfect for the adventure trip of a lifetime than Costa Rica.
On top of the copious amounts of activities students can enjoy, the epic landscapes students will immerse themselves in will add a backdrop like no other to their adventure. Students will see stunning beaches, expansive rainforests, towering volcanos, waterfalls, villages, hot springs, caves and so much more.
Looking for a combined adventure and geography trip? Our dedicated team of Travel Specialists are on hand to help create a bespoke school trip that ticks all of your boxes.
What's included
- Flights from London Heathrow to San Jose
- Hold luggage for all passengers
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- Full board basis
- Professional Guide providing outstanding knowledge of Costa Rica
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary below
- Cost of Covid testing that may be required to fulfil the trip
- Our Covid Assurance
Ask about our approach to Responsible Travel
We believe the benefits of travel should not be lost for the next generation. In order to protect this world we live in and also inspire a new group of young people to fight for our planet, we are developing an approach to Responsible Travel that is founded in facts, empowers young people to take action and involves suppliers at all levels in minimising negative impacts of travel.
We are committed to finding and implementing maintainable strategies which include developing teaching resources, offsetting carbon emissions, benefitting local economies, protecting local cultures and becoming ‘Plastic Clever’ travellers.
We can’t do it alone. Will you join us?
Responsible School Travel
Day
1
Fly to San Jose
As you touch down in the capital of Costa Rica, you will find yourself finally immersed in Latin American culture and as you drive to your hotel you will be able to take in the architectural gems and local life. You will be able to get a good night’s rest, ready to start your big adventure tomorrow.
Day
2
White water rafting in Pacuare, Tortuguero and Lecture on Caribbean Culture
You will dive right into the action, as you kickstart your trip with an activity to really get your blood pumping; white water rafting along the Pacuare River. As you take to the grade IV-V white water rapids, you will also get to see your first glimpse of just how biodiverse Costa Rica is, as along the river banks monkeys, sloths and extra ordinary bird species have found a home.
Next, you will hop on a boat to head to Tortugero, a beautiful village and National Park on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Despite its tranquil and remote deposition, Tortugero is the third-most visited place in Costa Rica.
As well as exploring the village, students will get a chance to explore the locally loved Turtle Museum, a small museum and conservation centre. Students will learn more about the different species of sea turtles that nest and lay their eggs on the beaches of Tortuguero and gain an understanding of their life, habitat, and the importance of protecting them.
For a unique learning opportunity, students will get to attend a lecture on Caribbean Culture. This lecture covers the subject of the Cultural manifestations in the Caribbean region including music, religion, language, cooking and dances. All of which unite to make Caribbean culture unlike any other in the world.
Day
3
Conservation project and Tortuguero Canals Boat Tour
Day 3 starts with an unforgettable experience. Students will spend time with Tortuguero park rangers and onsite researchers at Tortuguero National Park. Through a range of different tasks, including beach clear ups and maintenance projects, students will be assisting with conservation of the park, including helping endangered sea turtles.
You will further get to explore Tortugero in an exciting Canals Boat Tour. Four canals make up a 65 mile long aquatic highway that runs through Tortugeuro National Park. Along the way be sure to lookout for the sloths and howler monkeys that reside on the banks of the canals and the endangered manatees that swim in the water below.
Day
4
La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs
First up, students will take the impressive 490 steps to the La Fortuna Waterfall, where you will watch as the waterfall emerges from dense forest before plummeting 65m into an emerald pool below. After seeing the impressive cascades, you will have an opportunity to take a swim in the waters below.
Arenal is Costa Rica’s most famous and, until recently, most active volcano. Students will embark on a guided volcano hike in Arenal National Park. Your guide will lead you into the volcanic national park to learn about the explosive history of Arenal. The hike takes you through trails in the secondary forest around the base of the volcano and past lava fields from previous eruptions.
Finally, it is time to relax! The Baldi Hot Springs is a tranquil resort consisting of 25 thermal water pools. The perfect relaxation activity as the hum of the tropical rainforest blend with the sound of running water, making you feel as though you are in paradise.
Day
5
Venado Caves
Discovered by the Guatusos aboriginals, the Venado caves are formed by limestone rocks, stalactites, stalagmites and corals. Exploring the cave is an exciting adventure for those who don’t mind getting wet and muddy. There will be crickets, spiders and bats to accompany you along your tour.
Day
6
Monteverde Cloudforest, Hanging Bridges and Canopy-Zip lining
Today students will find themselves fully immersed in the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Directly translating to “Green Mountain” which is an accurate description for the towering, biodiverse paradise. National Geographic describe Monteverde as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forests” and it is listed as one of the seven wonders of Costa Rica. 50% of the flora and Fauna in Costa Rica can be found here and Monteverde houses 2.5% of worldwide biodiversity.
Monteverde treetop walkways provide a fantastic way to safely observe the cloud forest canopy at your own pace. From the bridges you will be able to observe the endemic biodiversity of the cloud forest, as well as lookout for wildlife that resides in there. The trail is 1.9 miles long and is made up of eight bridges of various lengths which range between 170 feet and 560 feet.
Then, students will be able to see the forest from a new height in this adventurous Zip lining activity! Zip line on Costa Rica’s longest cable and become truly immersed in virgin forest. The tour is made up of 15 cables and 18 viewing platforms, crossing over two miles of forest and combining the thrill of the zip line with a unique perspective of the tree top canopy.
Day
7
Horse-riding and tubing on Rio Negro and Sarchi Town
It doesn’t get more adventurous than day 5. Enjoy non-stop fun and excitement bouncing and splashing down 5 km of rapids along this narrow, rushing river of crystal clear water. There are plenty of quiet pools along the way to appreciate the beautiful tropical scenery of the Rio Negro. Following this, students will transfer by horseback along scenic forest to access the river.
Next, visit the quaint town of Sarchi, which is probably most famous for the bright and colourful oxcarts that have been made here for over a century. You will be able to pick up one of the intricate arts, crafts and souvenirs that are created here.
Day
8
Poas Volcano
Before heading home we have one more experience up our sleeve. Students will get to visit Poas Volcano, one of the most renowned in Costa Rica. Poas volcano can be found in the country’s most visited national park of the same name. When you arrive at the rim of the caldera you will see the Botos Lake which has filled the crater. The lake has teal acidic water and sulphuric fumaroles which bubble and steam.
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Trip notes:
We haven’t been able to include all of the incredible things to see and do in Costa Rica. Get in touch with our team to receive our guidance on activities available and create an itinerary bespoke for your group, designed for your interests and budget. This trip is based on a group size of 29 (26 students and 3 teachers) travelling in October 2022. You can add an additional teacher for £75pp extra.
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