Costa Rica Enhanced Trip Costa Rica
10 Days from £3005pp
Based on a group size of 30 students and 3 teachers (free places). All compulsory charges that we have been able to calculate are included in the price. A departure tax of $29 will be payable at some airports, we'll highlight any expected local charges in your tailored quote.
We provide transparent and realistic pricing that reflects a full itinerary of engaging activities. As former teachers, we know your time is valuable, so we focus on giving you clear, honest quotes from the outset.
Costa Rica is a shining example of sustainability, reforestation and environmental protection. For students looking to explore and learn about flora and fauna in the field, there is no better destination.
With 5% of the world’s biodiversity, and a diverse range of epic landscapes, you’ll be immersed in towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, waterfalls, caves, hot springs, stunning beaches, and so much more.
This 10-day itinerary perfectly combines curriculum links with fun and activities to help you embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle!
Our team of former geography teachers and destination specialists will offer curriculum expertise and local knowledge every step of the way, making sure students get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
What's included
- Return flights from London to San Jose
- Hold luggage for all passengers
- Professional Guide providing outstanding knowledge of Costa Rica’s culture & geography
- 9 nights accommodation with possible shared facilities
- Staff rooming based on the same sex teachers sharing multi-bedded rooms
- All excursions, activities and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
- Travel disruption support
- All transportation in Costa Rica in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Loyalty Scheme with a range of benefits and discounts
- Full board basis
Day
1
Fly to San José
As you land in Costa Rica, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the hotel in San José.
Day
2
Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park & rainforest talk
Head to Braulio Carrillo National Park. On the way you’ll pass between the peaks of the Barva and Irazu volcanoes towards the tropical rainforests.
Next, visit Tortuguero National Park, formed by a network of marshy islands, here freshwater meets the sea to create beaches, canals, lagoons, and areas of exceptional biodiversity. The park has been recognised as protected nesting sanctuary where Green Sea, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles nest on the beach.
Walk along the beach and learn about the interface between the rainforest and the sea, and how animals manage this stark divide in environments.
For groups visiting between July and October, you may be lucky to see the turtles returning to lay their eggs!
To finish your day, a local expert will talk about the Tortuguero rainforest and the flora and fauna that can be found here.
Day
3
Tortuguero
Start with a guided wildlife boat tour at dawn- the best time of the day to explore rivers and waterways and spot a wide variety of wildlife.
Back in the village, enjoy a cacao and cholate tour and learn about the processes involved in growing cacao trees, extracting and processing the seeds, and creating different varieties of chocolate.
To assist the national park with its conservation efforts, spend some time planting native trees to restore areas that have been damaged by storms or deforestation. This has been one of conservation’s biggest success stories and is one of the main reasons why Costa Rica is now a beacon for reforestation and ecotourism.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Tortuguero village to better understand the unique location and culture, and how the community survives on ecotourism.
Your guide will also give everyone a talk on Caribbean heritage and culture.
Next, visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the different species of sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches of Tortuguero, gain an understanding of their life, habitat, and the importance of protecting them.
To finish your day, your group will enjoy a guided night walk around the forests surrounding the town. The rainforest comes alive at night and your expert guide will help you spot dwarf porcupines, frogs, bats, moths, tarantulas, snakes, sloths, and iguanas.
Day
4
Sarapiquí
Today you’ll continue west to the important ecotourism region of Sarapiquí.
Arrive at the La Tirimbina Biological Reserve to tour the rainforest and assist your guides with their biodiversity field study.
Access the rainforest via the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica where you’ll trail through the forest with your guide who will help you spot rare species.
During your breaks at the lodge, your guides will discuss their ongoing studies, any unique discoveries that they’ve made, and how the field station is empowering the younger generation to explore and protect these vital ecosystems.
Overnight stay in Sarapiquí.
Day
5
La Fortuna & Arena
Your first stop is La Fortuna Waterfall.
Plunging 70 meters into a vivid blue pool, the waterfall creates a humid microclimate rich with bromeliads, orchids, and ferns. Near the entrance, you’ll also find a butterfly garden and orchid trail.
In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park. Rising 5,358 ft (1,633 m), Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s most iconic.
End the day unwinding in the geothermal pools of Baldi Hot Springs.
Day
6
Venado Caves & Tenorio National Park
This morning’s adventurous activity begins in the Venado Caves, formed by limestone rocks, stalactites, stalagmites and corals. You may spot crickets, spiders, bats, and bioluminescent fungi which will help light the way!
Head to the Tenorio National Park. Centred around the Tenorio Volcano and its four cones, the lush rainforest that covers the volcano’s slopes is teeming with wildlife.
With scenic hiking trails and hanging bridges that meander through the rainforest, the most noticeable feature of the landscape is the Rio Celeste and its iconic waterfall.
Overnight stay in Miravalles.
Day
7
Stratovolcano of Miravalles, Las Hornillas Volcanic Activity Centre & Puma Rescue Center
Begin by exploring the dormant stratovolcano of Miravalles. Though it hasn’t erupted in recorded history, it fuels Costa Rica’s largest geothermal field.
At Las Hornillas Volcanic Activity Centre, witness bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, sulphur-stained rocks, and hot springs and even enjoy a therapeutic mud bath.
Continue south to Puma Rescue Center, where students learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Home to monkeys, otters, deer, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, and five of Costa Rica’s six wild cat species, the centre rescues injured, orphaned, and illegally traded animals.
Head to Monteverde for your overnight stay.
Day
8
Monteverde
Monteverde, described by National Geographic as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forests,” is home to around half of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna and 2.5% of global biodiversity. You’ll explore the canopy on a 1.9-mile treetop walkway of eight hanging bridges.
Travel to the Central Valley, stopping in the artisan town of Sarchi, famous for its shops and market stalls selling handcrafted jewellery and souvenirs decorated in this characteristic style.
Continue to San José for your overnight stay.
Day
9
Airport transfer
Transfer to the airport and say “¡Adios Costa Rica!”
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School Trip Planning Hub
We know that the real job of selling a school trip is down to you and your colleagues so we've collated some helpful resources for you to use to make sure you not only get the buy in from your students and their parents, but also that you have all the details you need to ensure a simple planning process.
Launching Your School Trip- Cross-curricular
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- Tourism
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- Sustainability
- Globalisation
- Water, carbon & nutrient cycles
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This resource introduces students to the sea turtles of Costa Rica and the importance of their habitat, assesses the dangers that they face and encourages students to consider how they can help.
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