The Costa Rica trip offers students a truly unique and hands-on learning experience. Although only about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has 12 distinct ecosystems and more biodiversity than North America or Europe!
Students (and their families!) explore rainforests, dry forests, mangroves, cloud forests, volcanoes and coastal beaches in a matter of days and learn how organisms adapt to their corresponding habitats. This program includes exciting adventures and a chance to experience a new culture: integrating fun and social studies with science to create an unforgettable learning experience.
"Regular" price: $2,699 "Special Fall discount" price: $2,499 ($200 discount)
"Regular" price: $3,099 ""Special Fall discount" price: $2,899 ($200 discount)
"Regular" price: $3,499 ""Special Fall discount" price: $3,299 ($200 discount)
As you exit the Juan Santamaría International Airport you will start going up the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and through fertile coffee fields, until you arrive at the Doka Estate coffee plantation. This old hacienda is as picturesque as it is productive. You will enjoy your first Costa Rican breakfast right here. A hefty meal for a great morning! The tour starts in the seedbed, where you will see the small plants and the expert guides will explain about coffee plant varieties, and growth patterns. They will also tell you in a very entertaining way about the geography and the history of coffee. The next stop is an old processing plant that was declared an Architectural Heritage for Humanity monument in 2003. You’ll be able to observe the de-pulping and fermenting of the grains, which prepares them for export or domestic roasting. Finally, you will tour the roasting factory, Café Tres Generaciones, and learn about the various kinds of coffee before sampling the eight Doka Estate blends in the gift store. When you finish the coffee tour you will enjoy a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch before getting back on the bus to go to your hotel in San José, the KC Hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner is at KC Hotel at assigned time. |
On this day, and as the first thing of the day, you will bring your luggage down and to the bus. Then you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the KC Hotel. After breakfast, you will board the bus to go to the Sarapiqui area. On the way to the region of Sarapiqui, you will go across the magnificent Braulio Carrillo National Park and witness breathtaking views of clouds and rainforests. En route, and already on the Northern Plains, you will stop to enjoy some of the exotic fresh fruits that vendors sell at stands by the road. Afterward, you will drive through different fruit plantations and little towns until you arrive in the region of the Sarapiqui River. This 3-hour rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui consists of navigating the Class II and III rapids in a beautiful section of the river for you to go through some intense Class 3 rapids and some fun Class 2 shakes. Vast rainforests surround the fantastic Sarapiqui river, so you will be able to witness the beauty of the flora and fauna in the slower areas where you can float down while facing the sky and the nearby jungles. After a hefty lunch and changing clothes you will board the bus again to go into the region of the mighty Arenal Volcano. With its own hot springs and situated in the middle of beautiful property with great views of the Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Paraiso is a classic of the region. As you arrive at the hotel, you will have some time at your leisure before coming back on board your vehicle to go and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the region. |
On the third day of your trip in Costa Rica, you will enjoy a hefty breakfast at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel. As you finish your breakfast you will go onboard your bus to go to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall in the midst of the rainforest. La Fortuna Waterfall Rainforest Chocolate tour You will visit a rainforest cocoa farm with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Volcano. Discover different secrets of the local chocolate production process by seeing where cacao is grown, processed, and produced. This exciting experience will allow you to eat as much chocolate as you want while learning about this famous Costa Rican treat’s history, culture, and customs. You will enjoy a delicious lunch in La Fortuna town. As soon as you finish your lunch you will go on a boat tour by Lake Arenal. Boat tour in Lake Arenal As you exit the Arenal Lake boat tour, you will go back on the bus that will take you to the Baldi Hot Springs. The Baldi Hot Springs is a thermae facility located on the Arenal Volcano’s hillsides. As a result of its closeness to this colossus, it provides its visitors with 25 pools with entirely natural hot springs. Baldi Hot Springs & Spa offers its guests two restaurants, a massive Sauna as well as Jacuzzi, private parking with 24-hour security, five water slides, three wet bars, and two dry bars. Furthermore, it has a well-known spa with many treatments and therapies. |
On this day, you will have the opportunity to experience the best of what Rincon de la Vieja has to offer, starting with the Buena Vista del Rincon Eco Adventure Park, Hotel & Spa.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you can participate in various workshops that showcase the rich culture and traditions of Costa Rica. You will learn about traditions and sustainability.
After lunch, you will indulge in a rejuvenating mud bath and hot springs experience.
The Buena Vista del Rincon Eco Adventure Park, Hotel & Spa offers a natural mud bath where you can cover your body in warm therapeutic mud, known for its mineral-rich properties. After relaxing in the mud, you can soak in natural hot springs that are believed to have medicinal benefits.
Get ready to embark on a memorable journey from Arenal Volcano to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Your comfortable AC bus will transport you through stunning scenery for approximately three hours.
Our experienced naturalist guides will accompany you, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing. They will share their vast knowledge about the local flora and fauna, so you can truly appreciate the wonders of the area.
As we travel, you’ll enjoy highlights such as breathtaking views of the volcanoes, extensive pasture lands, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife sightings. Be sure to have enough space in your memory to capture the stunning landscapes and curious creatures.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
On day 6, you’ll wake up early to enjoy a typical breakfast before heading out of Rincon de la Vieja and to the Central Pacific of Costa Rica.
The winding road down the mountains and into the Pan-American Highway offers picturesque views of the landscape.
Upon arrival in the area of the aerial tram of the Pacific, you’ll embark on a thrilling canopy tour that takes you through the treetops of the forest. Admire the lush green canopy and, if fortunate, spot monkeys and birds as you zip along the cables.
After the tour, you’ll drive to your next accommodations at Hotel Punta Leona, nestled in one of the country’s few transitional forests. This hotel offers elegant refinement surrounded by exuberant gardens and a breathtaking and secluded white sand beach, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of tropical coastal nature.
In the evening, you’ll have a delicious dinner at the hotel, surrounded by the abundant flora and wildlife of Costa Rica. It’s the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and natural beauty.
On this day, we are going for the Crocodile Safari on the Tarcoles River.
The Tarcoles River is home to the largest population of American Crocodiles in Costa Rica, making it a prime location for observing these magnificent reptiles in their natural habitat.
With some individuals reaching up to 17 feet in length, these crocodiles are truly awe-inspiring.
As you embark on the Crocodile Safari Tour, your knowledgeable guide will point out these prehistoric creatures and provide fascinating information about their behavior and biology.
It’s a thrilling and educational experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these ancient predators.
And after the tour, you can enjoy a delicious lunch by the river, taking in the beauty of the region and reflecting on the incredible wildlife you just witnessed.
On this day, you will start the day by dropping off your luggage at the bus and going for a good breakfast before departing for Sarchi, and the Ox Cart Factory. Once at Sarchi, your tour guide will take you to the working factory where the painters perform their unique art. You will experience how to paint these intricate designs. Afterward, you will have some time to do all your souvenirs shopping. Mostly all the art crafts in this store are made by locals and you will find some quite unique items to take back home. As you finish your lunch you will get back on the bus and drive to the KC Hotel. The rest of your afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. |
Fly back home!
If you have any questions, or comments or you just simply want to book a tour with us, please send us a note! Let’s talk!