Costa Rica
10 days / 9 nights
Discover Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and hands-on eco adventure
Pair hands-on service projects with environmental stewardship and cultural immersion—from rainforest reforestation to sea turtle rescue, volcanic hikes to beach ecology, this itinerary transforms students through community and conservation experiences.
Destinations can be booked separately or combined. Just ask us and we can customize a trip for your class.Sample Itinerary✈️ Day 1 – Arrival in San José
Arrive in Costa Rica (Juan Santamaría International Airport)
Meet your bilingual Tour Leader and private coach driver
Transfer to safe, student-friendly hotel in San José
Welcome dinner featuring Costa Rican casado
Evening Activity: “Costa Rica 101” intro session
Overnight: San José
🌿 Day 2 – Rainforest & Service Base Arrival
Morning visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens (wildlife, waterfalls, cloud forest ecology)
Lunch at La Paz
Transfer to northern highlands service region (San Carlos) – ~2.5–3 hr drive
Community welcome by local NGO partner
Evening Activity: Spanish-English icebreaker games with local youth
Overnight: Rustic eco-lodge near service community
🤝 Day 3 – Service Project: Building & Bonding
Project: Construct greenhouse beds for local school lunch program
Learning Focus: Food security & sustainable development
Lunch on-site, hosted by local families
Afternoon: Mini Spanish lesson + host family interviews
Evening Activity: Costa Rican short film + discussion
Overnight: Service lodge
🌱 Day 4 – Service Project: Reforestation & Environment
Project: Plant native trees & build erosion barriers
Learning Focus: Watershed protection, deforestation impacts
Lunch picnic near project site
Afternoon: Tortilla & juice workshop with local women’s co-op
Evening Activity: “Community Map” reflection session
Overnight: Service lodge
🏫 Day 5 – Service Project: Cultural Exchange & Celebration
Project: English-art activities with local schoolchildren
Mural painting with local youth on school wall
Lunch shared with Costa Rican students
Community farewell feast & certificate ceremony
Evening Activity: Latin dance party with local DJ
Overnight: Service lodge
🌋 Day 6 – Arenal Volcano Region
Depart service base for La Fortuna – ~1.5–2 hrs
Lunch at volcano-view restaurant
Afternoon hike at Arenal Volcano National Park
Evening soak at natural hot springs resort
Dinner at hot springs buffet
Evening Reflection: “What does sustainability mean to me?”
Overnight: La Fortuna hotel
🌲 Day 7 – Ziplining, Waterfalls & Chocolate
Morning canopy zipline adventure through rainforest
Lunch at adventure base
Afternoon swim at La Fortuna Waterfall
Chocolate-making workshop: from cacao bean to bar
Evening Activity: Group quiz night with tropical prizes
Overnight: La Fortuna
🐊 Day 8 – Crocodiles & Pacific Coast Arrival
Morning departure for Pacific Coast – ~4.5–5.5 hrs
Scenic stop at Río Tárcoles Crocodile Bridge – see wild crocs from above
Optional stop at roadside frutería for fresh tropical fruit snacks
Late afternoon arrival at eco-lodge near Playa Hermosa or Manuel Antonio
Marine biodiversity beach walk with local guide
Evening Activity: Sunset journaling & reflection
Overnight: Pacific coast lodge
🐢 Day 9 – Marine Conservation & Surfing
Morning: Beach cleanup & sea turtle conservation support (seasonal hatchery if available)
Learning Focus: Marine ecosystems, plastic pollution, biodiversity
Lunch at the lodge
Afternoon: Surf lesson or ocean ecology workshop
Farewell dinner with awards & student-led presentations
Evening Activity: Campfire circle & “Letters to My Future Self” reflection
Overnight: Pacific coast lodge
✈️ Day 10 – Return Home
Early breakfast and private transfer to San José Airport – ~3.5–4 hrs
Tour Leader assists with group check-in and farewell*
Flight home with stories, impact, and memories
*Tour Leader may travel with group round-trip or join locally, depending on circumstances.