Discover the beauty of Costa Rica, from the soothing waters to the lush treetops. Start the adventure in San José and go on a ride through Braulio Carrillo National Park, the second largest park in Costa Rica. In Sarapiqui, visit the Pierella butterfly and ecological garden, hosting a great diversity of environments and wildlife to explore. Experience the tropical evergreen tree that is responsible for chocolate at a cacao plantation. Go whitewater rafting in the Sarapiqui River, soaring through a vibrant rainforest over rolling rapids. Evaluate the water quality of the Sarapiqui River using physical, biological and chemical surveys. Explore the nocturnal world of bats, participate in a live lab and multimedia presentation.
Costa Rica is a place of growth and healing, as students learn on a day in the Arenal Volcano National Park area. See La Fortuna Waterfall, cascading gracefully through the flora and fauna into the crystalline waters below. Learn sustainable agricultural techniques from a local farming family at Arenal Vida Campesina, through demonstrations of their sugar mill and cultivated crops, such as coffee, bananas and plantains. Try a traditional lunch with freshly harvested vegetables from the farm, along with a lesson on making tortillas. Float in an oasis of wellness in the thermal pools heated by Arenal Volcano or in cool water pools by the waterfall at EcoTermales Fortuna.
Experience the wonders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the world’s premier natural history destinations. On a tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, explore the plant life of mosses, lichens and orchids with chances to encounter monkeys, coatimundis and numerous bird species, such as the resplendent quetzal. Later that day, visit the Monteverde Frog Pond at Santa Elena to admire over 40 species of venomous and non-venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, toads, lizards and turtles. Discover exhilarating panoramic views on a zipline adventure in Monteverde, where ziplining was invented. Glide through the clouds along cables that cross mountains, flying through the treetops.
Arrive in Costa Rica and transfer to the hotel. Both the orientation and welcome dinner take place at the hotel.
On a two-hour drive to the Sarapiquí Region, cross the Braulio Carrillo National Park. In Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, visit Pierella Butterfly and Ecological Garden. Take a chocolate tour in the afternoon, visiting a cacao plantation and the Cacao Rancho in the middle of a protected forest.
Go white water rafting on the Sarapiquí River through lush rainforests and farmlands. In the afternoon, learn about water cycles and their importance for the ecosystems in field exercises. Participate in live bat labs on rainforest trails with an expert. During the nocturnal hours, catch and release these wonderful mammals.
After breakfast, travel to the next destination, Arenal Volcano National Park. Once there, visit La Fortuna Waterfall and then learn about organic agriculture at Arenal Vida Campesina. For the second half of the day, relax at the EcoTermales Fortuna Hot Springs, thermal pools heated by the Arenal Volcano.
Cross over to Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the world’s premier destinations for naturalists. Tour Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, learning about the local wildlife. Afterwards, go on a tour of the Monteverde Frog Pond at Santa Elena.
Experience the best views of Costa Rica on Monteverde Sky Trek zipline courses, crossing from mountain to mountain. After lunch, return to San José and check in to the hotel. Share a farewell dinner.
After a week of adventures, it is time for the journey home.
Note: Activities are subject to change based on availability.
On this Costa Rica STEAM adventure, students learn about biodiverse ecosystems of rainforests and rivers. Traveling through tropical rainforests, students are introduced to an abundance of new species of plants and animals. There are hands-on activities, where students interact with bats, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles. With trained experts and researchers, students test aquatic ecosystems, compare plants and soils, learn sustainable farming and consider the difference between a cloud forest and a rainforest.
At Experience, we make sure everything is covered – from housing to technology and beyond – to provide the best experience for our students.
Quality, safe hotels with twin or triple occupancy that are centrally located.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Airfare covers round-trip flights from major airports.
All three meals are provided daily, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
International travel insurance is provided for protection in case of accidents, illness, flight interruptions or baggage loss.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
