Experiential Learning in Costa Rica | Conservation Journey

Overview

Highlights

Experience exotic wildlife and the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Explore the vibrant city of San Jose
Trek the Arenal hanging bridge
Explore Herpetarium and insect gallery
Visit Gandoca, a center for one of the world's largest turtle migrations
Explore Cahuita National Park hiking & snorkeling
Guided tour at the Jaguar Rescue centre
The Sloth Centre private insider's tour
Raft the exhilarating Pacuare River through spectacular canyons
Undertake a sea kayak adventure to the tidal mouth of the Caribbean Coast
Option to include a service learning project that addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals
Tailor this experiential learning trip in Costa Rica to meet your school's needs & budget

For biology students and outdoor enthusiasts it would be hard to beat the National Parks and reserves of Costa Rica for an experiential learning journey. From our well-appointed lodges and hotels, our naturalist guide leads us on day walks, rafting and kayaking through areas of huge biodiversity. Think pristine rain forest, spectacular beaches and the cloud forests of the highlands. Expect to learn about many species of animals, some endemic to this region, and unique ecosystems as students explore this beautiful country. Highlights include the Jaguar Rehabilitation Centre, the Sloth Centre, the hanging bridges canopy in the Arenal Volcano region and walking the jungle trails of the Monteverde cloud forest.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate

Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive San Jose

Day 2
Monteverde Cloud Forest & Night-time Nature Tour

Day 3
Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy hike, Herpetarium & Insects Gallery

Day 4
Day hike Arenal 1968 private volcano reserve then soothing at Baldi’s Hot Springs

Day 5
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall

Day 6
Drive from Arenal to Pacuare River

Day 7
Transfer to Pacuare river. Rafting to El Nido

Day 8
Rafting to Siquerres

Day 9
Sea Kayak to the Caribbean Coast

Day 10
Hiking & Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park

Day 11
Jaguar Rescue Center Public Tour, Caribbean Coast, Turtle Gandoca night tour

Day 12
Sloth Centre Private insiders tour visit, drive through Braulio Carrilo to San Jose

Day 13
Explore San Jose at leisure

Day 14
Depart Costa Rica

Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials

Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.