Costa Rica educational trips and tours
Costa Rica: Explore a sustainable paradise
For a tiny Central American country, Costa Rica packs a serious punch. Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, it’s a must-visit for wildlife and nature lovers. It offers an educational and unforgettable trip across a stunning variety of landscapes, including steamy rainforests, hot springs, smoking volcanoes, and idyllic beaches.
If you’re more of a people person, you’ll be charmed by the friendly and relaxed vibe of Ticos (Costa Rican citizens). As well as being recognized as one of the world’s leading destinations for sustainable tourism, Costa Rica is also regarded as one of the safest destinations to visit in Latin America. It’s the complete package!
Popular student trips in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Sustainability
Costa Rica trip information
Quick details about Costa Rica
Electricity: 120V/60hz. Costa Rica uses the same plug types as the US.
Language: Spanish. English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Colón (CRC). Most tourist areas will also accept USD.
ATMs: ATMs charge so try to use travel-friendly debit cards like Monzo or Revolut. Take dollars with you so you can use this there or change for local currency at change houses.
Visas: You will receive a 90-day travel visa upon entering Costa Rica.
Visa and documents
As a US citizen, you do not need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica if your stay is 90 days or less. You should have a valid passport and proof of a return trip. Check this US government page for the most up-to-date information.
Sustainability Options
Costa Rica takes sustainability very seriously – they won the UN’s ‘Champions of the Earth’ award in 2019, generate 99% of their electricity from renewable sources, and aim to be carbon neutral by 2050. Here are a selection of some of the best sustainable hotels and eco-lodges across the country:
Rancho Margot – This regenerative eco-lodge near the stunning Arenal Volcano is perfect for educational travel. As well as offering a range of outdoor and wellness activities, it provides a great experience in sustainable living.
Hotel Villabosque Eco Boutique – Next to the unmissable Manuel Antonio National Park, this eco-friendly, family-run hotel is a great option for your stay on the Pacific coast.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens – With easy access to the Monteverde cloud forest, this eco-friendly resort has won awards for its conservation management, mainly hires local women in management roles, and is involved in many initiatives, including a university-led jaguar research program.
What to bring
As your trip to Costa Rica will likely include lots of time in the great outdoors, it’s important to bring good hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, some insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. A Spanish phrasebook and some US dollars might also come in handy!
Vaccinations
Costa Rica doesn’t currently require visitors to carry any proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, but they may ask to see a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an African or South American country. Please visit this page for up-to-date information Costa Rica – Traveler view | Travelers’ Health | CDC.
Food and drink in Costa Rica
Costa Rican food shares much in common with many of its Latin American neighbors, with beans, rice, and plantains featured in many dishes and recipes. While it may not be a gastronomic hotspot like Peru or Mexico, its cuisine has plenty of homespun charm and its humble-looking sodas (diners) are an authentic and economical way to eat out.
With two coastlines and a tropical climate, fresh fish and exotic fruits are easily found. And don’t miss Costa Rica’s iconic gallo pinto breakfast!
Safety
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries to travel to in Latin America. Pickpocketing and scams are the most common threats in urban areas, but if you are careful with your belongings you shouldn’t encounter any issues. It’s worth locking up your passport in your accommodation and being careful not to flash valuables while out.
Activities
The country is an adventure sports hotspot, offering activities like kayaking, zip-lining, canyoning, hiking, and surfing. If you love animals, you’re also in for a treat – get ready to spot sloths, toucans, monkeys, and maybe even jaguars.
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica easy to travel around?
Costa Rica is a relatively easy country to navigate by Latin American standards. Traveling by road means you’ll have to contend with some highly variable terrain and conditions, with some areas like the remote Caribbean coast slightly more difficult to reach. However, on a high school trip to Costa Rica with Kagumu, you won’t have to worry about this – all of our transport will be in private buses managed by our highly experienced guides.
How do I avoid getting sick in Costa Rica?
To stay healthy in tropical Costa Rica, the most important items to bring are sunscreen, bug repellent, and good travel insurance. If you do happen to get sick, Costa Rica’s healthcare system is rated as one of Latin America’s best. Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, but you might consider filtered, bottled water in the more remote spots.
How much is a high school trip to Costa Rica?
A 7-day trip to Costa Rica would likely cost somewhere between $900-1300. This would cover accommodation, activities, food, and guides – but flights would be additional.
Is Costa Rica good for education travel?
Costa Rica is the ideal place for a school trip. There are few better global examples of sustainable travel, with a staggering range of eco-lodges and protected national parks across the country. As well as offering many hands-on opportunities to volunteer in community projects and wildlife conservation, it is also a great place to learn Spanish.
How many days in Costa Rica is enough?
A week is long enough for you to visit two to three of Costa Rica’s main highlights, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. Two weeks will give you a better balance of adventure and relaxation, while up to three weeks might give you a chance to get involved in a sustainability project.
Can you recommend any good sustainability projects?
The Corcovado Foundation gives students the chance to learn about regenerative agriculture, care for baby sea turtles, and plant trees, while Global Leadership Adventures offers similarly fantastic opportunities for educational travel.
Is Costa Rica touristy?
Costa Rica is very popular with American tourists. In peak season you are likely to encounter crowds in the most popular spots, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, the beach and surf resort of Tamarindo, and La Fortuna, where you’ll find Arenal volcano. However, Costa Rica has a huge range of beaches, national parks, and hot springs that allow you to dodge the crowds easily whatever the season.
Are Costa Ricans friendly toward foreigners?
Costa Ricans (Ticos) are among the most cheerful and laid-back people in Latin America. They are used to interacting with American visitors and will do their best to make you feel welcome and comfortable during your stay. Their positive vibes are reflected in their Pura Vida philosophy, a phrase you will probably hear hundreds of times every day.
When is the best time to go to Costa Rica?
If you prefer dry weather, Costa Rica is best visited between December and April. However, it is worth considering May to November too – there will be rain, but everything will be very green – with fewer crowds and lower prices.