School trips to Costa Rica
Inspiring leadership through student-led school expeditions.
Destination highlights
- Capital City:
- San Jose
- Population:
- 5.13 million
- National Animal:
- Sloth
- Currency:
- Colones
- Language:
- Spanish
Costa Rica School trips
Costa Rica, Turtles & Conservation
- Turtle Conservation Initiative
- Reforestation Work
- Zona Santos Trek
- Chill Time at Manuel Antonio
What you need to know about Costa Rica
Costa Rican culture is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. Expect a warm Central American welcome and a proud heritage shaped by indigenous roots, Spanish influence, and a deep connection to nature. From lively festivals and traditional dances to gallo pinto, fresh coffee, and tropical fruits, Costa Rica’s flavours and rhythms unite communities. Combine this with lush rainforests, volcano-lined landscapes, and pura vida spirit, and you’ll find a culture as rich, colourful, and unforgettable as the country itself.
Trek from cool mountain highlands through misty cloud forests and onward to volcanic lowlands where hot springs and waterfalls await. Trails wind past coffee fields, jungle rivers, and rugged terrain. Every climb tests your determination, while breathtaking views and wildlife encounters leave lasting memories of real adventure.
Costa Rica is alive with traditions, flavours, and stories waiting to be discovered. In San José, you can wander bustling markets, enjoy folkloric dance, and uncover history in its museums. In Manuel Antonio, cultural nights bring music, storytelling, and workshops, alongside immersive experiences with chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and local spices.
In Costa Rica, the adventure doesn’t stop when the sun goes down: hostels are full of life, where travellers trade tales of rainforest hikes and wildlife spotting, and campsites tucked between jungle and ocean where the sounds of nature lull you to sleep. Each stay keeps you close to the wild spirit of the land, offering connection, simplicity, and a sense of freedom.
On a community or conservation initiative in Costa Rica, students get involved in activities such as setting camera traps in the jungle, joining reforestation projects to combat deforestation and protect biodiversity, patrolling beaches to protect nesting sea turtles, assisting NGOs restoring coral reefs and mangroves, or working with communities building resilience to hurricanes and flooding. Alongside these projects, students may also take part in cultural activities such as cooking classes, exchanges with local students, learning traditional weaving methods, and staying with local families for a deeper connection with the community.
Un sustainable development goal
Key UN SDGs explored on our school trips to Costa Rica include 4: Quality Education, because rural and indigenous communities often face barriers to consistent access and resources; 13: Climate Action, the country is highly exposed to hurricanes, flooding, and shifting rainfall patterns; 14: Life Below Water, where sea turtles, coral reefs, and mangroves are under threat from pollution, poaching, and overfishing; and 15: Life on Land, as efforts continue to balance biodiversity protection with pressures from deforestation and agriculture.
Your school trip to Costa Rica awaits
Plunge into a tropical playground that’s alive with dazzling birds, electric green frogs and slow-moving sloths. One of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica has two dazzling coastlines and a lush interior of misty volcanoes, remote cloud forests and jungle-clad peaks.
There are rainforests to trek through, whales to spot and tropical shores to paddle along. In the towns and villages, you’ll discover Spanish architecture, buzzing markets and pulsing Latino culture. And make some time to chat with the locals, discover the meaning of ‘pura vida’, and be inspired by a country that runs almost entirely on renewable energy.
Remember, you’re walking the path towards true global citizenship. Tap into your inner potential, step forward to contribute and absorb everything this trip can teach you about the world and your place within it.