8-Day Costa Rica Pura Vida Program
Rainforests, Wildlife & Sustainable Adventures
Presented by GlobalEducationalTours.com
ARRIVAL & WELCOME TO COSTA RICA
Did You Know? Costa Rica generates more than 99% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydropower, making it one of the world’s greenest countries.
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS
Afternoon:
↳ Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport
↳ Meet your Expert Costa Rican Guide
↳ Scenic Transfer to Alajuela region
Evening:
↳ Hotel Check-in at Rancho Lodge or similar
↳ Program Orientation & Safety Briefing
↳ Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Costa Rican cuisine
↳ Introduction to “Pura Vida” lifestyle and sustainability focus
ANIMAL RESCUE & CULTURAL IMMERSION
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Animal Rescue Center Volunteer Work:
• Hands-on experience with wildlife rehabilitation
• Learn about conservation efforts for sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds
• Assist with feeding, habitat maintenance, and enrichment activities
Afternoon:
↳ Lunch at the Project with rescue center staff
↳ Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class:
• Learn to prepare gallo pinto (national dish)
• Create plantain-based dishes and tropical beverages
• Understand local ingredients and sustainable food practices
Evening:
↳ Return to Rancho Lodge
↳ Group Discussion on conservation and cultural exchange
SARAPIQUI RAINFOREST EXPLORATION
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Scenic Transfer to Sarapiqui rainforest region
↳ La Tirimbina Biological Reserve arrival
↳ Lunch at Local Restaurant with rainforest views
Afternoon:
↳ Guided Rainforest Hike:
• Explore primary and secondary rainforest ecosystems
• Identify tropical plant species and medicinal plants
• Spot wildlife including monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs
• Learn about rainforest stratification and biodiversity
Evening:
↳ Check into Sarapiqui Hotel
↳ Dinner at Local Restaurant
↳ Night sounds and rainforest observation
REFORESTATION & CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Reforestation Program:
• Participate in hands-on tree planting initiative
• Learn about Costa Rica’s reforestation success story
• Understand carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration
• Plant native species that will grow for decades
Afternoon:
↳ Lunch at Local Restaurant
↳ Chocolate Tour & Workshop:
• Trace chocolate from cacao bean to finished product
• Participate in traditional chocolate making process
• Taste different varieties of organic Costa Rican chocolate
• Learn about sustainable cacao farming practices
Evening:
↳ Transfer to Arenal Volcano region
↳ Check into Arenal Hotel
↳ Dinner with views of the iconic Arenal Volcano
ARENAL ADVENTURE: ZIP LINE & HANGING BRIDGES
DAY 5 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Canopy Zip Line Tour:
• Soar through the rainforest canopy on multiple zip lines
• Experience breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and Lake
• Learn about canopy ecology from a different perspective
• Professional safety equipment and instruction provided
Afternoon:
↳ Lunch at Local Restaurant
↳ Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour:
• Walk through suspended bridges at canopy level
• Observe wildlife from unique vantage points
• Learn about different forest layers and their inhabitants
• Spot howler monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds
Evening:
↳ Free Time to relax or explore Arenal town
↳ Dinner at Local Restaurant
↳ Optional visit to hot springs (additional cost)
COASTAL TRANSFER & CROCODILE SAFARI
DAY 6 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Scenic Transfer to Pacific Coast
↳ Watch landscape change from mountains to coastline
↳ Lunch at Local Restaurant en route
Afternoon:
↳ Crocodile Safari Boat Tour:
• Navigate the Tárcoles River, home to one of largest crocodile populations
• Observe American crocodiles in their natural habitat
• Spot scarlet macaws, iguanas, and other coastal wildlife
• Learn about mangrove ecosystems and their importance
Evening:
↳ Arrive in Quepos, gateway to Manuel Antonio
↳ Check into Quepos Hotel
↳ Dinner at Local Restaurant
↳ Orientation to next day’s national park visit
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK & RETURN
DAY 7 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Early Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park:
• Explore one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse parks
• Spot white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, and raccoons
• Walk through primary forest trails to pristine beaches
• Swim in turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean
• Learn about marine and terrestrial conservation
Afternoon:
↳ Lunch at Local Restaurant near the park
↳ Scenic Transfer back to Alajuela region
↳ Check into Rancho Lodge or similar
Evening:
↳ Farewell Dinner celebrating the week’s experiences
↳ Final Reflections & Certificate Ceremony
↳ Share highlights and lessons learned from the Pura Vida experience
DEPARTURE & PURA VIDA FAREWELL
DAY 8 HIGHLIGHTS
Morning:
↳ Final Costa Rican Breakfast
↳ Pack and prepare for departure
↳ Airport Transfer to Juan Santamaría International
↳ Check-in for return flight home
Departure:
↳ Say “Pura Vida” farewell to Costa Rica
↳ Depart with unforgettable memories of rainforests, wildlife, and sustainable adventures
↳ Carry forward lessons in conservation and cultural exchange
TOUR GALLERY
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Costa Rica School Trip Packing List
Make sure your students are prepared with our comprehensive packing guide for your Costa Rica educational tour.
View Packing ListCurriculum Activities
Enhance your students’ learning experience with our specially designed curriculum activities for Costa Rica.
Explore ActivitiesCosta Rica School Trip Costs
Understand the breakdown of costs and what’s included in your educational tour to Costa Rica.
Learn About CostsCosta Rica History & Conservation
Dive into the rich history and conservation efforts of Costa Rica to provide context for your students.
Read About Costa RicaTOUR DETAILS
Transportation
Private comfortable vehicle with experienced driver throughout your tour
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels and lodges in Alajuela, Sarapiqui, Arenal, and Quepos (quad occupancy)
Meals
Daily breakfast, all lunches, and dinners included throughout the program
Activities
All entrance fees, guided tours, and educational activities as indicated in itinerary
PRICING INFORMATION
| Group Size | Price Per Paying Student |
|---|---|
| 15 Students + 1 Chaperone | $2,879 |
| 20 Students + 2 Chaperones | $2,774 |
| 25 Students + 2 Chaperones | $2,739 |
| 30 Students + 3 Chaperones | $2,679 |
| 35 Students + 3 Chaperones | $2,639 |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All transportation within Costa Rica in private vehicle
- All accommodation in comfortable hotels and lodges
- All meals throughout the program (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- All entrance fees to parks and attractions
- Service tax
- Educational activities and volunteer projects
NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare (estimated at $7.70 per person)
- Departure taxes
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Optional activities not specified in itinerary
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS
Enhance your Costa Rica School Trip Experience with these educational focuses:
Environmental Science
Study rainforest ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation
Sustainability Practices
Learn about renewable energy and reforestation efforts
Wildlife Conservation
Understand animal rescue and habitat protection
Cultural Exchange
Experience Costa Rican traditions and “Pura Vida” lifestyle
Ready to Experience Pura Vida?
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