Costa Rica
2-4 weeks in
Highlights
- Meet the farmers and visit the factories of the country famed for its coffee
- Volunteer on a rewarding conservation project
- See the wildlife and waterfalls in Cerro Escondido
- Explore San Jose’s array of museums
Teachers!
All of our expeditions are completely tailored to your needs – if you’re undecided about where to go, just call us, we love sharing ideas. The world really is your oyster!
Expedition
Experience a very different culture
San Jose is exciting and bustling city that exposes Costa Rica’s culture through its fascinating museums, colourful architecture and incredible cathedral- all of which are great to explore on arrival! Visit some of the local restaurants to try the national dish gallo pinto, a mixture of fried rice and black beans, served with a tortilla on the side.
Explore a new landscape
Trekking in the mountainous highlands of south-central Costa Rica gives teams a great sense of challenge and achievement. Treks around Santa Maria de Dota allow teams to explore the wildlife rich rainforest and observe the stunning scenery. Students learn about their surroundings as they go from the experienced local guide. Teams can also explore coffee plantations, meet the farmers and visit the factories as they pass by - a great way to learn more about one of the trades this country is famed for.
Be part of a global community
Teams can work alongside local Costa Rican communities and take part in valuable environmental or conservation-based projects. Previous tasks have included creating and maintaining trails through the rainforest, joining beach patrols and assisting marine biologists in a turtle hatchery.
Learn something important
There are many opportunities to learn about the vast array of wildlife that make Costa Rica such an iconic destination. Learn how conservation efforts are working to protect this amazing ecosystem. Relax in the hills of Cerro Escondido, a community-run nature reserve of primary and secondary rainforest on the Nicoya Peninsula. Teams can embark on short walks past beautiful waterfalls, spotting wildlife along the way, and learn about conservation directly from the community that live and work in the reserve.
What to expect
Terrain
Its beautiful and varied landscape includes; towering volcanoes, lush rainforest, tropical dry forests, picture-perfect beaches and the cloud forests of the central highlands. With so much choice, there is an option to suit every team.
Culture
Costa Rican culture is a combination of vibrant Spanish influences and indigenous heritage. Dance is an important cultural tradition, and the locals often showcase their traditional dances in the streets to celebrate national holidays.
Weather
The weather in Costa Rica is as varied as the country itself with year-round temperatures averaging in the mid 20°Cs, throughout both the rainy and dry seasons. Typically, the Caribbean coast is wetter and covered in lush rainforest, whereas the Pacific coast is dry and hot with dry forest dominating.
