Enroll by 2/20 to earn $150 off your price
Costa Rican Explorer
Group Leader: Genevieve Steynor
Requested Return Date: 3/19/2026
ABOUT EF
For over 55 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to one global mission: Opening the World Through Education. Our programs help students expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, grow more confident and independent, and understand new people, places, and cultures.
Our Bestsellers collection features exclusive educational programming and immersive experiences that you can only get through EF–they are rated exceptionally high by educators who travel with us.
Discover the sensory delights and ecological marvels of Costa Rica, where you'll experience precisely why 'Pura Vida' is their national creed. Venture to a local roastery in the heart of San José, where the smooth, fruity, herbaceous notes of Costa Rica's finest brews will pair perfectly with a chocolate tasting and pineapple plantation visit in Sarapiquí. Tread through the diligently-preserved junglescape of Braulio Carillo National Park, where affable sloths, jumpy iguanas, mischevious monkeys, and more just might return your curiosity with some of their own. The mist-blanketed canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest will astonish you as you race through it on a thrilling zipline ride. Costa Rica is more than just a beautiful travel spot—it’s a living classroom where nature’s lessons can be found in every jungle vine, coral reef, and warm patch of fertile volcanic soil. Join us on this educational odyssey to one of the happiest, most vibrant countries in the world, where adventure, ecology, and culture converge.
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Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at your destination -
Day 2: San José • Sarchí • Monteverde
Travel via Sarchi to Monteverde
Take a tour of a coffee farm
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Day 3: Monteverde
Enjoy time to explore on your ownEnjoy a local food workshop during a visit to a working mill
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Day 4: Monteverde • Arenal region
Participate in a cultural exchange with locals
Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Travel to the Arenal region -
Day 5: Arenal region • Sarapiquí
Enjoy a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park
Travel to Sarapiquí -
Day 6: Sarapiquí
Tour a Pineapple Farm
Take a tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will:
- Hike across suspension bridge to former cocoa-growing plot
- Learn about the cocoa tree and the history of chocolate
- Enjoy a chocolate tasting
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Day 7: Sarapiquí • San José
Tavel to San José via Braulio Carrillo National Park
Visit Braulio Carillo National Park
Add this in-depth excursionFolklore Evening
Opt to spend the evening learning about the rich cultural traditions of the region over a traditional Costa Rican dinner. Marimba music, entertainment by a local dance troupe, and spectacular city views from the restaurant will make this a night to remember.
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Day 8: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at your destination -
Day 2: San José • Sarchí • Monteverde
Travel via Sarchi to Monteverde
Take a tour of a coffee farm
-
Day 3: Monteverde
Enjoy time to explore on your ownEnjoy a local food workshop during a visit to a working mill
-
Day 4: Monteverde • Arenal region
Participate in a cultural exchange with locals
Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Travel to the Arenal region -
Day 5: Arenal region • Sarapiquí
Enjoy a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park
Travel to Sarapiquí -
Day 6: Sarapiquí
Tour a Pineapple Farm
Take a tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will:
- Hike across suspension bridge to former cocoa-growing plot
- Learn about the cocoa tree and the history of chocolate
- Enjoy a chocolate tasting
-
Day 7: Sarapiquí • San José
Tavel to San José via Braulio Carrillo National Park
Visit Braulio Carillo National Park
Add this in-depth excursionFolklore Evening
Opt to spend the evening learning about the rich cultural traditions of the region over a traditional Costa Rican dinner. Marimba music, entertainment by a local dance troupe, and spectacular city views from the restaurant will make this a night to remember.
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Day 8: Depart for home
Feel confident helping your child see the world
Parents, we know you have tons of questions—and we’re here to answer each and every one. (Seriously, call us anytime.) Visit our parents’ page for everything from payment plans and scholarship opportunities to safety protocols and the chance to hear from fellow moms and dads like you.
Are you the “print it, scribble notes on it, stick it to the fridge” type? You can download a printable version of our Parent Guide, too.
Hear a fellow parent's experience with student travel
What’s important to you is important to us
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Flexibility & coverage
Policies like Peace of
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covered and supported. -
Health standards
We’re actively helping to innovate on new global standards for cleanliness & safety.
Learn more
Have questions about this tour? Give us a call at 1-800-263-2806.
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See your tour come to life
Everything you get
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Airfare & transportation
Your flights—covered. Buses, trains, cruise ships, ferries and subways—covered. We take care of getting you around so you can enjoy the ride.
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Hotels
Safe, comfortable hotels with private bathrooms will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Meals
3 meals daily (Days 2-7); Dinner on arrival day; Breakfast on departure day
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Entrances
Café Britt Coffee Tour; Canopy Tour; Santa Elena Reserve; School visit; Arenal Volcano; NP. 2 Programs at Earth University; Braulio Carillo NP
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Full-time Tour Director
Your dedicated Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides add cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travellers to planning and managing your tour.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travellers and their families can count on EF’s dedicated emergency service team.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we’re there too.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances.
Total price
month
Enroll by 2/20 to lock in this discounted price
All your EF tour questions, answered
On our easy-to-navigate Help Center, you’ll find information on everything from our Automatic Payment Plan to passports to our experienced, culturally knowledgeable Tour Directors.