Costa Rican Explorer
Our A+ Tour 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
Add this in-depth excursion:Canopy Tour
Ziplines unveil one of the planet’s most fascinating ecological systems from a unique perspective—from the tops of the trees! With local expert guides at your side to instruct you on safety protocol, you can decide which view you prefer—from below the trees or from above. (Note: This activity reaches heights of 90 feet and is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Travellers must weigh less than 200 lbs to participate.)
Enjoy 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 excursion:Folklore 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
Add this in-depth excursion:Canopy Tour
Ziplines unveil one of the planet’s most fascinating ecological systems from a unique perspective—from the tops of the trees! With local expert guides at your side to instruct you on safety protocol, you can decide which view you prefer—from below the trees or from above. (Note: This activity reaches heights of 90 feet and is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Travellers must weigh less than 200 lbs to participate.)
Enjoy 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 excursion:Folklore 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
See what an EF tour is really like
Reviews
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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.
Pricing that makes travel possible
Payment options
We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through Uplift, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay up front in full.
Program price valid for today. Program price is based on EF’s free place ratio of 8:1 and includes all airline/travel provider surcharges, departure taxes and airport fees. Please call 1-800-387-1460 for more information.