Costa Rica: A Touch of the Tropics
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Group Leader: Mariam Quinones
Requested Return Date: 3/24/2026
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.
With well-protected national reserves and an unparalleled diversity of wildlife, Costa Rica is the jewel of Central America.
The Arenal region showcases a volcano, hot springs, and a broad range of flora and fauna. In Monteverde, tour the greenery of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, then in Manuel Antonio National Park, keep your eyes open for sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys.
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Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at the airport -
Day 2: Alajuela • Arenal region
Take a tour of a coffee farm
Travel to the Arenal region
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
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Day 3: Arenal region
Enjoy a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
Participate in a cultural exchange with locals
Visit the Arenal hot springs
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Day 4: Arenal region • Monteverde
Travel to Monteverde
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion
Local food workshop
Try your hand at creating some of Costa Rica’s culinary specialties during a visit to a local working mill. You’ll make—and sample—tortillas, artisanal coffee, and juice extracted from sugar cane. (Just save room for sobado, a candy made from the sugar cane plant.)
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Day 5: Monteverde
Experience the thrill of a ziplining adventure through the Costa Rican canopy (For safety reasons, weight and size restrictions may apply)
Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
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Day 6: Monteverde • Central Pacific Coast
Travel to the Central Pacific Coast
Visit the Rainforest Adventure Park, where you will:
- Ride an aerial tram above the canopies
- Explore a nature trail
- Visit a butterfly sanctuary
Enjoy a crocodile safari boat cruise
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Day 7: Central Pacific Coast
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
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Day 8: Central Pacific Coast • Sarchí • Alajuela
Travel via Sarchí to Alajuela
Explore on your own orAdd 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. After dinner, marimba music and entertainment by a local dance troupe will make this a night to remember.
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Day 9: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at the airport -
Day 2: Alajuela • Arenal region
Take a tour of a coffee farm
Travel to the Arenal region
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
-
Day 3: Arenal region
Enjoy a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
Participate in a cultural exchange with locals
Visit the Arenal hot springs
-
Day 4: Arenal region • Monteverde
Travel to Monteverde
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion
Local food workshop
Try your hand at creating some of Costa Rica’s culinary specialties during a visit to a local working mill. You’ll make—and sample—tortillas, artisanal coffee, and juice extracted from sugar cane. (Just save room for sobado, a candy made from the sugar cane plant.)
-
Day 5: Monteverde
Experience the thrill of a ziplining adventure through the Costa Rican canopy (For safety reasons, weight and size restrictions may apply)
Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
-
Day 6: Monteverde • Central Pacific Coast
Travel to the Central Pacific Coast
Visit the Rainforest Adventure Park, where you will:
- Ride an aerial tram above the canopies
- Explore a nature trail
- Visit a butterfly sanctuary
Enjoy a crocodile safari boat cruise
-
Day 7: Central Pacific Coast
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
-
Day 8: Central Pacific Coast • Sarchí • Alajuela
Travel via Sarchí to Alajuela
Explore on your own orAdd 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. After dinner, marimba music and entertainment by a local dance troupe will make this a night to remember.
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Day 9: Depart for home
Feel confident helping your child see the world
Visit our parents’ page for everything from payment plans, scholarship opportunities, safety protocols, and more.
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.
¿Quiere leer la Guía para Padres en español?
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See your tour come to life
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach
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Hotels
8 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (9 with extension)
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Regional-style meals
3 meals daily (days 2-8 and day 9 with extension); dinner on arrival day; breakfast on departure day
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Guided sightseeing
Comprehensive sightseeing of natural attractions
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Entrances
Coffee tour; Arenal Volcano National Park; hot springs; Lake Arenal kayaking; La Fortuna Waterfall; local exchange; Santa Elena Cloud Forest; ziplining adventure; aerial tram; Crocodile River tour; Manuel Antonio National Park; with extension: whitewater rafting
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected 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 are natural historians, adding 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 travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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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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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Questions about this tour? Connect with us one-on-one via live chat,
or give us a call at 800-665-5364.
