2025 Alice Deal Costa Rica Explorers Program
Travel Dates: |
April 12, 2025 -
April 20, 2025
Dates are tentative until fights are confirmed
|
Group Organizer(s): |
|
WTT Contact: |
|
Program Tuition: | $3,190 USD |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $3,190
Pay in Full
$3,190.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$538.00
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Costa Rica Cultural Journey
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that carve through tropical canyons, and friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all! Our cultural journey aims to expose travelers to best the country has to offer and provide opportunities to speak Spanish and gain insight into one of the most hospitable destinations on earth. Adventure awaits!
Cultural Journeys
Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Zip-line though the rainforest
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes
Stay on a farm deep in the rainforest
Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
Explore a cloud forest, guided by a local naturalist
Discover the gorgeous beaches and world-class national parks on the Pacific coast
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
Day | Location | Descritiopn | Lodging |
---|---|---|---|
April 12 | USA - Alajuela | Today the group will travel from the USA to Costa Rica, and flights usually arrive in the evening. After arrival, the group will settle into their hotel and have an orientation meeting where the group will discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Dinner will be at the hotel. | Hotel in Alajuela |
April 13 | Alajuela - Sarapiquí - Fortuna | After breakfast, the group will split into two. Half of the group will go whitewater rafting down the Sarapiquí River, renowned worldwide for its scenic beauty and thrilling class 3 rapids, while the other half will enjoy an Ethnobotany tour. During this tour, students will engage all five of their senses to get to know different plants and learn about the scientific importance of the tropical rainforest in the medical and cosmetic fields. After lunch, the groups will switch activities, ensuring both groups have a lot of fun and learning. Then, we will head to La Fortuna, a small city right next to the Volcán Arenal, an impressive volcano that stands out in the middle of the flatlands. | Hotel in Fortuna |
April 14 | La Fortuna | Today, we will split into two groups. One group will take a hike down to La Fortuna waterfall, where students can relax, swim, and explore. The other group will visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. Later, we will switch activities. In the evening, we will spend the rest of our time relaxing at the Baldi hot springs, where we will enjoy a buffet dinner. | Hotel in Fortuna |
April 15 | La Fortuna - Monteverde | After breakfast we will be learning about the history of one of mankind’s favorite foods: chocolate. Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history as one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Today, it's health benefits are still being uncovered. Afterwards, we'll head towards Monteverde, renowned for its breathtaking cloud forest. Once the group settles into the hotel, we will explore town and we'll enjoy dinner together. | Hotel in Monteverde |
April 16 | Monteverde | Today we will get the opportunity to see the forest from a different perspective as we zip-line through the jungle canopy. In the afternoon, we will visit the Santa Elena Cloudforest Reserve. The group will learn about the extensive flora and fauna found in several microclimates in Costa Rica, and if we are lucky, we may be able to see rare wildlife such as the resplendent quetzal. Later, students will have the time to buy souvenirs. | Hotel in Monteverde |
April 17 | Monteverde - Manuel Antonio | After breakfast we head to Manuel Antonio to witness the beauty of the Pacific coast. On our way we'll stop to see an impressive grouping of massive crocodiles and then have lunch. After we've checked into our hotel, the group will have time to check out the beach or relax at the hotel pools before our dinner this evening overlooking the famous Manual Antonio National Park. | Hotel in Manuel Antonio |
April 18 | Manuel Antonio | After breakfast, we will spend the morning enjoying private surf lessons from some of Costa Rica's best instructors. Never surfed before? No problem! The waves at Manuel Antonio are perfect for beginners, and almost everyone is able to stand up. In the evening, we will have time for souvenir shopping, sunset and pool time at the hotel. | Hotel in Manuel Antonio |
April 19 | Alajuela | This morning, we will visit one of the most stunning national parks in the country. We will have time to hike through the national park, enjoy the beautiful beaches and hidden coves that make the park so famous. In the afternoon we will head back to Alajuela for our final dinner together when we'll reflect on our adventure together. | Hotel in Alajuela |
April 20 | Alajuela - USA | After breakfast, we will head to the airport for a morning departure back to the USA. | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Villas Aracari
Villas Aracari is a beautiful property ideally located just twenty minutes from the airport. Close to the city center yet perched high in the mountains, the views of the Central Valley are breathtaking and the new pool is a delightful respite after a hot day. Spotless rooms and friendly staff will make you feel at home the moment you drop your bags.
Cabinas El Tecal
Cabinas El Tecal is a locally owned and operated three star hotel close to playa Uvita in the Marino Ballena National Park. Off the beaten path, the hotel comes with modern amenities, a private pool, and great service. It’s the perfect place to relax away from the crowds. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Montechiari Hotel
Arenal Montechiari Hotel located 400 meters from the central park, very close to the beautiful town La Fortuna. The Hotel is sorrounded of lush gardens and a spectacular view of the Volcano.
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge
Offering an on-site restaurant and Palenque-style design, Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge is located in near the community of Sarapiqui. It offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a tour desk.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
Everything was outstanding. The communication, organization, and experience was phenomenal. The program positively impacted my daughters confidence, independence, and maturity.
Suzanne
Parent of Kelsey, traveler on Costa Rica Surf and Service Program
Your Adventure Includes
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on the itinerary.
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!
Learn more here.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.