2026 St Edward Costa Rica Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: |
June 1, 2026 -
June 10, 2026
Dates are tentative until flights are confirmed
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $850 |
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: $2,990
Pay in Full
$2,990.00
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All prices in United States Dollars.
Costa Rica Conservation Expedition: Sarapiqui
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, from towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that cut through tropical canyons, and to hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all. Having abolished its military over 50 years ago, this tiny democratic republic has long been known for its pacifism, commitment to environmental protection, and its status as a destination for those seeking safe yet exciting adventure travel set against breathtaking scenery. However, despite an extensive tourism industry, in many parts of Costa Rica there remains a need for help and service. Our programs offer unique access to Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets and friendliest communities. We are confident you will love the land of Pura Vida as much as we do.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Work side by side with scientists at the Organization for Tropical Studies in one of most biodiverse ecosystems in the world
Zip-line above the forest canopy
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
Practice your Spanish language skills with locals
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1 | 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 en Alajuela |
| June 2 | Alajuela - Horquetas de Sarapiquí | After breakfast, the group will head to Sarapiquí, an area characterized by its lush tropical rainforest and swift rivers. The bus ride is two hours north of the capital city. The group will settle in at La Selva Biological Station, owned by the world-renowned Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). The group will become familiar with the facilities and meet the scientists and research tutors. After lunch, we will set off on a hike through some of the multiple trails in the middle of the primary rainforest, where students will learn about the natural history, ecosystems, and biodiversity of the reserve. After dinner, we will have some time for reflection to discuss our goals for the upcoming days. | OTS Cabins |
| June 3 | Horquetas de Sarapiquí | Today, we will begin with an introduction to the several research projects conducted by the OTS in La Selva Station. After we receive the lecture and general instructions, the group will be divided into different tasks that we will be completing for the rest of the day to participate in one of the several ongoing projects at La Selva. Projects vary, but these may include topics such as water quality, plant adaptation, and mammal monitoring, especially peccaries, which love to hang out around the station! After dinner at the station, the group will set off on a night hike through the trails in the middle of the primary rainforest to find frogs and other nocturnal creatures. | OTS Cabins |
| June 4 | Horquetas de Sarapiquí - La Virgen de Sarapiquí | Today, the group will learn about the various strategies scientists use to restore the vegetation that protects and sustains rivers and streams, as well as the biotic components that support these ecosystems. After lunch, we will depart from La Selva and head to the nearby Tirimbina Biological Station. On the way, we will stop for our Ethnobotany tour, where students will engage all five senses to explore different plants and discover the scientific importance of the tropical rainforest in the medical and cosmetic fields. | Tirmbina Cabins |
| June 5 | La Virgen de Sarapiquí | Today, we will start by learning how to dance Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata, immersing ourselves in the vibrant rhythms of Latin America. In the evening, we will venture into the reserve’s trails and hanging bridges, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as it comes to life at dusk. To finish the day, we will dive into the fascinating world of bat research, exploring their natural history, unique adaptations, and ecological importance. Students will also get a close look at the snare net and the bats captured for this research, gaining firsthand insight into the scientific methods used to study these incredible nocturnal creatures. | Tirmbina Cabins |
| June 6 | La Virgen de Sarapiquí - La Fortuna | After breakfast, The group will then go whitewater rafting down the Sarapiquí River, renowned worldwide for its scenic beauty and thrilling class 3 rapids. In the afternoon, 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. In the evening we will have time to reflect on our time at La Selva and Tirimbina and the conservation efforts in Costa Rica. | Hotel La Fortuna |
| June 7 | La Fortuna | Today we will begin our day with a hike down to La Fortuna waterfall, where students can relax, swim, and explore. After lunch, we will spend the rest of the evening relaxing at the Baldi hot springs, where we will be having a buffet dinner as well. | Hotel La Fortuna |
| June 8 | La Fortuna | We will begin our day by learning about the history of one of mankind’s favorite foods: chocolate. Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history and was one of the most important products for both the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Afterward, once we return to town, students will have some free time to explore the town center and shop for souvenirs. | Hotel La Fortuna |
| June 9 | La Fortuna - Alajuela | Before leaving La Fortuna we will see the forest from a different perspective after we go zip-lining in the afternoon. After lunch, we will make the drive back to San Jose for a farewell dinner and our final reflection before our international departure the following morning. | Hotel en Alajuela |
| June 10 | 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.
OTS La Selva Research Station
La Selva’s juxtaposition of protected ecosystems and well-developed facilities is unique in the world’s wet tropics. This is one of several field stations run created by the Organization of Tropical Studies, a non-profit consortium of over 50 universities and research institutions based in the United States, Latin America, and South Africa. The cabins offer bunk and single beds, shared bathrooms, bug protection on windows and fans. Students will be grouped according to gender. They offer a dining hall, wireless internet, library, all-access trail, and on-station security.
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.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
Our daughter is planning a high school junior year as an exchange student abroad, and your program was partly a ‘test the waters” of her being abroad. It was a tremendous success, thank you!
Barney
Parent of Della, traveler on 2017 program to Thailand
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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.