Faculty-led travel courses · Latin America
Costa Rica Faculty-Led Travel Course
This program explores Costa Rica's rainforests, beaches and wildlife in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Students see conservation and sustainable tourism at work in a country that protects a large share of its land.
Good to know
- Language
- Spanish; English is common in tourist areas
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (US dollars widely accepted)
- Best season
- December–April (dry season)
- Typical length
- 10–14 days (customizable)
Highlights
What students will see and do
- Arenal VolcanoA symmetrical volcano in the northern highlands, surrounded by national park rainforest, hot springs and a large lake.
- Monteverde Cloud ForestA high-elevation reserve known for its mist-covered forest, hanging bridges and wide range of bird species.
- Manuel Antonio National ParkA compact Pacific coast park combining rainforest, white-sand beaches and habitat for monkeys and sloths.
- Tortuguero National ParkA Caribbean coast park reached by boat and known as a nesting site for sea turtles.
- Poás VolcanoAn active volcano near San José with a large crater that visitors can view from the rim.
- San JoséThe capital offers national museums, markets and a base for understanding Costa Rican history and daily life.
Faculty-led travel courses
Courses that fit Costa Rica
Professors build their own syllabus; ARAMFO arranges the visits that bring it to life.
Geography & Environmental StudiesA course could study tropical ecosystems, protected areas and the economics of ecotourism.
Education & Teacher PreparationStudents could examine environmental education programs and how schools teach conservation.
Nursing, Medicine & Public HealthA course could look at public health in a country known for its universal health care system and rural clinics.
Map
Where you will go
Academic and professional visits
- A local university school of biology or environmental science
- A national park or biological reserve
- A coffee or cocoa cooperative
- A community clinic or public health office
Visits are chosen with the professor to match the course.
Itinerary
Sample itinerary
A starting point only — every trip is adjusted to your course, dates and budget.
Customizable. This sample shows the kinds of visits and places available. Days, pace and academic visits are built around your course.
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Day 1
Arrival in San José
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital and transfer to your hotel.
- Airport pickup
- Transfer to hotel in San José
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Day 2
San José Walking Tour
Get to know the capital on foot.
- Guided walking tour of downtown San José
- Academic visit matched to your course (university, school, NGO or company)
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Day 3
San José Landmarks
Visit parks, historic neighborhoods and the capital's main civic buildings.
- Parque La Sabana
- Barrio Amón
- Teatro Nacional
- Catedral Metropolitana
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Day 4
Farmers' Market
See how local farmers and families shop for produce and cook.
- Weekend farmers' market visit
- Conversations with vendors about local food systems
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Day 5
National Museum
Learn the country's history, from pre-Columbian cultures to the abolition of the army.
- Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
- Free time for exploration
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Day 6
San José to Arenal
Travel north to the Arenal Volcano region.
- Drive of about three hours to Arenal
- Hotel check-in
- Arenal Volcano National Park: volcano, jungle and culture tour
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Day 7
Arenal Lake and Hot Springs
Explore the lake and relax in volcanic hot springs.
- Arenal Lake
- Volcanic hot springs
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Day 8
Arenal to Monteverde
Drive to the cloud forest highlands.
- Transfer to Monteverde
- Hotel check-in
- Visit Santa Elena town
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Day 9
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Walk through one of the best known cloud forests in the world.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Local museum
- Coffee plantation tour
- Cheese factory visit
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Day 10
Return to San José
Drive back to the capital and use the afternoon for final shopping.
- Hotel check-out and drive to San José
- Free afternoon for souvenirs and independent exploration
- Farewell dinner
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Day 11
Departure Home
Final transfer to the airport and flight home, with course notes and credits ready to complete.
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to San José airport for the flight home
What is included
ARAMFO arranges everything
You choose the dates and the airport your group flies from. We handle the logistics and the academic visits so you can focus on teaching.
3–6 credit hours, offered through your own department · 8+ students and the professor's travel cost is covered by ARAMFO · Your dates and your departure airport
- Airfare from your preferred airport
- Hotels or student housing
- Meals as set out in the itinerary
- Transportation in the host country
- Tour guides and entrance fees
- University, company and professional visits
- A native guide with the group for the whole trip
- Customized dates and itinerary
Get started
Plan a course in Costa Rica
Tell us about your course and we will reply with a draft itinerary and cost.