11 Surprising Facts Your Students Will Discover on a School Trip to Costa Rica

When educators choose Costa Rica for their school trip, they’re giving students more than just a passport stamp - they’re offering a chance to explore a country where sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural pride take center stage. And while many people know Costa Rica for its beaches and rainforests, students often leave amazed by the things they didn’t expect to learn.

Here are 11 Costa Rica facts for students that will surprise and inspire them - and make your trip a truly unforgettable educational experience.

1. Costa Rica has no military

Since abolishing its army in 1949, Costa Rica has invested instead in education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Your students will explore a society that prioritizes peace and diplomacy - and discover what that looks like in daily life.

2. Over a quarter of the country is protected land

With more than 25% of its territory protected through national parks and reserves, Costa Rica is a living lesson in environmental stewardship. Students will witness conservation in action, from cloud forests to turtle nesting beaches.

3. It holds about 5% of the world’s biodiversity

Despite being smaller than West Virginia, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. This makes it a dream destination for biology and environmental science teachers. Students can see sloths, monkeys, toucans, and frogs in their natural habitats - not textbooks.

4. Coffee culture goes beyond the cup

Coffee is one of Costa Rica’s top exports, and students can visit working farms to trace its journey from bean to brew. They’ll learn how coffee ties into the economy, agriculture, and even environmental issues like deforestation and fair trade.

5. "Pura Vida" is more than a slogan

This two-word phrase means “pure life,” and your students will hear it everywhere. More than a greeting, it's a worldview that encourages gratitude, optimism, and simplicity. It’s a great springboard into discussions on cultural identity and well-being.

6. Costa Rica runs almost entirely on renewable energy

In recent years, the country has generated over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources like hydropower and wind. That fact alone turns your trip into a case study in sustainable infrastructure and climate leadership.

7. Sloths really do live here, and they’re everywhere

Students are always excited to spot sloths, and Costa Rica delivers. In fact, it’s home to two species and multiple sloth sanctuaries. It’s a great entry point into lessons on ecosystems, adaptation, and animal protection.

8. The education system is strong and highly valued

Costa Rica’s literacy rate is over 97%, and students will likely visit local schools during their trip. Interacting with Costa Rican peers gives them a global view of education and sparks cross-cultural exchange.

9. Volcanoes are everywhere

The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has over 60 volcanoes - five of which are active. Visiting one (like Arenal or Poás) brings earth science to life in a way no classroom can.

10. The national anthem is played on the radio daily

Every morning at 7:00 AM, radio stations play the national anthem. It’s a small detail, but one that helps students understand Costa Rican pride, tradition, and unity.

11. The country has coastlines on two oceans

Your students can start their trip watching the sunrise over the Caribbean and end it watching the sunset on the Pacific. It's a powerful reminder of Costa Rica's geographic diversity and why it's such a dynamic place to explore as a group.

A school trip to Costa Rica reveals far more than what guidebooks promise. These kinds of discoveries - about peace, sustainability, culture, and nature - help shape global citizens in a way few other destinations can.

Let Evolve Tours help you design a trip that goes deeper. Costa Rica is waiting.

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