7 National Parks in Costa Rica That Will Bring Your School Trip to Life

With over 25% of Costa Rica's land protected by national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas, the country is a living, breathing classroom for student learning. Whether your school trip focuses on environmental science, biodiversity, geography, Spanish language, or cultural exchange, visiting national parks in Costa Rica is where real-world education happens.

Costa Rica may be small, but its ecological diversity is immense - ranging from misty cloud forests and active volcanoes to lush rainforests and mangrove-lined coasts. For educators seeking meaningful, curriculum-connected travel, these 7 Costa Rica national parks for school trips offer unforgettable learning experiences.

1. Corcovado National Park

Located: Osa Peninsula
Often referred to as the most biologically intense place on Earth, Corcovado is a must for biology, ecology, and conservation-focused programs. Students will hike through untouched rainforest, spot monkeys, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and maybe even jaguars, all while learning about species preservation and the impact of protected land.

2. Tortuguero National Park

Located: Caribbean Coast
Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero is the place for students to explore Costa Rica’s freshwater and coastal ecosystems. It's also world-famous for its sea turtle nesting (March–October), making it a powerful destination to learn about marine biology, ecotourism, and climate resilience.

3. Arenal Volcano National Park

Located: Northern Highlands
Home to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes, this park combines geology, adventure, and lush rainforest. Students can hike lava fields, explore hot springs, and study how volcanoes shape ecosystems and communities.

4. Manuel Antonio National Park

Located: Central Pacific Coast
Though small, this park is packed with biodiversity, white sand beaches, and incredible views. Great for younger students or first-time groups, Manuel Antonio is accessible and well-developed, yet still offers up-close encounters with sloths, iguanas, and monkeys. It’s ideal for combining biology and cultural immersion.

5. Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Located: Guanacaste Province
This park brings together volcanic activity, waterfalls, mud pots, and tropical dry forest - all in one place. It’s an amazing natural lab for teaching earth sciences and sustainable land use, with hiking trails and natural thermal springs for downtime.

6. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Located: Tilarán Mountains
Technically a reserve, not a national park - but too important to skip. Students can experience high-altitude ecosystems and cloud forest biodiversity, visit canopy walkways, and explore topics like microclimates, endangered species, and reforestation efforts.

7. Cahuita National Park

Located: Southern Caribbean Coast
For a blend of marine and Afro-Caribbean culture, Cahuita is a special destination. Students can snorkel coral reefs, learn about traditional livelihoods, and explore the intersection of ecology, culture, and community-based conservation.

How to Choose the Right Park for Your School Trip

Each national park in Costa Rica offers something different. The key is choosing based on your learning goals, group age range, and travel logistics. For example:

• Science-heavy trips might combine Corcovado + Monteverde
  
• Introductory or younger groups might prefer Manuel Antonio + Arenal
  
• Coastal and marine learning is best in Tortuguero + Cahuita
  

Need help building a custom itinerary for your students? Evolve Tours has been leading school trips to Costa Rica since 2006, we know these parks, and we know how to turn them into unforgettable learning experiences.

Let’s plan something meaningful.

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Email: info@evolvetours.com
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