Top 5 National Parks in Costa Rica for Experiential Education and Student Travel
Costa Rica is home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet—and one of the best ways for students to experience this firsthand is by exploring the country’s breathtaking national parks. At Evolve Tours, we design student travel programs to Costa Rica that are immersive, educational, and deeply rooted in sustainability. These protected natural spaces serve as outdoor classrooms, offering students a unique opportunity to learn by doing.
Here are the top 5 national parks in Costa Rica that are perfect for experiential education and transformational school trips.
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
Why it’s valuable for student travel:
Manuel Antonio is a compact park that packs a big punch. Despite its small size, it boasts white-sand beaches, hiking trails, coral reefs, and tropical forests—making it an ideal introduction to Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Students can spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and iguanas while learning about marine ecology, forest conservation, and eco-tourism.
Educational Highlights:
- Guided biodiversity walk through rainforest trails
- Coastal ecology and mangrove ecosystem lessons
- Sustainable tourism case studies
At Evolve Tours, we integrate guided wildlife observation with group reflection activities so students deepen their understanding of environmental balance and species protection.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Why it’s valuable for student travel:
Monteverde offers a surreal, mist-covered world teeming with rare flora and fauna. It’s a prime example of Costa Rica’s efforts to protect its high-altitude ecosystems. This area is also a hub for scientific research and conservation projects, giving students access to real-world learning about climate zones, cloud forest ecology, and sustainability initiatives.
Educational Highlights:
- Hands-on experiments on biodiversity and water cycles
- Night hikes and species observation in endemic habitats
- Visits to research stations and cloud forest conservation centers
Monteverde is perfect for science-focused school groups and environmental studies programs.
3. Arenal Volcano National Park
Why it’s valuable for student travel:
The iconic Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline and offers an amazing setting to explore geology, geothermal energy, and natural disaster preparedness. Surrounding the volcano are lush rainforests, waterfalls, and thermal springs, all contributing to an engaging, interdisciplinary learning environment.
Educational Highlights:
- Lessons on plate tectonics and volcanic formations
- Sustainable energy and hydroelectric power site visits
- Guided hikes around lava fields and secondary forests
Evolve Tours often combines Arenal with a visit to a renewable energy facility, giving students a direct look at how Costa Rica leads the world in green energy.
4. Tortuguero National Park
Why it’s valuable for student travel:
Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is a unique wetland reserve known for its canals, sea turtle nesting beaches, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. It's a prime location to study marine biology, conservation practices, and the impact of ecotourism on isolated communities.
Educational Highlights:
- Sea turtle conservation programs (seasonal)
- Boat-based wildlife tours of canals and lagoons
- Cultural immersion with local guides and community organizations
Tortuguero teaches students how conservation and culture intersect in remote ecosystems
5. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Why it’s valuable for student travel:
This lesser-known gem offers volcanic activity, mud pots, waterfalls, and dry tropical forests. It’s a great location for programs that explore climate variation, sustainable farming, and biodiversity in drier ecosystems.
Educational Highlights:
- Hiking to fumaroles and volcanic craters
- Visit to local organic farms and rural sustainability projects
- Discussions on land use, conservation, and community resilience
Rincón de la Vieja is a dynamic complement to rainforests and coastal zones, offering a broader understanding of Costa Rica’s ecological diversity.
