A Trip Leader’s Perspective on Educational School Trips to Costa Rica with Evolve Tours
When people ask me what it’s like leading educational school trips to Costa Rica with Evolve Tours, the first word that comes to mind is transformational. Not just for the students—but for me, too. Every trip is a chance to witness something incredible: a group of young people stepping away from their screens and routines and stepping into one of the most biodiverse and inspiring classrooms on Earth.
Our most recent Costa Rica school trip started, like they all do, in San José. The students were buzzing with nervous energy, dragging their carry-ons through customs, clutching their passports a little too tightly. Most of them had never traveled internationally before. Some had never even been on a plane. But from the moment we met at the airport, I could see the excitement simmering beneath their nerves.
From the City to the Cloud Forest
After a warm welcome and some icebreaker games (yes, even high schoolers secretly love them), we loaded our bus and set off toward Monteverde. On that winding road up to the cloud forest, I always tell students to look out the window—it’s like watching the Earth change in real time. Dense jungle, misty treetops, small coffee farms, howler monkeys. Suddenly the world feels alive in a way that textbooks can’t capture.
Monteverde is a highlight on many of our educational school trips to Costa Rica. It’s more than just beautiful—it’s packed with learning opportunities. We visited a sustainable farm and learned how locals are using permaculture to protect their land and feed their communities. The students got their hands dirty planting herbs and helping with compost. One even said, “I didn’t think I’d be this into worms.” That’s the magic of Costa Rica.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls
Home to approximately 5% of the world's biodiversity, Costa Rica is a haven for nature enthusiasts. From the elusive jaguar to the vibrant quetzal, the country's national parks and reserves offer unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
A Trip They'll Never Forget And Neither Will I
On our last night, we gathered on the beach for a reflection circle. One by one, students shared what they’d learned—not just about Costa Rica, but about themselves. One said, “I didn’t know how capable I was until this trip.” Another said, “This experience made me want to do more for the planet.” That’s why I do this.
Leading educational school trips to Costa Rica with Evolve Tours isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege. It’s a chance to guide students through a journey that teaches them far more than any classroom ever could. And while every itinerary has its core stops and activities, no two trips are ever the same. Each group brings their own energy, their own challenges, and their own breakthroughs.
If you're an educator considering a school trip to Costa Rica, I can tell you this: the destination is incredible, but the real power lies in the experience. And with Evolve Tours, that experience is thoughtfully crafted to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and leave students changed for the better.
