Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Costa Rica as a High School Student

Since 2006, Evolve Tours has led thousands of students through the lush rainforests, cloud forests, and coastlines of Costa Rica. It’s a country where learning comes alive—where sustainability isn’t a lesson in a textbook but a way of life.

If you’re a teacher, student, or parent considering Costa Rica for your next school trip, here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable experience.


Why Costa Rica Is the Perfect Destination for Students

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to nearly 5% of all species on Earth. It’s safe, welcoming, and built around a national philosophy of Pura Vida—a simple but powerful idea that life is best lived with gratitude and connection.

For students, Costa Rica offers the perfect balance of adventure and education. Whether you’re exploring volcanoes, studying marine biology on the Pacific coast, or working alongside local farmers in sustainable agriculture projects, every moment becomes a hands-on lesson in ecology, culture, and global citizenship.


Educational Themes That Come to Life

Evolve Tours customizes each itinerary around your school’s learning goals. Our most popular themes include:

Environmental Science & Biology – Study rainforest ecology, sustainable agriculture, and marine life through fieldwork in Monteverde, La Fortuna, and coastal marine reserves.

Spanish Language & Culture – Immerse in daily language exchanges, cooking lessons, and homestays with local families to experience authentic Costa Rican life.

Sustainability & Community Development – Participate in local initiatives focused on permaculture, organic farming, and regenerative living—guided by our long-time local partners.

Adventure & Leadership – Build confidence through guided rafting, canopy ziplining, and surf sessions, all led by trained professionals who emphasize teamwork and safety.

Costa Rica School Trip | Man zip lining over rain forest | Evolve Tours

Safety and Support Every Step of the Way

With Evolve Tours, safety and education go hand-in-hand. Our bilingual local guides and facilitators are deeply rooted in the communities we visit. Every activity, meal, and accommodation is carefully vetted to meet our high standards of quality and care.

We’ve been running programs in Costa Rica for nearly two decades and maintain long-standing partnerships with families, conservationists, and schools across the country. That continuity gives our groups access to places and people most travelers never meet.


What Students Gain Beyond the Classroom

A trip to Costa Rica is much more than sightseeing. Students return home more self-aware, globally minded, and inspired to make a difference in their own communities. They learn to appreciate biodiversity, understand the impact of their choices, and see firsthand how sustainable practices can shape a better future.

Many of our alumni describe their Costa Rica trip as a turning point—when they first understood that travel can be both fun and deeply meaningful.


Planning Your School Trip

Evolve Tours designs every program from the ground up, based on your group’s size, academic focus, and travel window. Whether you’re planning a biology expedition, Spanish immersion, or cultural adventure, our team handles all logistics—flights, accommodations, meals, and on-the-ground coordination—so teachers can focus on what matters most: connecting with students.

We also offer flexible options for schools seeking service hours, scholarships, or eco-certified accommodations.

Costa Rica School Trip | Volunteer in boat | Evolve Tours

The Evolve Difference

For us, Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s part of our story. We’ve worked with local families, permaculture farms, and conservation organizations since 2006. These partnerships ensure that your students experience the real Costa Rica: learning directly from the people who protect its land and culture every day.

When you travel with Evolve Tours, you’re joining a global community of educators, students, and changemakers committed to connection, belonging, and impact.


Costa Rica isn’t just a trip. It’s a journey into how the world can—and should—work.


📞 Let’s Start Planning
Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com

Costa Rica School Trip | Aerial view of island | Evolve Tours