Places in Costa Rica Other School Trip Providers Won’t Take You
Costa Rica is no stranger to student travel - but most programs stick to the same well-worn routes. At Evolve Tours, we believe unique Costa Rica school trips should go beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of places where culture, ecology, and community are still lived, not curated.
These 5 destinations aren’t typically offered by standard providers, but they deliver deep, meaningful experiences that support curriculum goals in science, sustainability, Spanish, social studies, and more.
1. Boruca Indigenous Community
Tucked away in the southern mountains, the Boruca community preserves rich traditions through storytelling, hand-woven textiles, and vibrant ceremonial masks. Visiting here opens the door for conversations about Indigenous rights, history, and resilience—subjects often skipped on mainstream itineraries.
Perfect for: Social studies, anthropology, and art-focused groups.
2. Cacao and Permaculture Farm in Uvita
Most tours mention chocolate. Few take you to a working cacao farm that also serves as a hub for permaculture and regenerative design. Here, students get their hands in the soil, learn the science of growing food in harmony with nature, and taste raw cacao from tree to pod to bar.
Perfect for: Environmental science, sustainability studies, and food justice programs.
3. The Osa Peninsula’s Hidden Beaches
While many school groups head to the popular Manuel Antonio, few venture down to the remote beaches of the Osa Peninsula, where low-impact tourism meets high biodiversity. Students can hike coastal trails, monitor wildlife, and snorkel in nearly untouched waters.
Perfect for: Biology, ecology, and conservation-focused programs.
4. Chirripó National Park
Home to the highest peak in Costa Rica, Chirripó offers a high-altitude ecosystem like no other. The challenging journey here is rarely offered to student groups, but those who make the trek gain a whole new perspective on microclimates, glacial formations, and personal perseverance.
Perfect for: Leadership trips, Earth science, and physical education integration.
5. Río Sierpe Mangroves by Kayak
Skip the motorboats and glide quietly through the dense, tangled mangrove tunnels of the Sierpe River. Students explore coastal ecosystems while learning about carbon sequestration, species adaptation, and the fragile balance of these disappearing wetlands.
Perfect for: Marine biology, geography, and climate science.
Why These Places Matter
These are not the typical school trip stops - and that’s exactly the point. They offer rare opportunities for student-led inquiry, cultural humility, and immersive learning. If you’re seeking unique Costa Rica school trips that leave your students transformed - not just entertained - these are the places to go.
Let Evolve Tours help build your school’s next unforgettable trip to Costa Rica with purpose, integrity, and a deep respect for people and planet.
📞 Let’s Start Planning
Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com
