Two boys in a caretta drawn by oxen

Pura Vida Costa Rica

12 Day Program in Costa Rica
Starting from $3784.00
12-Day Program | Unforgettable Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica Your unique Spanish language immersion journey begins upon arrival in San José. A Spanish-speaking, certified naturalist guide will lead you through a thrilling adventure showcasing Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty. From ziplining through rainforests to caring for rescued animals, you’ll experience it all. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, and iguanas as you explore! Afterward, students will spend six days and nights with a warm and welcoming familia tica, where their classroom Spanish skills will come to life in this rich, immersive experience. Our Family Stay Experience® allows students to become temporary locals, embracing the pura vida lifestyle that makes Costa Rica so special. Note: All travel dates are tentative, pending teacher approval and airline confirmation.

Includes Family Stay Experience®

12 Day Immersion Program

Most Costs Included in Trip Pricing

Dedicated Planning Assistance

Why You’ll Love This Trip

  • Animal rescue center tour + volunteer experience
  • Reserve Hike at La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Organic farm visit
  • Reforestation project
  • Hot springs
  • Zipline
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Group surf lesson

Day 1 | Departure

Upon arrival in San José, transfer to your hotel. Meals Included: None

Day 2 | Arenal

Start off your time in Costa Rica by visiting La Marina Rescue Center in San Carlos. While at La Marina, you will learn about the center's work in wildlife conservation and environmental education. Afterwards, you will participate in various volunteer activities, such as maintaining the center grounds, preparing animal meals, and assisting with veterinary clinic tasks. This hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts while learning about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 | Arenal

Begin your day visiting a local waterfall where you’ll hike down to the refreshing pool below. Next, make your way to an organic tropical farm where you will get to meet local farmers. Learn about tropical crops, squeeze sugar cane juice and more. Afterwards, participate in a reforestation project where you will have a chance to plant a tree in your school’s honor and then enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Cap off the evening with a refreshing dip in the hot springs. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 | Manuel Antonio

Start the morning cruising through the canopies as you zipline through the trees!  Then, head toward the Pacific coast and its gorgeous beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, crocodiles and colorful parrots along the way! Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 | Manuel Antonio

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll experience a unique blend of stunning beaches, lush tropical forest, and diverse wildlife. Afterwards, enjoy a group surf lesson and free time to relax on the beach. Keep an eye out for white-faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sloths, and iguanas as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this incredible destination. Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 | Family Stay

Now the real adventure begins! Make your way to the family stay community where students will spend the next six nights with a Costa Rican family! ¡Pura vida! Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 7 - 11 | Family Stay

Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture by experiencing everyday life with your host family! It’s your opportunity to use your language skills in real-life situations and make new friends! Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 | Return

Bid adiós to your tico host family as you depart for the United States with a lifetime of memories! Meals Included: Breakfast

Price Includes

PRICE INCLUDES:
Round-trip airfare from city listed (and any airline fuel surcharges)
In-country transportation (air, motorcoach, van, as applicable)
All overnight accommodations
Insurance for accidents or illness and trip cancellation coverage due to medical reasons only
International phone allowance $10 per day for one leader while in country
Local Spanish speaking guide during tour portion of itinerary
Xperitas Family Stay with all meals included
Local Family Stay Coordinator on call during family stay
24/7 Xperitas emergency support while abroad
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Activities Included:
Animal rescue center tour + volunteer experience
Reserve Hike at La Fortuna Waterfall
Organic farm visit, Reforestation project
Hot springs
Zipline
Manuel Antonio National Park
Group surf lesson
Activities Included:

Price Excludes

  • PRICE EXCLUDES:
  • Airline baggage fees
  • Increase in air cost due to requests for specific travel dates or airline
  • Costs incurred due to late or missed flights
  • Passport, visa or other document costs
  • Transportation to/from departure city
  • Any meals not indicated on itineraries
  • Spending money and gifts
  • Any fees associated with advanced seating assignments
  • Small-group supplement when group has fewer than 18 participants
  • Tips for guide(s) and/or bus driver(s)

Pricing Calculator

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$xxxx.xx / per student

Enrollment Information

*Prices are based on a minimum group size of 18 students. When the minimum group size is not reached, a small-group supplement will apply. Final prices are determined by dates, air arrangements, family stay communities and other program components as confirmed by Xperitas, as well as the total size of the group and number of leaders at the time of final billing. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices, exchange rates, and airfare costs beyond the control of Xperitas.

The order of this itinerary and all itinerary items are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances that may arise prior to or during the program.
¡Hola Arenal!
9-Day Program
  • Market visit
  • Sarchí painting workshop
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Reforestation Project
  • Organic farm visit
  • Hot springs
  • Zipline
Me Encanta Costa Rica w/o Family Stay
9-Day Program
  • Market visit
  • Sarchí painting workshop
  • Hot springs
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Reforestation Project
  • Organic farm visit
  • Arenal Volcano hike
  • Ziplining
  • Monteverde Reserve hike
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Walking tour of San José
Pura Vida Costa Rica
12-Day Program
  • Animal rescue center tour + volunteer experience
  • Reserve Hike at La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Organic farm visit
  • Reforestation project
  • Hot springs
  • Zipline
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Group surf lesson
Me Encanta Costa Rica
14-Day Program
  • Market visit
  • Sarchí painting workshop
  • Hot springs
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Reforestation Project
  • Organic farm visit
  • Arenal Volcano hike
  • Zipline
  • Monteverde Reserve hike
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
Aventuras Ticas
10-Day Program
  • Poás Volcano
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Tirimbina Reserve
  • Pickup soccer game
  • Chocolate tour
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Hot springs
  • Organic farm visit
  • Zipline
  • School visit
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Walking tour of San José
¡Qué Chiva Costa Rica!
9-Day Program
  • Hike in Trinidad
  • Pickup soccer game
  • Fruit picking
  • Coffee plantation visit
  • Tree planting
  • Local school visit
  • Hot springs
  • Zipline
  • Arenal National Park
  • Organic farm visit
  • Salsa class
  • Snorkeling and kayaking at Chora Island