Pura Vida Costa Rica is a 12-day Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica that incorporates language learning with outdoor adventure, environmental education, and meaningful cultural exchange. Students explore Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and Pacific coastline before spending six days living with local host families through the Xperitas Family Stay Experience®.
From volunteering at a wildlife rescue center to hiking waterfalls, planting trees, and visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, students experience Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity while learning about conservation and sustainability. These shared experiences create opportunities to practice Spanish in authentic settings while gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s natural environment.
This Costa Rica Spanish immersion program builds language confidence through daily interaction, guided exploration, and family life. Supported by experienced local guides and the Xperitas team, students return home with stronger communication skills, broader cultural awareness, and lasting personal connections.
*Travelers do not need to arrange their own air. Air travel is included in the program, but the cost will be added once the group air contract is confirmed. Price is valid for 2027
12 days
Programs are led by experienced, local guides with deep cultural knowledge. The role of guides is as follows:
Day 1 | San José
Arrive in San José and meet your guide before transferring to your hotel to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Meals Included: None
Day 2 | Arenal
Travel to Arenal and volunteer at La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center. Learn about wildlife conservation while helping staff care for rescued animals and maintain the center.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 | Arenal
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall before exploring an organic tropical farm. Participate in a reforestation project, enjoy a farm-fresh lunch, and finish the day relaxing in the area’s natural hot springs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Manuel Antonio
Start the morning with a zipline adventure through the rainforest canopy before traveling to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Watch for sloths, crocodiles, and colorful tropical birds along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 | Manuel Antonio
Discover the beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park before taking part in a group surf lesson and enjoying free time along the coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 | Family Stay
Travel to your Family Stay community and meet your Costa Rican host family. Begin experiencing daily life while practicing Spanish in a welcoming local home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Days 7–11 | Family Stay
Spend time with your host family, sharing meals, conversations, and everyday routines while strengthening your Spanish through authentic cultural exchange.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 | Return
Say farewell to your host family before transferring to the airport for your journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prices are based on a minimum group size of 18 students. If the minimum is not met and your group cannot be combined, a small-group supplement will apply. Final pricing is determined by confirmed dates, air arrangements, family stay communities, program components, group size, and number of leaders at 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 itinerary items may change due to unforeseen circumstances prior to or during the program.
Know that your child will grow in so many ways from this experience. The program has just the right amount of structure and freedom for the kids to explore in a safe and enjoyable manner. The family stay, while intimidating at first glance, is a unique and amazing opportunity for the kids to really experience the culture that they are being immersed in.
The partners in Costa Rica are fabulous! Everything was well-organized, and kids were always engaged. Our guide, Jimmy, truly is an educator and ambassador of his country. All of the students and leaders really enjoyed his personality, love of his country and knowledge. The Family Stay Experience was also very wonderful!
Immersing students in the language and culture are keys to a successful trip overseas with students, and I can always count on our in-country Xperitas guides to communicate exclusively in the target language with our students while showing them a new culture.
The focus on language and personalized touch sets this program apart from the rest.
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