¡Qué Chiva Costa Rica! is a 9-day student travel program that places cultural connection at the heart of the experience. Students begin by living with Costa Rican host families through the Xperitas Family Stay Experience®, practicing Spanish in everyday situations while taking part in local traditions, community activities, and daily life.
During their Family Stay, students hike through the mountains of Trinidad de Dota, visit a local coffee plantation, participate in a reforestation project, and connect with local students at a neighborhood school. These experiences provide authentic opportunities to strengthen language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture and community.
The program continues with outdoor adventure across Arenal and the Pacific coast, where students visit Arenal Volcano National Park, relax in natural hot springs, kayak and snorkel around Chora Island, and enjoy time along the beaches of Sámara. Designed for student groups, this Costa Rica Spanish immersion program unites language learning, cultural exchange, and adventure into one rewarding experience.
*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
9 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 transfer to your hotel before beginning your Costa Rica experience.
Meals Included: None
Day 2 | Family Stay
Meet your Costa Rican host family and settle into your new home. Later, hike through the scenic mountain landscapes of Trinidad de Dota while getting to know your local community.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 | Family Stay
Spend the day participating in seasonal fruit harvesting before joining a traditional community soccer match with local residents and your host family.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Family Stay
Visit a local coffee plantation to learn how coffee is grown and produced before taking part in a community reforestation project.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Arenal
Visit a local school before exploring an organic tropical farm. Say farewell to your host family as you travel to Arenal and relax in the region’s natural hot springs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Arenal
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park before visiting another organic farm to learn about local agriculture. End the day with a lively Costa Rican salsa class.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Sámara
Travel to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and discover the beach town of Sámara. Enjoy a relaxing walk along beautiful Carrillo Beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 | Sámara
Kayak and snorkel around Chora Island while exploring the area’s marine life. Later, enjoy free time to relax on the beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 | Return
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you stronger Spanish skills and meaningful memories of Costa Rica.
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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