Costa Rica

School Trip to Costa Rica: Sarapiquí Ecological Research

Q: Is Costa Rica: Sarapiquí Ecological Research and Ecoservice Right for This School Group?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

How Do Flights Work? School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there. What Meals Are Included? All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not Included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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Costa Rica: Sarapiquí Ecological Research is an 8-day customizable school group trip to Costa Rica, where students conduct wildlife surveys at the La Selva Biological Station and contribute to infrastructure development projects. Students explore the biodiversity of the Sarapiquí region, learning about tropical biology and rainforest ecosystems. They live at the La Selva Biological Station, surrounded by the forest they are studying. The trip combines responsible ecotourism, field research, and time spent paying attention to the natural world around them.

Rustic Pathways school group travel programs provide educational travel experiences that take learning beyond the classroom.

School Group Travel Program

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Flexible dates. Pricing based on group size and travel details.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Arrive in San José · Program orientation · Overnight: Hotel, San Jose

Sarapiqui and Rainforest Introduction

Travel to Sarapiquí · Introduction to research at La Selva Biological Station · Learn rainforest plant adaptations · Night insect research

Tropical Ecosystem Immersion with Local Experts

Bird census and rainforest field research · Identify bird species by sight and sound · Nocturnal wildlife exploration · Overnight: La Selva Biological Station

Days 4 - 5

Community infrastructure service projects · Work with local leaders on development initiatives · Chocolate tour or river swim · Overnight: Hotel, Sarapiqui

Zipline & Farm Tour

Rainforest zipline near Arenal · Visit Finca Don Juan agricultural farm · Overnight: Base house, Fortuna

Goodbye Rainforest

Coffee tour · Travel to San José · Closing reflection and Rustic Ties ceremony · Overnight: Hotel, San Jose

¡Adiós, Costa Rica!

Depart Costa Rica

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Costa Rica

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a verified 4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio, better than our 7:1 promise. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies?

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Is Costa Rica: Sarapiquí Ecological Research and Ecoservice Right for This School Group?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.

What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not Included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Costa Rica Americas Conservation

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