Costa Rica – Environmental Research This is an adventure with purpose. While you will be exploring natural landscapes and experiencing amazing wildlife, you will also contribute to environmental research which supports local conservation. Whether it’s supporting with data collection or getting your hands dirty on nature-based activities, you will learn from environmental experts and leave a positive mark through your contribution to environmental work which protects our natural world. UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
What is the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition in Partnership with Raleigh International? The Costa Rica Viaje Expedition is a two-week leadership development programme delivered by Camps International in partnership with Raleigh International. Viaje means ‘journey’ in Spanish. The programme combines Camps’ expertise in impact and community work with Raleigh’s renowned leadership adventure model, offering students aged 14 to 17 a structured, outcome-led experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
What are the three phases of the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition? The expedition is structured across three phases. The Induction phase takes place at the Costa Rica Fieldbase, where students develop survival skills, basic first aid, cultural insights and the foundations of expedition leadership, leaving fully equipped and ready for the adventure ahead. The Research and Conservation phase involves working alongside local experts and conservationists on field projects supporting Costa Rica’s natural environment. The Adventure Challenge phase takes students through diverse tropical landscapes, trekking, orienteering and camping in the field, with students taking turns as Day Leader. The expedition closes with a reflection and celebration session where students debrief on their achievements and explore how to take what they have learned back home.
What leadership skills will students develop on the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition? Students develop practical leadership capability through progressive challenge and structured reflection across the three expedition phases. Taking on the Day Leader role during the Adventure Challenge phase places students in real decision-making situations, building confidence, resilience, communication skills and cultural intelligence. A structured debrief and celebration session at the end of the expedition helps students understand how to take their learning back into school and everyday life.
What conservation and project work is involved in the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition? Students work alongside local environmental experts and conservationists on field projects that contribute to the protection of Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural habitats. This may include environmental research, data collection and nature-based activities. Students also contribute to community development projects, with all project work connected to UN Sustainable Development Goals and designed for lasting local impact.
Where do students stay on the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition? Students are based at the Costa Rica Fieldbase during the Induction phase. Accommodation here is in large communal tents with a shared social area. On project phases, accommodation may vary and could include tents or basic bunk beds in community halls or centres, with shared basic cooking facilities. Facilities are basic throughout and authentic to life on expedition in Costa Rica.
What food will students eat on the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition? Students eat a mix of dry and fresh food and have the chance to cook with their group. The staple food in Costa Rica is rice and beans, accompanied by different vegetables and proteins. Tropical fruits are a highlight and feature regularly throughout the expedition. Students receive orientation and language lessons in Spanish as part of the programme.
Is this expedition safe for school students? Yes. The expedition operates under Camps International’s established safeguarding policies, robust risk assessment frameworks and experienced in-country teams. Full safety documentation is available for EVC and SLT review, and 24/7 emergency support is in place throughout. The programme follows UK FCDO travel advice at all times.
What is included and excluded in the Costa Rica Viaje Expedition cost? Included: international flights, tented and field accommodation, all food, in-country transport, adventure challenge, project costs, leader and staff costs, a Camps t-shirt, orientation and language lessons, travel insurance and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: vaccinations, visas, personal kit and spending money.
