Teacher Taster Trip

Experience Life in Costa Rica

Experience a Camps International expedition on a rewarding teacher taster trip to Costa Rica. This immersive experience is designed to give educators first-hand insight into how our expeditions challenge, inspire and develop young people, both inside and beyond the classroom.

Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainability, biodiversity and environmental protection — a living classroom rich with real-world learning opportunities. On this taster trip, you’ll see what it’s like for students to live and work in rural and coastal environments, contributing to meaningful conservation and community projects while building resilience, independence and global awareness.

Along the way, you’ll experience Costa Rica’s extraordinary landscapes, from lush rainforests to tropical coastlines, and meet the local communities and project partners who bring these expeditions to life.

Students on wildlife river cruise with Camp Costa Rica

Upcoming Trip Details

Spend 6 days, 5 nights

Trip Dates: March to April – specific dates to be confirmed

Cost: USD $250

tara-das-gupta-environment-uk-costa-rica

Coffee Tour Monteverde, School Expedition Camps International

What’s Included

A fully supported expedition, from start to finish

Your expedition cost is comprehensive and covers the incredible activities you’ll be taking part in, as well as the extensive support you’ll receive in the lead up to your Teacher Taster Trip.

Flights are included.

Don’t forget you’ll also need your travel insurance, vaccinations, visas, kit and some spending money. Do not worry, you will receive expert guidance on all of these once you sign up.

Camps International Company Representative
All meals
Unlimited drinking water
All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the itinerary
Transfers in private vehicles
Project costs and management
24 hour support throughout expedition

Accommodation

Where will you stay?

You’ll stay in a mix of accommodations, from hotels to authentic expedition camps, reflecting the reality of a Camps International journey.

Camp Caño Negro

The boundaries of Camp Caño Negro are formed by the waters of the Caño Negro refugio (wildlife refuge) which stretches into Nicaragua. Situated in the far north of the county it is next to one of the world’s most important migratory bird habitats. Relax in the mornings spotting caiman basking on the banks of the waters edge.

Location: The community of Caño Negro is located in the Alajuela Province. 4 hours from San José.
Accommodation style: Cabins
Bed type: Bunk beds
Toilets: Flushing
Showers: Cold, running water
Power: Will need a universal adapter/converter
Signature dish: Hash palm with chicken with sauce
Social areas: Large lawns ideal for chilling out on

Camp Salitre

Immerse yourself in the community of the indigenous Bribri people, who are proud of their distinct culture and have autonomous control of their lands. They are working hard to protect their identity and sustain the beliefs of their forefathers. Camp Salitre is based in a group of traditional, wooden buildings surrounded by forest. You’ll be sharing the camp with your fellow travellers and some local toucans!

Location: Bueno Aires, Puntarenas Province, 6.5 hours from San José
Accommodation style: Cabins
Bed type: Bunk beds
Toilets: Flushing
Showers: Cold, running water
Power: Will need a universal adapter/converter
Signature dish: Heart of palm mincemeat, rice, and chicken in sauce
Social areas: An outdoor chill out area
Activities: Soccer with community, tortilla making

Sample itinerary

This itinerary will give you an insight into what you can expect on your expedition. It is dependent on time of travel and some elements may be subject to change.

Day	Activities	More details
Day 1	Arrival and Transfer to Camp	On arrival at Liberia International Airport, you’ll be met by a member of the Camps International Costa Rica team and travel directly to Camp Caño Negro, your first expedition base Overnight in Camp
Day 2	Caño Negro National Park	We’ll start the day with a boat tour through Caño Negro National Park, an ideal way to understand the environment, observe wildlife and see the conservation challenges that shape project work in this region. Camps International’s work in Costa Rica is primarily focused on environmental conservation. Later in the morning, you’ll meet representatives from the government ministry responsible for forestry and habitat regeneration, gaining insight into national conservation priorities and how our projects support long-term environmental goals. After lunch, you’ll visit active project sites and take part in a short taster activity, mirroring the type of hands-on work students complete on expedition. We’ll also discuss the teacher role on expedition, including how Camps International staff, Expedition Leaders and accompanying teachers work together to support student safety, learning and personal development. Before dinner, you’ll take part in a traditional tortilla-making session with the camp cooks, exploring the cultural importance of food and how cultural experiences are woven into the daily rhythm of an expedition. Overnight in Camp
Day 3	Travel to Uvita	An early start this morning as we travel by bus to Uvita, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This cross-country journey reflects the travel days students experience and offers a broader understanding of Costa Rica’s geography and regional diversity. We’ll stop along the way for lunch at a traditional local “soda”, a small family-run restaurant that gives insight into everyday Costa Rican life. In the afternoon, you’ll walk out onto the famous Whale Tail Beach (weather and tide permitting), a natural landmark where we’ll aim to catch the Pacific sunset. Overnight in a hotel in town.
Day 4	Marine Conservation & Indigenous Community Projects	Another early start as we head out on a snorkeling excursion within the marine national park. This is one of the key adventure components for many Costa Rica expeditions and offers students the chance to explore marine ecosystems first-hand. There is the possibility of seeing sea turtles, tropical fish and reef sharks, and on the boat journey, sightings of dolphins and whales may occur depending on the season. After lunch, we’ll travel to Camp Salitre, located within an Indigenous community. Before dinner, you’ll visit local project sites and learn about the upcoming conservation and community initiatives student groups will support in this area. Projects here often focus on the balance between human activity and environmental protection. The community is rightly proud of their heritage in caring for their environment. Overnight in camp.
Day 5	Culture, Community & Reflection	This morning is dedicated to exploring Costa Rican culture—both modern and ancestral. You’ll spend time with community members learning about local beliefs, customs and traditions, including the cultural and historical importance of cacao. And, of course, there will be an opportunity to sample chocolate. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the outskirts of San José in preparation for your return home. Your final dinner together provides time to reflect on the experience, discuss student outcomes, and ask any remaining questions about running a Camps International expedition with your school. Overnight in a hotel near the airport, commonly used by student groups on arrival and departure.
Day 6	Departure	After breakfast, it’s time to head to the airport and say goodbye to new colleagues and friends.