Hola Costa Rica
Together, we'll explore active volcanoes, hike through tropical rainforests and cloud forests, soak in natural hot springs, observe exotic wildlife, discover the fascinating relationship between volcanoes and ecosystems, learn traditional arts and dances, and experience the rich culture and hospitality of Costa Rica.
Educational Highlights
- Wildlife observation and nature journaling
- Tropical ecology and biodiversity
- Volcanoes, geology, and earth science
- Rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems
- Costa Rican history and culture
- Spanish language exposure & cultural exchange
- Traditional cooking and culinary culture
- Art, music, and folk traditions
- Opportunities for reflection, nature study, and field-based learning
- Students in grades 9–12 may earn up to 3 college credits upon successful completion of course requirements & Students in grades 6–12 may earn high school credit for participation and coursework
- AND Coffee tours, production, & consumption
What's Included
- Roundtrip airfare
- Hotels and accommodations
- Ground transportation throughout Costa Rica
- Guided educational tours and activities
- National park admissions
- Cultural workshops and demonstrations
- Coffee plantation experience
- Costa Rican cooking class
- Costa Rican school visit and cultural exchange
- All meals
- Professional bilinqual WorldStrides tour director and local guides
- The opportunity to travel, learn, explore, and connect with Carrie De Francisco—author, speaker, homeschool coach, and host of the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast—her husband, Mike De Francisco, and other homeschool families.
Adventure Investment
Whether you're studying biology, geography, environmental science, world cultures, Spanish, art, or simply cultivating curiosity, Costa Rica provides the perfect living classroom.
This a high-activity, high-adventure trip! You and your family will definitely get in your daily steps!
Join us as we learn through adventure, connect with nature, experience another culture, enjoy great coffee and delicious food, and create memories that will last a lifetime—one cup of coffee, one nature journal entry, and one discovery at a time.
- Cost per person is all inclusive (including airfare)!
- Scroll down for pricing and cancelation policy.
Día 1: Hola, Costa Rica!
Our adventure begins in San José! After arriving in the nation's capital, settle into our 4-Star hotel, meet Carrie and Mike, connect with other homeschool families, and begin your adventure. We'll gather for a welcome dinner and look ahead to a week filled with nature, culture, coffee, and unforgettable memories.
Día 2: Coffee, Volcanoes & Hot Springs
We will travel to the breathtaking Arenal region, home to one of the world's most famous volcanoes. We'll begin our first full day the Coffee With Carrie way—with coffee! During our guided coffee plantation tour, we'll learn how the country's unique geography, elevation, climate, and volcanic history produce some of the finest coffee in the world. We'll also relax in the natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity. It's the perfect way to ease into Costa Rica's breathtaking beauty.
Día 3: A Living Science Classroom
As we journey to Monteverde, we'll hike through Arenal Volcano National Park and experience one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems: the cloud forest. Explore the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park and experience firsthand the incredible connection between volcanoes, forests, and wildlife. We'll also visit a local Costa Rican school before traveling to Monteverde, where we'll discover the wonders of the cloud forest on an unforgettable nighttime nature walk.
Día 4: Cloud Forests & Costa Rican Cooking
Spend the morning ziplining through Monteverde's famous cloud forestand souring above the rainforest. One of the highlights of the trip will be our Costa Rican cooking experience, where we'll prepare authentic local dishes and enjoy the fruits of our labor together. If you've enjoyed my "Cook & Chat" reels, you'll love this opportunity to step into a Costa Rican kitchen and experience the culture through food. As someone who loves cooking and gathering around the table, I can't wait to learn, cook, and share this experience with all of you as we savor traditional recipes and create lasting memories together.
Día 5: Into the Clouds
Bring your nature journal as we explore the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. From towering trees to colorful birds, every turn offers something new to discover. Later, we'll travel from the misty mountains to the beautiful Pacific coast and settle into Manuel Antonio.
Día 6: Nature Study by the Sea
Today we'll explore Manuel Antonio National Park, where rainforest and beach come together in one spectacular setting. Keep your nature journal close as we search for sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife while enjoying one of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks.
Día 7: Costa Rican Culture & Creativity
To conclude our adventure, we'll participate in traditional Costa Rican cultural activities, including ox-cart painting, artisan crafts, folklore, music, and dance. While we are painting there will be contests, games and little dances. Vamos a bailar! (Let's Dance!) Costa Rican folklore dancers teach you the El Torito, as well as other traditional dances, then relax and watch the pros perform.
Día 8: Hasta Luego, Costa Rica
After breakfast, we'll begin our journey home.
We'll leave with new friendships, full nature journals, a few handmade souvenirs, wonderful memories, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty, culture, and wildlife of Costa Rica.
Homeschool Tips on the Trip
Evening Coffee & Conversation
Throughout our Costa Rica adventure, Carrie will be hosting relaxed evening chats on selected days after the day’s adventures have wrapped up. These are optional, low-key wind-down moments designed just for the homeschooling moms — a chance to sit back, reflect, and pick up practical ideas while the kids are settled for the night.
In these informal, optional, evening chats, Carrie will share helpful tips and guidance on topics such as Nature studies, literature-based learning, creative ways to turn real-world adventures into high school and even college credit, and more.
The best part? These evening chats and homeschool tips are included in the cost of the trip.
General FAQ
Who Are The Hosts?
Carrie will be joined by her husband of 30 years, Mike De Francisco. Mike is a homeschooling dad of 20+ years. Mike first started planning family vacations and mini trips to complement what the family was learning each year. After his daughter, Francesca, participated in a 2.5 week trip to Great Britain with the organization WorldStrides, he began organizing international trips for homeschool high schoolers and the homeschool co-op he ran with Carrie. In conjunction with WorldStrides, Mike has taken homeschool families to Costa Rica, England, & Iceland. He has also organized trips to Greece, Austria, and the south of France. As a homeschool dad who loves to travel, he knows how to meet the unique needs of homeschooling families. Carrie De Francisco, host of Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast, will be hiking, nature journaling, and exploring alongside Mike and each of you.
How Many People Will Be on the Trip?
Our group can extend up to 40 participants. The more participants we have, the more we can personalize our trip. We encourage families to attend together or make it a special dad/daughter, mom/son, or parent/child adventure. Due to the length of the trip and adventure-filled days, we do require participants to be at least 11 years old.
**A minimum of 12 participants is needed in order to participate in the scheduled itinerary and secure travel dates. **
Packing & Weather
What Will the Weather Be Like?
June marks the start of Costa Rica's rainy season, with warm temperatures & high humidity. Mornings are often sunny or partly cloudy, followed by a brief afternoon shower. Daytime highs typically range 75–89°F with lows around 65–75°F, but expect higher temperatures while on the Pacific coast.
What Should We Pack?
Pack light clothes, rain gear (poncho or quick-dry items), small daypack, reusable water bottle, and sturdy shoes for walking tours, moderate hikes, and possible wet trails. Don't forget those nature journals, cameras, and swimwear too! Hats and insect repellant are also highly recommended.
**A detailed packing list will be shared before the trip.**
How Is Our Luggage Transported Between Accommodations?
On travel days, each participant is responsible for their own luggage. Keep this in mind as you pack.
Do We Need Extra Money?
No! All you need is your passport! If you would like to purchase souvenirs, extra snacks on day excursions, or personal incidentals at the hotels, then make sure you have a credit card an/or colones (Costa Rican currency) on hand. USD are accepted in many areas, however, Venmo is not.
Accommodations
Where Will We Be Staying?
Since we will be visiting different areas of Costa Rica, our hotels will vary. We will be staying in centralized three- and four-star hotels! Room accommodations fit 2-4 occupants. Room assignments will keep families together. If a family unit is 2 or less or more than 4, a twin-room upgrade can be requested at an additional cost.
Will We Have Access to WiFi & Cell Service?
Most accommodations have Wi-Fi, but signal strength may vary while traveling or exploring national parks.
How Do We Get to Costa Rica?
We will meet you in San Jose, Costa Rica. Your adventure will include airfare accommodations from the airport nearest your home to our starting destination, San Jose. From the time we meet up to the the day you fly home, all of your transportation needs are provided and included in the cost.
Physical Requirements
How Difficult Are the Hikes?
You will get your steps in each day! Each day is full of activity ranging from early morning travel to sloping hills to relaxing in hot springs. Walking shoes are required along with no physical disabilities that may impede the days we hike. If you go on weekly or monthly nature hikes with friends, you can handle our adventures.
**Buses and travel vans are not ADA compliant.**
Can We Skip an Activity?
Most days begin in one area of Costa Rica and end in another region in a new 4-star hotel. If you skip an activity, you will miss out on travel accommodations to our next adventure.
What If I Experience and Injury or Need Medical Attention?
There will be 24/7 On Tour Emergency Support as well as Basic Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation Insurance during trip for US travelers. WorldStride Guides as well as Mike De Francisco are CPR trained.
Meals & Dietary Needs
Are Meals Included?
Yes, all meals are included. A plentiful daily breakfast will be provided to start the day as well as daily appetizing, culturally representative, three-course lunch and dinners. On Day Four, we will learn how to cook authentic local foods and sit down to savor our delicious creations.
What About Dietary Restrictions?
When you register for the trip, let us know. WorldStride Partners will do their best to ensure suitable meal options when available. If you require extra protein, vegan or GF options, or dairy-free food, make sure you pack extra snacks to meet your dietary needs. **Some accommodations can be made but to respect cultural differences, most meals are eaten as traditionally prepared.**
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