One of the many benefits of travel is the opportunity to expand your perspective and explore new habitats and cultures. There are several ways to learn more about the people, places, and environments that make Costa Rica so special. In a guided tour of the cloud forest, you can discover fascinating plants and insects or search out rare birds. You might listen to stories about the history of Costa Rica while exploring the rainforest or learn how your morning coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted. For longer stays, you could volunteer on an organic farm or take a Spanish language course. No matter what you choose, these experiences will be with you long after your vacation ends.
15 Things to Do
The Day Tour to the Asis wild animal rescue center outside of La Fortuna, is a great way to learn about wildlife protection and see Costa Rican animals up close.
2 hrs
From $34Are you interested in teaching environmental education to Costa Rican schoolchildren? Volunteers for this project develop and then implement a curriculum for environmental education in Costa Rican elementary schools. This position requires strong motivation and independence, as well as a solid grasp of Spanish.
6 hrs
From $542This tour introduces you to the origins of modern-day chocolate. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of cocoa agriculture.
3 hrs
From $32This 2-hour butterfly farm tour offers an in-depth look at this colorful insect’s life cycle. You can climb up the main enclosure’s treehouse platforms to look for pupas, butterfly eggs, and caterpillars. Next, you’ll head to the classroom to learn more about butterfly breeding. A trip to the butterfly farm is ideal for small groups or couples who are interested in an educational nature tour.
2 hrs
From $26Are you eager to protect endangered species and the environment? Would you like to gain professional experience for your studies or career? Or would you just like to help at a great project? If so, the turtle internship might be the right for you!
6 hrs
From $723The Watsi Bribri people lived in Costa Rica long before the Spanish arrived. On a visit to the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, you’ll have the chance to meet the modern-day Bribri and learn about their pre-Columbian culture.
6 hrs
From $82Set just outside Manuel Antonio and Quepos, the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation grows an assortment of spices, medicinal plants, and exotic fruits. On this half-day tour you’ll explore the plantation and experience how vanilla is grown, harvested, and cooked with.
4 hrs
From $53Like so many cities in North America, San José foodies consider craft beer a staple of nights out. On this tour you’ll go on a pub crawl in the trendy Escalante neighborhood and try some popular Costa Rican brews.
4 hrs
From $76This vacation, it's time to get 'batty' at the Monteverde Bat Jungle. Learn all about these interesting mammals, how they're important to the environment, and why they're not as scary as monster movies make them out to be. A fun, educational excursion for families and nature lovers, the Monteverde Bat Jungle represents the life's work of Dr. Richard K. LaVal, PhD Wildlife Science.
1 hrs
From $18Take a tour and volunteer at Proyecto Asis wildlife rescue center just 30 minutes from La Fortuna in the northern lowlands region of Costa Rica.
4 hrs
From $57Do you know where your food comes from? You do when you stay at Hotel Belmar. The hotel sources their eggs, cheese, coffee, and sugar can from their farm. Learn what goes into sustainable farming on this exciting tour of Costa Rica's first carbon-neutral farm — Finca Madre Tierra. This tour will give you the opportunity to explore the farm up-close, and learn what it really means to operate a sustainable business.
3 hrs
From $58This tour takes you to a coffee farm surrounded by colorful mountains. Along the way you’ll see every stage of the coffee production process, from harvest to cup.
3 hrs
From $41The Sacred Seed Sanctuary protects a massive diversity of plants, many of which are threatened by climate change. This is part of an effort to create 10,000 seed banks worldwide, in order to combat the constant lost of species caused by deforestation. At this location, you can see a collection of over 300 tropical plants.
2 hrs
From $39There are approximately 113 species of bats in Costa Rica, which makes up about half of the species of mammals in the country. You’ll learn about the many species and classifications as you make your way through the Sarapiquí rainforest.
2 hrs
From $26This reptile and amphibian exhibition includes over 30 species of frogs, toads, lizards, geckos and snakes, all of which are native to Costa Rica.
1 hr
From $18- Elliot H.
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