Rainforest and Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica School Trips
Projects Abroad
Costa Rica is a global leader in biodiversity protection and sustainable development, making it an ideal setting for students to see how conservation principles are applied in the real world. This programme provides rare access to active research sites, allowing groups to contribute to sea turtle monitoring, primate studies, and reforestation projects that directly support the region's fragile ecosystems.For educators, it offers a structured framework to link environmental science, geography, and global citizenship with meaningful fieldwork. Students return with practical research skills, a deeper understanding of ecological challenges, and an authentic sense of how collective action protects our planet's most vulnerable habitats.
You will journey from Costa Rica's capital to two critical conservation sites - Camaquiri Conservation Initiative and the remote Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, both based on the stunning Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Spend your days surrounded by lush jungle, learning from expert conservationists as you get stuck into field research and conservation projects.
Your project work will include setting camera traps, conducting bird and primate surveys, restoring habitats through reforestation, and patrolling beaches to protect endangered sea turtles. Each day will provide countless opportunities to experience Costa Rica's incredible wildlife up close, and play an active role in helping to protect the future of these important habitats.
These hands-on activities are complemented by workshops, evening lectures, and cultural experiences such as local cooking, salsa dancing, and exchanges with the community.
Living within these environments offers a unique chance to see conservation in action. Nights spent monitoring nesting beaches, days dedicated to ecosystem restoration, and reflection sessions under the stars all contribute to a powerful educational journey - one that blends science, culture, and service.
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Example Itineraries for our 2026 trips
Days 1 - 2
Land at San Jose International Airport and travel to Cartago, where you'll have some time to explore the town before your welcome dinner that evening.
This morning, explore the ruins of Cartago, including the mid-16th-century church destroyed by a 1630 earthquake. Then continue 45 minutes to Irazú, Costa Rica's highest volcano (3432 m), with 23 recorded eruptions since 1723. At the summit, walk 1 km to view four craters, including Diego de la Haya with its acid lake. On clear days, you can see both coasts. Learn how the volcano shaped Cartago and nearby plantations, along with local legends.
Afterwards, journey to Camaquiri - around 4 hours by bus - which will be your home for the next few days.
There, you'll be shown to your rooms and given an orientation session by our team, covering cultural norms and an introduction to your project work, including a workshop on wildlife monitoring.
Days 3 - 6
Time to kickstart your conservation work! Collect real data through bird and primate surveys, monitoring health, populations, and behaviour. In the rainforest, you may spot sloths, monkeys, birds, and even crocodiles.
Learn to set up and use camera traps, then deploy your own in two different forest areas. Join daily workshops or lectures on conservation, primate species in Costa Rica, and Community Ecology.
Round off the week with a day of rest at the camp, making your own traditional Costa Rican breakfast using local ingredients and flavours. Play games or learn basic salsa steps in the afternoon before heading up to the coast for the second part of your project.
Days 7 - 8
Head to the northern coast of Costa Rica and your new project location: Barra del Colorado. Get a guided, scenic tour of the area and its rainforests, canals, and beaches. Unpack, settle in, and play some games with your friends and the locals.
Take time to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings with your group. Enjoy a friendly soccer game, and a tour on the tranquil Samai Lagoon tour, surrounded by lush rainforest and rich wildlife.
Get started on your project work at the coast by establishing a beach transect, helping to profile the beach to aid sea turtle research.
Days 9- 11
Continue your coastal project work with a focus on sea turtles. Learn how we research and monitor turtles in a safe and non-invasive way and put that knowledge into practice. Conduct beach cleans to keep them safe, embark on night time patrols to protect them from poachers, and look for tracks to locate their nests.
While there, you'll conduct seabird surveys, identifying and tracking populations and movements for these important animals. You'll also help plant native trees to combat climate change and restore local habitats.
Day 12 - 13
It's time to leave the coast behind and journey inland to La Fortuna, a region known for its dramatic volcano views, soothing hot springs, and vibrant rainforest scenery. After getting settled into your accommodation, head out for a relaxing visit to one of the area's famous hot springs. Spend the evening soaking in naturally heated pools as steam rises through the surrounding jungle, creating a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly captures the charm of the region.
The next morning, continue exploring La Fortuna's natural beauty with a short hike to one of its impressive waterfalls. The trail winds through lush greenery, offering plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the forest. After your hike, wander through the local markets, where you can browse handmade crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. It's the perfect chance to pick up meaningful gifts for friends and family - and a few reminders of your own unforgettable time in Costa Rica.
Day 14
On your final morning, visit a coffee plantation to learn about Costa Rica's coffee trade - and taste some of their famous coffee!
Then, it's time to head back to the airport. Reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime journey you've undertaken as you head back to the airport. Think about the work you've done and the places you've been and compare them to life back home.
Land at San Jose International Airport and travel to Cartago, where you'll have some time to explore the town before your welcome dinner that evening.
This morning, explore the ruins of Cartago, including the mid-16th-century church destroyed by a 1630 earthquake. Then continue 45 minutes to Irazú, Costa Rica's highest volcano (3432 m), with 23 recorded eruptions since 1723. At the summit, walk 1 km to view four craters, including Diego de la Haya with its acid lake. On clear days, you can see both coasts. Learn how the volcano shaped Cartago and nearby plantations, along with local legends.
Afterwards, journey to Camaquiri - around 4 hours by bus - which will be your home for the next few days.
There, you'll be shown to your rooms and given an orientation session by our team, covering cultural norms and an introduction to your project work, including a workshop on wildlife monitoring.
Days 3 - 6
Time to kickstart your conservation work! Collect real data through bird and primate surveys, monitoring health, populations, and behaviour. In the rainforest, you may spot sloths, monkeys, birds, and even crocodiles.
Learn to set up and use camera traps, then deploy your own in two different forest areas. Join daily workshops or lectures on conservation, primate species in Costa Rica, and Community Ecology.
Round off the week with a day of rest at the camp, making your own traditional Costa Rican breakfast using local ingredients and flavours. Play games or learn basic salsa steps in the afternoon before heading up to the coast for the second part of your project.
Days 7 - 8
Head to the northern coast of Costa Rica and your new project location: Barra del Colorado. Get a guided, scenic tour of the area and its rainforests, canals, and beaches. Unpack, settle in, and play some games with your friends and the locals.
Take time to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings with your group. Enjoy a friendly soccer game, and a tour on the tranquil Samai Lagoon tour, surrounded by lush rainforest and rich wildlife.
Get started on your project work at the coast by establishing a beach transect, helping to profile the beach to aid sea turtle research.
Days 9- 11
Continue your coastal project work with a focus on sea turtles. Learn how we research and monitor turtles in a safe and non-invasive way and put that knowledge into practice. Conduct beach cleans to keep them safe, embark on night time patrols to protect them from poachers, and look for tracks to locate their nests.
While there, you'll conduct seabird surveys, identifying and tracking populations and movements for these important animals. You'll also help plant native trees to combat climate change and restore local habitats.
Day 12 - 13
It's time to leave the coast behind and journey inland to La Fortuna, a region known for its dramatic volcano views, soothing hot springs, and vibrant rainforest scenery. After getting settled into your accommodation, head out for a relaxing visit to one of the area's famous hot springs. Spend the evening soaking in naturally heated pools as steam rises through the surrounding jungle, creating a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly captures the charm of the region.
The next morning, continue exploring La Fortuna's natural beauty with a short hike to one of its impressive waterfalls. The trail winds through lush greenery, offering plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the forest. After your hike, wander through the local markets, where you can browse handmade crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. It's the perfect chance to pick up meaningful gifts for friends and family - and a few reminders of your own unforgettable time in Costa Rica.
Day 14
On your final morning, visit a coffee plantation to learn about Costa Rica's coffee trade - and taste some of their famous coffee!
Then, it's time to head back to the airport. Reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime journey you've undertaken as you head back to the airport. Think about the work you've done and the places you've been and compare them to life back home.
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Conservation Wildlife Animal Care
Community Projects
What size groups do we cater for?
All group sizes of 5 or more. Free staff place with every 9 students.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Disabled facilities can be offered on request.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Visitors with special educational needs can be catered for on request.
Anything else?
Projects Abroad holds the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge and operates in compliance with BS 8848 standards for overseas activities. For school leaders and governors, this means the programme meets recognised national benchmarks.
We provide comprehensive risk assessments, safeguarding policies, and approval-ready documentation for every trip, supporting SLT, governor, and district approval processes. The team that plans your trip is the team on the ground when you arrive.
By travelling with us, you also contribute positively to local economies, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Don't take our word for it; we're B Corporation Certified! We're committed to setting the new sustainability standard in school travel by offsetting 110% of carbon emissions associated with your in-destination programming.
Our Partnerships Team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
We provide comprehensive risk assessments, safeguarding policies, and approval-ready documentation for every trip, supporting SLT, governor, and district approval processes. The team that plans your trip is the team on the ground when you arrive.
By travelling with us, you also contribute positively to local economies, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Don't take our word for it; we're B Corporation Certified! We're committed to setting the new sustainability standard in school travel by offsetting 110% of carbon emissions associated with your in-destination programming.
Our Partnerships Team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
Who are Projects Abroad?
Since 1992, Projects Abroad has helped young people step beyond the familiar and discover what they're truly capable of. As a global leader in educational travel, we've partnered with over 500 schools to deliver transformative school trips that help shape students' passions, careers, and futures.
We realise that each school has its own goals and interests, and the students have their own interests. We work with every school to develop a tailored itinerary that reflects their values and allows the students to make a connection with the community in which they serve.
We're proud of our dedicated in-country staff whose diverse skill sets, local knowledge and love of their community allow us to develop relevant, immersive and worthwhile schedules for school trips. These experiences give the students responsibility and teach them to see the world through a different lens.
The result is a trip that students remember long after they've left school, and one that reflects well on the school that made it possible!
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Tailor your trip Help promoting your trip Offset your trip carbon footprint
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