Not just considered the world’s best honeymoon destination, Costa Rica has a variety of activities which suit people from all walks of life. Whether it’s sunbathing, riding horseback through jungles, or attending one of the many festivals that occur year round. It’s fair to say that Costa Rica has much more to offer than just a romantic honeymoon destination.

Costa Rica has cemented itself as an excellent travel destination for Americans, especially due to its close proximity. It’s also renowned for its hospitable citizens and police officers, which makes it a great place for an educational adventure. 

Here are some tips for planning an educational adventure in Costa Rica.

Learn Before You Adjourn

The best piece of advice we can give you before you travel to Costa Rica is to do some research into the language and culture before you go. Having some basic Spanish phrases down isn’t necessary, but will completely change your experience and will help you build rapport with locals much faster. Learning about the culture can also prepare you for formalities (or lack thereof) which you may face, and how to handle them.

Have a look at this article to learn about which Spanish phrases may be useful as well as customs.

If you’re hoping to see some events while you’re there, check out this article which talks about when various holidays or events occur. 

The Ecological Route

If you’re interested in the exclusive ecology endemic to the Costa Rican jungles and beaches, then you’re in luck. There are a myriad of different tours, package deals, and guides who are more than happy to take you out into the jungle to see the sights and learn about the flora and fauna. We encourage you to do your research well in advance, and to prepare with several backup options as plans aren’t usually as concrete as they are in the US.

We also recommend you do your due diligence into the following aspects of any ecological tours: safety, affordability, and sustainability.

Safety

Thankfully Costa Rica isn’t like Australia where seemingly every plant and animal has a chance of ending your life or permanently harming you. There are dangerous animals in Costa Rica, such as the:

• Fer-de-lance Snake in Corcovado National Park
• Eyelash Viper Snake in Tapantí – Macizo Cerro de la Muerte National Park
• Coral Snake in Arenal Volcano National Park
• American Crocodile in Tarcoles
• Puma in Santa Rosa National Park
• Jaguar in Corcovado National Park

While most of these animals may be hard to actually spot in the wild, they do pose a serious threat to travelers, especially those on their lonesome. Be sure to listen closely to your guide, and to do as they say, as they know the jungles, rivers, and the animals you should be wary of.

Affordability

Some of these educational tours can cost between $2,000 and $3,000, which may be slightly over budget for some people. Instead of opting for a cheaper tour, we recommend planning your own tour and investing in guides who can show you what you wish to be shown. Holding out on a tour package can result in a dissatisfying journey around Costa Rica, at least with planning it yourself you’ll only have yourself to blame.

Sustainability

Before booking that ATV tour of Costa Rican jungles, consider whether that is what the environment there wants. If you’re interested in educational tourism, then chances are you’re also interested in preserving the environment and all it has to teach us. Be mindful when planning your educational tour about the environmental impact whatever you’re booking makes. Keep an eye out for sustainable packages, and those tour guides who know how to traverse the jungles and rivers symbiotically. 

The Cultural or Historical Route

This can be completely self-guided, and we recommend doing so at your own pace so as to allow plenty of time to be spent in the preferred museums or destinations. Costa Rica has a rich cultural history, whether you’re interested in the indigenous people or the variety of folk that were brought over by the colonizing forces. Start in San Jose and follow your nose around the country, be sure to ask around for any local tips, and hire any tour guides to show your support for the country.

Planning Your Next Excursion

Whether you’re looking for yourself, or for family and friends, or you’re even considering it as an educational honeymoon destination, Costa Rica has it all. Be sure to plan at least 2 to 3 weeks and to give yourself plenty of leeway with your plans as they may change due to a variety of reasons. 

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