Costa Rica Coast-to-Coast Expedition
Embark on a 25-day cross-continental expedition that will push you to transcend self-imposed limits and expand your cultural awareness. Trek through rainforest valleys and dense cloud forests as you learn the local traditions of Costa Rica.
The centerpiece of this course is a cross-country hike through the heart of Costa Rica. As you and your crewmates trek through rural towns and some of the country's most remote and breathtaking regions, you'll explore its rich tropical ecology, diverse wildlife, and vibrant natural history. Along the way, you’ll build self-reliance and backcountry skills—setting up your own shelter, mastering outdoor cooking techniques, and sleeping beneath the stars.
After several nights on foot, hiking, camping, and familiarizing yourself with the Central American landscape, you'll deepen your cultural immersion through group homestays in rural communities with local families. These experiences offer a unique window into everyday Costa Rican life and a chance to build upon the Spanish foundations introduced during orientation. Learn traditional skills directly from your hosts, such as harvesting sugarcane and grinding corn to make homemade tortillas on a traditional wood-fired stove.
Every day of this unique expedition will provide the opportunity to discover something new and experience the country in a truly immersive way—whether it’s cooling off in waterfalls along your route or learning firsthand about the rich biodiversity of the plants and animals around you. As you trek through remote regions, you'll also gain insight into how eco-tourism can positively impact local economies, making your journey not only adventurous but deeply meaningful.
UPCOMING COURSES
Course # HCAB-2661
Age 18 - 25
Days 25
Cost $7,450
Dates 3/14/2026 - 4/7/2026
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
This course starts in . Are you sure you would like to proceed?
Depart early to your “far from the tourist route” trailhead, which will take you to some of the most spectacular hidden gems in central Costa Rica. Enjoy hiking through pristine cloud and rainforests, learning about the flora and fauna that thrive in one of the most biodiverse countries of the world. Make camp along the trail and rest under tarps with the sounds of the forest to lull you to sleep. Debrief, dive into Costa Rican culture & traditions, and learn about your new rainforest surroundings through nightly meetings to gain the most out of this unique experience.
Continue hiking each day through jaw-dropping rainforest areas. Spend a night at a Rainforest Eco Lodge where a breathtaking mountain view and local family welcome you. Learn about how locals live in this remote part of the country while enjoying a beautiful open-air, sustainable rainforest home. During this expedition, you will also camp and hike through an indigenous reserve, helping you to gain new perspective and understanding of the history of the region.
During your expedition in Costa Rica, cultural immersion is deepened through family homestays in rural communities. These authentic experiences offer a meaningful glimpse into daily life in Costa Rica, allowing you and your group to connect with local families and practice your Spanish in real-world settings. You'll participate in traditional activities—like preparing meals from scratch or helping with seasonal agricultural tasks—gaining hands-on insight into the customs and rhythms of rural Costa Rican life. These homestays not only foster cultural exchange, but also support and empower the communities that welcome you.
The coastal and river environments of Costa Rica provide a perfect backdrop for expanding wilderness travel skills. This small tropical nation is fast becoming a renowned destination for whitewater rafting, surfing, rainforest trekking, and eco-adventures in general. About the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has a variety of climates including tropical dry forest, rainforest, and cloud forest.
These regions are the ancestral lands of the Chorotega, Malécu, Rama, Bostos, Nicarao/Nahoa, Huetar, Tjer-di/Teribe Broram, Brunka, Bribri, Buglé and Ngäbé nations.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY LIKE
Joshua Tree Backpacking & Rock Climbin...
Courses: 2 dates available Ages: 18+ , 18-25 , 30+ Length: 7 Days Cost: $2,540 Details & Dates
Costa Rica Surf & Service for Adults
Courses: 2 dates available Ages: 18-25 Length: 8 Days Cost: $3,380 Details & Dates
Boundary Waters Dog Sledding & Cross C...
Courses: 8 dates available Ages: 18+ , 30+ Length: 8 Days Cost: $2,790 - $3,200 Details & Dates
Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Customer Success Specialists (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.