Getting Outside the Classroom: Real-World Learning with Raleigh
What is Real World Learning? Do you ever look out the classroom window and daydream about travelling the world, meeting…
Costa Rica 5-week Expedition
The 5-week Costa Rica Expedition is an unforgettable chance to live simply, make a real difference, and explore some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
Experience an incredible blend of adventure and cultural immersion in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. You'll take part in one volunteering project - Community or Environmental - and embark on a trek across Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems.
Dates and rates
Cost
From £3700$4630$4630$4630
Dates and rates
When
Feb – Apr | Jun – Aug | Oct – Dec
Tropical, adventure, Pura Vida
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Community project*
You’ll spend around 3 weeks volunteering on one or more of several transformative infrastructure and educational projects that address the urgent needs of remote and indigenous communities.
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Environmental project*
For around 3 weeks you’ll help to support the maintenance and conservation of Costa Rica’s incredibly biodiverse ecosystems. You’ll work alongside and under the instruction of local communities.
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Adventure challenge
The 9-day trek takes you from misty cloud forests in the mountains, down through tropical lowlands, and out to the Pacific coast. A journey across Costa Rica’s ecosystems.
*You'll embark on one Project - either Community or Environmental - as well as the Adventure phase.
Expedition highlights from Costa Rica
Costa Rica 5-week Itinerary
Please note this is a sample itinerary and order of phases will vary depending on Cycles and Venturer numbers.
Induction and training (4-7 days)
For this you’ll be at our Fieldbase in Turrialba. Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community or Environmental Project (18-19 days)
Venturers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. Your accommodation will mostly likely be a school or community building and use the facilities attached to it (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).
OR
Venturers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.
Leadership trek (9-10 days)
On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping in mountainous areas and sleeping under the stars to bunking in a community centre.
ENDEX (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
Expedition life in Costa Rica
Every Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through two unforgettable phases: the Adventure Challenge and the Project (either Community or Environmental)
Community project
You’ll spend around 3 weeks volunteering on one or more of several transformative infrastructure and educational projects that address the urgent needs of remote and indigenous communities.
Read more
SDGs: education, poverty reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and community resilience.
Collaborate with community members and a professional foreman
Project goals
Educational infrastructure
- Build a classroom or community hall in that provides more educational space for students.
- Prepare the land for construction.
- Place the construction bases and floorboards.
- Build the structure for the walls and the roof.
- Put up the walls.
Intercultural exchange
- Learn about the local culture with the aim of contributing to the understanding of different realities and perspectives, thereby promoting a non-discrimination culture.
- Cabecar lessons
- Cabecar storytelling and worldview
- Traditional crafts
Example projects
The schools we work with are located in the Alto Chirripó Indigenous Territory. Home to the Cabécar indigenous group: this community has some of the highest poverty rates in Costa Rica (up to 90%) and the lowest average level of schooling (only 4.2 years).
- Community hall construction – this project aims to construct a community hall that will serve as a multipurpose space for school activities, assemblies, and graduation ceremonies.
- Construction of a classroom – this project aims to build a classroom; for this is a one-teacher school with only 32 students. There are only two classrooms, one for primary students and one for pre-schoolers. The classrooms are in very bad shape, the termites have damaged the walls, therefore so the school is not safe for the children.
Environmental project
For around 3 weeks you’ll help to support the maintenance and conservation of Costa Rica’s incredibly biodiverse ecosystems. You’ll work alongside and under the instruction of local communities.
Read more
Project goals
- Supporting and driving forward environmental projects in the area.
- Collaboration with local communities and conservation organisations, Venturers contributes to the protection of biodiversity, sustainable resource management, and the restoration of critical ecosystems.
- Raise awareness about environmental issues and empower residents to take part in long-term conservation solutions, ensuring a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the community.
Example projects
- Reforestation & Habitat Restoration – planting trees to restore vital wetland ecosystems
- Wildlife Monitoring – support efforts to track birds, caimans, and even jaguar habitats
- Community Environmental Education – helping local schools and families connect conservation to livelihoods
- Sustainability Projects – waste management, trail maintenance, eco-tourism support
Adventure Challenge
This 9 day trek takes you from misty cloud forests in the mountains, down through tropical lowlands, and out to the Pacific coast. An incredible journey across Costa Rica’s ecosystems.
Read more
Group bonding and acclimatisation (Days 1–5)
- Premontane Rainforest
- Lush and humid forests with abundant biodiversity
- Ferns, orchids, tall canopy trees.
- Warm-up and adaptation
Mountain camping and challenge (Days 5–9)
- Montane and Cloud Forest
- Cooler, wetter arears often covered in mist.
- Home to tapirs, quetzals and other unique fauna.
- Mountain camping and challenge
- More demanding hikes, first high-altitude camp
Where will I be?
Location
You'll fly into San José airport and transfer to our Fieldbase in Turrialba
- Fieldbase – Situated in Turrialba
- Community project – We work across multiple locations. You may be in the Valle del la Estrella in the Alto and Bajo Chirripö Indigenous Territory, the Ngäbe-Buglé territory or another territory depending on your group or cycle.
- Environmental project – You may be in several locations. One of our main projects is located in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, in northern Costa Rica, close to the Nicaraguan border
- Adventure challenge – Montane & Cloud Forest
Fieldbase, Turrialba
Accommodation
Fieldbase
- Army Style Tents
- Communal Hall for Socials
- Laundrette
- Electricity
- WiFi
- Nearby Town
Community project
- Sleeping in rural school classrooms, community salons, or ranger stations
- Access to nearby community facilities (toilets, showers, cooking)
Environmental Project
- Bunk-bed facilities or camping setups
- Ranger Stations or Community Salons
Adventure challenge
- Community salons
- Tents
Costa Rica 5-weeks dates & pricing
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer
FEBRUARY - APRIL
8th February – 15th March 2027
£3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £190$230$230$230
Apply now
CYCLE 2
Limited Time Offer
JUNE - AUGUST
- 28th June – 2nd August 2027
- 18th July – 23rd August 2027
£3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £190$230$230$230
Apply now
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
- A: 12th October – 16th November 2027
£3700$4630$4630$4630
Save £190$230$230$230
Apply now
Payment plans
5% deposit
Secure your spot from as little as £99.5
Installments
Pay over time interest free*
Discounts
Book early at a lower price
What's Included?
Extensive pre-departure training
Airport welcome and transfers
All food, transport and accommodation
24/7 in-country & UK office support
Orientation, project training & safety briefing
Free Raleigh International T-Shirt
All bookings also include a free NOMAD & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks & vaccination requirements
Flights, visas, vaccinations, personal kit, travel insurance, DBS/Police background check and first aid training (for Venturer Managers) are not included in the price of a Raleigh Expedition. A full breakdown will be provided on point of booking.
Apply now
How to apply for an Expedition
1
Apply online
Fill in the online form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!
2
Screening
If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.
3
Confirmation
Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.
4
Pre-departure
Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.
Need more Expedition information?
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition
Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about
Stories from Costa Rica
Meet the Raleigh SES Bursary Winners Embarking on Expeditions This October
Meet the Raleigh SES Bursary Winners Embarking on Expeditions This October
This October, we are thrilled to welcome two more Venturers onto our Expeditions through the support of the Raleigh SES…
“It Was Very Formative for Me”: Sam’s 2003 Costa Rica Expedition
Originally from the UK, Sam joined Raleigh in her mid-twenties when she found herself at a crossroads. Little did she…
