EcoTravel & Learn

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Choose your language / Elige tu idioma

Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

Learning Beyond
the Classroom

Transformative educational travel experiences in Costa Rica that combine STEAM, sustainability, cultural immersion, and adventure.

Our Mission

We create life-changing educational experiences that connect students with nature, science, culture, and communities through immersive travel. By combining STEAM learning, environmental conservation, and experiential education, we inspire curiosity, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to a more sustainable and interconnected world.

Our Vision

A world where every young person has the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, develop a deep respect for people and the planet, and become an innovative leader who creates positive change in their community and beyond.

Why EcoTravel & Learn?

We are not a traditional travel company. We are an educational partner that designs transformative learning experiences where every activity has a purpose.

Students learning in Costa Rica EcoTravel educational experience
01

Environmental Stewardship

Students develop a deep connection with nature and a lifelong commitment to protecting our planet.

02

Critical Thinking

Field investigations and real-world challenges develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

03

Collaboration

Team challenges and community projects build cooperation and interpersonal confidence.

04

Global Citizenship

Cultural immersion expands perspectives and builds genuine intercultural competence.

05

Creativity & Innovation

STEAM projects in natural settings spark innovation and creative thinking beyond the classroom.

06

Leadership & Confidence

Adventure challenges build resilience, decision-making skills, and genuine self-belief.

Our Programs

Every program is intentionally designed to meet learners where they are and take them further than they imagined possible.

School educational programs in Costa Rica

Schools

Curriculum-aligned educational tours designed with teachers and coordinators for maximum learning impact and measurable outcomes.

  • Educational Tours
  • Curriculum-aligned experiences
  • Teacher resources & support
  • Safety protocols
  • Custom itineraries
Request Information

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is not just a beautiful destination it is one of the most powerful educational environments on Earth.

Costa Rica biodiversity Costa Rica rainforest Costa Rica wildlife
6%

of the world's biodiversity in one small country

World leader in environmental conservation

Stable democracy, no army since 1948

Safe destination for international travelers

99%+ renewable energy, a global sustainability model

Rich indigenous and Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage

Learning Areas

Every experience is built around four core learning areas ensuring depth, intentionality, and lasting educational impact.

Environmental conservation activity

Environmental Conservation

  • Forest restoration
  • Wildlife study & protection
  • Climate change education
  • Biodiversity exploration
STEAM hands-on project

STEAM

  • Robotics & Coding
  • Citizen Science
  • Engineering Challenges
  • Innovation Projects
Leadership development outdoor

Leadership

  • Communication skills
  • Problem solving
  • Decision making
  • Resilience & perseverance
Global citizenship and community

Global Citizenship

  • Culture & language
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • Intercultural competence
  • Community engagement

Adventures

Each adventure is purposeful. Every challenge teaches something. No two days in the rainforest are ever the same.

Waterfall adventure Costa Rica
Waterfalls
Kayaking Costa Rica
Kayaking
Canopy zipline adventure
Canopy
Night hike rainforest
Night Hikes
Wildlife observation
Wildlife
Rainforest exploration
Rainforest
Beach Costa Rica
Beach
Cooking classes
Cooking Classes
Community projects
Community Projects

The Learning Journey

Our programs extend far beyond the trip itself creating meaningful learning before, during, and after every experience.

01

Before the Trip

  • Virtual orientation sessions
  • STEAM challenges & prep activities
  • Cultural preparation workshops
  • Personal goal setting
02

During the Trip

  • Field investigations
  • Community engagement
  • Daily reflection journals
  • Team challenges
03

After the Trip

  • Student presentations
  • Digital portfolios
  • Service projects
  • Certificates
  • Continued environmental action

Our Educational Philosophy

Every activity is designed with purpose. Our programs are built on proven educational frameworks that create real, lasting impact.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Learning by doing in real environments not just classrooms.

Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning

Complex challenges that require creativity, research, and collaboration.

Inquiry Learning

Inquiry Learning

Questions that drive exploration, discovery, and critical thinking.

Nature-Based Education

Nature-Based Education

The natural world as the most powerful classroom available.

STEAM

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics integrated meaningfully in the field.

Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning

Building empathy, self-awareness, and strong human connections.

Global Citizenship

Global Citizenship

Developing students who think globally and act responsibly in their communities.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Every program aligned with the global framework for a sustainable future.

CAS Creativity, Activity, Service

EcoTravel & Learn offers a structured, multi-day experiential learning program aligned with the International Baccalaureate CAS framework.

This experience combines marine ecosystem exploration, environmental service, and reflective learning providing students with meaningful engagement across all three CAS strands. It fosters student ownership and engagement from the very beginning of the experience all the way to the end.

Creativity

Creativity

Students express their learning through reflection journals, creative projects, and artistic documentation of their environmental experiences.

Activity

Activity

Scuba diving certification, marine ecosystem exploration, and outdoor challenges provide physical engagement and new skill development.

Service

Service

Students engage in meaningful environmental service through beach clean-ups, marine pollution awareness, and understanding human impact on ecosystems.

CAS Learning Outcomes Supported

LO2Undertake new challenges
LO4Show commitment and perseverance
LO5Work collaboratively
LO6Engage with global issues
LO7Recognize ethics of choices and actions

Safety & Supervision

Certified scuba instructors and trained staff. Risk assessments conducted for all activities. Full compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Meet the Experts

Our programs are designed and led by educators and specialists who deeply believe in the potential of every learner.

Natalia Montero Salas - Founder EcoTravel & Learn
Founder

Natalia Montero Salas

Graduate Studies Master's Degree in Psychopedagogy
Specialization English | Special Education | RRHH-Talent Management
Based in Costa Rica
"I deeply believe in the potential of every child and teenager I meet."
Founder · EcoTravel & Learn · The Leadership Lab

Our Programs Also Integrate:

Depending on the program, our experiences are enriched by local and international specialists.

Environmentalists Biologists Engineers Scientists Technology Professionals Educators Psychologists Community Leaders

What They Say

Hear directly from students, teachers, and families who have experienced EcoTravel & Learn.

Learning with Trusted Local Partners

EcoTravel & Learn works with experienced local organizations that share our commitment to education, sustainability, and meaningful experiences.

Green Rivers Rafting

ALKUK

Tirimbina

Cultural Banana Tour

Start Your Learning Journey

Ready to design a transformative experience? We'd love to hear about your school, group, or family.