Traveling Spanish Retreats
Travel Costa Rica and Learn Spanish
The Ultimate 10-Day Learning Adventure
From savoring rich Costa Rican chocolate on a chocolate tour, to visiting a local winery and coffee farm, to hiking through lush cloud forests, you’ll not only learn the language but also dive deep into the country’s rich traditions and natural wonders. This isn’t just a language program—it’s an adventure designed to inspire and educate.
Ages 18 - 99
10 Days
Starting at $2800
Payment Plans Available
At a Glance
Tico Lingo’s Traveling Spanish Program gives adult learners the chance to explore Costa Rica while improving their Spanish. The program features daily Spanish lessons, educational tours, and exciting adventures across four unique regions of the country. With a focus on small group learning, each program is limited to 9 students for personalized attention.
Check out the pricing below for individuals, couples, or friends/family. Don’t forget to click the tabs above to view the itinerary, see if the program matches your Spanish level, and learn about everything that’s included—there’s a lot to discover!
Who are you traveling with?
Price will update based on your selection
Welcome Solo Traveler!
Prices are listed per person in full. A $500 deposit is required per participant and will be applied toward the total cost of the program.
As a solo traveler, you will receive:
• A private bedroom with a full, queen, or king-size bed
• A private bathroom exclusively for your use
Dates
Level
Syllabus
Price
¡Hola Amigos!
Prices are listed per person in full. Booking as a couple saves you over 15%! A $500 deposit is required per person and will be applied toward the total cost of the program.
As a couple, you will receive:
• A private bedroom with a queen or king-size bed
• A private bathroom exclusively for the two of you
Dates
Level
Syllabus
Price
¡Hola Amigos!
Prices are listed per person in full. Booking as two friends (or two family members) saves you over 15%! A $500 deposit is required per person and will be applied toward the total cost of the program.
As a group of 2, you will receive:
• A private bedroom with 2 full or queen-size beds
• A private bathroom exclusively for the two of you
Welcome to Heredia, Costa Rica
- Location: Heredia
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Stay: Local Homestay Family
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival, a Tico Lingo team member will meet you at the airport and transport you to your homestay in the charming city of Heredia. Known for its colonial architecture, small-town charm, and close proximity to the international airport (SJO), Heredia is the perfect place to begin your Costa Rican adventure. You’ll meet your homestay family, settle into your room, and depending on your arrival time, share a delicious lunch or dinner. This is your chance to unwind, explore the neighborhood, and start practicing your Spanish with your welcoming hosts.
Orientation + Spanish Class + Chocolate Tour
- Location: Heredia
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Stay: Local Homestay Family
Morning:
- Breakfast (7:00 AM): Your first morning in Costa Rica starts with a traditional breakfast of Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s beloved rice and beans dish, along with fresh fruit and the region’s renowned coffee.
- Orientation & Spanish Class: After breakfast, walk with your homestay mom to Tico Lingo, located in downtown Heredia. Meet Program Director Chris and Spanish teacher Freddy Fariñas, who will introduce you to the week’s schedule and ensure you’re set up for a smooth and enjoyable trip. We’ll dive right into our first Spanish class with interactive icebreakers, and Freddy will help you brush up on your conversation skills.
Afternoon:
- Lunch (12:45 PM): We’ll head to a cozy restaurant for a casual lunch of wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, and artisanal paninis, with plenty of vegetarian options.
- Chocolate Tour: Next, we’ll embark on a tour of a local chocolate producer. Learn the rich history of cacao in Costa Rica, the importance of sustainable production, and the unique flavors that have made Costa Rican chocolate world-famous. Of course, you’ll also get to sample a variety of chocolates, ranging from rich dark bars to delicate milk chocolates infused with local ingredients.
Evening:
- After the tour, head back to your homestay for dinner and some free time to practice your Spanish and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
- Dinner (7:00 PM)
Morning Spanish + Cartago City + Orosí Valley
- Location: Heredia
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Stay: Local Homestay Family
Morning:
- Breakfast (7:00 AM): Another hearty breakfast with your homestay family to start the day.
- Spanish Class (9:15 AM): Our classroom for the day will be in Tres Ríos, a town nestled in the mountains and known for its coffee plantations. We’ll meet at a quaint café and ceramic studio, where you can enjoy a coffee as we begin our Spanish lesson.
Afternoon:
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Choose from fresh local trout, organic chicken, or grass-fed beef, all accompanied by fresh salads.
- Cartago Walking Tour: After lunch, we’ll visit Cartago, Costa Rica’s first capital and a city steeped in history. With Professor Freddy as your guide, explore La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a stunning church that is an important pilgrimage site for Costa Ricans. You’ll also visit colonial ruins and learn about Cartago’s role in shaping Costa Rica’s cultural and political landscape.
- Orosí Valley: We’ll then travel to the picturesque Orosí Valley, a lush region surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and coffee farms. Known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Orosí is a popular spot for bird watching and hiking. We’ll check into a rustic, cozy hotel nestled in the valley, where you can relax before a group dinner at 6:30 PM.
Spanish Summer Camp Itinerary
Welcome Weekend
Orientation
Spanish Class & Afternoon Activities
Kayak Tour & Overnight Stay
White Water Rafting
Spanish Class & Activities
Graduation Day
Beach Day!
Airport Drop-offs
Spanish Summer Camp Videos
Check out our fun videos for a sneak peek into the action-packed, culturally immersive experience!
Teen Camp Field Trip Highlights
Join us on this fun field trip to one of the country’s most renowned animal rescue centers, where you’ll meet some of the most fascinating and adorable creatures on the planet.
From the majestic scarlet macaws to the playful white-faced monkeys and the massive land turtles, you’ll be amazed by the incredible diversity of animals that call this place home. And let’s not forget about everyone’s favorite creature – the lovable and oh-so-cute sloth!
But it’s not just about meeting these amazing animals – you’ll also learn about the importance of protecting their habitats and the vital role they play in the local ecosystem. Our expert guides will teach you all about the challenges facing these animals and what we can do to help preserve their natural habitats.
Get ready to unleash your inner adventurer and explore the hidden gems of Heredia like never before! Join forces with your teammates and dive into a thrilling competition that will take you on a wild ride through the streets of this amazing Costa Rican city.
From simple tasks like saying “hola” to a local to more daring challenges like recording yourself asking for directions at the post office, you’ll push your limits and discover new ways to connect with the local Costa Rican culture. And with every challenge you complete, you’ll earn points towards victory and claim your spot as the ultimate Heredia explorer!
But it’s not just about the competition – you’ll also gain newfound confidence in your Spanish language skills and connect with native Costa Ricans on a deeper level. And let’s not forget about the ultimate prize – the team that emerges victorious will be rewarded with a custom Heredia award!
Get ready to make new friends and help them take their English skills to the next level! We’re teaming up with a local English school to connect with awesome English learners aged 12-18, and you’re invited to join the fun! As a native speaker, you’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise and help these eager learners build their confidence in speaking English. Help them master pronunciation, learn new vocabulary, and get firsthand stories at what life is like for you back in your home country.
Get ready to take your adventure to new heights! We’re heading up into the sky for an epic high-ropes course challenge that will put your skills to the test. Think you’ve got what it takes to complete the course the quickest without cheating? Show us what you’ve got! But that’s not all – we’ll also dive into the amazing world of Costa Rican coffee and discover how this delicious brew impacts the local economy. Sample some of the finest locally grown and roasted coffee, and even try some coffee-infused ice cream! This adventure promises to be a treat for your senses!
Picture this: cruising through lush mangrove waterways with the most incredible views of Costa Rica’s legendary Arenal volcano right before your eyes. That’s right – you can witness this awe-inspiring natural wonder from the comfort of your own kayak! Embark on an adventure like no other as you paddle your way through the winding canals, feeling the thrill of the unknown at every turn.
This is no ordinary field trip – we’re strapping on our helmets and embarking on a white-knuckle rafting adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to ride the waves and tackle class 2 and 3 rapids with your fellow campers, feeling the thrill of the Costa Rica’s natural beauty all around you. This is the kind of adventure that memories are made of – so come on, let’s make some unforgettable ones together!
Get ready to travel back in time and explore Costa Rica’s vibrant history and culture! This exciting field trip takes you on a thrilling adventure through the streets of San José where campers discover the most iconic and architecturally-stunning buildings in the region. From the breathtaking cathedrals to the bustling markets and verdant parks, you’ll be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds of these historic cities.
But that’s not all! You’ll also get to learn about Costa Rica’s fascinating Pre-Colombian past, as we visit the renowned National Museum in San José. With interactive exhibits and engaging displays, you’ll uncover the secrets of civilizations that lived in the area hundred of years ago and gain a deeper appreciation for the Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage.
Get ready for one final adventure to cap off an unforgettable camp experience! We’re heading to the beach for a day of sun, sand, and natural wonders. Manuel Antonio National Park is bursting with life, from lush flora to active fauna – get ready to see white-faced monkeys, iguanas, and sloths in their natural habitat! Take a dip in the sparkling Pacific Ocean and marvel at the breathtaking scenes of palm trees and coconuts. This is the perfect way to say goodbye to camp and make a few final memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Parents
We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, so we offer custom payment plans upon request. We can tailor the amounts and payment dates to your needs. However, please note that the full balance for camp must be paid in full four weeks prior to the start of camp.
Parents will be invoiced for any outstanding balance 4-week prior to the start of camp. The invoice will be payable via credit/debit card and will include details of any prior payments and the camp you’ve signed up for.
Campers can extend their stay and enjoy a more independent study experience with our 3rd week add-on. This option includes daily group classes, supplemental private classes, local homestay accommodation, and cultural activities such as yoga, dance, and cooking classes. The total cost for the week is $875. To secure your spot, please inform your Program Advisor of your interest in participating in week three. Parents will be invoiced for 35% of the add-on to guarantee the camper’s spot, with the remainder due approximately 4 weeks prior to the start of camp.
Whenever someone studies abroad, everyone (even adults) will experience some cultural adjustment. This cultural adjustment can be a little more difficult for younger participants as they are less experienced travelers and their expectations may be a bit more unrealistic (i.e. standard of living and lifestyle differences). Usually, cultural shock/homesickness occurs within the first few days and disappears as your child gets used to cultural differences. If homesickness occurs, we ask parents to encourage the child to stay for at least a week. If you decide to pull your child from the program, we will work with you to make the process as quick and simple as possible but no refunds are available.
To get through Costa Rica immigration, your child should have a printed copy of their return flight, a valid passport, and the address of Tico Lingo (found on our contact us page and provided once fully registered). After going through immigration and picking up their luggage, your child will be met by a representative of the camp just outside the airport (SJO). This person will be holding a sign with your child’s name on it and will have been in contact with your child before their departure.
Your child will have to go and report it to the airline upon arrival, but be sure they know they must meet their airport pick-up person first. It’s best to pack two our three days changes of clothing in carry-on luggage…just in case!
Because of the jam-packed itinerary of the camp, students will not have time to sign-up for supplemental private Spanish classes.
We do offer students the option of signing up for a 3rd week that would include 4 hours/day of group classes and 2 hours/day of 1-on-1 private Spanish classes. If this is something you feel your child may be interested in, please inquire with your Program Advisor to discuss further details.
For Campers
We’d love to have you in Spanish class all day, but let’s face it, life is full of adventure! At our camp, we blend education with exhilaration. Explore tvarious Costa Rican cities’ rich culture through museum tours, savor the finest coffee on local farms, and learn about the vast biodiversity of the country through visits to animal rescue centers. Our cultural immersion experiences are a blast; you’ll dance like a pro with Salsa and Merengue, cook up mouthwatering empanadas and tortillas, and meet lots of locals who are learning English. But the fun doesn’t stop there. We’ll go on hikes through lush rainforests, kayak at the foothills of a volcano, and white water raft on a river through the jungle!
If not otherwise stated by a camp counselor, all camp participants have a curfew of 6:30pm during the entirety of the Spanish camp.
There is always a counselor, mentor, host parent or program director to go and speak with if you are having any kind of problem. The sooner you speak up, the sooner your problem can be solved. If you call your parent to tell them about a problem and then they call us to discuss the program, it takes a lot longer to deal with something that could be fixed if you speak directly to an adult at the school.
Yes, sometimes you have to be a bit brave to address a problem directly with Tico Lingo staff, but that’s what will make you a successful international traveler in the future!
Teen Spanish Summer Camp
Still have some questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us and talk directly to Program Advisor about the Teen Spanish Summer Camp in Costa Rica!