America’s Team – Costa Rica Basketball Tournament
Basketball
Costa Rica 2026
Take your game to Costa Rica for an unforgettable international experience that combines athletic competition with cultural discovery. Play against local teams, connect with the vibrant spirit of the country, and explore everything from tropical rainforests to volcanic landscapes. With the expert guidance of your ACIS Tour Manager, your team will bond, grow, and make lasting memories—on and off the court.
About America’s Team
America’s Team is more than just a name. It represents unity, sportsmanship, and pride in wearing the red, white, and blue on the global stage. Through international competition and cultural exchange, America’s Team gives student-athletes the chance to grow as players and ambassadors, forging lifelong memories and friendships while showcasing the spirit and skill of American youth sports abroad.
Your Itinerary
| Date | Overnight City | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 29 (Wed) | San Jose | Depart from the USA. Arrive in San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin exploring this vibrant city shaped by history. |
| July 30 (Thu) | San Carlos | Early departure to San Carlos. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall, enjoy lunch with an organic farmer, hike Arenal Volcano, and soak in hot springs at its base. (B,L,D) |
| July 31 (Fri) | San Jose | Rainforest canopy tour. Return to San Jose via Sarchí, known for its crafts, ox-carts, and rocking chairs. (B,D) |
| August 1 (Sat) | San Jose | First tournament games (1, 2, 3). Visit an NGO using sport to empower youth in vulnerable communities. (B,D) |
| August 2 (Sun) | San Jose | Tournament finals (games 4, 5, 6) followed by a closing ceremony with all teams. (B,D) |
| August 3 (Mon) | Puntarenas Region | Travel to Manuel Antonio. Explore the coast and enjoy cultural immersion and relaxation. (B,D) |
| August 4 (Tue) | Puntarenas Region | Free day to relax on the beach. (B,D) |
| August 5 (Wed) | San Jose | Free morning at the beach. Return to San Jose for a farewell dinner and folklore show. (B,D) |
| August 6 (Thu) | Overnight Flight | Departure for the US. (B) |
Join Us for Our Upcoming Zoom Meeting
Discover how international sports travel can elevate your team’s development, build global perspective, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to take the next step, this session will walk you through the benefits, logistics, and support available every step of the way. Don’t miss your chance to get insider tips, ask questions, and see why coaches across the country are choosing ACIS and America’s Team.
Zoom Call Info
- Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
- Sunday’s at 8:00 PM Eastern Time
- Meeting ID: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6176246011
- Meeting Password: Wyhy64
Sample Hotels
Please note that hotels are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant.
Arenal Volcano Inn
The Arenal Volcano Inn Hotel, located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, serves as an ideal base for guests looking to explore the area’s diverse natural attractions. The hotel offers all the amenities necessary for a relaxing stay, including rooms equipped with private terraces. From these terraces, guests can enjoy serene views of the Arenal Volcano, adding a unique touch to their accommodation experience.
Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Wyndham Herradura Hotel offers a resort-style experience just outside the center of San José, with spacious rooms, tropical gardens, and multiple pools. Its location near Juan Santamaría International Airport and major highways makes it a convenient base for exploring the capital, nearby coffee plantations, and the surrounding Central Valley.
Cultural Connections
From post-game celebrations with local teams to zip-lining through rainforest canopies and visiting volcanic hot springs, this tour offers immersive cultural experiences that showcase Costa Rica’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and deep love of sport.
Canopy Tour
Gain a bird’s-eye perspective on the pristine vegetation of the rainforest as you explore its canopy via zip-lines, swings, and treetop platforms. Keep a sharp lookout for some of the many species of birds, mammals and plants that make up this unique ecosystem. Your guide will teach you about the importance of biodiversity and the immeasurable contributions this type of ecosystem makes to society as a whole.
Costa Rican Dance Lesson
The lively Ticos are lovers of an extensive variety of types of music and dancing styles, many of which have African, pre-Columbian or Spanish roots. Learn about the rich traditions of various Costa Rican folk dances from an expert. Then take on the dance floor as you’re instructed in the basic steps of a classic dance before you try it out to the lively beat yourself.
Tortuguero National Park Boat Tour and Hiking
Bring your inner nature lover to Tortuguero National Park, a unique protected ecosystem where the freshwater runoff of the rainforest meets seawater along the Caribbean coast. The islands, wetlands, canals, lagoons and beaches are best explored by boat and present exceptional examples of biodiversity. Watch for spider monkeys hanging down over the river, caimans, many species of birds, river otters and the namesake turtles as you cruise through this National Park.
Featured Cities
Experience the energy of Milan and the timeless grandeur of Rome as your backdrop for international play.
San Carlos
San Carlos is home to the famous Arenal volcano, among the most active volcanoes in the world. Groups may choose to visit the small town of La Fortuna, perform inside its beautiful church or explore the nearby rainforest with a bird’s-eye perspective on the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. On a clear night it may be possible to see the orange glow of lava flowing from the volcano above!
San Jose
San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is the nation’s largest city. It is home to European-influenced architecture such as the National Museum, with its impressive exhibits of natural history and pre-Columbian art and artifacts; the University of Costa Rica; and the Teatro Nacional, which was built from coffee taxes and modeled after the Paris Opera House.