Arrive To: Evening arrival in San Jose.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign.

Transfer to hotel and check-in.

Note: This is an international travel day; there are no meals or activities included on this day. Hotel check-in starts at 3 p.m.

Lodging: Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center (previously a Ramada property)

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna -
Arenal Suspension Bridges Nature Excursion

Breakfast: At hotel restaurant.



Morning: Orientation to the program.
Lecture: An Overview of Costa Rica.
Depart for La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano.

Arenal was once Costa Rica's most active volcano and a main draw to the town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park. The volcano lords over the countryside with its perfectly conical shape and occasional smoke and gas emissions. While minor activity excites visitors, they are rarely acknowledged by the locals who have learnt to accept the antics of the volcano as part of their daily lives. The thermal waters emanating from the volcano, the clean air and the energy associated with Arenal, makes this a favorite destination for health spa enthusiasts and nature lovers.



Lunch: At hotel restaurant.



Afternoon: Excursion to the Arenal Suspension Bridges.

The series of bridges at the Arenal Suspension Bridges park enables visitors to experience the various layers of the tropical forest--right up into the canopy. A well constructed trail connects all the bridges. Enjoy a leisurely nature walk in magnificent surroundings while learning about the forest eco-system from your group leader.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.



Dinner: At hotel restaurant.

Lodging: Arenal Paraiso

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At hotel restaurant.



Morning: Lecture: The History and Moods of the Arenal Volcano.

Walk in the Arenal Volcano National Park along one portion of the volcano's base.

Although clouds often obscure the peak of the volcano, during clear days it is possible to see gases and steam rising from the cone. It is interesting to see how the past lava flows have contributed to the erratic growth of vegetation in the areas around the volcano.

Return to the hotel.



Lunch: At the hotel restaurant.



Afternoon: Depart by bus for Puerto Caldera, adjacent to the city of Puntarenas, on the Pacific Coast.

Board the Star Flyer.



Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: Lecture: The National Parks and Biodiversity of Costa Rica.



Lunch: On board the ship.



Afternoon: Time at leisure to enjoy on board amenities.



Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: Wet landing at Gamez Island.

The uninhabited islands of Chiriqui's Gulf National Marine Park boast 36,000 acres. This protected area serves as a refuge for howler monkeys, leatherback and hawksbill turtles, tiger-herons, white-tipped sharks and scores of colorful exotic fish.



Lunch: Beach barbecue on Gamez Island.



Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Take advantage of the beautiful beach for swimming and water sports.

Return to the ship.



Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Golfito, Costa Rica -
Field trip to Piedras Blancas National Park and La Gamba Biological Station

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: After a dry landing at Golfito, transfer by bus to Piedras Blancas National Park and La Gamba Biological Station.

Upon arrival at the field station, participants will take part in a guided hike in Piedras Blancas National Park. This hike will be followed by a tour of the field station and gardens.

In 1991, the Esquinas forest, one of the last unprotected lowland tropical rainforests on the Pacific coast of Central America, was declared Piedras Blancas National Park. However, since all land was in private hands, it could only be catalogued as a "paper park" until it was owned by the Costa Rican national park service. Michael Schnitzler, a well-known classical violinist from Vienna and part-time resident of Costa Rica, founded a non-profit organization called Rainforest of the Austrians with the goal of raising funds to buy property in the Esquinas forest. This continued support by the Austrians and with assistance from the Nature Conservancy, today the park is thriving.



Lunch: At Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.



Afternoon: Return to the ship.



Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: Board zodiacs for a short ride to Drake Bay (wet landing).

Just a 20 minute ride by boat from Drake Bay; explore the immense biodiversity of one of Costa Rica's crown jewels, Corcovado National Park. Upon arrival at the beach continue to the Ranger Station via a wet landing. Then hike approximately 3 hours through the primary and secondary forest, to experience the rainforest wildlife and flora. The rich biological diversity of the Corcovado National Park is astounding, and sightings may include as many as 4 types of monkeys, as well as coatis, sloths, anteaters, and much more. Bird lovers will be enchanted by a wide variety of birds, including tanagers, flycatchers, kingfishers, manakins, trogons, crested guans, and spectacular scarlet macaws and toucans.



Lunch: On board the ship.



Afternoon: Sailing around Caño Island.

Caño Island is located less than 15 miles offshore from Drake’s Bay in the Osa Peninsula. Despite its tropical beauty and attractive vistas, Caño Island’s true biological diversity is not found on its land, but in its rich underwater environment. Good water visibility, coral reefs, and colorful marine life have served to make this one of Costa Rica’s best scuba and snorkeling destinations. The island is also an important cultural and historical site, and a place where visitors can view the enigmatic stone spheres left behind by Caño Island’s pre-Columbian residents.

Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: Cruising along Costa Rica's Pacific coastline on your way to Quepos.

Time at leisure to enjoy ship amenities.



Lunch: On board the ship.



Afternoon: Arrive in Quepos and disembark (dry landing) for a field trip to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Manuel Antonio National Park is probably the most popular destination for travelers to Costa Rica and is a must on anyone?s itinerary. From sloths to monkeys, the park encompasses an amazing range of biodiversity. Despite the park's fairly small size (about 1,700 acres) visitors can enter in a rainforest and walk straight to a white sand beach. Some of the park's more notable residents include the Crab-eating Raccoon, Green Iguana, White-headed Capuchin and the endangered Squirrel Monkey (also known as the Titi Monkey).



Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: Wet landing in the Nicoya Peninsula.

Disembark for a morning at the Curu National Wildlife Refuge for a nature walk and beach activities.

In 1983 this large property was designated a Private National Wildlife Reserve in order to preserve the natural habitat along the fringes of one of the most beautiful beaches in the Nicoya Peninsula. The refuge is a haven for tropical and migratory birds, and two species of monkeys. The five different species of mangroves found in Costa Rica are represented in the inlets that are washed by the gulf waters.

Return to the ship.



Lunch: On board the ship.



Afternoon: Sail across the Bay of Nicoya to Tortuga Island, with a wet landing, for an afternoon of beach activities. Participate in water sports, walk on a short island trail, and relax on the beach.

Despite its misleading name, Tortuga Island is actually composed of two uninhabited islands. Postcard-perfect white sand beaches and clear waters make this a perfect tropical spot for snorkeling and swimming. The islands are located in the Gulf of Nicoya, across from the Curu National Wildlife Refuge and just a few miles southwest of the Negritos Islands.

Return to the ship.



Dinner: On board the ship.

Lodging: Star Flyer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

San José -
Disembark Star Flyer/Tárcoles River Crocodile Safari/Farewell Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship.



Morning: Say farewell to the Star Flyer and board a bus to Tárcoles. Embark on a Crocodile Safari on the Tárcoles River.

This boat adventure on the Tarcoles River takes visitors past mangrove forests and the Carara National Park--a good place to spot Scarlet Macaws. However, the highlight of this river safari is having the opportunity to observe the large population of crocodiles that call this area home. Some of these prehistoric-looking reptiles have been found to reach lengths in excess of fifteen-feet!

After your river adventure, board a bus to San José.

Lunch: En route to San José.

Afternoon: Arrive in San José and check-in at your hotel.
The rest of your afternoon will be free of activities. Relax and enjoy the hotel amenities, finish packing, or take the opportunity to explore San José on your own.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center (previously a Ramada property)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Light snack or breakfast at hotel (dependent on flight times).



Morning: Transfer to the international airport to check-in for the return flight to the U.S.

Meals Included: Breakfast