Imagine a place where cloud forest canopies are home to myriad species, locals welcome you with warm hospitality and an amazing morning cup of coffee is not a dream, but a guarantee. Welcome to Costa Rica!
"Pura Vida." Pure Life. Experience the national motto in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. It’s where white-sand beaches lined with dense tropical rainforests give way to volcanic peaks and cloud forests, boasting world-renowned biodiversity. Whether you want to learn the secret to a healthy lifestyle, try the world’s-best fresh chocolate and coffee or hike the volcanic countryside in search of endemic bird species, Costa Rica is a land of endless opportunities.
Want to learn more? Check out our Costa Rica travel guide.
Experience “pura vida” through Costa Rica group tours with Road Scholar. You can explore the depths of the rainforest, identify bird species endemic to Costa Rica or get a taste of the world’s best coffee and chocolate.
No matter the program you choose, you’ll be paired with lifelong learners from diverse backgrounds eager to discover the world just like you. Take a look at the top Road Scholar destinations in Costa Rica and sign up for your adventure today.
Costa Rica, a Latin American country known for its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, makes for the perfect exploration getaway. Costa Rica adventures for seniors can be enjoyed at a slower pace to take in all the natural beauty around you without being overly strenuous. As one of the most popular travel destinations, here’s what makes tours of Costa Rica for seniors an excellent option for learning and discovery:
Diverse ecosystems and natural beauty: Costa Rica is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, home to an estimated 5% of the world’s species within 12 key ecological zones. Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species, and approximately 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected by three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 27 national parks. At Road Scholar, our trips to Costa Rica provide privileged access to unique experiences that allow you to connect with the culture and environment around you. Whether you’re exploring Costa Rica’s volcanic peaks or walking along the white sandy beaches, you’ll learn from local experts about Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, healthy lifestyle and more.
Rich wildlife encounters: Through easy-paced wildlife tours, you can spot everything from sloths and monkeys to toucans and more. Knowledgeable Group Leaders will provide keen insights into the natural habitats of various life forms and what makes Costa Rica the perfect home for many wildlife species.
Mild climate year-round: What makes Costa Rica for seniors particularly enticing is the year-round mild climate, making it a comfortable destination to visit in any season.
Our Costa Rica excursions are thoughtfully designed with Road Scholars in mind, offering programs at various activity levels so you can choose what works best for you. Whether you prefer leisurely-paced walks through gardens and wildlife reserves or more active hikes through cloud forests, we have options to match your comfort zone. Each itinerary includes time for rest and reflection, so you're never rushed from one experience to the next. Here's what you need to know to prepare:
Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential for Costa Rica's tropical climate. Whether it's hot and humid or wet and rainy, be sure to pack layers to stay comfortable. Bring good walking or hiking shoes, a rain jacket for afternoon showers, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a swimsuit and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
No special vaccinations are required for travelers from the U.S., Canada or Europe, though checking with your doctor before any international trip is wise. Stay hydrated in the tropical climate and wear sunscreen and insect repellent when exploring.
U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but you'll need a valid passport with at least one blank page. Travel insurance is recommended for peace of mind in the event of unexpected medical events or trip interruptions.
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. Just keep your belongings secure with items like a money belt and stay aware when exploring busy areas or markets. We handle all the logistics, from meals to transportation to entry fees, so you can focus on immersing yourself in Costa Rica's incredible natural beauty and rich culture.
Go at your own pace as you explore Costa Rica's top attractions. Each program clearly indicates its activity level, from easy and leisurely to moderate and active, so you can select the right fit for your abilities. Many excursions include optional activities, allowing you to participate at your own comfort level.
Narrowing down the best travel adventures in Costa Rica isn’t easy, but we’ve done the hard part by providing our recommendations of the top destinations in Costa Rica for travel participants. Take a look:
Arenal Volcano Area: One of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks, the Arenal volcano offers visitors the opportunity to explore volcanic landscapes with comfortable tram adventures through the rainforest canopy. You can enjoy a relaxing soak in the surrounding hot springs nestled among lush rainforests, or take easy hikes that reveal stunning views of this geological wonder.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Experience the perfect combination of stunning Pacific beaches and diverse wildlife on guided walks designed for Road Scholar travelers. This accessible park offers relatively easy trails where you can spot monkeys, sloths, colorful birds and marine life, all while enjoying breathtaking coastal views.
Tortuguero National Park: One of the best Costa Rica tours for Road Scholars brings you to Tortuguero National Park, often called the "Amazon of Costa Rica." Accessible boat excursions along the park's canals let you spot manatees, sea turtles, caimans, monkeys, sloths and diverse bird species as you glide through this network of winding waterways. Wildlife viewing platforms make it easy to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Coffee and Chocolate Explorations: Learn about Costa Rica's renowned coffee and chocolate production through hands-on experiences at local farms. You'll discover the journey from bean to cup and cacao to chocolate bar, with plenty of opportunities to taste these world-class products and chat with local producers.
Coastal Visits: Relax on beautiful Pacific or Caribbean beaches in areas like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. These coastal destinations offer a slower pace where you can soak up the sun, explore tide pools, enjoy fresh seafood and experience Costa Rica's laid-back beach culture.
Our diverse Costa Rican programs match the different interests and travel preferences of our travelers.
Focus on Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity with expert naturalists guiding you through rainforests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems. Experience rafting, birding and wildlife encounters as you explore the country's iconic ecosystems. Naturalists lead you through rainforests, wetlands and transition zones, where you'll visit local farms and participate in cultural activities in rural communities.
Connect with local communities through the magical landscapes of Costa Rica's most treasured destinations. Learn about gourmet coffee production in one of the world's best places to grow coffee beans, visit family-run farms and participate in traditional activities.
Combine learning with physical activity through experiences like river rafting, kayaking, hiking and ziplining. Swim in warm Pacific waters, meander through lush tropical rainforests and learn about tropical conservation. These immersive programs are physical and educational, led by expert Group Leaders who ensure your safety while sharing their knowledge of the landscape.
Costa Rica is perfect for families, with its abundance of unusual animals and colorful scenery. Marvel at Scarlet Macaws flying overhead, search for sloths and howler monkeys in the rainforest, zipline through the jungle and sail along rivers.
Whatever style you choose, our Costa Rica adventures emphasize small group settings, expert instruction and meaningful connections with the places and people you encounter.
Costa Rica has amazing offerings every month of the year, depending on what your goals are for your trip. September is a great month to snorkel the ocean waters and visit the volcanoes and cloud forests.
The wet months last from May to October, which can be a beautiful time to see wildlife and rainforests. Waves are good year-round for those who want to learn to surf or are already avid surfers. Sea turtles are nesting and hatching year-round, and the ziplines are open, rain or shine. You can’t go wrong visiting during any season in Costa Rica!
At Road Scholar, you can find a range of Costa Rica tours with varying activity levels to accommodate the needs of different travelers. From easy-paced and relaxed adventures to more heart-pumping excursions like hiking tours, you can find a program that suits your preference.
Our touring Costa Rica programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Each program clearly indicates its activity level, from easy and leisurely to moderate and active, so you can select the right fit for your abilities. Many of our excursions include optional activities, allowing you to participate at your own comfort level. Our Group Leaders are experienced in working with travelers of varying mobility, and we arrange transportation and accommodations with accessibility features whenever possible. If you have specific concerns about mobility, our advisors are happy to discuss your needs and help you find a program that works for you.
For a comfortable Costa Rican adventure, it’s important to pack the right gear. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended to protect you from the hot sun and humid, tropical climate. Other essentials include good walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent and a rain jacket for unexpected afternoon showers. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle, swimsuit and binoculars for spotting wildlife.
It’s recommended to secure your spot on a Costa Rica tour at least six to nine months in advance, especially for peak travel times like winter and spring. This ensures the best availability for accommodations and special wildlife excursions.
Absolutely! Our Costa Rica excursions are perfect for first-time travel participants looking for a supportive and enriching experience abroad. You'll travel with a small group of like-minded learners and be guided by expert instructors who know the country intimately. Our international group excursions are specifically designed to make travel accessible and comfortable, even if you've never ventured beyond the U.S. before. Many first-time travelers find that a Road Scholar program is the perfect introduction to international travel, offering the right balance of structure, support and adventure.
Whether you're looking for Costa Rica group tours or family travel packages, Road Scholar has you covered. We offer an expansive collection of educational travel programs that people of all ages and abilities can partake in. As the land of endless opportunities, you can hike cloud forests and down volcanic trails, study delicate ecosystems and go birding with experts who can help you identify some of the rarest winged animals on the planet.
As you browse through our Costa Rica educational tours, you'll be able to filter based on your interests, desired activity level, length of stay and price, so you can find an experience that suits your interests.
To prepare for travel to Costa Rica, make sure to read through our Costa Rica travel guide. Here, you’ll find a collection of travel tips, such as what to pack, information about Costa Rica, its history, geography and the top must-see destinations.
Why go with us? We have some of the best Costa Rica tours, led by local experts who enhance your adventure with their knowledge of Costa Rican culture and nature. Enroll in a program and find an adventure to visit Costa Rica!
