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Costa Rica

The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders

Program No. 11586RJ
With more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, 121 volcanic formations, 801 miles of coastline and hundreds of endemic birds, Costa Rica is a true Mecca for nature lovers to explore.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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climate
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Hotel Standard
Accommodation Details

Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.

Accommodation Details

Standard

May 8 - May 19, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

May 22 - Jun 2, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jun 6 - Jun 17, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jul 10 - Jul 21, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 16 - Jul 27, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 23 - Aug 3, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 8 - Aug 19, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 12 - Aug 23, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 14 - Aug 25, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 4 - Sep 15, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 10 - Sep 21, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 18 - Sep 29, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 24 - Oct 5, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 17 - Oct 28, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 19 - Oct 30, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Dec 2 - Dec 13, 2023
Hotel 3,099
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 13 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Feb 10 - Feb 21, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,499
Apr 2 - Apr 13, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Apr 12 - Apr 23, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Apr 20 - May 1, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

May 12 - May 23, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

May 26 - Jun 6, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jun 1 - Jun 12, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jun 8 - Jun 19, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jul 7 - Jul 18, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 15 - Jul 26, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 22 - Aug 2, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 28 - Aug 8, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 5 - Aug 16, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 14 - Aug 25, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 2 - Sep 13, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 11 - Sep 22, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 25 - Oct 6, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Oct 16 - Oct 27, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Dec 10 - Dec 21, 2024
 
Standard 3,499

DATES & PRICES

Hotel Standard
Accommodation Details

Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.

Accommodation Details

Standard

May 8 - May 19, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 3,129
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

May 22 - Jun 2, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jun 6 - Jun 17, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jul 10 - Jul 21, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 16 - Jul 27, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 23 - Aug 3, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 3,129
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 8 - Aug 19, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 12 - Aug 23, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 14 - Aug 25, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 4 - Sep 15, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 10 - Sep 21, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 18 - Sep 29, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 3,129
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 24 - Oct 5, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 17 - Oct 28, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 19 - Oct 30, 2023
Hotel 2,899
 
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Nov 4 - Nov 15, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 3,579
 
Dec 2 - Dec 13, 2023
Hotel 3,579
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 13 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Dec 4 - Dec 15, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 3,579
 
Jan 13 - Jan 24, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,689
Jan 30 - Feb 10, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,689
Feb 10 - Feb 21, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 4,039
Apr 2 - Apr 13, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Apr 12 - Apr 23, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Apr 20 - May 1, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

May 12 - May 23, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

May 26 - Jun 6, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jun 1 - Jun 12, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jun 8 - Jun 19, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Jul 7 - Jul 18, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 15 - Jul 26, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 22 - Aug 2, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Jul 28 - Aug 8, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 5 - Aug 16, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Aug 14 - Aug 25, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 2 - Sep 13, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 11 - Sep 22, 2024
 
Standard 3,249
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Sep 25 - Oct 6, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Itinerary Note

July-September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero. During this special time of the year, the program will include a nighttime walk along the beach led by a local guide for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs.

Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Oct 16 - Oct 27, 2024
 
Standard 2,899
Special Offer

No added cost for single rooms! Free singles are limited. Please call for details.

Dec 10 - Dec 21, 2024
 
Standard 4,039

At a Glance

Unhurried. Active. Environmentally aware. Lush. Protected. Biodiverse. Pura Vida — the Pure Life. Costa Rica’s pervading cultural ideology unites with its natural delights to create a unique national character, in which 25 percent of the land is preserved by law and there is no standing military. This invigorating program explores the essential nature of this Central American nation, from its pristine beaches and verdant forests to its rural villages and historic capital.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 hours a day over uneven trails in hot and humid conditions. Includes a number of bus transfers; no bathroom on bus but bus stops every 1.5-2 hours. Elevations up to 4,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn from naturalists about the unique features of the rain forest, wetlands and transition zones.
  • Participate in cultural activities in rural communities.
  • Admire the misty beauty and unique characteristics of a cloud forest during a trail hike and expert presentation.

General Notes

This Road Scholar program offers participants the chance to explore a number of Costa Rica’s iconic ecosystems within a relatively short period of time. Although bus travel is a necessity, it is also an opportunity to see and experience the country up close. En-route program activities help to break up lengthier bus transfers and provide rewarding educational experiences. Local road conditions, weather, two-lane highways, winding roads, traffic and elevation are bigger factors in determining the length of travel than actual distance. This program offers Micro Group options--with 12 or fewer participants--on some departures. Please refer to program date notes.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
William Suarez
While working for the logging industry in Honduras and seeing its negative impact on the environment, William Suarez became interested in conservation. He returned to his native Costa Rica and received training to serve as a leader for groups interested in learning about the country’s flora and fauna. Today, he specializes in the natural history and birds of Costa Rica. William is also a writer who has had three books published, as well as an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain biking, hiking and fishing.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of William Suarez
William Suarez View biography
While working for the logging industry in Honduras and seeing its negative impact on the environment, William Suarez became interested in conservation. He returned to his native Costa Rica and received training to serve as a leader for groups interested in learning about the country’s flora and fauna. Today, he specializes in the natural history and birds of Costa Rica. William is also a writer who has had three books published, as well as an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain biking, hiking and fishing.
Profile Image of Roger Melendez
Roger Melendez View biography
In the late 1980s, Costa Rican native Roger Melendez received both practical and theoretical training on the flora and fauna of his country at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies. He is a talented and experienced birder with an all-encompassing knowledge of tropical wildlife. Road Scholar participants have found Roger to be a charismatic leader who gives everyone personalized attention. He is a father of three and loves spending time outdoors with his family.
Profile Image of Fabián Salas
Fabián Salas View biography
Fabián Salas was born in Ciudad Quesada and moved to Sarapiquí when he was six days old. He was raised on a black pepper and cattle farm. In high school, he studied ecotourism and worked as a rafting guide on the weekends and during vacations. He graduated college in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. He has been working full time as a group leader in Sarapiquí since 2012, leading rafting and floating trips as well as family trips in Costa Rica.
Profile Image of Lenin Duarte
Lenin Duarte View biography
Lenin Duarte is a certified Costa Rican naturalist guide. He worked for many years as a resident naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) La Selva Biological Field Station. One of the most exciting parts of that job included the opportunity to interact with biologists and participating in important research being conducted on site. Even after many years of leading groups, Lenin never tires of watching the excitement and wonder on visitors’s faces as they fall in love with the rainforest and its inhabitants.
Profile Image of Lizeth Alfaro
Lizeth Alfaro View biography
Lizeth Alfaro is a Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader, flower therapist, and bee keeper. She earned her qualifications in sustainable tourism and became a national guide by the time she turned 18. Growing up among the rich biodiversity of the northern Caribbean lowlands gave her an early appreciation for nature and awareness of local conservation efforts. In her free time, Lizeth enjoys bee keeping, painting, and herbology.
Profile Image of Pedro Bolaños
Pedro Bolaños View biography
Pedro Bolaños is a certified naturalist expedition leader who grew up around Heredia: Costa Rica’s “city of flowers.” He began his career working on cruise ships and enjoyed the opportunity to travel abroad. This was instrumental in broadening his world view and cementing his skills as an expedition leader. Pedro enjoys leading Road Scholars programs because of the adventurous spirit, respect for nature, and refreshing curiosity exhibited by participants. He proclaims to be as passionate about small insects as he is about larger wildlife.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Costa Rica Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica
by Willow Zuchowski
Organized by habitat, this photo guide to 400 species has chapters on popular destinations, including Monteverde and Tortuguero.
Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics
by Steven Palmer (Editor), Ivan Molina (Editor)
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
Tropical Nature
by Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata
Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.
Nature of the Rainforest, Costa Rica and Beyond
by Adrian Forsyth, E.O. Wilson (Introduction), Michael Fogden (Photographer)
Our favorite biologist-writer returns to the Neotropics in this beautifully illustrated, oversized overview of the rainforest. With chapters on Monteverde and Guanacaste, plants, frogs and snakes, birds, monkeys and jaguars, the sloth, peculiar insects and biodioversity; A marvelous, anecdotal introduction to ecology, evolution and conservation.
The Sea Turtle, So Excellent a Fishe
by Archie Carr
An appreciative and informative account of the sea turtle, its ecology and field work in Costa Rica by the man who did so much to promote sea turtle research and conservation, first published in 1967. Karen Bjorndal, director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, brings the story up to date in a new foreword.
Volcanoes, Crucibles of Change
by Richard Fisher
A complete primer for the volcano lover, this heavily illustrated book covers types of volcanoes and eruptions, worldwide distribution and the physics of their formation.
National Geographic Costa Rica
by Christopher P. Baker
This stylish and informative travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.
Costa Rican Wildlife
by Pocket Naturalist
Put it in your pocket! This handy, fold-up card includes color illustrations of dozens of typical birds, mammals and reptiles. We also carry plastic cards for Costa Rica Birds (Item CRC56) and Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths (Item CRC57), $5.95 each.
The Wildlife of Costa Rica, A Field Guide
by Twan Leenders, Robert Dean, Jim Zook, Fiona Reid
This guide includes 450 of the most common, interesting and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that you are likely to encounter. Each has exquisite full-color illustrations.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
by Jane Koutnik
History, religion, daily life, food, health and safety are all covered in this accessible pocket guide to Costa Rican customs, etiquette and culture.
The Green Republic: A Conservation History of Costa Rica
by Sterling Evans
For the serious reader, this book offers a vivid synopsis of the founding and expansion of Costa Rica’s National Park system, including portraits of the local heroes and institutions that fought for conservation.
The Birds of Costa Rica
by Richard Garrigues, Robert Dean (Illustrator)
This new edition covers 903 species of birds with hundreds of new, supplemental or revised color illustrations by Robert Dean and revised color-coded range maps.
Costa Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
Aroma of the World: A Journey into the Mysteries and Delights of Coffee
by Santo Versace (Foreword), Elisabetta Illy
A beautiful book for the coffee lover, this heavily illustrated compendium is equal parts history and travel journal, detailing the passage of the coffee bean from origination to current status as an icon of modern living.
The Monkey's Bridge, Mysteries of Evolution in Central America
by David Rains Wallace
Opening this absorbing account of the history and biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the tale of Columbus, Wallace often weaves his own travels in the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource.
Costa Rica, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Barbara Ras
These 26 well-chosen stories by Costa Rican writers introduce the people, culture and land.
Costa Rica, A Journey Through Nature
by Adrian Hepworth
Dividing the book by ecosystem and geographic area, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Hepworth's color photographs showcase the diversity of Costa Rica's wildlife and habitats.
Javatrekker, Dispatches from the World of Fair Trade Coffee
by Dean Cycon
Cycon, an organic coffee roaster, journeys around the world to discover the hardships of growing and selling coffee beans, in an offbeat adventure which casts light on the global trade and culture of coffee.
Wild Costa Rica
by Adrian Hepworth
This beautiful, informative survey of the habitats, wildlife and protected areas of Costa Rica features 200 color photographs and chapters on natural history and conservation.