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.

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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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
Profile Image
Pedro Bosques
Pedro Bosques is a veteran Road Scholar instructor and group leader, with approximately 20 years of experience in hosting lifelong learners in Costa Rica. Although born in Puntarenas, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Pedro grew up in San José. His interest in conservation blossomed when he began working at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a field assistant. During this time he colaborated with researchers and biologists in projects including the study of the behavior and migration of the Three-wattled Bellbird and reforestation of the biological corridor in the Monteverde region. Pedro is a certified naturalist leader who enjoys sharing his knowledge with travelers from around the world. He looks forward to hosting you in this program and enhancing your journey in his beautiful country.

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

Profile Image of Pedro Bosques
Pedro Bosques View biography
Pedro Bosques is a veteran Road Scholar instructor and group leader, with approximately 20 years of experience in hosting lifelong learners in Costa Rica. Although born in Puntarenas, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Pedro grew up in San José. His interest in conservation blossomed when he began working at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a field assistant. During this time he colaborated with researchers and biologists in projects including the study of the behavior and migration of the Three-wattled Bellbird and reforestation of the biological corridor in the Monteverde region. Pedro is a certified naturalist leader who enjoys sharing his knowledge with travelers from around the world. He looks forward to hosting you in this program and enhancing your journey in his beautiful country.
Profile Image of Erick Guzman
Erick Guzman View biography
Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest with its glorious biodiversity was the childhood playground of Erick Guzman, who grew up in the country’s Caribbean lowlands. He enjoyed accompanying travelers on boat excursions during his post-high school years, assisting his father, and went on to work in the field of adventure travel, leading rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking trips. Erick then worked at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, interacting with scientists and deepening his knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural habitats.
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 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 José Calvo
José Miguel Calvo View biography
José Miguel Calvo is a licensed Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader, fluent in English and his native Spanish. He grew up just outside Turrialba, in an area known for its scenic hills, rivers, and farmlands. After giving farm work a try, he realized his passion for nature and conservation would be better suited to a career in ecological exploration. In addition to being certified as a naturalist and general expedition leader, José Miguel is also trained in canyoning, zip lining, and river rafting.
Profile Image of Deynor Alfaro
Deynor Alfaro View biography
Deynor Alfaro is a licensed Costa Rican naturalist group leader. His love of nature and the outdoors took root while growing up on a cattle farm in Puntarenas province. When time came to consider college and career choices, he set his sights on becoming a naturalist. Deynor went on to earn a degree in ecotourism from the Universidad Técnica Nacional in Puntarenas city. Some of his favorite pastimes include hiking, birding, horseback riding, and playing soccer with friends.
Profile Image of Andrew Newcomb
Andrew Newcomb View biography
Andrew “Yito” Newcomb grew up just outside San José, Costa Rica. The child of a U.S. Merchant Marine and a Costa Rican housewife, he looked forward to the months when his father came home on leave. Andrew joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, served during Operation Desert Storm, and earned his associate degree from Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York. Once back in Costa Rica, he returned to college and became a licensed expedition leader as well as a qualified chef.
Profile Image of Esteban Rojas
Esteban Rojas View biography
Esteban Rojas became a certified naturalist expedition leader in 2001, after completing his bachelor’s degree in ecological tourism. In addition to his role as a naturalist leader, he has spent a decade working on sea turtle conservation projects along the Pacific coast. Esteban’s growing interest in nature conservation led him to eventually pursue a master’s in natural resource management. Some of his favorite pastimes are bird watching, mountain biking, and traveling. Esteban and his wife welcomed a daughter, Eva, in 2020.
Profile Image of Edwin Duarte
Edwin Duarte View biography
Edwin Duarte’s childhood in dry forests of Guanacaste honed his observational skills. Birds and native plants were an early obsession. Edwin completed university degrees in agro/eco-tourism and education, and is a certified naturalist. His first foray into group leading was active adventure, including zip-lining, rappelling, kayaking, and white water rafting. Edwin now lives at the base of a volcano. He is a gifted, multifaceted individual who lives to grow and share, learning more about the world as he teaches others.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Year
2025
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Dec 08 - Dec 19
  • Jan 04 - Jan 15
  • Jan 06 - Jan 17
  • Jan 08 - Jan 19
  • Jan 10 - Jan 21
  • Jan 12 - Jan 23
  • Jan 14 - Jan 25
  • Jan 17 - Jan 28
  • Jan 19 - Jan 30
  • Jan 21 - Feb 01
  • Jan 23 - Feb 03
  • Jan 25 - Feb 05
  • Jan 27 - Feb 07
  • Jan 31 - Feb 11
  • Feb 02 - Feb 13
  • Feb 04 - Feb 15
  • Feb 07 - Feb 18
  • Feb 09 - Feb 20
  • Feb 12 - Feb 23
  • Feb 13 - Feb 24
  • Feb 16 - Feb 27
  • Feb 18 - Mar 01
  • Feb 20 - Mar 03
  • Feb 22 - Mar 05
  • Feb 24 - Mar 07
  • Feb 26 - Mar 09
  • Feb 28 - Mar 11
  • Mar 04 - Mar 15
  • Mar 07 - Mar 18
  • Mar 09 - Mar 20
  • Mar 11 - Mar 22
  • Mar 16 - Mar 27
  • Mar 17 - Mar 28
  • Mar 23 - Apr 03
  • Mar 25 - Apr 05
  • Apr 01 - Apr 12
  • Apr 05 - Apr 16
  • Apr 22 - May 03
  • Apr 24 - May 05
  • Apr 27 - May 08
  • May 05 - May 16
  • May 10 - May 21
  • May 14 - May 25
  • May 19 - May 30
  • Jun 03 - Jun 14
  • Jun 12 - Jun 23
  • Jul 02 - Jul 13
  • Jul 09 - Jul 20
  • Jul 16 - Jul 27
  • Jul 18 - Jul 29
  • Aug 01 - Aug 12
  • Aug 07 - Aug 18
  • Aug 15 - Aug 26
  • Aug 30 - Sep 10
  • Sep 06 - Sep 17
  • Sep 16 - Sep 27
  • Sep 23 - Oct 04
  • Sep 27 - Oct 08
  • Oct 01 - Oct 12
  • Oct 14 - Oct 25
  • Oct 18 - Oct 29
  • Nov 01 - Nov 12
  • Nov 07 - Nov 18
  • Nov 09 - Nov 20
  • Nov 22 - Dec 03
  • Dec 02 - Dec 13
  • Dec 04 - Dec 15
  • Dec 06 - Dec 17
  • Dec 08 - Dec 19
  • Dec 10 - Dec 21
  • Dec 18 - Dec 29
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2025
  • 2024
  • 2025
Dec 08 - Dec 19
  • Jan 04 - Jan 15
  • Jan 06 - Jan 17
  • Jan 08 - Jan 19
  • Jan 10 - Jan 21
  • Jan 12 - Jan 23
  • Jan 14 - Jan 25
  • Jan 17 - Jan 28
  • Jan 19 - Jan 30
  • Jan 21 - Feb 01
  • Jan 23 - Feb 03
  • Jan 25 - Feb 05
  • Jan 27 - Feb 07
  • Jan 31 - Feb 11
  • Feb 02 - Feb 13
  • Feb 04 - Feb 15
  • Feb 07 - Feb 18
  • Feb 09 - Feb 20
  • Feb 12 - Feb 23
  • Feb 13 - Feb 24
  • Feb 16 - Feb 27
  • Feb 18 - Mar 01
  • Feb 20 - Mar 03
  • Feb 22 - Mar 05
  • Feb 24 - Mar 07
  • Feb 26 - Mar 09
  • Feb 28 - Mar 11
  • Mar 04 - Mar 15
  • Mar 07 - Mar 18
  • Mar 09 - Mar 20
  • Mar 11 - Mar 22
  • Mar 16 - Mar 27
  • Mar 17 - Mar 28
  • Mar 23 - Apr 03
  • Mar 25 - Apr 05
  • Apr 01 - Apr 12
  • Apr 05 - Apr 16
  • Apr 22 - May 03
  • Apr 24 - May 05
  • Apr 27 - May 08
  • May 05 - May 16
  • May 10 - May 21
  • May 14 - May 25
  • May 19 - May 30
  • Jun 03 - Jun 14
  • Jun 12 - Jun 23
  • Jul 02 - Jul 13
  • Jul 09 - Jul 20
  • Jul 16 - Jul 27
  • Jul 18 - Jul 29
  • Aug 01 - Aug 12
  • Aug 07 - Aug 18
  • Aug 15 - Aug 26
  • Aug 30 - Sep 10
  • Sep 06 - Sep 17
  • Sep 16 - Sep 27
  • Sep 23 - Oct 04
  • Sep 27 - Oct 08
  • Oct 01 - Oct 12
  • Oct 14 - Oct 25
  • Oct 18 - Oct 29
  • Nov 01 - Nov 12
  • Nov 07 - Nov 18
  • Nov 09 - Nov 20
  • Nov 22 - Dec 03
  • Dec 02 - Dec 13
  • Dec 04 - Dec 15
  • Dec 06 - Dec 17
  • Dec 08 - Dec 19
  • Dec 10 - Dec 21
  • Dec 18 - Dec 29
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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12 days
11 nights
31 meals
11 B 10 L 10 D
DAY
1
Arrive San José, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
San José
D
Radisson Hotel San José - Costa Rica

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Orientation: 6:00 p.m. at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. Unless otherwise specified, transportation during your program will be provided by air-conditioned bus. Our buses do not include onboard toilets, so we have scheduled stops during drives for bathroom breaks. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel, welcome dinner

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Gold Museum, Coffee Experience
San José
B,L
Radisson Hotel San José - Costa Rica

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus with several steps up/down; driving about 19 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking and standing at field trip sites, up to 2 hours; mostly flat terrain, some unpaved paths.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a presentation that will provide insights into Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity. We’ll then board our bus and ride to the Museo del Oro Precolombino — Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Led by an expert, we’ll explore and see some of the splendid display of artifacts from multiple indigenous Latin American civilizations. The total weight of the 2,000-piece collection is than 20,000 troy ounces, making it one of the richest spots in the nation. Next, we will return to our bus and ride to a local coffee farm in the Central Valley.

Lunch: At the coffee farm.

Afternoon: Costa Rica has been producing some of the world’s best coffee for more than a century. For most of that time, the country’s gourmet coffee was exported, leaving lower-quality beans for domestic consumption. An expert will take us on an interactive walk through the coffee farm to see how their coffee is grown, harvested, and processed for consumption. We’ll learn from a “cupper” — a professional coffee taster — the proper way to taste coffee in order to identify the quality of the brew. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: We’ll re-group at the hotel for an overview of tomorrow’s activities. Prepare for hotel-check out and early morning transfer.

DAY
3
Tortuguero National Park, Sea Turtle Conservancy
Tortuguero
B,L,D
Pachira Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 75 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time with stop. Getting on/off a river boat; riding approximately 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: After early morning hotel check-out, we will ride to a local restaurant.

Morning: We will ride to a local dock and board a riverboat to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, south of Nicaragua and 50 miles north of the principal port of Limón. The park comprises Caribbean beaches, swamp forest, lowland rainforest, and a network of picturesque natural waterways. There is an incredible diversity of plant and animal life including more than 100 reptile species, 60 mammal species, and hundreds of bird species. Tortuguero gets its name from the large sea turtles that come ashore each year from July through October to nest on the 27-mile long black sand beach. We will disembark at the lodge where we will be staying and check in with some time to freshen up and relax before lunch.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll take a quick boat ride to the local village where our Group Leader will accompany us on a walking exploration of the community to see how folks live. While here we’ll learn from a local resident about coconut processing. Our local resident will also share some history of the town and his family, as well as give a demonstration on how coconuts are processed for oil, milk, and raw coconut in order to make candy. We’ll then walk from the village to the Sea Turtle Conservancy field station and see a video/slide show presentation to learn about their mission and to find out why Tortuguero Beach is so important for the survival of endangered green turtles. Reboarding the boat, we’ll return to the lodge and then attend a presentation by a long-time resident on the history of Tortuguero.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: After a review of tomorrow’s activities, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overview of next day’s activities and time at leisure.

DAY
4
Canal Safari 1, Forest Walk, Canal Safari 2
Tortuguero
B,L,D
Pachira Lodge

Activity note: Early morning (pre-breakfast) canal safari in Tortuguero National Park to spot local wildlife. Getting in/out of motorized river boats. Walking 1-2 miles; concrete lodge trails; wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes; hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars recommended.

Breakfast: At the lodge after our early morning boat ride.

Morning: We will have an early morning (pre-breakfast) canal safari in Tortuguero National Park. The park is located in one of the rainiest regions of Costa Rica, and this abundance of water plays a vital role in supporting Tortuguero’s thriving forests, canals, and wildlife. It is also an area of incredible biological diversity, with at least eleven identified habitats. A scenic natural channel and navigable river mouths form the park from the southwest to the northeast. These riverways and swamps are the habitat of black turtles, which can be seen sunning themselves on drifting logs or in the floating islands formed by vegetation. The canals also provide shelter to a variety of species in danger of extinction and are excellent locations to observe different species of aquatic birds such as Green and Great Blue Herons, Amazon Kingfishers, Sungrebes, Northern Jacanas and Anhingas. We’ll return to lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll set out with our Group Leader on a walk along the lodge trails to learn about riparian vegetation and resident wildlife. Our walk will take us along secondary forest trails that are part of the same ecosystem as the national park. Concluding our walk, we'll have some time to freshen up before lunch.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: We’ll have some “down” time before our afternoon field trip. You might like to have a refreshing dip in the pool, take a stroll around the lodge, or just settle into a comfortable chair with a great book. Mid-afternoon, we’ll walk to the lodge boat dock and embark on a boat safari on local canals. As we navigate these waterways, we’ll look for resident and migrant birds as well as howler monkeys, caimans, bats, turtles, and more. Although wildlife observation tends to attract the most attention during these activities, the unique flora of this lush region including trees and plants such as the kativo, almendro, sangrillo, and pachira. We’ll return to the lodge at the end of our field trip.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: After an overview of tomorrow’s activities, our Group Leader will take us on a walk around the lodge grounds to look for nocturnal species. Then prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
5
Transfer to Sarapiquí, Rainforest Hike, Chilamate
Sarapiqui
B,L,D
Selva Verde Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off a riverboat; ride from Tortuguero approximately 1.5 hours. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 65 miles approximately 2.5 hours riding time.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: After checkout, we’ll set out on a boat and land transfer to our lodge in Sarapiquí, in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands. Sarapiquí is one of the richest sites for birds in Middle America with well over 400 species recorded. Nearby, the La Selva Protection Zone and the Braulio Carrillo National Park form the only significant corridor of forest on the Caribbean slope linking the highlands with the lowlands — a corridor crucial to birds and animals that undertake seasonal altitudinal migrations.

Lunch: At a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Arriving at the lodge, we’ll check in with some time to freshen up before our next activity. Later in the afternoon, we’ll go on a rainforest walk in the lodge’s private reserve with our Group Leader who will point out native flora and fauna. This private rainforest sanctuary is home to 120 mammal species, more than 330 species of trees, and an astounding 1,500 species of orchids. A well-known location on the birding circuit, the reserve boasts more than 300 recorded bird species including the endangered Great Green Macaw. We’ll return to the lodge for a presentation by a local expert who will provide us with an overview of Chilamate and discuss sustainable growth issues in the area.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: After an overview of tomorrow’s activities, the remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the lodge amenities.

DAY
6
Early Morning Birding, River Rafting, Plantation Field Trip
Sarapiqui
B,L,D
Selva Verde Lodge

Activity note: Early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk in lodge environs. Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, insect repellent; binoculars recommended. For river rafting, wear a bathing suit and water shoes or sport sandals; apply sunscreen well before water activity. Class I and II rapids: easy to moderate conditions including waves, rocks, sand banks, and light riffles. Rafting specialists monitor daily river conditions; activity can be cancelled/rescheduled if conditions aren’t optimal.

Breakfast: At the lodge after our early morning activity.

Morning: We will have an early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk. We will ride to a nearby drop-off point along the Sarapiquí River. Then begin an exhilarating river rafting field trip where we’ll participate in paddling. Each raft will have its own rafting expert who will sit at the back to navigate and direct participants on how and when to paddle. We’ll return to the lodge to freshen-up and change clothes.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll ride to a local farm to learn about cacao production and the secrets of making chocolate. We’ll accompany a local expert on a brief walking exploration on the farm as we learn how cacao is grown, harvested, processed, and turned into chocolate. An added treat: We will have an opportunity to sample different kinds of chocolate! We’ll return to the lodge after our field trip.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: After an overview of the activities for tomorrow, including check-out and transfer to Arenal, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. This is a great time to listen for the rainforest’s nocturnal inhabitants. Relaxing in a hammock, try to distinguish one call from another. Frogs, owls, bats, tepezquintles (pacas), moths, and various other creatures of the night come out as most of us get ready for bed.

DAY
7
Transfer to Arenal, Local Home, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
B,L,D
Arenal Paraiso Hotel Resort & Spa

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 61 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time with stops. Walking about 2.5 miles, approximately 1 hour; irregular terrain, forest trails.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We will check out of the lodge and begin our transfer to Arenal. En route, we’ll ride a short distance into the Sarapiquí community, where a local resident will invite us into her home, talk about daily life, and show us on how to prepare some typical Tico dishes. During this field trip, we’ll be accompanied by a member of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), who will give us an overview of their mission and talk to us about their work together with the community. Founded by Giovanna Holbrook in the mid-1990s, the SCLC is a registered non-profit organization whose mission is to link communities and conservation through education and ecotourism in the Sarapiqui region. Programs include environmental education, ecotourism activities, English classes, an ecology club, community outreach, a women’s group and many others. NOTE: Many participants in previous Road Scholar programs have brought a few basic school supplies such as pencils, erasers, pens, colored markers, children’s books in Spanish, etc., to donate during the visit. This is completely voluntary and is not required. Next, we will stop at the picturesque town of La Fortuna for a chance to take pictures and walk along its streets.

Lunch: At a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Next is a field trip to explore Arenal National Park, where we’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader. We will observe up close views of the volcano and witness the regeneration process of the vegetation that was once affected by past volcanic activity. There are also excellent views of the Arenal Lake and surrounding areas during our walk. The National Park is situated right in the vicinity of Arenal Volcano. Although clouds often obscure the peak of the volcano, during clear days it is possible to see gases and steam rising from the cone. We will learn how periodic lava flows have contributed to the erratic growth of vegetation in the areas around the volcano. We’ll then ride to our hotel and check in with some time to freshen up. We’ll reconvene before dinner for an expert-led presentation on the forces of nature and how they help shape life.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Hanging Bridges, Farm Visit, Traditional Dinner
Arenal Volcano
B,L,D
Arenal Paraiso Hotel Resort & Spa

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 30 miles approximately 1 ½ -2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2.5 miles on forest trails and hanging bridges; bridge heights up to 148 feet. Wear comfortable clothing and closed walking shoes; binoculars suggested.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll board our bus for a field trip to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges in Fortuna de San Carlos. This private nature reserve features a network of standing bridges, hanging bridges, and trails that crisscross more than 600 acres of tropical rainforest. The park’s mission is to provide natural history education in a responsible and sustainable way. We will view the rainforest from different angles and heights, from ground level to canopy level, learning firsthand about this fascinating and biologically diverse environment. We'll return to the hotel after our field trip.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: We’ll reboard the bus and ride to a nearby farm where we’ll learn about the history of the estate and the agricultural practices of this fertile region. We’ll also work-up an appetite while learning to make tortillas and cooking them on a traditional wood stove.

Dinner: At the farm, we’ll have a traditional meal hosted by the family.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
9
Transfer to Central Pacific Coast, Cloud Forest Conservation
Central Pacific Coast
B,L,D
Hotel Punta Leona

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 100 miles to Pacific Coast, approximately 4.5 hours including stops. Walking on unpaved forest trails with a possibility of mud; wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hat.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After check out, we’ll begin our transfer to the Central Pacific coast. The area has become a popular vacation spot with Costa Rican families, with white sand beaches on one side and tropical rainforest on the other. On our way to the coast, we’ll make a stop at a local finca to learn about a conservation project aimed at cloud forest conservation and restoration. We’ll attend an expert presentation on cloud forest ecology and a history of the area. We’ll then accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk through the cloud forest before returning to the main house for lunch.

Lunch: At the finca we’ll enjoy a family-hosted meal.

Afternoon: After arriving at our hotel, we’ll check in and settle into our rooms. Then we’ll join our Group Leader for an introduction to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Get a good night’s rest in preparation for early morning activities tomorrow.

DAY
10
Birding Walk, Carara National Park, Free Time
Central Pacific Coast
B,L,D
Hotel Punta Leona

Activity note: Early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk; paved paths, flat trails. Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, insect repellent; binoculars recommended. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 20 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour total riding time. At Carara, walking a few miles; undulating, paved park trails. Wear closed toed shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent.

Breakfast: At the hotel, after returning from our early morning activity.

Morning: We will have an early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk on hotel grounds. We’ll board the bus for a short ride to Carara National Park. Once there, we will accompany our Group Leader on a walking exploration of the park trails in order to learn about the flora and fauna of this unique transition zone. Carara, 60 miles southwest of San José, lies at the northern limit of the Pacific lowland rainforest and the southern limit of the dry, deciduous forest. Its unique location within a transition zone means that plant and animal species from both habitats coexist in the reserve. In addition to conserving primary and secondary growth forests, Carara National Park also protects the Rio Grande de Tarcoles river basin and its rich wildlife. The park is a favored birding destination, with more than 350 recorded bird species including a sizable population of endangered Scarlet Macaws. If we’re lucky, we might see some of these birds that mate for life. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You might like to go out independently to enjoy the beaches, the hotel amenities, or just relax.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: After an overview of the activities for tomorrow, including check-out and transfer to San José, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
11
Crocodile Safari, Transfer to San José, Farewell Dinner
San José
B,L,D
Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 55 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a covered pontoon; approximately 1.5 hours. Crocodile Safari is tide dependent.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll check out and begin our transfer to San José. En route, we’ll stop for a crocodile safari boat ride on the Tárcoles River. As we navigate up the river, our Group Leader will provide background information on the resident crocodiles. The Tárcoles River Basin is one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region, virtually draining the entire western side of the Central Valley. Tárcoles hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks and in the extensive mangrove ecosystem. Perhaps the most famous of all the river’s inhabitants are its enormous crocodiles. These crocodiles have been studied by numerous local and foreign specialists and featured in TV series and specials.

Lunch: En route.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our ride to San José. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax a bit before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy our last evening together as a group in Costa Rica. Finish packing and get a good night’s rest in preparation for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
12
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s GETTING THERE information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel (dependent on flights). This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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