Costa Rica

Costa Rica at a Slower Pace: Natural Wonders by Water & Land

Program No. 17988RJ
Enjoy the natural history, biodiversity and friendly attitude of Costa Rica in a non-strenuous way that allows you to learn the true meaning of “pura vida.”

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 24 - May 4, 2024
Starting at
2,849
May 10 - May 20, 2024
Starting at
2,849
May 22 - Jun 1, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Jul 20 - Jul 30, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Aug 1 - Aug 11, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Aug 12 - Aug 22, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Sep 5 - Sep 15, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Sep 18 - Sep 28, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Oct 6 - Oct 16, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Oct 15 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Oct 22 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
2,849
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Nov 9 - Nov 19, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Dec 3 - Dec 13, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Dec 6 - Dec 16, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Dec 8 - Dec 18, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2024
Starting at
3,049
Jan 3 - Jan 13, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Jan 8 - Jan 18, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Jan 13 - Jan 23, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Jan 18 - Jan 28, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Jan 23 - Feb 2, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Jan 30 - Feb 9, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Feb 4 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Feb 6 - Feb 16, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Feb 12 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Feb 15 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Feb 19 - Mar 1, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Feb 27 - Mar 9, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Mar 4 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Mar 10 - Mar 20, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Mar 16 - Mar 26, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Mar 20 - Mar 30, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Mar 26 - Apr 5, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Mar 31 - Apr 10, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Apr 21 - May 1, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Apr 27 - May 7, 2025
Starting at
3,249
May 4 - May 14, 2025
Starting at
3,049
May 18 - May 28, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Jul 16 - Jul 26, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Aug 10 - Aug 20, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Sep 9 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Sep 23 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Oct 4 - Oct 14, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Oct 17 - Oct 27, 2025
Starting at
3,049
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Nov 7 - Nov 17, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2025
Starting at
3,249
Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2025
Starting at
3,249
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 24 - May 4, 2024
Starting at
3,259
May 10 - May 20, 2024
Starting at
3,259
May 22 - Jun 1, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Jul 20 - Jul 30, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Aug 1 - Aug 11, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Aug 12 - Aug 22, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Sep 5 - Sep 15, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Sep 18 - Sep 28, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Oct 6 - Oct 16, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Oct 15 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Oct 22 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
3,259
Filling Fast!
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Nov 9 - Nov 19, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Dec 3 - Dec 13, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Dec 6 - Dec 16, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Dec 8 - Dec 18, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2024
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Jan 3 - Jan 13, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Jan 8 - Jan 18, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Jan 13 - Jan 23, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Jan 18 - Jan 28, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Jan 23 - Feb 2, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Jan 30 - Feb 9, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Feb 4 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Feb 6 - Feb 16, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Feb 12 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Feb 15 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Feb 19 - Mar 1, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Feb 27 - Mar 9, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Mar 4 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Mar 10 - Mar 20, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Mar 16 - Mar 26, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Filling Fast!
Mar 20 - Mar 30, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Mar 26 - Apr 5, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Mar 31 - Apr 10, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Apr 21 - May 1, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Apr 27 - May 7, 2025
Starting at
3,759
May 4 - May 14, 2025
Starting at
3,479
May 18 - May 28, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Jul 16 - Jul 26, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Aug 10 - Aug 20, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Sep 9 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Sep 23 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Oct 4 - Oct 14, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Oct 17 - Oct 27, 2025
Starting at
3,479
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Nov 7 - Nov 17, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2025
Starting at
3,759
Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2025
Starting at
3,759

At a Glance

Enjoy the natural history, biodiversity and friendly attitude of Costa Rica at a leisurely pace that allows you to learn the true meaning of “pura vida.” Discover the rainforest, Arenal Volcano and the Pacific coastline. Interact with Costa Ricans from campesinos (farmers) to small business owners and American expatriates. Experience Costa Rica by water on boat excursions exploring the Sarapiqui and Tarcoles rivers and an ocean canoe ride. This program has been specially designed to minimize walking and travel time and maximize opportunities to connect with your surroundings.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to a few blocks unassisted and climbing stairs. Activities take place near the hotels. Program not recommended for participants with walkers/rollators or wheelchairs due to limited storage space on the bus and lack of handicap accessible locations.
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

  • Observe the Arenal Volcano from two prime vantage points and learn how scientists monitor its activity.
  • Encounter the mighty crocodile and other creatures of the mangroves on a Tarcoles River boat excursion.
  • Enjoy several opportunities for informal conversations with Costa Rican people.
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 Alex Ramirez
Alex Ramirez View biography
Raised since age 5 in Chilamate, Costa Rica, Alex Ramirez developed a passion for nature working at a local rainforest lodge and nature reserve, showing a special interest in the gardens, butterflies, birds and frogs. Fluent in English, Alex has conducted important research at INBIO, Costa Rica's Institute for Biodiversity and Conservation Research.
Profile Image of Luis Vargas
Luis Vargas View biography
Having been immersed in Costa Rica’s rainforest since he grew up in a rural town in the Sarapiqui region, Luis Vargas knows its flora and fauna very well. He has been involved in research at the La Selva field station, worked with a program that teaches children about the environment, and served as a local expert at jungle lodges. Luis has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2010 and enjoys learning as much from his participants as they learn from him.
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 Daniel Bolaños
Daniel Bolaños View biography
Daniel Bolaños is a certified Costa Rican naturalist, passionate birder, and expedition leader with decades of experience in the field. Some of his favorite natural areas to explore with program participants or on his own are Tortuguero, Braulio Carrillo, Palo Verde, and Corcovado National Parks. Daniel enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, and like other true birders, he is always on the lookout for new bird species to add to his list.
Profile Image of Randy Alvarado
Randy Alvarado View biography
Randy Alvarado hails from Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands. Early on, he was inspired by his grandfather's work as a park ranger at La Selva Biological Research Station. He studied eco-tourism and earned his national certification under the encouragement of some uncles who are naturalists and birding expedition leaders. Randy has worked for nature reserves around the Sarapiqui region and as a freelance expedition leader. His favorite hobbies are wildlife photography and birding.
Profile Image of Alex Alvarez
Alex Alvarez View biography
Alex Alvarez began his career as an expedition leader in the early 1990s, after completing his naturalist training at OTS La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. His early appreciation for the natural world stemmed from a childhood spent in Costa Rica's Caribbean Lowlands, an area known for its diversity of plant and animal species. Alex enjoys spending his free time hiking, cycling, running or diving (he is PADI certified). He is studying natural resources management and conservation at UNED.
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