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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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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
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Alex Ramirez
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.

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

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 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 Greivin Araya
Greivin Araya View biography
Greivin Araya Vega, “Dalua”, has been passionate about the outdoors since his childhood in Guacimo, an agricultural town in eastern Costa Rica. With a family legacy in education, he planned to teach science. He eventually found himself teaching English, while spending his free time as a naturalist. After six years of teaching, he was unable to ignore the call of the outdoors and became a certified Costa Rica Naturalist. Dalua particularly enjoys entomology, travel, and learning what he can from the experiences of others.
Profile Image of David Mora
David Mora View biography
David Mora was immersed in the culture of birding from an early age. David’s nickname is "Bird Whistler," earned by his unique ability to mimic bird calls with uncanny accuracy. As a child, he participated in Cornell University’s Bird Detectives program at the Sarapiquís Conservation Learning Center; his formal education was at the National Learning Institution, where he earned his naturalist certification. David’s informal education continues through the reciprocal exchange shared with program participants, and, of course, through birding.
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