loading spinner
Costa Rica

Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure

Program No. 19243RJ
Come discover the meaning of “pura vida” and see why there’s no better place to raft, hike, kayak and learn authentic Latin dance than the protected waters and lands of Costa Rica.

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
airfare
Need airfare?
Our airfare tool can help. Check it out
climate
Plan ahead.
What kind of weather can you expect? Take a look!
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Standard
Accommodation Details

Standard

Sep 20 - Sep 30, 2023
Standard 2,699
Special Offer

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

Oct 18 - Oct 28, 2023
Standard 2,699
Special Offer

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

DATES & PRICES

Hotel Standard
Accommodation Details

Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.

Accommodation Details

Standard

May 10 - May 20, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Jul 5 - Jul 15, 2023
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2023
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Aug 17 - Aug 27, 2023
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Sep 20 - Sep 30, 2023
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 18 - Oct 28, 2023
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Jan 26 - Feb 5, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,149
Mar 11 - Mar 21, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Apr 1 - Apr 11, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Apr 9 - Apr 19, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

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

Apr 16 - Apr 26, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

May 6 - May 16, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

May 20 - May 30, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Jul 12 - Jul 22, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Jul 23 - Aug 2, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Aug 15 - Aug 25, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Sep 9 - Sep 19, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Oct 14 - Oct 24, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2024
 
Standard 3,149

DATES & PRICES

Hotel Standard
Accommodation Details

Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.

Accommodation Details

Standard

May 10 - May 20, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,929
 
Special Offer

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

Jul 5 - Jul 15, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Aug 17 - Aug 27, 2023
Hotel 2,699
 
Special Offer

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

Nov 8 - Nov 18, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 3,379
 
Jan 8 - Jan 18, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,449
Jan 13 - Jan 23, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,449
Jan 26 - Feb 5, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,659
Feb 20 - Mar 1, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,449
Apr 1 - Apr 11, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Apr 9 - Apr 19, 2024
 
Standard 3,149
Special Offer

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

Apr 16 - Apr 26, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

May 6 - May 16, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

May 20 - May 30, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Jul 12 - Jul 22, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Jul 23 - Aug 2, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Aug 15 - Aug 25, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Sep 9 - Sep 19, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2024
 
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Oct 14 - Oct 24, 2024
 
Standard 2,949
Special Offer

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

Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2024
 
Standard 3,659

At a Glance

The emerald Pacific waters, lush tropical rainforest and volcanic landscapes of Costa Rica are home to an array of plant and animal species as diverse as any on earth. To truly learn about this natural abundance and the rich human culture that has developed around it, you must be immersed in the environment. From hiking to river rafting, swimming to kayaking, expand your mind on a quest to enliven your spirit amid Costa Rica’s tropical beauty, history and culture.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hikes on uneven terrain in tropical conditions; sea kayaking; swimming and rafting.
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…

  • Hike to "El Ganador" — a 600-year-old Almendro tree.
  • Learn about tropical conservation and explore Pre-Columbian ruins in Turrialba.
  • Sway your hips as you exercise and learn the steps to an authentic Latin dance.

General Notes

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
Erick Miranda
Erick Miranda hails from Costa Rica’s historic Heredia, a region dotted with coffee plantations and forests. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a naturalist guide. He attended a prestigious research center where he studied natural history and honed his interpretive skills. Erick has been a licensed naturalist guide and group leader for more than a decade, as well as a personal cross-training fitness coach. He has traveled extensively within Costa Rica and wishes to start adding some international destinations to his travel list.

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

Profile Image of Erick Miranda
Erick Miranda View biography
Erick Miranda hails from Costa Rica’s historic Heredia, a region dotted with coffee plantations and forests. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a naturalist guide. He attended a prestigious research center where he studied natural history and honed his interpretive skills. Erick has been a licensed naturalist guide and group leader for more than a decade, as well as a personal cross-training fitness coach. He has traveled extensively within Costa Rica and wishes to start adding some international destinations to his travel list.
Profile Image of Diana Solis
Diana Solis View biography
Diana "Di" Solis grew up on a small highland farm in Zarcero, Costa Rica. She studied ecotourism at the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTC) before getting certified as a naturalist expedition leader in 2010. Diana has extensive in-the-field experience from working as a destination expert in Monteverde, Arenal, Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio as well as leading educational groups throughout the country. Already fluent in English plus her native Spanish, she is now learning German and Italian. Di’s favorite pastimes include hiking, camping, birding, and photography.
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.
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.
Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths
by James Kavanagh
A handy, laminated fold-up card with color illustrations of Costa Rica’s more visible species of butterflies and moths. Includes the distinguishing markings or behaviors of each species.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
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.
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 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.
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.
Sea Kayaking, The Classic Manual for Touring, from Day Trips to Major Expeditions
by Freya Hoffmeister (Foreword), John Dowd
Once again fully updated, this 'kayaking bible' covers every known kayaking query, from essentials to advanced hazards. The expert advice is supplemented by black-and-white photos and some classic kayaking stories.
Costa Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
The Ticos
by Richard Biesanz
This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people details their culture, history and society.
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.
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 Reader: History, Culture, Politics
by Steven Palmer (Editor), Ivan Molina (Editor)
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
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.
The Chocolate Tree, A Natural History of Cacao
by Allen M. Young
A rich concoction of cultural and natural history, archaeological evidence, botanical research, environmental activism and lush descriptions of the author's own adventures, The Chocolate Tree offers an appreciation of the plant and the environment that provide us with this Maya food of the gods.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.