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Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise

Program No. 20774RJ
Learn the story of Costa Rica’s natural wonders as you explore cloud forest reserves, the Savegre River and world-class Manuel Antonio National Park with plenty of time on your own.

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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
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 14 - Jan 22, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Jan 19 - Jan 27, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Jan 23 - Jan 31, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 15 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica & the Jan. 13 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Filling Fast!
Jan 28 - Feb 5, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Feb 1 - Feb 9, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 24 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica & the Jan. 22 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 30 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Feb 20 - Feb 28, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Mar 1 - Mar 9, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 19 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders & the Feb. 20 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Mar 7 - Mar 15, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 26 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Mar 12 - Mar 20, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 4 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Apr 4 - Apr 12, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Apr 11 - Apr 19, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the April 1 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

May 11 - May 19, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the May 3 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Jul 16 - Jul 24, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 8 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Aug 8 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 28 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Nov 5 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Nov 14 - Nov 22, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Nov. 3 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Dec 3 - Dec 11, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Dec 12 - Dec 20, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 12 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Jan 6 - Jan 14, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Jan 11 - Jan 19, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Jan 17 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Jan 19 - Jan 27, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Jan 21 - Jan 29, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Feb 3 - Feb 11, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Feb 23 - Mar 3, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Mar 20 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Mar 25 - Apr 2, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Apr 1 - Apr 9, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Apr 29 - May 7, 2025
Starting at
2,499
May 8 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
2,499
May 23 - May 31, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Jun 5 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Aug 3 - Aug 11, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Oct 31 - Nov 8, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Nov 4 - Nov 12, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Dec 1 - Dec 9, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2025
Starting at
2,799
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 14 - Jan 22, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Jan 19 - Jan 27, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Jan 23 - Jan 31, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 15 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica & the Jan. 13 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Filling Fast!
Jan 28 - Feb 5, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Feb 1 - Feb 9, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 24 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica & the Jan. 22 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 30 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Feb 20 - Feb 28, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Mar 1 - Mar 9, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 19 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders & the Feb. 20 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Mar 7 - Mar 15, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 26 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Mar 12 - Mar 20, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 4 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Apr 4 - Apr 12, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Apr 11 - Apr 19, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the April 1 date of program #19243- Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure.

Filling Fast!
May 11 - May 19, 2024
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the May 3 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Filling Fast!
Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2024
Starting at
2,749
Filling Fast!
Jul 16 - Jul 24, 2024
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 8 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Filling Fast!
Aug 8 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 28 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Filling Fast!
Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Filling Fast!
Nov 5 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Filling Fast!
Nov 14 - Nov 22, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Nov. 3 date of program #11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Filling Fast!
Dec 3 - Dec 11, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Filling Fast!
Dec 12 - Dec 20, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 12 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Filling Fast!
Jan 6 - Jan 14, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Jan 11 - Jan 19, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Jan 17 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Jan 19 - Jan 27, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Jan 21 - Jan 29, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Feb 3 - Feb 11, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Feb 23 - Mar 3, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Mar 20 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Mar 25 - Apr 2, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Apr 1 - Apr 9, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Apr 29 - May 7, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Filling Fast!
May 8 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Filling Fast!
May 23 - May 31, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Filling Fast!
Jun 5 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Filling Fast!
Aug 3 - Aug 11, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Filling Fast!
Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Filling Fast!
Oct 31 - Nov 8, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Nov 4 - Nov 12, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Dec 1 - Dec 9, 2025
Starting at
3,399
Filling Fast!
Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2025
Starting at
3,399

At a Glance

Absorb the brilliant natural beauty of Costa Rica on this journey that combines special access with plenty of time for independent exploration. Discover Manuel Antonio National Park, the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s renowned environmental protection efforts. Then experience two lesser-known jewels: a private cloud forest reserve protected by a Costa Rican family for decades and a lush rainforest where a South African family welcomes you to their safari lodge.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily on city streets and forest paths. River rafting and swimming. Elevations up to 7,200 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…

  • Experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity at Manuel Antonio National Park, in a private cloud forest reserve and in the Pacific rainforest.
  • Learn about gourmet coffee production in one of the world’s best places to grow coffee beans.
  • Raft down the lower reaches of the Savegre River and look for giant crocodiles during a boat ride on the Tarcoles River.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Roger Melendez
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.

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

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.
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.
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 World Atlas of Coffee, From Beans to Brewing
by James Hoffmann
A global history of the addictive brown bean organized by country, with a look at regional techniques and traits, fair trade efforts and the role of colonialism. Includes colorful maps and photos.
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 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 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 Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
Tropical Nature
by Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata
A lively, lucid portrait of the tropics as seen by two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists. Its 17 marvelous essays introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforest
Costa Rica Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
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
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.
The Ticos
by Richard Biesanz
This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores 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, The Complete Guide
by James Kaiser
From pristine beaches and jungle waterfalls to high-altitude coffee plantations, award-winning author and photographer Kaiser shows readers the best of Costa Rica, including the country's stunning collection of national parks.
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.
A Brief History of Central America
by Hector Perez-Brignoll
A good overview of the region’s economic, political and social history through the 1980s by a professor at the University of Costa Rica. Well-written, informative and concise.





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.