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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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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
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 3 - May 11, 2023
Starting at
2,299
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Apr. 25 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2023
Starting at
2,499
Itinerary Note

This exclusive date will be hosted by life transitions coach Wendy Green and will include two group coaching sessions.

Aug 25 - Sep 2, 2023
Starting at
2,299
Nov 11 - Nov 19, 2023
Starting at
2,599
Itinerary Note

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

Nov 28 - Dec 6, 2023
Starting at
2,599
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2023
Starting at
2,599
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 1 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2023
Starting at
2,599
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 2 date of program 11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Jan 8 - Jan 16, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Jan 14 - Jan 22, 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 "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577) & the Jan. 13 date of "Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure" (#19243)

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 "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577) & the Jan. 22 date of "Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure" (#19243)

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

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

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 "The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders" (#11586) & the Feb. 20 date of "Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure" (#19243)

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

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

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

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 4 date of "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577)

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

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

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

This departure can be combined with the May 3 date of "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577)

Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Aug 8 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 28 date of "The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders" (#11586)

Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2024
Starting at
2,649
Nov 5 - Nov 13, 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 "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577)

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 3 - May 11, 2023
Starting at
2,719
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Apr. 25 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2023
Starting at
2,909
Itinerary Note

This exclusive date will be hosted by life transitions coach Wendy Green and will include two group coaching sessions.

Aug 25 - Sep 2, 2023
Starting at
2,719
Nov 11 - Nov 19, 2023
Starting at
3,229
Itinerary Note

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

Nov 28 - Dec 6, 2023
Starting at
3,229
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2023
Starting at
3,229
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 1 date of program #8577- A Taste of Costa Rica.

Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2023
Starting at
3,229
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 2 date of program 11586- The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders.

Jan 8 - Jan 16, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Jan 14 - Jan 22, 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 "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577) & the Jan. 13 date of "Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure" (#19243)

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 "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577) & the Jan. 22 date of "Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure" (#19243)

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

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

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 "The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders" (#11586) & the Feb. 20 date of "Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure" (#19243)

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

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

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

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 4 date of "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577)

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

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

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

This departure can be combined with the May 3 date of "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577)

Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2024
Starting at
2,749
Aug 8 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 28 date of "The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders" (#11586)

Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Nov 5 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Dec 12 - Dec 20, 2024
Starting at
3,249
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb 12 date of "A Taste of Costa Rica" (#8577)

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
Fabián Salas
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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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. We also carry plastic cards for Costa Rica Birds (Item CRC56) and Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths (Item CRC57), $5.95 each.
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.
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 Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
Costa Rica Birds
by James Kavanagh
A handy, laminated fold-up card with full-color illustrations of birds commonly found in Costa Rica. Great for kids, too.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Costa Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
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.
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9 days
8 nights
20 meals
8 B 6 L 6 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program, Arrive San José, Orientation
San Jose
D
Hotel Balmoral

Activity note: Participants must arrive in San José no later than 4:30 p.m. to be in time for the Orientation session. Some Road Scholar gateways require the use of overnight flights in order to arrive in San José by the suggested time. Please contact your Road Scholar Program Provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you made plans to arrive a day early and would like assistance in booking your hotel. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

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. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Unless otherwise specified, transportation during your program will be provided by air conditioned bus. 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.

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
Valley of the Saints Coffee
Savegre
B,L,D
Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 70 miles, approximately 2.5 - 3 hours riding time. Traveling on winding mountain roads at elevations up to 11,000 feet at Cerro de la Muerte. Elevation at program site is about 7,000 feet. Prepare for cooler weather at this location.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: A local expert will join us at the hotel for an informative overview of Costa Rica, providing insights into the country’s history, culture and geography. We’ll check-out of the hotel, board the Road Scholar bus, and begin our scenic journey to the Valley of the Saints. While driving near the farm owned by President Pepe Figueres' family, we will stop for coffee and cookies and discuss his political legacy in Costa Rica with our Group Leader. Don José “Pepe” Figueres Ferrer holds hero status in Costa Rican history; a position earned through a lifetime of political activism. Don Pepe, as he was known locally, was a key figure in the 1948 revolutionary movement that led to the ousting of President Teodoro Picado and the creation of a new constitution. Next, we’ll take a field trip to a gourmet coffee cooperative in the Valley of the Saints region to learn about coffee farming and processing and also to sample some world-class brews. The Valley's landscape, acidic soil composition, and well defined dry and rainy seasons all lend themselves to raising coffee. Harvesting is done during the region’s dry season (Nov. – Mar.). Limited rainfall during those five months gives fruit an opportunity to ripen evenly and also facilitates the sun drying process.

Lunch: At the home of one of the owners of the coffee cooperative.

Afternoon: Continuing our ride, we’ll arrive at the lodge and check-in with some time to freshen up, relax, and explore the lodge grounds.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: After a review of tomorrow’s activities, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
3
A Walk in the Clouds, Free Time
Savegre
B,L,D
Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa

Activity note: Getting in/out of four-wheel drive vehicles; about 3 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking 1.5 miles on undulating forest trails, potentially muddy; wear closed-toed/heel shoes.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We will start our day in the cloud forest searching for the bird of ancient royalty, the colorful and elusive Resplendent Quetzal. In addition to learning about the life history of the Resplendent Quetzal we'll investigate the myriad other flora and fauna that are characteristic of this highland environment. We'll accompany our Group Leader on a nature walk on forest trails leading to the 400 year-old oak forest situated on the upper slopes of the valley.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Free time. You might like to go bird watching, walking/hiking, or try out some of the lodge amenities (additional costs might apply). Before dinner, we'll enjoy a presentation by a member of the Chacon family, for personal accounts of this pioneering family's long relationship with the Savegre Valley.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: After a review of tomorrow’s activities, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare luggage for check out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
4
Forest Nature Walk, Cultural Interaction, The Rafiki Story
Lower Savegre Valley
B,L,D
Rafiki Safari Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 84 miles, approximately 3 - 3.5 hours riding time. Walking on irregular forest trails and potentially muddy conditions. Wear closed toed/heeled shoes with lug soles.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We’ll check out and depart for the Pacific coast and the transitional Pacific jungle.

Lunch: At the home of a local resident of the small town of Santo Domingo, we’ll have a meal with traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Afternoon: Arriving at the tented camp, we’ll settle in and take some time to freshen up before our next adventure. We'll accompany a camp guide and our Group Leader on a nature walk along the lodge's forest trails to learn about resident plants and wildlife. We'll also learn about the efforts to reintroduce the tapir to this area. We’ll gather before dinner for a sunset discussion with the owner/manager of the camp to learn about the fascinating story of Rafiki.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: After reviewing the schedule for tomorrow, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
5
Jungle Safari, Rafting Savegre River, Free Time
Lower Savegre Valley
B,L,D
Rafiki Safari Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off four-wheel drive vehicles; about 6 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time on bumpy, undulating dirt roads. Getting in/out of a rubber raft; about 9 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Class II-III rapids with medium-sized waves, strong eddies and currents. Sunscreen and water shoes or athletic strap sandals (e.g., Teva, Keens, etc.) are advised for the river rafting activity.

Breakfast: At the camp.

Morning: We’ll embark on a jungle safari in four-wheel drive vehicles. As we explore the area and observe the transitions from pasture land to secondary and primary forests, we'll discuss the flora and fauna seen along the way. Next, we'll disembark at a river drop off point for a river rafting adventure. After a preparatory session with local experts, we'll board the rafts and embark on an invigorating ride paddling down the Savegre River. Delight in the swells and dips of the rushing river; a natural roller coaster ride that will make our inner child cheer and laugh out loud (even as you get a good upper-body workout!). We’ll return to camp at the end of our field trip.

Lunch: At the camp.

Afternoon: Free Time. You might like to enjoy activities such as bird watching, walking/hiking on local trails, kayaking, horseback riding, or simply relax.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: After a review of tomorrow’s activities, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
6
El Silencio Community, Free Time
Manuel Antonio National Park
B,L
Hotel San Bada

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking 1/2 mile on mostly flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the camp.

Morning: We’ll check out and begin our transfer from the lower Savegre Valley to Manuel Antonio. As we travel through the forested hills of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Region we’ll take the opportunity to visit the small farming community at El Silencio. During our field trip, we’ll learn about the history and ongoing projects of Coopesilencio—an agricultural cooperative in the area—during interactions with some of the residents. The farmlands that now make up El Silencio were once part of the United Fruit Company’s large banana growing operation in Central America. With the departure of the United Fruit Company in the early 1970s, local farmers had the opportunity to buy lands they had worked on for years. Area families created Coopesilencio in order to pool resources and work together on projects that benefit the community. Getting back on the road, we expect to arrive in Manuel Antonio in time for lunch. El Avion — “The Airplane” — is an historic restaurant literally built around a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane. We’ll learn about its fascinating connection to the U.S. Iran-Contra Affair. The plane was one of a handful of aircraft purchased by the U.S. to secretly aid the counter-revolutionary movement in Nicaragua in the 1980s.

Lunch: At El Avion restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll check in to our hotel upon arrival with time to freshen up and relax. Late afternoon, at the hotel, we'll enjoy an expert presentation on the ongoing squirrel monkey (Mono Titi) conservation efforts taking place at Manuel Antonio.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: After a review of tomorrow’s activities, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
7
Manuel Antonio National Park, Free Time
Manuel Antonio National Park
B
Hotel San Bada

Activity note: Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; unpaved forest trails and sandy paths; wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Free time activities in Manuel Antonio are at our own expense.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll accompany our Group Leader on a walking field trip in Manuel Antonio National Park to learn about the park's flora and fauna. This is one of the best areas in the country in which to view monkeys. In fact, three of the country's four species of monkey can be found here, including the highly endangered Titi Monkey (Grey Crowned Red-backed Central American Squirrel Monkey) which can only be seen here and in the Corcovado region. Once we conclude our field trip we’ll walk back to the hotel to freshen up.

Lunch: On your own to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Manuel Antonio. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer tomorrow.

DAY
8
Crocodile Safari, Transfer to San José, Free Time
San Jose
B,L,D
Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Activity note: Getting on/off a pontoon boat, riding approximately 2 hours. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 107 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After a leisurely breakfast we’ll check out, say goodbye to Manuel Antonio, and begin our transfer to San José. En route, we’ll stop for a crocodile safari boat ride on the Tarcoles River. As we navigate up the river, a local expert 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 (Crocodilus acutus). These crocodiles have been studied by numerous local and foreign specialists and featured in TV series and specials.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Arriving in San José we’ll check in to our hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

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
9
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out is by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel (dependent on flight times). 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!






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.