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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

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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 Tárcoles 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 trip experts
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Alvaro Alvarado
Alvaro Alvarado began working as a naturalist expedition leader in 2006. He grew up in Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean lowlands; a rural region dominated by banana and pineapple plantations. Despite his inherent appreciation for nature and outdoor hobbies, he first attended college with plans to become an accountant. When the pull of nature proved too hard to resist, Alvaro turned his sights on ecotourism and earning his naturalist credentials. In his free time, he likes to go hiking, camping, and fishing with his family.

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

Profile Image of Alvaro Alvarado
Alvaro Alvarado View biography
Alvaro Alvarado began working as a naturalist expedition leader in 2006. He grew up in Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean lowlands; a rural region dominated by banana and pineapple plantations. Despite his inherent appreciation for nature and outdoor hobbies, he first attended college with plans to become an accountant. When the pull of nature proved too hard to resist, Alvaro turned his sights on ecotourism and earning his naturalist credentials. In his free time, he likes to go hiking, camping, and fishing with his family.
Profile Image of Willy Aguilar
Willy Aguilar View biography
Willy Aguilar is a certified Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader with a background in tourism administration. After giving the office environment a try, he was disappointed to discover it was too sedentary to his liking. This valuable learning experience led him to pursue his studies and training to become an expedition leader. Willy enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and kayaking, but his true passion is wildlife observation—especially birding. Willy speaks English and French in addition to his native Spanish.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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