Costa Rica

From Monkeys to Macaws: Colorful Costa Rica With Your Grandchild

Program No. 3636RJ
Fly a little south of the U.S. to discover a world of chatty macaws, playful monkeys, industrious leaf cutter ants and butterflies as you explore Costa Rica with your grandchild.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

A scarlet macaw swooping overhead. A trek through the green rainforest. A large crocodile gliding unnoticed in the river. Postcards simply won’t do Costa Rica justice – you have to experience it for yourself! Alongside your grandchild, search for truly amazing animals, like sloths and howler monkeys, as you march through the rainforest, sail along the rivers, kayak the warm waters and zipline over the jungle on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure together. On this week-long journey, you’ll learn about all the colorful landscapes on walks through nature and across hanging bridges as you both go wild in Costa Rica.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 hours a day over uneven trails in hot and humid conditions, zip lining, swimming activities, and getting in and out of boats and buses. Elevations up to 5,000 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.

What You'll Learn

  • Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, iguanas, monkeys, crocs and more as you float along the Sarapiqui and Tarcoles Rivers with an expert naturalist.
  • Hold onto your helmets as you zipline over the jungle and walk over hanging bridges to view a large volcano.
  • Explore a local farm where silly macaws fly about and learn how the locals are trying to protect them.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-11 or 12-14 or 15-17, depending on the date. This program allows participants to explore a number of Costa Rica’s eco-systems in a relatively short amount of time. Bus travel is a necessity for an up-close experience, but program activities help to break up travel time. Local road conditions, weather, traffic and elevation are factors in determining time of travel.
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.
Meals
26 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
  • Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
  • Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jun 17, 2024 - Jun 26, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jun 18, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jun 21, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jun 24, 2024 - Jul 03, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 05, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 23, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Chilamate
Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.





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