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Costa Rica

A Taste of Costa Rica

Program No. 8577RJ
Hike cloud forests, explore volcanic trails, learn about biodiversity, study delicate ecosystems and savor the art of coffee-making and good conversation as you discover Costa Rica.

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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 10 - Jan 18, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Jan 15 - Jan 23, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 23 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 17 - Jan 25, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Jan 21 - Jan 29, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Filling Fast!
Jan 24 - Feb 1, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 1 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Jan 27 - Feb 4, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Jan 29 - Feb 6, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Feb 7 - Feb 15, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Filling Fast!
Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 20 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Feb 14 - Feb 22, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Feb 21 - Feb 29, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Feb 25 - Mar 4, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Filling Fast!
Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Mar 2 - Mar 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Mar 4 - Mar 12, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 12 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Mar 18 - Mar 26, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Apr 8 - Apr 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

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

Apr 17 - Apr 25, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

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

Apr 28 - May 6, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Special Offer

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

May 3 - May 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the May 11 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

May 13 - May 21, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

May 25 - Jun 2, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the June 2 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Jun 6 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Jun 13 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Jul 8 - Jul 16, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 16 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jul 24 - Aug 1, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Aug 10 - Aug 18, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Sep 20 - Sep 28, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Oct 3 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Oct 8 - Oct 16, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Nov 2 - Nov 10, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Dec 2 - Dec 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Dec 21 - Dec 29, 2024
Starting at
2,549
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 10 - Jan 18, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Jan 15 - Jan 23, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 23 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 17 - Jan 25, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Jan 21 - Jan 29, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Jan 24 - Feb 1, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 1 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 27 - Feb 4, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Jan 29 - Feb 6, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 7 - Feb 15, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 20 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Feb 14 - Feb 22, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Feb 21 - Feb 29, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 25 - Mar 4, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Mar 2 - Mar 10, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Mar 4 - Mar 12, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 12 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Mar 18 - Mar 26, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

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

Apr 8 - Apr 16, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Apr 17 - Apr 25, 2024
Starting at
2,349
Special Offer

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

Apr 28 - May 6, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Special Offer

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

May 3 - May 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the May 11 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

May 13 - May 21, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

May 25 - Jun 2, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the June 2 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Jun 2 - Jun 10, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Jun 6 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Jun 13 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Jul 8 - Jul 16, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the July 16 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jul 24 - Aug 1, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Aug 10 - Aug 18, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Sep 20 - Sep 28, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Oct 3 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

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

Oct 8 - Oct 16, 2024
Starting at
2,499
Special Offer

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

Nov 2 - Nov 10, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Filling Fast!
Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Filling Fast!
Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Filling Fast!
Dec 2 - Dec 10, 2024
Starting at
2,779
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
Starting at
3,029
Filling Fast!
Dec 21 - Dec 29, 2024
Starting at
2,979

At a Glance

Low-level clouds drift through the sweet cedar and hanging moss. Even in dim sunlight, the orchid’s flowers brighten your path as you hike. In this interdisciplinary introduction to Costa Rica, learn about the nation’s rain and cloud forests and the inseparable bond between the people and the land. Explore volcanic terrain and tropical gardens, as well as culture and history. Meet residents in local communities for an intimate experience of this peaceful nation.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 hours a day over uneven trails in hot and humid conditions. Elevations up to 6,000 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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Hike through the mystical cloud forest at Monteverde and go whitewater rafting at Sarapiquí.
  • Discover scenic views of Arenal Volcano from up in the rainforest canopy during a walk on a combination of nature trails and hanging bridges.
  • Enjoy an interactive presentation that introduces you to an important gourmet coffee roaster in Costa Rica.

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
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.
Profile Image of Carlos Calvo
Carlos Calvo View biography
Carlos Calvo is a Costa Rican naturalist and a gifted wildlife photographer and photography instructor. He studied education at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and earned his professional guide qualifications from the National Learning Institute (INA). In 2012, he added freelance photography to his credentials and before long was being asked to provide photography workshops and lectures as well as lead natural history groups. Carlos’s photos have been featured in magazines and natural history publications as well as gallery exhibits.
Profile Image of Deynor Alfaro
Deynor Alfaro View biography
Deynor Alfaro is a licensed Costa Rican naturalist group leader. His love of nature and the outdoors took root while growing up on a cattle farm in Puntarenas province. When time came to consider college and career choices, he set his sights on becoming a naturalist. Deynor went on to earn a degree in ecotourism from the Universidad Técnica Nacional in Puntarenas city. Some of his favorite pastimes include hiking, birding, horseback riding, and playing soccer with friends.
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.
Costa Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
The Birds of Costa Rica
by Richard Garrigues, Robert Dean (Illustrator)
Built for the field, this great guide includes multiple illustrations for 820 species of birds.
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 Ticos
by Richard Biesanz
This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores their culture, history and society.
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.
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.
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
A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
National Geographic Costa Rica
by Christopher P. Baker
This stylish, informative and up-to-date travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.
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.
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 Reader: History, Culture, Politics
by Steven Palmer (Editor), Ivan Molina (Editor)
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
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
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, 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 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.
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.
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.
Costa Rica, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Barbara Ras
A wonderful introduction to the character of the people, culture and land, this anthology brings together 26 stories by Costa Rican writers.





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.