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.

Enroll with Confidence

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
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Standard
Standard
Filling Fast!
May 3 - May 11, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
May 25 - Jun 2, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 2,249
Special Offer

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

Jun 20 - Jun 28, 2024
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Aug 16 - Aug 24, 2024
Standard 2,249
Special Offer

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

Sep 7 - Sep 15, 2024
Standard 2,249
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Sep 20 - Sep 28, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Oct 21 - Oct 29, 2024
Standard 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 Oct. 29 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Nov 2 - Nov 10, 2024
Standard 2,599
Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2024
Standard 2,349
Filling Fast!
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
Standard 2,599
Filling Fast!
Jan 9 - Jan 17, 2025
Standard 2,749
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 17 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 11 - Jan 19, 2025
Standard 2,499
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 17 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2025
Standard 2,749
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 30 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 26 - Feb 3, 2025
Standard 2,499
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 3 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2025
Standard 2,749
Full Inventory
Feb 14 - Feb 22, 2025
Standard 2,499
Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2025
Standard 2,499
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 10 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Full Inventory
Feb 23 - Mar 3, 2025
Standard 2,499
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 3 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Feb 25 - Mar 5, 2025
Standard 2,749
Full Inventory
Mar 18 - Mar 26, 2025
Standard 2,499
Full Inventory
Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2025
Standard 2,499
Mar 25 - Apr 2, 2025
Standard 2,749
Full Inventory
Mar 27 - Apr 4, 2025
Standard 2,499
Apr 1 - Apr 9, 2025
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Apr 5 - Apr 13, 2025
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Apr 23 - May 1, 2025
Standard 2,749
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Apr 26 - May 4, 2025
Standard 2,499
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Apr 30 - May 8, 2025
Standard 2,499
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 8 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

May 2 - May 10, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

May 15 - May 23, 2025
Standard 2,599
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 23 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

May 20 - May 28, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Jun 4 - Jun 12, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jun 11 - Jun 19, 2025
Standard 2,599
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jun 17 - Jun 25, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jul 10 - Jul 18, 2025
Standard 2,599
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jul 17 - Jul 25, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Aug 7 - Aug 15, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Aug 15 - Aug 23, 2025
Standard 2,599
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Aug 31 - Sep 8, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2025
Standard 2,599
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Sep 24 - Oct 2, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Oct 2 - Oct 10, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Oct 8 - Oct 16, 2025
Standard 2,349
Special Offer

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

Oct 15 - Oct 23, 2025
Standard 2,599
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Nov 1 - Nov 9, 2025
Standard 2,749
Full Inventory
Nov 6 - Nov 14, 2025
Standard 2,499
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Nov. 14 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Full Inventory
Nov 21 - Nov 29, 2025
Standard 2,499
Full Inventory
Dec 3 - Dec 11, 2025
Standard 2,499
Full Inventory
Dec 5 - Dec 13, 2025
Standard 2,749
Full Inventory
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2025
Standard 2,499
Itinerary Note

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

Full Inventory
Dec 11 - Dec 19, 2025
Standard 2,499
Full Inventory
Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2025
Standard 2,499

DATES & PRICES

StandardHotel
Standard
Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.
May 3 - May 11, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 2,249
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Jun 20 - Jun 28, 2024
Standard 2,499
 
Special Offer

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

Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2024
Standard 2,249
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Jul 8 - Jul 16, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 2,499
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Aug 16 - Aug 24, 2024
Standard 2,249
 
Special Offer

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

Sep 7 - Sep 15, 2024
Standard 2,249
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Sep 20 - Sep 28, 2024
Standard 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
Standard 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
Standard 2,499
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 21 - Oct 29, 2024
Standard 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 Oct. 29 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Nov 2 - Nov 10, 2024
Standard 3,029
 
Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2024
Standard 2,779
 
Filling Fast!
Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2024
Standard 2,779
 
Dec 2 - Dec 10, 2024
Standard 2,779
 
Filling Fast!
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
Standard 3,029
 
Dec 11 - Dec 19, 2024
Standard 2,779
 
Dec 21 - Dec 29, 2024
Standard 2,979
 
Jan 5 - Jan 13, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Jan 7 - Jan 15, 2025
 
Hotel 2,949
Filling Fast!
Jan 9 - Jan 17, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 17 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Jan 11 - Jan 19, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 17 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Jan 15 - Jan 23, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Jan 17 - Jan 25, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Jan. 30 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Jan 26 - Feb 3, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 3 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Jan 28 - Feb 5, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Jan 30 - Feb 7, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Feb 1 - Feb 9, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Feb 14 - Feb 22, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Feb 16 - Feb 24, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Feb. 10 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Feb 21 - Mar 1, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Feb 23 - Mar 3, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Mar. 3 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Feb 25 - Mar 5, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Filling Fast!
Feb 27 - Mar 7, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Mar 5 - Mar 13, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Mar 18 - Mar 26, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Mar 25 - Apr 2, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Mar 27 - Apr 4, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Apr 1 - Apr 9, 2025
Standard 2,499
 
Special Offer

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

Apr 5 - Apr 13, 2025
Standard 2,499
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Apr 23 - May 1, 2025
Standard 2,749
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Apr 26 - May 4, 2025
Standard 2,499
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Apr 30 - May 8, 2025
Standard 2,499
 
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 8 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

May 2 - May 10, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
May 15 - May 23, 2025
Standard 2,599
 
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 23 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

May 20 - May 28, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Jun 4 - Jun 12, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jun 11 - Jun 19, 2025
Standard 2,599
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jun 17 - Jun 25, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jul 10 - Jul 18, 2025
Standard 2,599
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Jul 17 - Jul 25, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Aug 7 - Aug 15, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Aug 15 - Aug 23, 2025
Standard 2,599
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Aug 31 - Sep 8, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2025
Standard 2,599
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Sep 24 - Oct 2, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 2 - Oct 10, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Full Inventory
Oct 8 - Oct 16, 2025
Standard 2,349
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 15 - Oct 23, 2025
Standard 2,599
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Nov 1 - Nov 9, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Nov 6 - Nov 14, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Nov. 14 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Nov 21 - Nov 29, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Dec 3 - Dec 11, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Dec 5 - Dec 13, 2025
Standard 3,179
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Itinerary Note

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

Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Dec 11 - Dec 19, 2025
Standard 2,949
 
Filling Fast!
Full Inventory
Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2025
Standard 2,949
 

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
Profile Image
Ivan Castillo
Ivan Castillo — a Costa Rican naturalist and avid birder — trained as a naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Research Station. He has a degree in sustainable tourism management from Costa Rica’s state university system. While growing up in the lowland rainforests of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, Ivan's passion for nature developed early. Neotropical fauna and flora are what he loves and knows best. He has spent more than a decade leading ecotourism travelers and educating them on the region’s ecosystems.

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

Profile Image of Ivan Castillo
Ivan Castillo View biography
Ivan Castillo — a Costa Rican naturalist and avid birder — trained as a naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Research Station. He has a degree in sustainable tourism management from Costa Rica’s state university system. While growing up in the lowland rainforests of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, Ivan's passion for nature developed early. Neotropical fauna and flora are what he loves and knows best. He has spent more than a decade leading ecotourism travelers and educating them on the region’s ecosystems.
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.
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