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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Dec 13 - Dec 21, 20259 days
8 nights
23 meals
8B 7L 8D
4
River Boat Nature Safari, Local Plantation, Arrive Arenal
Arenal Volcano
5
Hanging Bridges, Local Farm,Traditional Dinner
Arenal Volcano
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
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.
A Taste of Costa Rica
Program Number: 8577
Costa Rican Spanish
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
The Birds of Costa Rica
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
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
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
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
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
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.
National Geographic Costa Rica
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.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths
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
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
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
Tropical Nature
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
Costa Rica, The Complete Guide
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.
Wild Costa Rica
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 Birds
A handy, laminated fold-up card with full-color illustrations of birds commonly found in Costa Rica. Great for kids, too.
Costa Rican Wildlife
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
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
A wonderful introduction to the character of the people, culture and land, this anthology brings together 26 stories by Costa Rican writers.