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Costa Rica

A Taste of Costa Rica

Program No. 857760MEADV-0220
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
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climate
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Hotel Standard
Accommodation Details

Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.

Accommodation Details

Standard

Jul 18 - Jul 26, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Aug 15 - Aug 23, 2023
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2023
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Oct 4 - Oct 12, 2023
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 16 - Oct 24, 2023
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 21 - Oct 29, 2023
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Dec 1 - Dec 9, 2023
Hotel 2,299
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 9 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Filling Fast!
Jan 10 - Jan 18, 2024
 
Standard 2,599
Jan 15 - Jan 23, 2024
 
Standard 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
 
Standard 2,599
Jan 24 - Feb 1, 2024
 
Standard 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!
Feb 7 - Feb 15, 2024
 
Standard 2,599
Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2024
 
Standard 2,349
Itinerary Note

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

Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 2,599
Mar 4 - Mar 12, 2024
 
Standard 2,349
Itinerary Note

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

Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2024
 
Standard 2,599
Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2024
 
Standard 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
 
Standard 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
 
Standard 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
 
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.

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.

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.

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.

DATES & PRICES

Hotel Standard
Accommodation Details

Comfortable accommodations that meet our high standards.

Accommodation Details

Standard

Jul 18 - Jul 26, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Aug 15 - Aug 23, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,269
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 4 - Oct 12, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Filling Fast!
Oct 16 - Oct 24, 2023
Hotel 2,149
 
Special Offer

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

Oct 21 - Oct 29, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,269
 
Special Offer

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

Nov 3 - Nov 11, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,709
 
Nov 4 - Nov 12, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,709
 
Dec 1 - Dec 9, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,709
 
Itinerary Note

This departure can be combined with the Dec. 9 date of Program #20774- Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise.

Dec 7 - Dec 15, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,709
 
Dec 11 - Dec 19, 2023
SOLD OUT
Hotel 2,709
 
Jan 5 - Jan 13, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 2,779
Jan 7 - Jan 15, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Jan 10 - Jan 18, 2024
 
Standard 3,029
Jan 15 - Jan 23, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 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
 
Standard 3,029
Filling Fast!
Jan 24 - Feb 1, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
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
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Jan 29 - Feb 6, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Feb 7 - Feb 15, 2024
 
Standard 3,029
Filling Fast!
Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 2,779
Itinerary Note

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

Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2024
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 3,029
Filling Fast!
Feb 21 - Feb 29, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Feb 25 - Mar 4, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Mar 2 - Mar 10, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Mar 4 - Mar 12, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Itinerary Note

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

Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2024
 
Standard 3,029
Filling Fast!
Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2024
 
Standard 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
SOLD OUT
 
Standard 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
 
Standard 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
 
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.

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.

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.

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.

Filling Fast!
Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Dec 2 - Dec 10, 2024
 
Standard 2,779
Filling Fast!
Dec 21 - Dec 29, 2024
 
Standard 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
Carlos Calvo
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.

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

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.
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.
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.
The Birds of Costa Rica
by Richard Garrigues, Robert Dean (Illustrator)
This new edition covers 903 species of birds with hundreds of new, supplemental or revised color illustrations by Robert Dean and revised color-coded range maps.
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.
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.
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. We also carry plastic cards for Costa Rica Birds (Item CRC56) and Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths (Item CRC57), $5.95 each.
The Ticos
by Richard Biesanz
This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people details their culture, history and society.
Tropical Nature
by Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata
Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.
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.
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.
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.
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 Reader: History, Culture, Politics
by Steven Palmer (Editor), Ivan Molina (Editor)
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
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.
Costa Rica, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Barbara Ras
These 26 well-chosen stories by Costa Rican writers introduce the people, culture and land.
Costa Rican Spanish
by Lonely Planet
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
National Geographic Costa Rica
by Christopher P. Baker
This stylish and informative travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.
Costa Rica Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
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.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
by Jane Koutnik
History, religion, daily life, food, health and safety are all covered in this accessible pocket guide to Costa Rican customs, etiquette and culture.





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.