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Costa Rica

A Taste of Costa Rica

Program No. 857760MEADV-0120
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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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.

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 trip experts
Profile Image
Luis Vargas
Having been immersed in Costa Rica’s rainforest since he grew up in a rural town in the Sarapiqui region, Luis Vargas knows its flora and fauna very well. He has been involved in research at the La Selva field station, worked with a program that teaches children about the environment, and served as a local expert at jungle lodges. Luis has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2010 and enjoys learning as much from his participants as they learn from him.

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

Profile Image of Luis Vargas
Luis Vargas View biography
Having been immersed in Costa Rica’s rainforest since he grew up in a rural town in the Sarapiqui region, Luis Vargas knows its flora and fauna very well. He has been involved in research at the La Selva field station, worked with a program that teaches children about the environment, and served as a local expert at jungle lodges. Luis has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2010 and enjoys learning as much from his participants as they learn from him.
Profile Image of Erick Guzman
Erick Guzman View biography
Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest with its glorious biodiversity was the childhood playground of Erick Guzman, who grew up in the country’s Caribbean lowlands. He enjoyed accompanying travelers on boat excursions during his post-high school years, assisting his father, and went on to work in the field of adventure travel, leading rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking trips. Erick then worked at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, interacting with scientists and deepening his knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural habitats.
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.
Program No.
8577
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
San José
Program Concludes
San José
Activity Level
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.
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
Profile Image
Luis Vargas
Having been immersed in Costa Rica’s rainforest since he grew up in a rural town in the Sarapiqui region, Luis Vargas knows its flora and fauna very well. He has been involved in research at the La Selva field station, worked with a program that teaches children about the environment, and served as a local expert at jungle lodges. Luis has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2010 and enjoys learning as much from his participants as they learn from him.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Erick Guzman
Erick Guzman
Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest with its glorious biodiversity was the childhood playground of Erick Guzman, who grew up in the country’s Caribbean lowlands. He enjoyed accompanying travelers on boat excursions during his post-high school years, assisting his father, and went on to work in the field of adventure travel, leading rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking trips. Erick then worked at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, interacting with scientists and deepening his knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural habitats.
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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 20 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768





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