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

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.
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.





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