Costa Rica
Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure for Women
Program No. 25138RJ
On this women-only learning adventure, take an active approach to Costa Rica as you raft, hike, kayak and learn authentic Latin dance.
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
11 days
10 nights
29 meals
10B 9L 10D
8
Nature Walk, Transfer Central Pacific, Carara National Park
Central Pacific Coast
9
Canopy Zipline, Tarcoles River Boating
Central Pacific Coast
10
Outrigger Canoe Paddling, Free Time
Central Pacific Coast
At a Glance
The natural beauty of Costa Rica is best appreciated by fully immersing yourself in its rainforests, rivers, Pacific waters and volcanic landscapes. On this learning adventure, hike, swim, river raft and kayak through Costa Rica exclusively with other Road Scholar women! You’ll enjoy learning about Costa Rica’s ecosystems up-close, while also delving into women-centric studies led by female leaders. Walk among La Marta Wildlife Refuge — part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and learn about sugar cane and macadamia production at Hacienda Sitio de Mata. Whether your goal is to thrill in a zipline ride through a rainforest canopy or spend your free time making new friends with other women travelers, you’ll reach it on this epic learning adventure!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hikes on uneven terrain in tropical conditions; kayaking, swimming, and rafting.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hike to "El Ganador" — a 600-year-old almendro tree.
- Learn about tropical conservation and explore ruins in Turrialba, one of Costa Rica's most important archaeological sites.
- Sway your hips as you exercise and learn the steps to an authentic Latin dance alongside other Road Scholar women.
General Notes
This program is for women travelers only, and all dates will be led by a female Group Leader.
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.
Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure for Women
Program Number: 25138
Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
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.
Costa Rican Spanish
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
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.
The Chocolate Tree, A Natural History of Cacao
A rich concoction of cultural and natural history, archaeological evidence, botanical research, environmental activism and lush descriptions of the author's own adventures, The Chocolate Tree offers an appreciation of the plant and the environment that provide us with this Maya food of the gods.
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.
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.
Sea Kayaking, The Classic Manual for Touring, from Day Trips to Major Expeditions
Once again fully updated, this 'kayaking bible' covers every known kayaking query, from essentials to advanced hazards. The expert advice is supplemented by black-and-white photos and some classic kayaking stories.
Costa Rica Adventure Map
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
The Birds of Costa Rica
Built for the field, this great guide includes multiple illustrations for 820 species of birds.
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.
The Sea Turtle, So Excellent a Fishe
An appreciative and informative account of the sea turtle, its ecology and field work in Costa Rica by the man who did so much to promote sea turtle research and conservation, first published in 1967. Karen Bjorndal, director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, brings the story up to date in a new foreword.
The Monkey's Bridge, Mysteries of Evolution in Central America
Opening this absorbing account of the history and biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the tale of Columbus, Wallace weaves his own travels in the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource.
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, 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 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.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
Costa Rican Wildlife
Put it in your pocket! This handy, fold-up card includes color illustrations of dozens of typical birds, mammals and reptiles.
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
The Ticos
This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores their culture, history and society.