Costa Rica
Go Solo: A Taste of Costa Rica
Program No. 25139RJ
Explore the magic of Costa Rica with other solo travelers as you hike cloud forests, explore volcanic trails and savor the art of coffee-making and good conversation.
Enroll with Confidence
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
9 days
8 nights
22 meals
8B 6L 8D
4
River Boat Nature Safari, Local Plantation, Arrive Arenal
Arenal Volcano
5
Hanging Bridges, Local Farm,Traditional Dinner
Arenal Volcano
8
Bat Jungle, Farewell to Costa Rica
San José
At a Glance
Among the rain and cloud forests of Costa Rica lie delicate ecosystems rich with biodiversity. Study these amazing displays of nature exclusively alongside other solo travelers on this special journey through Costa Rica. Meet residents in local communities for an intimate experience of this peaceful nation. Explore volcanic terrain and tropical gardens, as well as culture and history, all the while discussing your discoveries with other solo explorers who love to learn as much as you do. You’ll fall in love with the beauty of Costa Rica and experience firsthand why going solo with Road Scholar doesn’t mean going alone!
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 exclusively with other solo travelers.
- 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
Note: This is a special solo only learning adventure.
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.
Go Solo: A Taste of Costa Rica
Program Number: 25139
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.
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 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.
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.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
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.
Costa Rican Spanish
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
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.
Costa Rica Adventure Map
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
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.
The Birds of Costa Rica
Built for the field, this great guide includes multiple illustrations for 820 species of birds.
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.
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.
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 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.