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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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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
Lizeth Alfaro
Lizeth Alfaro is a Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader, flower therapist, and bee keeper. She earned her qualifications in sustainable tourism and became a national guide by the time she turned 18. Growing up among the rich biodiversity of the northern Caribbean lowlands gave her an early appreciation for nature and awareness of local conservation efforts. In her free time, Lizeth enjoys bee keeping, painting, and herbology.

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

Profile Image of Lizeth Alfaro
Lizeth Alfaro View biography
Lizeth Alfaro is a Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader, flower therapist, and bee keeper. She earned her qualifications in sustainable tourism and became a national guide by the time she turned 18. Growing up among the rich biodiversity of the northern Caribbean lowlands gave her an early appreciation for nature and awareness of local conservation efforts. In her free time, Lizeth enjoys bee keeping, painting, and herbology.
Profile Image of Stiven Matute
Stiven Matute View biography
Stiven Matute is a certified Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader who grew up in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. His interest in the natural sciences was piqued during a class trip to La Selva Biological Station with his elementary school. He still remembers the thrill of using binoculars for the first time. After high school, he went on to earn his naturalist credentials. Stiven has participated in mammal and herpetology research and even got to use his ziplining and canyoning skills while setting up camera traps.
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
Lizeth Alfaro
Lizeth Alfaro is a Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader, flower therapist, and bee keeper. She earned her qualifications in sustainable tourism and became a national guide by the time she turned 18. Growing up among the rich biodiversity of the northern Caribbean lowlands gave her an early appreciation for nature and awareness of local conservation efforts. In her free time, Lizeth enjoys bee keeping, painting, and herbology.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Stiven Matute
Stiven Matute
Stiven Matute is a certified Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader who grew up in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. His interest in the natural sciences was piqued during a class trip to La Selva Biological Station with his elementary school. He still remembers the thrill of using binoculars for the first time. After high school, he went on to earn his naturalist credentials. Stiven has participated in mammal and herpetology research and even got to use his ziplining and canyoning skills while setting up camera traps.
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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