Compare Costa Rica: Eco Rainforest Adventure by Discover Corps vs Costa Rica at a Slower Pace: Natural Wonders by Water & Land by Road Scholar

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Costa Rica’s tropical San Jose Valley where you will be met by your Discover Corps guide. Take a short drive into the surrounding mountains to an eco-hotel & spa tucked into a rainforest reserve. Home to five waterfalls directly on the property and miles of trails for birdwatching, this is the perfect place to start the journey. Tonight, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner overlooking the twinkling lights of the valley with your guide.

Day 2: Coffee Farm Visit and Poas Volcano National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We’ll start the day with a fresh breakfast then venture to a nearby coffee farm to see firsthand how one of Costa Rica’s largest exports is grown. Follow the coffee bean from crop to cup and learn what it takes to grow, roast and sell these beans. We’ll then continue our adventure to Poas Volcano National Park and take a short guided hike along the rim of the volcano and have a look into its smoldering crater. After a relaxing lunch in town, head back to the hotel for some free time to explore one of the five waterfall trails, take in the views from the pool or even get a massage in the spa. We’ll reconvene for dinner together in the evening

Day 3: Head Into the Rainforest and Learn about Conservation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we’ll hit the road and make the roughly four hour drive down to the lush Savegre region of Costa Rica. Known for its verdant valleys, tropical wildlife and cool rivers, we’ll base ourselves here for the next two nights from the comfort of Rafiki Tented Safari Lodge. Nestled on 842 private acres of pristine Costa Rican jungle, the lodge boasts eco tents similar to what you’ll find in the African savannah. Each tent boasts a veranda overlooking the dense jungle canopy.

After settling-in, we’ll learn about the lodge’s ecological mission and set off on a hike through the surrounding rainforest. Along the way, we’ll set camera traps to record the movement of wildlife along the biological corridor that runs through the area. Of particular importance is tracking the tapir, a large endangered mammal that roams the forests here. The data that is collected from these cameras will directly benefit the Savegre Tapir Project. After setting the cameras, we’ll return to the lodge and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Day 4: Adventure Day in the Jungle Community Visit & Tree Planting

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We’ll have an early breakfast then set out on our morning adventure. Choose to either venture out on a whitewater rafting expedition on the Savegre River or take a guided horseback ride through the jungle. It is up to you! Later in the morning, we’ll reconvene and head into the nearby community of Santo Domingo for a special lunch with Dona Edith. We’ll take a walk around her garden before sitting down for a home-cooked local meal together. Learn about life in this rural Costa Rican community and try some of the famous dishes Costa Rica is known for. On our way back to our lodge, we’ll take a walk through the town to feel the rhythms of day-to-day life.

Take some time to relax on the veranda of your tent before heading down to the river to help out on an important environmental project. The Savegre River, which runs right through the property, is prone to flooding which can destroy some of the local flora and fauna in the area. We’ll help solve this issue by planting native trees to create a natural barrier along the banks of the river - a project that will surely  outlast your visit. Later in the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner together listening to the sounds the rain forest.

Day 5: Collect our Camera Traps, Visit a Local School, and Head to the Beach

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll have some time to relax and pack up before hitting the road down to the Pacific Coast. On our way out, we’ll make one last stop at a local high school for a dance performance, tour of the school, and homemade snacks to learn more about those who call the region home.

Take in the views of mountains as we wind our way down to the coast on the roughly two hour drive. The southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is a gem - home to pristine beaches, monkeys jumping through the trees and the relaxed “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Our base over the next three nights, a 4-star boutique resort & spa set on the hillside overlooking the coast, will put us in a prime location to explore this stunning stretch of coast.

We’ll settle into our rooms and share an ocean-view lunch together. We’ll then head down to the beach for some free time to swim, spot monkeys and take in the sun. Head back to the hotel later in the afternoon for dinner at your leisure.

Day 6: Journey to Corcovado National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we’ll make our way into one of the most unique places on the planet - Corcovado National Park. Rise early, have breakfast and venture down the winding coastal road to the mangroves that surround the national park. We’ll hop in a boat and journey through the calm waterways until we reach the Osa Peninsula. Home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and 50% of Costa Rica’s wildlife, Corcovado National Park is known as the most biologically intense place on earth. From monkeys to macaws, the rainforest is teeming with life (and very little human development). We’ll accompany our naturalist guide on a full-day journey through the jungle on a mission to spot wildlife and learn all about nature and conservation. Look high in the trees for sloths, watch monkeys swing along the canopy, pick out the colorful birds that dot the sky and take in the breathtaking views along the way.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll make our way back through the mangroves by boat and onwards to the hotel for a relaxing evening dinner together.

Day 7: Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today will be a relaxing day to take in the tropical beaches and warm Pacific waters of the Costa Rican coast. After breakfast, choose to head down to the beach with our guide or venture off on one of the adventure activities hosted by our hotel (at your own expense). This could include whale watching (Dec-Mar / Aug-Oct), zip-lining, surfing, golfing or bird watching. For those that want to join our guide for the day, we’ll have free time to relax on the beach followed by a walk out to the “whale tail” at low tide to spot sea creatures. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a warm Costa Rican evening together enjoying our final farewell dinner.

Day 8: Return Home

Meals: Breakfast

We’ll rise early this morning to have breakfast before hitting the road on our roughly four hour journey back to San Jose for our flights home. If you're not ready for your Costa Rican adventure to end, opt for our posttrip extension to Ciudad Quesada for a more intimate cultural experience with a host family.

Day 1 Arrive to San José, Orientation, Welcome Dinner San José

Participants must arrive in San José no later than 4:30 p.m. to be in time for the Orientation session. Some Road Scholar gateways require overnight flights in order to get participants to San José by the suggested time. Contact Holbrook at (800) 866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you would like to make arrangements to arrive in Costa Rica a day or more before your program. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Meals will feature local cuisine. Beverage choices will typically include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Travel and transfers will be via air-conditioned bus unless specified otherwise. The bus does not have a restroom on board; however, there will be stops at least every two hours for program activities, meals, and/or basic rest stops to break up longer travel times. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

Day 2 National Theater, Gold Museum, Transfer to Sarapiquí Sarapiqui

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 56 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 1/2 mile, standing up to 1/2 hour at a time indoors and out. There will be places to sit at the National Theater; if the theater is closed, we'll hold our discussions outside the building.

A local expert will join us at the hotel for an informative overview of Costa Rica, providing insights into the country’s history, culture and geography. We’ll then set out on a walking field trip with our expert to explore the National Theater and the Gold Museum. We’ll take a short walk from the hotel to the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica — the National Theater. It was built during Costa Rica’s coffee boom in the late 1800s and we’ll learn about the historical significance of coffee production as well as the theater itself. The National Theater is conveniently located adjacent to the Gold Museum. If the theater is closed, we’ll hold our discussions outside the building while we admire its Neoclassical architecture. There is ample seating in the plaza where people-watching will stimulate a discussion on demographics and the socio-economic distribution of the population. We’ll learn what it means to be a “Tico.” The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is unique. The underground museum showcases an impressive collection of Pre-Columbian gold. The 2,000-piece collection weighs over 20,000 troy ounces making it one of the wealthiest spots in the nation. For the stamp collector, the complex also contains a philatelic museum, and coin collectors might be interested in the adjoining numismatic museum.

Next, we will board the bus and begin our ride to Sarapiquí in the Caribbean lowlands. This is one of the richest sites for birds in Middle America, with more than 400 species recorded. Nearby, the La Selva Protection Zone and the Braulio Carrillo National Park form the only significant corridor of forest on the Caribbean slope linking the highlands with the lowlands: a corridor crucial to birds and animals that undertake seasonal altitudinal migrations. After arriving at the lodge and checking in, we’ll have a brief orientation to the site.

At leisure. Gather with new Road Scholar friends on the porch, enjoy a nightcap while relaxing to the sounds of the rainforest, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the lodge.

Day 3 Birding Walk, Indigenous Cultures, Cultural Interaction Sarapiqui

Early (pre-breakfast) birding walk. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; mostly flat, paved paths at lodge, irregular terrain, climbing/descending a few stone steps at archaeological site. Take preventative measures against mosquitoes.

Wildlife aficionados and other early risers are invited to join our Group Leader on an early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk in the lodge environs. We’ll return to the lodge dining room for breakfast. Next, we’ll take a short walk around the grounds with our Group Leader and learn to identify some of the characteristics of local and introduced plants. Our next field trip will commence with a short ride into the Sarapiquí community, where a local resident will invite us into her home, talk about their daily life and show us on how to prepare some typical Tico dishes. We’ll be accompanied by a member of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), who will give us an overview of their mission and talk to us about their work together with the community. Founded by Giovanna Holbrook in the mid-1990s, the SCLC is a registered non-profit organization whose mission is to link communities and conservation through education and ecotourism in the Sarapiqui region. Programs include environmental education, ecotourism activities, English classes, an ecology club, community outreach, a women's group and many others. Return to the lodge.

We will walk to an archaeological site on the lodge premises that includes pre-Columbian tombs, stone sculptures, and petroglyphs. We’ll then join a member of the Maleku tribe on a history and culture walk through the site to learn about the region’s indigenous groups and their traditions, including the use of medicinal plants for healing. For thousands of years, the Maleku (or Guatuso) people made their home in the northern reaches of Costa Rica and southern areas of Nicaragua. Their numbers began a steady decline with the arrival of Spanish settlers who used them for slave labor and introduced new diseases. During the 18th and 19th centuries, concentrated efforts to convert the natives to Catholicism further weakened the Maleku communities. It is estimated that there are less than 200 members still living in Costa Rica. Returning to the main building, we’ll attend a presentation by a local expert about the rainforest.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

At the lodge.

At the lodge.

Day 4 Sarapiquí Nature Boat Ride, Puerto Viejo, Nature Pavilion Sarapiqui

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 18.5 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a river boat with top and open sides for wildlife viewing; no bathroom facilities; riding approximately 1 hour. Walking about 1/2 mile; ascending/descending steps with handrail, some irregular paths.

We will walk from the lodge and board a river boat for a nature ride on the Sarapiquí River. During the boat ride, our Group Leader will introduce birds and animals that frequent the riverine vegetation, including caimans and a variety of water birds. We’ll also take this opportunity to observe land utilization along the river banks and consider the human impact on the ecology of the river system. We will disembark in the river frontier town of Puerto Viejo and hear a talk on the cultivation of heart of palm — known locally as “palmito” — and sample some snacks made from this mild and crunchy vegetable. We’ll then then hop aboard a bus and ride to a local restaurant.

Returning to the lodge, we’ll have some “down” time to freshen up and relax. Later in the afternoon, we’ll board our bus and ride to the Costa Rica Nature Pavilion to observe hummingbirds and a large number of colorful birds such as Collared Aracaris, Green Honeycreepers, Blue-gray Tanagers, Crimson-collared Tanagers and Great Kiskadees. Our Group Leader will assist us in identifying the bird species as they come to eat at the multiple feeders around the viewing porches. The Costa Rica Nature Pavilion was founded by Dave Lando, an American expat experienced in the field of tropical agriculture and passionate about habitat restoration efforts. Putting some of his research to the test, he began planting carefully selected native trees and plants on a large tract of land he purchased in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. Through this process, he successfully recreated a number of small ecosystems within his property. The reforested lands at the Nature Pavilion now attract more than 230 bird species including migrants.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the lodge.

At a local restaurant.

At the lodge.

Day 5 Pineapple Plantation, Transfer to Arenal Arenal

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 61 miles, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours riding time with stops.

After checking out, we’ll board our bus and ride to a local pineapple plantation where we’ll learn about agricultural practices in the region. At the plantation, a local expert will lead us through the fields in an open vehicle to show us how this delicious fruit is grown and harvested and then go to the sorting building to see how pineapples are processed for shipping. Costa Rica is one of the world’s top five pineapple producers and exporters. Next, we’ll ride to the town of La Fortuna, situated within the shadow of the Arenal Volcano.

We’ll ride to our hotel and check in, followed by a brief orientation to the facilities and some “down time” for an opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s thermal pools. The Arenal Volcano looks like it could have been imagined by Hollywood. A near-perfect conical shape, this active volcano provides frequent thrills and threatens danger, but its activity occurs at a distance from the people of nearby towns. The combination of geography, scenery, and activity has drawn countless visitors. We’ll gather for a presentation by a local expert who will introduce the history of La Fortuna town and the volcano.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Arenal Volcano National Park Arenal

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 12 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 1/2 mile and standing; mostly flat, paved paths.

This morning’s field trip will commence with a bus ride to the Arenal National Park observation pavilion. While those who want to walk the short trail (less than 1/2 mile, approximately half an hour), the rest of the group will remain in the area near the restrooms. We will then discuss the moods of the volcano and the impact of its emissions on the human development and flora and fauna of the region. We’ll then reboard the bus and ride to the Arenal Observatory Lodge for a self-directed stroll through their museum. The lodge once served as a makeshift field station for scientists from the Smithsonian Institute who came to study the Arenal Volcano. We’ll have an opportunity for more close-up views of the volcano from the observation platform before breaking for lunch. Those who would like a little added exercise are welcome to walk to the lodge dining room via one of two trails. Those who prefer not to walk will ride on the bus.

We will have a choice of taking a leisurely stroll on the lodge’s nature trails or enjoying stunning views of Arenal Volcano from the hotel patio before we board the bus back to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At Arenal Observatory.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Farm Field Trip, Regional Agricultural Practices Arenal

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 14 miles, approximately 1/2 to 1 hour riding time. Walking less than 1/2 mile; mostly flat, paved surfaces.

We'll ride to a local school in preparation for a folkloric dance presentation performed by some of the children. Moving on, we'll ride to a nearby farm to learn about its history and some of the agricultural traditions in this fertile region. At the farm, we’ll work-up an appetite while learning to make tortillas and cooking them on a traditional wood stove. NOTE: Many participants in previous Road Scholar programs have brought a few basic school supplies such as pencils, erasers, pens, colored markers, children’s books in Spanish, etc., to donate during the school visit. This is completely voluntary and is not required.

During our ride back to the hotel, we’ll make a quick stop at La Fortuna town for a casual walk around the charming main square. Once a small agricultural community, La Fortuna has grown in the shadow of the colossus that once burned and devastated large areas in 1968. Tourism is now the most important income for the region. Although on a second level of economic importance, many plantations in the surrounding areas still produce important amounts of papaya, sugar cane, tapioca, and ornamental plants. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to swim in the pool, soak tired muscles in the invigorating thermal spring, or just sit back and lose yourself in the pages of a good book.

At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

At the farm, we’ll have a traditional meal.

At the hotel.

Day 8 Transfer to Central Pacific Coast, Tárcoles River Field Trip Central Pacific Coast

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 100 miles, approximately 4 to 4.5 hours with stops.

We’ll check out of the hotel, board our bus and begin our transfer to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Region.

Reaching the Tárcoles River, we’ll embark on a boating field trip to look for crocodiles and other riverine wildlife along the river banks and mangroves. Our Group Leader will discuss the life history of the Tarcoles’ resident crocodiles. These large reptiles have been studied by numerous local and foreign specialists and featured in TV specials, including through National Geographic. We’ll continue our transfer to the hotel and check in, followed by an orientation to the facilities and amenities. The remainder of the afternoon is free. We’ll regroup before dinner for a presentation by a local expert on topics relevant to the program.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a restaurant en route.

At the hotel.

Day 9 Playa Agujas Outrigger Activities, Carara National Park Central Pacific Coast

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Outrigger canoe activity approximately 1 hour; wear bathing suit and water shoes or sport sandals. Apply sunscreen well before water activity. Take preventative measures against mosquitoes in the late afternoon/evening hours. Walking 1/2 to 1 mile; undulating paved trails; wear closed toed shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent.

We’ll hop aboard the bus and ride to Playa Agujas for an outrigger field trip. After a presentation on safety instructions and donning our gear, we’ll board outriggers and begin our trip along the coast. This will be a nice opportunity to observe wildlife and geological formations. We’ll then return to the hotel.

We’ll board the bus for a short ride to Carara National Park. There, our Group Leader will accompany us on a walking exploration of the park trails in order to learn about the flora and fauna of this unique transition zone. Carara, 60 miles southwest of San José, lies at the northern limit of the Pacific lowland rainforest and the southern limit of the dry, deciduous forest. Its unique location within a transition zone means that plant and animal species from both habitats coexist in the reserve. In addition to conserving primary and secondary growth forests, Carara National Park also protects the Rio Grande de Tarcoles river basin and its rich wildlife. The park is a favored birding destination, with more than 350 recorded bird species including a sizable population of endangered Scarlet Macaws. If we’re lucky, we might see some of these birds that mate for life.

At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

Day 10 Orchid Garden, Transfer to San José, Farewell Dinner San José

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time with stops.

After check out, we’ll board the bus and begin our transfer to San José. During our journey back to the Central Valley, we’ll stop at La Garita to explore the Botanical Orchid Garden. Our Group Leader will provide commentary as we walk along garden paths to see and learn about the vast collection of orchids as well as heliconias, palms, and gingers. Claudio Salas, a Costa Rican botanist, dreamed of creating a place that would showcase native trees and plants, and — most importantly — his beloved orchids. Over the course of 30 years, he transformed a former coffee plantation into the beautiful tropical haven that is now the Botanical Orchid Garden. Trail signs make it easy to follow the paved trails to the various landscaped areas including attractive water gardens. The botanical garden also houses a nursery, a laboratory, and an orchid show room. The nursery features a display explaining the life cycle of orchids, revealing the various steps in an orchid’s transformation from seed to flower.

We’ll continue our transfer to San José. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure. Say farewells, finish packing, and get a good night's rest for departure tomorrow.

Late at the hotel.

At a local restaurant en route.

At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 11 Program Concludes, In Transit from Program In Flight

Hotel check out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

At the hotel (dependent on flights). This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!