Compare Costa Rica: Eco Rainforest Adventure by Discover Corps vs From Monkeys to Macaws: Colorful Costa Rica With Your Family 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 In Transit to Program, Arrive San José, Orientation, Dinner San José

Participants must arrive in San José, Costa Rica, no later than 4:30 p.m. and transfer to program hotel to be in time for program Orientation session. Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Orientation: 6:00 p.m. at the hotel. The Group Leaders 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. This is a Road Scholar Family program. Adult participants are responsible for their children at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. 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 daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Transfer to Sarapiqui Sarapiqui

Getting on/off a bus; driving from San José to Sarapiquí in the Caribbean lowlands about 55 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, undulating terrain, hot/humid conditions. Elevation approximately 220 feet. Lodge check in from 3:00 p.m.

We will gather in the hotel for a presentation by a local expert on biodiversity in Costa Rica. We will then check out of the hotel, board our bus, and transfer via Varablanca to Sarapiquí. On the way, we’ll stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an ecological park near the Poás Volcano in a verdant, misty area where cloud and rain forests meet. The park has five beautiful waterfalls that can be admired from various viewpoints through a network of stairways and viewing platforms. Other highlights include a serpentarium, frog exhibit, walking trails, and one of the largest butterfly observatories in the world. A walk inside the oversized butterfly observatory will reveal a large flowering garden with thousands of butterflies belonging to more than 25 different species. Some resident favorites include the Blue Morpho, Monarch, Blue-banded Purplewing, Salome Yellow, and Banded Orange. In addition to expert-led commentary, we will have some time for independent exploration.

We will reboard the bus and continue our drive to Sarapiquí. Upon arrival at the lodge, we will check in and get our room assignments.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

At the lodge, we'll have a Christmas Eve meal.

Day 3 River Rafting, Chocolate Farm Visit Sarapiqui

Early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk with Group Leader around lodge grounds. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 23 miles, approximately 1 hour total. Getting on/off rafts; assistance provided as needed. Rafting 2-3 miles on Class I and II whitewater rapids (descriptions below); speed and distance of trip dependent on volume of river. Sturdy water shoes required; no flip-flops. Walking about 1 mile at the chocolate farm; paved paths, some irregular, undulating trails.

We will board our bus and ride to the nearby Sarapiquí River and meet local experts who will lead a safety briefing in preparation for our whitewater rafting field trip. The river’s source is in the mountains and flows down through the rainforest before joining the main body of the river. It passes through an area known as the land of eternal spring for its biodiversity of lush flora and the fauna it supports. We’ll climb aboard the rafts and begin the journey supervised by certified rafting guides. We’ll experience moderate rapids alternating with calm stretches of river, making this an ideal waterway for whitewater novices. We’ll also have a stop along the way to stretch our legs. Whitewater rapids are classified by level of difficulty. Class I: Moving water with a few riffles and small waves; few or no obstructions. Class II: Easy rapids with smaller waves, clear channels that are obvious without scouting; some maneuvering required. Note: This classification system is a guide; degrees of difficulty vary based on local conditions including water levels. We’ll then ride the bus back to the lodge.

Next, we’ll ride to a local farm and learn about Costa Rican chocolate. A local expert will explain the traditional methods by which the cacao fruit is grown and harvested then processed to become the sweet treat we know and love. We’ll also have an opportunity to taste different kinds of chocolate. Returning to the lodge, the remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy as you like.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

At the lodge.

At the lodge.

Day 4 Sarapiquí River By Boat, Ethnobotanical Garden, SCLC Sarapiqui

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 9 miles, approximately 1/2 hour total. Getting on/off a boat; a top and open sides for wildlife viewing; no bathroom facilities; boat ride approximately 1 hour. Some walking; irregular paths, ascending/descending steps with handrails.

To begin our field trip, the bus will drop us off at the entrance to the dock. There are a few flights of stairs with handrails to reach the boat. We’ll then set out on a nature study cruise on the Sarapiquí River. During this field trip on the river, our Group Leader will provide background on the birds and animals that frequent the riverine vegetation including caimans and a variety of water birds. We’ll also be able to observe land utilization along the river banks and consider the human impact on the ecology of the river system. Next, we’ll reboard our bus and ride through the river frontier town of Puerto Viejo on our way to Sarapiqui. During a visit to a local home, we’ll meet learn about daily life in the community before joining the resident in preparing some typical Tico (Costa Rican) dishes. We’ll be accompanied by a member of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), who will also give us an overview of their mission and talk to us about their work with the community. The Center is a registered non-profit organization devoted to linking communities and conservation through education and ecotourism in the Sarapiquí region. Programs include environmental education, ecotourism activities, English classes, an ecology club, community outreach, a women’s group and many others. 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 visit. This is completely voluntary and is not required.

Returning to the lodge, we will have some “down” time to freshen up and relax before our next activity. Later in the afternoon, we will board our bus and ride to an ethnobotanical garden. We will meet an expert who studies the relationship between humans and plants and learn about the local flora used for practical purposes in daily life, such as in medicine, food and clothing. After the field trip, we’ll return to the lodge with some time before dinner.

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

At the lodge.

At a local home.

At the lodge.

Day 5 Transfer to Arenal, Macaws, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Arenal

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 79 miles, approximately 2 hours driving time. Walking up to 2.5 miles on forest trails and hanging bridges; bridge heights up to 148 feet. Comfortable clothing, closed walking shoes, and binoculars suggested for this activity.

We will check out of the lodge, board our bus, and transfer to the Rio Cuarto region. The bus transfer will provide an opportunity to practice our Spanish language skills informally with Group Leaders and fellow Road Scholars. Our first stop will be at a local, family-owned farm frequented by semi-wild Great Green Macaws and Scarlet Macaws. These colorful and vocal birds can usually be spotted perched on surrounding trees or flying about the farm. During the visit, our Group Leaders will explain the concept of a “biological corridor” and how this farm plays a role in that concept. We’ll then ride on to La Fortuna town for lunch.

Next, we will set out on a field trip with our Group Leaders to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where we’ll traverse a combination of nature trails and hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy. Upon arrival, we’ll go on an interpretative walk in the rainforest canopy for a perspective that is usually available to monkeys and birds! The Hanging Bridges project consists of a system of trails covering a distance of about two miles with eight fixed bridges and six hanging bridges, all built with the latest techniques and designed with an eye towards both beauty and safety. The entire project was designed to blend with the natural environment, leaving the forest virtually intact. The idea of the operation is to facilitate access — with minimum human impact — to one of the least explored parts of the rainforest: the canopy. We’ll then ride on to the hotel and check in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

At a restaurant en route.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Ziplining Activities, Evening with Bats Arenal

Early morning (pre-breakfast) birding walk with a Group Leader around lodge grounds. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 24 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting in/out of open air gondola; minimum height required for ziplining activity 3 feet 11 inches; climbing a few steps; height of platforms vary up to 656 feet.

We’ll ride from the hotel to a setting just outside of Arenal Volcano National Park to begin our exciting zip-lining adventure. The experience begins with an open-air gondola ride up the mountain followed by a safety briefing. Then, each of us will experience a heart-pumping, one-by-one descent via a network of zip lines and platforms. We’ll return to the grounds via the open-air gondola. Next, we’ll have beautiful views of Arenal Volcano National Park while learning from local experts and our Group Leaders about the unique flora and fauna of the adjacent park’s transitional forest. We’ll then reboard the bus and drive to lunch.

Returning to the hotel, the afternoon is free. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to enjoy a swim in the pools or just relax at the hotel.

We’ll board the bus and set out for an up-close and educational evening with bats. At a nearby location, we’ll be joined by a local expert who will teach us about the history and characteristics of bats. We’ll then have a chance to observe some bats up close that were captured by researchers to study. We’ll then return to the lodge.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Family Farm Visit, Free Time Arenal

Getting on/off a bus; about 13 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile on undulating paths.

We’ll board our bus and ride to a nearby family farm and meet a member of the family. We’ll learn about the history of the estate and some of the agricultural practices in this fertile region. We'll attend a folkloric dance presentation performed by the children of the family in their traditional costumes. Next, we’ll awaken our inner chefs — and appetites! — as we join in a tortilla making activity. We’ll learn step by step how to make tortillas and cook them on a wood stove.

Next, we will walk to the farm’s sugar cane mill and learn about the traditional methods of sugar cane processing. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy as you like.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

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

At a restaurant.

Day 8 Transfer to Central Pacific Area, Crocodile Safari Punta Leona

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 110 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Getting on/off a pontoon boat, riding approximately 2 hours. Boating is tide dependent and could be offered at a different time of day.

We will check out of the hotel, board the bus, and begin our transfer to the Central Pacific Area.

Upon arrival at the Tárcoles River area, we will board a flat-bottomed pontoon boat and float down the river. Our Group Leaders will provide commentary as we look into the estuarine habitats we pass by for wildlife that may be present. As one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region, this basin drains virtually the entire western side of the Central Valley. It hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks and in the extensive mangrove areas near its estuary. While we cannot guarantee seeing specific animals, there are often scarlet macaws, water birds, and other creatures including some of the large population of American crocodiles (Crocodilus acutus) that can often be spotted sunning themselves on the river banks. A local expert will also give us a presentation about crocs and share information discovered over the years by local and foreign specialists. After our boat safari, we’ll complete our transfer to Punta Leona and check in to the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a restaurant en route.

At the hotel.

Day 9 Swimming & Kayaking Activities, Free Time Punta Leona

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour to Playa Agujas. Getting in/out of canoes and kayaks; assistance provided as needed; about 2 hours on the water; potential for both waves and calm water; life jackets provided.

We’ll board the bus and ride to the small coastal village of Agujas. There, we’ll have an outrigger canoe paddling field trip led by expert boating staff who will greet us, provide a safety orientation, and familiarize us with the equipment. The canoes we’ll use, also known as Polynesian canoes, can carry several passengers at a time plus a staff member. Easier to handle and more stable than kayaks, these types of canoes have been plying the oceans of the world for centuries. They were created as tools for survival and travel, and their basic design has remained unchanged after generations of refinement. Their beauty lies in simplicity and functionality. Our modern versions are constructed of fiberglass and equipped with an outrigger on each side for stability. As we paddle along the coast, think of the ancient traditions, knowledge, and skill that went into the canoe’s evolution. We’ll return to the hotel after our paddling adventure.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to enjoy the beaches and pools, or just relax at the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow morning.

At the hotel.

At the beach, we’ll have a picnic-style meal.

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

Day 10 Program Concludes, In Transit from Program In Flight

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles from hotel to airport, approximately 2 hours. Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers. Please take this into account when booking your international flights; do not select a departure flight that leaves San José any earlier than 12:30 p.m.

There will be one, early morning transfer to San Jose's international airport included in the program cost for those interested. This concludes the 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!

At the hotel (dependent on flight times). Take-away breakfasts available upon request.