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Costa Rica

Costa Rica at a Slower Pace: Natural Wonders by Water & Land

Program No. 17988RJ
Enjoy the natural history, biodiversity and friendly attitude of Costa Rica at a leisurely pace that allows you to learn the true meaning of “pura vida.”

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At a Glance

Enjoy the natural history, biodiversity and friendly attitude of Costa Rica at a leisurely pace that allows you to learn the true meaning of “pura vida.” Discover the rainforest, Arenal Volcano and the Pacific coastline. Interact with Costa Ricans from campesinos (farmers) to small business owners and American expatriates. Experience Costa Rica by water on boat excursions exploring the Sarapiquí and Tárcoles rivers and an ocean canoe ride. This program has been specially designed to minimize walking and travel time and maximize opportunities to connect with your surroundings.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to a few blocks unassisted and climbing stairs. Activities take place near the hotels. Program not recommended for participants with walkers/rollators or wheelchairs due to limited storage space on the bus and lack of handicap accessible locations.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Observe the Arenal Volcano from two prime vantage points and learn how scientists monitor its activity.
  • Encounter the mighty crocodile and other creatures of the mangroves on a Tárcoles River boat excursion.
  • Enjoy several opportunities for informal conversations with Costa Rican people.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Pedro Bosques
Pedro Bosques is a veteran Road Scholar instructor and group leader, with approximately 20 years of experience in hosting lifelong learners in Costa Rica. Although born in Puntarenas, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Pedro grew up in San José. His interest in conservation blossomed when he began working at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a field assistant. During this time he colaborated with researchers and biologists in projects including the study of the behavior and migration of the Three-wattled Bellbird and reforestation of the biological corridor in the Monteverde region. Pedro is a certified naturalist leader who enjoys sharing his knowledge with travelers from around the world. He looks forward to hosting you in this program and enhancing your journey in his beautiful country.

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

Profile Image of Pedro Bosques
Pedro Bosques View biography
Pedro Bosques is a veteran Road Scholar instructor and group leader, with approximately 20 years of experience in hosting lifelong learners in Costa Rica. Although born in Puntarenas, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Pedro grew up in San José. His interest in conservation blossomed when he began working at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a field assistant. During this time he colaborated with researchers and biologists in projects including the study of the behavior and migration of the Three-wattled Bellbird and reforestation of the biological corridor in the Monteverde region. Pedro is a certified naturalist leader who enjoys sharing his knowledge with travelers from around the world. He looks forward to hosting you in this program and enhancing your journey in his beautiful country.
Profile Image of Greivin Araya
Greivin Araya View biography
Greivin Araya Vega, “Dalua”, has been passionate about the outdoors since his childhood in Guacimo, an agricultural town in eastern Costa Rica. With a family legacy in education, he planned to teach science. He eventually found himself teaching English, while spending his free time as a naturalist. After six years of teaching, he was unable to ignore the call of the outdoors and became a certified Costa Rica Naturalist. Dalua particularly enjoys entomology, travel, and learning what he can from the experiences of others.
Profile Image of Vinicio Viquez
Vinicio Viquez View biography
Vinicio “Vinny” Víquez grew up in Heredia province in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. He studied biology at university, and began working as a naturalist in the 1990s. He considers himself an ambassador of Costa Rica. Each visitor presents an opportunity – not just to share favorite birds and amphibians – but also to plant a seed to spread appreciation of his diverse homeland. Vinny and his family live on a small coffee plantation in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific highlands.
Profile Image of Randy Alvarado
Randy Alvarado View biography
Randy Alvarado hails from Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands. Early on, he was inspired by his grandfather's work as a park ranger at La Selva Biological Research Station. He studied eco-tourism and earned his national certification under the encouragement of some uncles who are naturalists and birding expedition leaders. Randy has worked for nature reserves around the Sarapiqui region and as a freelance expedition leader. His favorite hobbies are wildlife photography and birding.
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