Costa Rica
Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure
Program No. 19243RJ
Come discover the meaning of “pura vida” and see why there’s no better place to raft, hike, kayak and learn authentic Latin dance than the protected waters and lands of Costa Rica.
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Protecting the Environment
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11 days
10 nights
29 meals
10B 9L 10D
8
Nature Walk, Transfer Central Pacific, Carara National Park
Central Pacific Coast
9
Canopy Zipline, Tarcoles River Boating
Central Pacific Coast
10
Outrigger Canoe Paddling, Free Time
Central Pacific Coast
At a Glance
The emerald Pacific waters, lush tropical rainforest and volcanic landscapes of Costa Rica are home to an array of plant and animal species as diverse as any on earth. To truly learn about this natural abundance and the rich human culture that has developed around it, you must be immersed in the environment. From hiking to river rafting, swimming to kayaking, expand your mind on a quest to enliven your spirit amid Costa Rica’s tropical beauty, history and culture.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hikes on uneven terrain in tropical conditions; kayaking, swimming, and rafting.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hike to "El Ganador" — a 600-year-old almendro tree.
- Learn about tropical conservation and explore ruins in Turrialba, one of Costa Rica's most important archaeological sites.
- Sway your hips as you exercise and learn the steps to an authentic Latin dance.
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
Reimer Palma
Reimer Palma is a self-proclaimed “nature guy.” He fondly recalls, at an early age, accompanying his father on walks through the rainforest to go fishing or for work. Those quiet outdoor explorations further fueled his appreciation for and an awareness of his natural surroundings. When Reimer attended a course in ecotourism at his high school, he became intrigued with the idea of becoming a naturalist guide. In 2009, he began attending natural history courses at La Selva Biological Field Station in preparation for his certification. As a naturalist leader, Reimer enjoys introducing visitors to many of Costa Rica’s beautiful protected areas; although the lush Caribbean lowlands, where he grew up, still hold the number one spot in his heart. When Reimer isn’t leading groups or enjoying time with his family, you will most likely find him hitting his college books in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in biology.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Reimer Palma
View biography
Reimer Palma is a self-proclaimed “nature guy.” He fondly recalls, at an early age, accompanying his father on walks through the rainforest to go fishing or for work. Those quiet outdoor explorations further fueled his appreciation for and an awareness of his natural surroundings. When Reimer attended a course in ecotourism at his high school, he became intrigued with the idea of becoming a naturalist guide. In 2009, he began attending natural history courses at La Selva Biological Field Station in preparation for his certification. As a naturalist leader, Reimer enjoys introducing visitors to many of Costa Rica’s beautiful protected areas; although the lush Caribbean lowlands, where he grew up, still hold the number one spot in his heart. When Reimer isn’t leading groups or enjoying time with his family, you will most likely find him hitting his college books in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in biology.
José Amador
View biography
José Amador is a certified naturalist and expedition leader who grew up in Turrialba in Costa Rica's Central Valley. José was studying architecture in college when he got a job as a rafting guide. He quickly discovered he loved interacting with people and working outdoors. This “aha” moment led him to switch his academic efforts into becoming a naturalist leader. When not at work, José enjoys hiking, birding, and mountain biking. He has traveled throughout the Americas, Europe, and southern Africa.
Glenda Araya
View biography
Glenda Araya grew up in Puntarenas, a Pacific province of Costa Rica. She holds a bachelor's degree in tourism with a focus on wildlife management, environmental biology, and forestry. In the early 2010s, Glenda became a certified naturalist expedition leader and she began leading student and teacher groups as well as retired professionals and hiking groups. Glenda is the recipient of a 2023 World Guide Award from Wanderlust magazine. She enjoys hiking in the mountains to stay mentally and physically fit.
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.
Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure
Program Number: 19243
The Birds of Costa Rica
Built for the field, this great guide includes multiple illustrations for 820 species of birds.
Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics
A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and society of Costa Rica
The Chocolate Tree, A Natural History of Cacao
A rich concoction of cultural and natural history, archaeological evidence, botanical research, environmental activism and lush descriptions of the author's own adventures, The Chocolate Tree offers an appreciation of the plant and the environment that provide us with this Maya food of the gods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Costa Rican Wildlife
Put it in your pocket! This handy, fold-up card includes color illustrations of dozens of typical birds, mammals and reptiles.
The Sea Turtle, So Excellent a Fishe
An appreciative and informative account of the sea turtle, its ecology and field work in Costa Rica by the man who did so much to promote sea turtle research and conservation, first published in 1967. Karen Bjorndal, director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, brings the story up to date in a new foreword.
Costa Rica Adventure Map
A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.
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
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 Monkey's Bridge, Mysteries of Evolution in Central America
Opening this absorbing account of the history and biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the tale of Columbus, Wallace weaves his own travels in the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource.
Sea Kayaking, The Classic Manual for Touring, from Day Trips to Major Expeditions
Once again fully updated, this 'kayaking bible' covers every known kayaking query, from essentials to advanced hazards. The expert advice is supplemented by black-and-white photos and some classic kayaking stories.
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.
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.
Culture Smart! Costa Rica
A guide to local customs, etiquette 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 Rican Spanish
A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.
The Ticos
This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores their culture, history and society.