Costa Rica's Natural Heritage - Cal Alumni Association

Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage

December 05 - 15, 2024

Length: 11 days

Region(s): Caribbean & Central America

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Land, Small Group Tours

In this small Central American democracy kissed by nature, our small group discovers a nation’s wealth in four distinct regions, from cloud forest to rainforest, Central Valley to Pacific Coast. As Costa Rica presents its staggering display of biodiversity – pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic flora and fauna – we enjoy a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration that celebrates Costa Rica’s wideranging natural resources.

Operated by Odysseys Unlimited

Tour Highlights

View Costa Rica’s tallest volcano on an excursion to Irazú Volcano National Park.
Learn about Costa Rica’s coffee industry at the Doka Coffee Estate, located on the fertile slopes of Poás Volcano.
Discover the many dazzling varieties of orchids at the family-owned Botanical Orchid Garden.
Enjoy nighttime viewing of Arenal Volcano from your hotel, which offers outstanding views.
Visit children at a local elementary school and learn about Costa Rica’s vaunted educational system.
Tour Ecocentro Danaus, a biological reserve dedicated to conservation, environmental education, and sustainability.
Embark on a guided walk through the remarkably diverse Monteverde Cloud Forest, a biological reserve.
See Costa Rica’s remarkable fauna up close in Monteverde’s Bat Jungle and Butterfly Garden.
Experience the canopy level of the rain forest from the hanging bridges Sky Walk.
Take a “float safari” on the Tempisque River to discover this extraordinary wetland and one of the world’s last tropical dry forests.
Relax for three nights at a secluded beach resort in the Pacific coastal region of Guanacaste.
Throughout the tour stay in eco-friendly hotels suited to the natural environment.
Encounter exceptional biodiversity on a 4-day/3-night pre-tour option to Tortuguero National Park.

If you would like to view a digital copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the “Digital Brochure” under Additional Resources (follows directly below Itinerary at a Glance) on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 2

What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last 2–4 hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.