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Points of Interest


Juan Santamaria International Airport
- Ref. Map Pt. "A" 

Accommodation: Hotel Balmoral

We left Albuquerque (ABQ) at 6 AM and arrived in Dallas (DFW) at 8:50 AM.
After a brief layover, we departed Dallas at 10:05 AM and reached San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
at 1:20 PM on a flight lasting 4 hours and 15 minutes. 

As we were landing at Juan Santamaria International Airport, located near Alajuela, we experienced
some turbulence due to weather, but everything was fine. We were reminded to have our nametags
ready as we navigated through Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs before exiting the
secured area. A Road Scholar representative greeted us outside with a sign and helped us
transfer to the hotel in San Jose - Ref. Map Pt. "B". 

After checking in and settling downat the hotel we gathered at 6 PM for orientation and dinner, where 
our Group Leaders Andrey Acosta and Ivan Castillo warmly welcomed us and facilitated introductions.
W\we met fellow travelers, Alice, Carole, Diana, Ed, Beth, Jim, Jo, Judy, June,
Lauren, Ellen, Chillie, Sam, Steve, Sue, and Tom, along with our driver, Jimsmez. 

During the orientation, we reviewed the program schedule, discussed roles, logistics, safety
guidelines, and addressed any questions. It was noted that our meals would feature local
cuisine. Our transportation for the tour will be an air-conditioned bus driven by Jammar, which 
did not have onboard toilets, so we planned scheduled stops for bathroom breaks. Diana and 
I preferred sitting at the back of the bus for our travels. 

After dinner, we enjoyed some leisure time, chatting with fellow Road Scholars and got to know
each other better before settling in for a good night's rest. 

Points of Interest

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
- the National Theater

 Gold Museum

Rain storm

Evening in the dark

Sarapiquis Rain forest Lodge

On tour with Pictures

We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, where a local expert joined us to share valuable insights
about Costa Rica's history, culture, and geography. Afterward, we took a short stroll to
the National Theater, built during the coffee boom of the late 1800s, where we learned about
the importance of coffee production and the theater's historical context. The National
Theater is conveniently located next to the Gold Museum, and its stunning Neoclassical
architecture left a lasting impression on us. We also discovered the meaning of "Tico,"
a term used for Costa Ricans, which is commonly used by Spanish speakers from other countries.

Lunch was served at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which features an impressive underground 
collection of over 2,000 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold, weighing more than 20,000 troy ounces,
making it one of the richest sites in the country. The complex also includes a philatelic
museum for stamp collectors and a numismatic museum for coin enthusiasts. After our visit,
we boarded a bus to the Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge in the Caribbean lowlands, a prime
birdwatching location with over 400 recorded species. The nearby La Selva Protection Zone and
Braulio Carrillo National Park create a vital forest corridor for migratory birds and animals.

Upon arriving at the lodge and checking in, we received a brief orientation before a rainstorm
hit, accompanied by a dramatic lightning display that caused a power outage, leading us to
have dinner in the dark. We spent the evening enjoying each other's company on the porch
with our new Road Scholar friends, sipping nightcaps and immersing ourselves in the sounds 
of the rainforest, creating a memorable experience despite the unexpected circumstances.

Points of Interest
Sarapiqui River

Heart of Palm

Costa Rica Nature Pavilion

Accommodation: Sarapiquis Rain forest Lodge

Pictures from Today

We enjoyed a delightful breakfast at the hotel before taking a stroll to an archaeological
site located on the lodge grounds, featuring pre-Columbian tombs, stone sculptures, and
petroglyphs. Afterward, we joined a knowledgeable lodge expert for a history and culture
walk, where we learned about the indigenous groups of the region and their traditions,
particularly their use of medicinal plants for healing.

Next, we boarded our trusty bus to a nearby dock and embarked on a riverboat ride along
the Sarapiqui River. During this scenic journey, our Group Leader pointed out various 
birds and animals that inhabit the river's lush vegetation, including caimans and numerous
water birds. We also took the chance to observe how the land is utilized along the riverbanks
and reflect on the human impact on the river's ecology.

Upon reaching the river town of Puerto Viejo - Ref. Map Pt. "C", we listened to a presentation
on the cultivation of heart of palm, known locally as "palmito," and sampled some delicious
snacks made from this crunchy vegetable. Afterward, we hopped on a bus to a local restaurant
for lunch.

In the afternoon, we returned to the lodge for some well-deserved downtime to refresh and
relax. Later, we boarded our bus again to visit the Costa Rica Nature Pavilion, where we
observed hummingbirds and a variety of vibrant birds, including Collared Aracaris, Green
Honeycreepers, Blue-gray Tanagers, Crimson-collared Tanagers, and Great Kiskadees. Our
Group Leader helped us identify the different bird species as they visited the feeders
around the viewing porches.

At the lodge, we enjoyed some leisure time as we prepared for our check-out and transfer
the next morning. It was a delightful experience to relax, chat with fellow travelers,
and enjoy a glass or two of wine together.

Points of Interest
Organic Pineapple Farms

La Fortuna town, volcano 

Arenal Manoa Hotel

Pictures from Today

Breakfast was provided at the hotel. 

After checking out, we hopped on our bus and headed to a nearby pineapple plantation,where we
discovered the region's agricultural practices. A local expert guided us through the fields
in an open vehicle, demonstrating how this tasty fruit is cultivated and harvested. He
skillfully peeled a pineapple with a machete and offered us fresh samples—absolutely
delicious! He also shared insights on how pineapples are prepared for shipping. 

Costa Rica ranks among the top five producers and exporters of pineapples globally. The
expert advised us on selecting pineapples in stores, emphasizing that they should be
green rather than yellow. 

I noticed one of our travel companions communicating with a Spanish woman using Sign
Language, which was fascinating to learn is consistent across different languages. 

We then traveled to La Fortuna - Ref. Map Pt. "D", nestled beneath the Arenal Volcano . 

Lunch was enjoyed at a local restaurant. 

Afterward, we arrived at our wonderful hotel—check out the pictures! We checked in and
received a brief orientation about the facilities, followed by some relaxation time to
enjoy the hotel's thermal pools. 

The Arenal Volcano resembles a scene straight out of a movie, with its nearly perfect 
conical shape. This active volcano offers excitement and a hint of danger,
yet its activity remains distant from the nearby towns. The stunning geography and scenery
attract numerous visitors, although  we never caught a glimpse of the volcano due to the 
persistent clouds during our stay. 

After dinner, we gathered for a presentation by a local expert who shared the history of
La Fortuna and the volcano.

Points of Interest
Arenal National Park Observation Pavilion

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Accommodation: Arenal Manao Hotel

Pictures from Today

 
This morning's adventure began with a bus ride to the observation pavilion at Arenal National 
Park - Ref. Map Pt. "E". We took a brief hike along a trail that was under half a mile, 
while the rest of the group stayed near the restrooms. During our walk, we talked about 
the volcano's various moods and how its emissions affect both human development and the
local ecosystem. 

Afterward, we hopped back on the bus and headed to the Arenal Observatory Lodge, where we 
explored the museum at our own pace. This lodge was once a temporary research station for
Smithsonian scientists studying the Arenal Volcano. We had the chance to admire the volcano, 
I don't think there is a valcano as we never saw it as it was cloudy all the time,
from the observation platform before enjoying lunch, which we reached by walking along one
 of two trails, while some opted to take the bus. 

At the Arenal Observatory, we took a relaxing walk on the lodge's nature trails and soaked 
in breathtaking views of the volcano from the patio before returning to the bus for our 
ride back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon was ours to enjoy as we pleased.

Points of Interest
Typical Dancing Demo

Crops and Sugar Cane

Traditional Farm & Tortilla

Arenal Vida Campesina

Fortuna Town History

Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel

Pictures from Today 

After breakfast, we hopped on a bus for an exciting field trip to a nearby farm, where we
explored its history and the agricultural traditions of this lush area.
At the farm, we worked up an appetite by learning to make tortillas and cooking
hem on a traditional wood stove. We also enjoyed a lively performance by a local
dance group showcasing folkloric dances in their vibrant costumes.

On our way back to the hotel, we made a brief stop in La Fortuna to stroll around
the lovely main square. Once a small farming community, La Fortuna has expanded
significantly since the devastating volcanic eruption in 1968, with tourism now
being the primary source of income. While tourism leads the economy, local
plantations still produce significant quantities of papaya, sugar cane, tapioca,
and ornamental plants.

Upon returning to the hotel, we had the rest of the afternoon free. Diana and I
relaxed our muscles in the refreshing thermal springs pool, which was delightful.
We then enjoyed some leisure time and began packing for the adventures that
awaited us in the coming days.

Points of Interest
Central Pacific area

Vivero el Jardin

Tarcoles River 

Crocodile

Tarcoles river Crocodiles

Scarlet Macaws & Conservation Efforts

Hotel Villa Lapaz Jungle Village

Pictures from Today

We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before checking out and boarding our bus to start
our journey to Costa Rica's Central Pacific Region, as indicated on Map Point "F." 
Our first stop was at "Vivero el Jardin," where we explored hillside gardens,
observed animals in a small zoo, and admired beautiful butterflies. After a 
delightful lunch at a restaurant along the way, we arrived at the Tarcoles River,
where we embarked on a boat trip to search for crocodiles and other wildlife along
the riverbanks and mangroves. As we cruised up the river, a local expert shared
fascinating insights about the resident crocodiles. The Tarcoles River Basin is
crucial to the Pacific coastal region, draining much of the Central Valley and
supporting a rich diversity of wildlife, including the famous large crocodiles
(Crocodilus acutus), which have been the subject of numerous studies and media
features. Afterward, we continued to our hotel for check-in, followed by an 
orientation of the facilities. The rest of the afternoon was free for us to relax.
Later, we gathered for dinner, where a local expert gave a presentation on Scarlet
Macaws and ongoing conservation efforts.

Points of Interest

Playa Agujas Sea Outrigging 

Carara National Park 

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Lapaz Jungle Village

Pictures from Today

Videos from Today

We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before boarding the bus to Playa Agujas for an exciting
outrigger adventure. After a safety briefing and gearing up, we set off along the coast
in our outriggers. I was thrilled to sit at the front of one of them, feeling as if I
were soaring in a hot air balloon. Our journey led us to Playa Limoncito, where we 
snacked and splashed in the ocean, all while taking in the stunning wildlife and
geological features around us. Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel.

Following lunch, we hopped on the bus for a brief trip to Carara National Park.

Carara National Park boasts of a large population of breeding scarlet macaws,
capuchin monkeys, anteaters, parrots, aracaris, kingfishers old growth forest
and is a transistional forest supporting both Amazonian and Mesoamerican habitats.

There, our Group Leaders guided us on a walking tour of the trails, introducing us to the
diverse flora and fauna of this remarkable transition zone. Located 60 miles southwest
of San Jose, Carara marks the boundary between the Pacific lowland rain forest and the
dry deciduous forest, allowing for a unique blend of species. The park not only preserves
vital forest ecosystems but also safeguards the Rio Grande de Tarcoles river basin,
teeming with wildlife. It's a popular spot for bird watching, boasting over 350 bird
species, including the endangered Scarlet Macaws, which we never caught a glimpse of.

In the late afternoon, we headed to a coastal restaurant where I thought we would enjoy
a beautiful Pacific sunset while sipping on drinks. It was already dark and never saw the 
sunset.  After dinner, we had some leisure time to relax and prepare for our check-out
and transfer the following morning.

Points of Interest
 

Botanical Orchid Garden

Leaf Cutter Ants 

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Convention Center 


Pictures from Today