Costa Rica | January 27 – February 7, 2027
Registration closes October 23 or until filled!
Trip limited to 18 travelers total.
Details
Come escape the winter weather and explore the paradise of Costa Rica, a small Central American Country filled with diverse ecosystems and abundant tropical flora and fauna. For the 2027 tour, we are focusing on areas south of San Jose, including the cloud forests near San Gerardo de Dota, the tropical rainforests of the Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park and the beaches of the Pacific Coast. The itinerary below is filled with a variety of activities including guided nature hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, boat tours and cultural experiences. This all-inclusive tour features beautiful lodging, amazing local foods and knowledgeable local guides. Our University’s 32-year relationship with Rosie at Costa Rican Specialties allows for a higher quality adventure which is guided by bilingual guide and naturalist extraordinaire, Lloyd Martinez. Sue, Don and Lloyd have been leading tours together for 25 years, so your experience will be exceptional! Come see why Costa Rica is so special – Pura Vida!
Trip at a Glance
Moderate:
Fairly physical activities, flexible pace, some options.
Flights Included:
You are responsible for booking and purchasing your own flight. Please do not book your flights until this tour has reached the minimum number of travelers to hold space.
Classic/Landmark:
Classic tours are what we’re known for – a rich mix of cultural experience, off the beaten path journeys, educational highlights, delicious cuisine, & more!
Luxury Accommodations:
Hand-selected hotels, restaurant dining, and comfortable amenities.
Trip Leaders
Sue and Don Kissinger, along with an in-country guide, Lloyd Martinez
Sue and Don Kissinger, Sue and Don have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Central America, South Africa, and Europe. They met as forestry students 44 years ago on a UW–Stevens Point (UWSP) international course in Europe and are celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary this year! Sue has led over 30 international tours through UWSP, including six to Costa Rica. Don has been her co-leader throughout the years, and they enjoy sharing their love of travel with others. They recently retired from 30-year careers at UWSP (Sue) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Don) and are enjoying retirement on a lake in northwestern Wisconsin.
Registration Information
| Trip Fees | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|
| $4550 USD (per person) double-occupancy *Single occupancy rates are not available for this trip | $450 non-refundable deposit due upon registration $2050 is due on Friday, July 31, 2026 $2050 is due on Friday, October 30, 2026 |
Payment Methods
Credit/Debit Card: If paying with a credit/debit card, payments can be made through our QuickPay Link using your email address and your registration password or by contacting us at 715-346-3838. We accept Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Check: Make checks payable to: UWSP
Drop off or mail to: UWSP Continuing Education, 032 Old Main Building, Stevens Point WI 54481
This Trip Includes
- Escorted tour by bilingual guide Lloyd Martinez throughout the trip in Costa Rica
- All land transfers with expert driver
- Boat transfers to/from Sierpe to Drake Bay
- All lodging and taxes in cabins/rooms with private bathrooms (based on double occupancy – no single supplement)
- All-inclusive! All meals are included (Dinner on January 27 – Breakfast on February 7)
- Guided tour of Rescate Wildlife Refuge Center
- Admission to Poas Volcano
- Admission to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Naturalist guided hikes in the cloud forest at Savegre
- Boat tour to Cano Island Biological Preserve with snorkeling (equipment included)
- Naturalist guided hikes in Corcovado National Park
- Admission to Sitio Museo Finca 6
- Admission and guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Mangrove kayak tour at Damas Island
Physical Requirements
This tour will accommodate a variety of fitness levels but to fully enjoy the activities, it is best to be in good physical shape as we will be hiking on unpaved trails and uneven ground in the forest and other ecosystems. Must be able to do water exits from a boat in knee deep water to get to the shore.
Reasonable Accommodations
Please identify any accessibility needs at registration, including mobility, seating, transportation, dietary, and communication needs. Some activities involve stairs, walking, uneven surfaces, or limited accessibility. Early notice helps us plan reasonable accommodations. We are unable to guarantee last-minute changes or provide personal physical assistance that requires staff to lift, carry, or physically support participants. Requests are reviewed individually so we can plan appropriate accommodations in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Since we make financial commitments in advance, no refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 90 days prior to the trip. Cancellations received more than 90 days before the trip will receive a full refund minus $500. However, you may send a substitute in your place. Please email us at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu to inform us of a cancellation or substitution.
continuing education Information
Please contact Continuing Education and Outreach at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu for registration questions.
Please identify any accessibility needs at registration, including mobility, seating, transportation, dietary, and communication needs. Some activities involve stairs, walking, uneven surfaces, or limited accessibility. Early notice helps us plan reasonable accommodations. We are unable to guarantee last-minute changes or provide personal physical assistance that requires staff to lift, carry, or physically support participants. Requests are reviewed individually so we can plan appropriate accommodations in advance.
Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.
