Grinnellian Adventures: Costa Rica: A World of Nature
January 5-16, 2027
Join fellow alumni on an extraordinary 12 day exploration of Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. From rainforest canals and sea turtle research stations to volcanic landscapes, cacao plantations, coffee farms, and white sand beaches, this immersive journey invites you to experience the country’s natural wonders up close. You’ll travel in the company of other Grinnellians and a Grinnell faculty member, building connections and shared memories as you engage with the people, traditions, and environments that define this remarkable nation.
There’s a special joy in seeing the world with Grinnellians - curious, thoughtful companions who value meaningful conversation and shared discovery. Traveling together deepens community; mealtime stories and on the trail reflections quickly become friendships that last well beyond the trip. The experience is further invigorated by the presence of Professor Logan M. Lee, associate professor and department chair of Economics, whose approachable insights add dimension without adding homework, turning remarkable moments in the field into opportunities for lifelong learning and reflection.
Together, you’ll explore themes such as:
- Valuing Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders – Explore sea turtle conservation and immerse yourself in the rainforest to see how living ecosystems inspire global stewardship.
- Discovery Through Science & Biodiversity – Learn how studying turtles, birds, and rainforest species has shaped scientific understanding and even medical insights.
- Life in a Tourism Shaped Nation – Meet local residents to hear how tourism influences livelihoods, culture, and community identity.
- Generational Stories & Shifting Perspectives – Listen to voices across ages - those who remember Costa Rica before the 1990s tourism boom and those who have grown up within it.
- Where Eco Tourism Meets Agriculture – Visit a cacao plantation, botanical gardens, and a working coffee farm to see how traditional farming and eco tourism thrive together.
- Sustainability From the Ground Up – Spend time on family farms and in agricultural landscapes, enriched by Professor Lee’s hands on familiarity with sustainable practices.
- Stewardship in Action – Walk Arenal’s hanging bridges to experience how thoughtful public access can protect, interpret, and celebrate delicate ecosystems.
- Costa Rica as a Model of Conservation – Take in the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park and reflect on how Costa Rica’s approach to preservation resonates beyond its borders.
Full itinerary and details and trip reservations
Faculty & Tour Leaders
Logan M. Lee
Associate Professor
Department Chair of Economics
Dr. Logan Lee is an associate professor and chair of the economics department. He has been at Grinnell College since completing his Ph.D. at the University of Oregon in 2015. At Grinnell, Professor Lee teaches a variety of courses including Labor Economics, Econometrics, Behavioral and Experimental Economics, and his seminar, The Economics of Crime. He has also offered a Tutorial course themed around board games both at Grinnell College and as a part of the Liberal Arts in Prison Program.
In his research, Professor Lee studies a variety of topics that are not traditionally considered "economics". His primary research examines whether policies designed to reduce recidivism after incarceration, including programming, in-prison visitation, education, and transitional housing are effective. In other papers, Dr. Lee has estimated the impact of maritime piracy on international trade, used the New York City Marathon to look for evidence of gender-based differences in responses to negative feedback, and experimentally demonstrated that a firm's pro-diversity declaration can lead to a reduction in diversity at that firm in multi-stage hiring games without proper incentives. In his current research, Logan is studying the impact of music on behavior within prisons and using cell-phone GPS data to provide evidence about the housing opportunities and stability of recently released prisoners.
In addition to these academic interests, Professor Lee brings a strong foundation in environmental valuation and sustainable agriculture, themes central to this Costa Rica program. In his courses he regularly explores how economists estimate the value of intangible environmental goods, such as biodiversity, clean air, and ecological services. Growing up in rural Montana, where his father farmed barley and he worked for North America’s only organic lentil distributor, Logan developed a lifelong appreciation for the challenges and rewards of sustainable farming - experience that adds depth to trip discussions about the relationship between eco tourism and agriculture in Costa Rica. Throughout the journey, he looks forward to sharing reflections with fellow Grinnellians that connect what they encounter, rainforests, research stations, farms, wildlife, and communities, to broader conversations about conservation, livelihoods, public policy, and the many ways humans assign value to nature.
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Itinerary — Jan. 5–16, 2027
A brief overview is shared below. A more indepth itinerary and reservation is shared on the Costa Rica Grinnellian Adventure trip website hosted by our travel partner Collette.
January 5 — San José
Your Costa Rican adventure begins in the capital city. Settle into your hotel and meet your fellow travelers as you prepare for the journey ahead.
January 6-7 — Tortuguero National Park
Travel by boat through a maze of jungle canals to your lodge deep in the rainforest. Visit the world's first sea turtle research station, learn about local conservation efforts, meet a resident from the community, and cruise through waterways that host macaws, monkeys, manatees, and more.
January 8-9, 2027 — Sarapiquí & San Carlos
Explore how agriculture and eco-tourism interact with a visit to a sustainable cacao plantation and a stroll through botanical gardens rich with tropical fruit trees. Enjoy a peaceful safari on the Peñas Blancas River and visit a local family’s finca for homemade treats and cultural insight.
January 10-12, 2027 — Arenal Region
Walk the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges, suspended high above the forest canopy. Choose your own adventure with a thrilling zip line OR a lava fields hike. Enjoy a free day at the resort, or opt into white water rafting beneath Arenal Volcano.
January 13-14, 2027 — Coffee Country & Pacific Coast
Wake up and smell world renowned Costa Rican coffee at a local farm, then travel to your oceanside resort on the Pacific. Spend a day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, where rainforest meets white sand beaches and wildlife is everywhere you turn.
January 15-16, 2027 — Mangrove Safari & Farewell
Cruise through the mangroves of the Tárcoles River in search of crocodiles and exotic birdlife. Return to San José for a festive farewell dinner before departing the next morning.
Full itinerary and details and trip reservations
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Pricing
- $5,124 per person, based on double occupancy
- $6,124 per person, based on single occupancy
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FAQ
Who is invited to join this trip?
All Grinnellians are warmly invited! A Grinnellian can be an alum, a family member of an alum, and/or anyone who supports the College. We also welcome your guests - they do not need to be alums.
What can I expect on the trip?
This will be a fun and intellectually engaging adventure, offering many opportunities to reconnect with your Grinnellian curiosity and sense of global citizenship. Alongside Grinnellians and faculty and local experts, you'll explore Costta Rica's rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant modern life - with plenty of time for reflection, conversation, and discovery.
What are the physical requirements?
Walking and standing for extended periods (2–3 hours) should be comfortable for travelers on this program. A moderately paced, two and a half hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, should be manageable. Walking up to four miles over the course of a day, as well as climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (such as tuk tuks, cable cars, or zodiacs), is expected. Participants should be able to climb three flights of stairs with ease and tolerate altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. The itinerary includes some longer days, balanced with free time for rest or independent exploration. This trip is not suited for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
Who is organizing and supporting this trip?
Grinnell College has contracted Collette Travel to provide expert organization and support for this adventure. A staff member from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will also travel with the group to assist guests and the faculty lead throughout the journey.
Will I receive a packing list?
It is already available for you on the trip information page here.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is optional but recommended as with any travel adventure. You may purchase coverage through the provider of your choice.
May I bring a guest?
Yes! Grinnellians are welcome to bring guests. Your guests does not need to be an alum.
What if I need assistance during the trip?
A Grinnell College staff member will be on the trip to provide support to guests and our faculty leaders. You will always have someone to turn to if you need assistance at any point.
Questions?
Contact Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or call 641-269-4633.
Full itinerary and details and trip reservations
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