Hiking in Costa Rica

Amazingly enough, over 25% of Costa Rica’s landmass is protected in some way. The tropical country abounds in national parks and protected zones. Such a bounty of preserved natural areas makes for endless hiking possibilities. In and around Atenas and Heredia there are rural areas and parks that are ideal for a hike in the afternoon or even for a full day. As part of the activities on the program you will be able to explore these areas with a group or on your own.

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Dance Classes

Costa Rica has a rich tradition of Caribbean dances. It is considered by many to be the best site to learn about salsa and merengue. Learning about these dances will greatly increase your experience at any Costa Rican gathering!

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Horseback Riding (optional)

Horseback riding is a great way to explore the natural areas of Costa Rica. At most locations where we have excursions you have the option for horseback riding. Gallop along the tropical coastlines of the Pacific or explore the lush cloud forests of the Costa Rican highlands. Even in the Central Valley there are options to go riding on weekdays. Costa Rica’s many peaceful country roads make for excellent trails to go venturing upon.

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Yoga Classes

Costa Rica may be the closest to nature you will ever come! Many people seek out the peace and discipline of yoga, allowing you to delve into the healing of mind, body and spirit that yoga provides. Try yoga for the first time or continue your practice of this wonderful exercise.

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Festivals

Festivals take place in Costa Rica throughout the year. Because of the Catholic influence in the country, each town has a celebration for its Patron Saint. With so many small communities it seems as if a festival is always taking place. Usually at these festivals, or fiestas, you'll find the famous topes, or horse parades, featuring traditional Costa Rican painted oxcarts and Costa Rican cowboys. National holidays also call for fiestas and besides the parades you'll also find plenty of traditional Costa Rican dishes and music!

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Market Day

Costa Rica abounds with tropical fruits and vegetables that are exported all over the world! Throughout your program we will visit markets where you can learn about the different produce found in the country. This is a great way to fine tune your Spanish and learn more about the country, its people and the local diet. And of course, the locals will insure you get an abundant sampling of the goods!

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Museum Visits

Costa Rica has many good museums, in particular those dedicated to Costa Rica’s unique culture and traditions. There are also great museums, or parks, dedicated to its immense biodiversity. You will visit Heredia’s Museum of Popular Culture. The museum has exhibits to highlight the traditional practices of the Central Valley. In San José, amongst others, is the impressive National Museum which depicts Costa Rica’s Pre-Hispanic past and describes the country’s history since discovery by the Spanish. You’ll find many impressive gold, silver, and jade artifacts dating from before the Spanish conquest. This museum is fascinating because it was a former military barracks and is amazingly still riddled with bullet holes from Costa Rica’s revolution in 1948.

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Cooking Classes

Learning to cook traditional dishes while abroad is the best way to take something back from your experience. You will learn how to prepare such important Costa Rican dishes as Gallo Pinto, the national dish. Other recipes include tamales and empanadas. The classes are completely hands and are one of our most popular cultural activities!

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Theater Night

San José has a thriving theater culture. Often there are performances in San José at the ornate National Theater or one of the other well-renowned venues in town. All types of performances come through the city such as plays, musicals, dance, symphonies—you name it. This is a great way to experience another side of life in Costa Rica and take in some artistic culture!

Coffee Tour

The central valley of Costa Rica provides some of the world’s best coffee. We will visit a local coffee plantation and you will learn about the history and process of growing and harvesting coffee. And you won’t want to miss out on sampling some of the famous blends!

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Trapiche Tour

Learn about this important part of Costa Rica´s past, el Trapiche, which is a mill that was used in Costa Rica since colonial times for pressing sugar out of sugar cane. An ox or mule was used to press out the raw sugar. Today, there are very few trapiches still in operation. This is a great opportunity to experience a unique window into the past.

City Tour (Heredia Students)

Explore the vibrant streets of Heredia! We will visit the plazas, the churches, and learn about the historical aspects of the city, which has so much to tell. During the tour, we'll venture in and out of the local markets, the whole time of course being entertained by the local artists and performers. The tour will end on a famous street café, enjoying local pastries, sipping espressos made from the world's best coffee, while the locals hustle back and forth!

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