Pacific Beach Excursion (Manuel Antonio National Park)

Manuel Antonio National Park is an escape to paradise. It is characterized by verdant forests, tropical beaches, and abundant wildlife. Relax on the beach or hike with your director along the park’s many trails. Observable wildlife species range from white-faced monkeys to tree sloths and iguanas. Other species found here, though a little more shy, include macaws, ocelots, squirrel monkeys, and coatimundis. While at Manuel Antonio, you will have the opportunity to visit the four tropical beaches located in the park boundaries. All of the white-sand beaches are linked by hiking trails that pass through the lush forest. Besides visiting the park and enjoying its natural beauty and wildlife, Manuel Antonio also has many other activities to offer, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and horseback riding. This is an experience you will never forget. MORE PHOTOS!

Monteverde Cloud Forest & Rain Forest Canopy Tour

Monteverde literally translates as “Green Mountain”, which aptly describes this lush mountain region of Costa Rica. It is best known as the home of the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, founded in 1972. The reserve is home to eight different ecological zones and possesses an amazing array of biodiversity, 90% of the reserve is virgin forest. On this excursion, you will experience firsthand the natural beauty of the Monteverde Reserve while hiking its scenic trails. You will see stunning waterfalls, views of the Pacific, and discover the incredible variety of animals that live in these forests. There are two towns in the area, Monteverde and Santa Elena, neither of which have paved roads, allowing for pleasurable walking to the small shops and museums. Not to miss on this excursion is the famous zip-line tour—spend part of the day zipping from tree to tree over the thick forest canopies below. MORE PHOTOS!

White-water Rafting

One of the many allures of Costa Rica is the opportunity to experience the rush of white-water rafting. Spend the day on the Pacuare River, among the top five rafting rivers in the world! The ranking is based on the style of rapids and breathtaking scenery. You will pass through sheer vertical gorges and float by miles of virgin rain forest. Witness howler monkeys, waterfalls, and countless other species of wildlife. The rapids are Class III-IV. While it is suggested that you have an active lifestyle if you are going to enjoy rafting on this river, you do not have to have previous rafting experience. The expedition is led by certified, professional guides. On the way to the Pacuare River you will pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most striking and untouched rainforests. MORE PHOTOS!

National Park Visits

Costa Rica is renowned world-wide for its national park system. Over 25% of the country is protected either under the national park system or under wildlife refuges, biological zones, or forest reserves. The 26 national parks comprise roughly 11% of the country. These parks are found throughout the country. While in Costa Rica you will have the opportunity to visit many of these parks either during your free time or with the program. Parks range from the lowland rainforests, to those found on the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, to the high tundra peaks of the central volcanic range. MORE PHOTOS!

Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls Hike

Costa Rica has just about everything a student could want—beaches, rainforests, mountains, and volcanoes. While in Costa Rica, you will not want to miss a trip to Poás Volcano, one of the country’s best National Parks. The Costa Rica National Park system is world-renowned, and Poás is one of its gems. The park is located in a verdant cloud forest, and temperatures are cool, making it ideal for hiking. On this excursion you will hike to the edge of the active volcano. Than we will delve further into the cloud forest, hiking along one of the wooded trails to the emerald green Botos Lake, which fills an extinct crater. After leaving the park, we will stop at local fruit stands full of fresh produce such as strawberries and blackberries. MORE PHOTOS!

San José City Tour

San José is the cultural, economic, and political nucleus of Costa Rica. The energetic capital city is located in the Central Valley and encircled by boundless mountain peaks. During this excursion, you will visit museums and the significant points of interest in the capital. At the top of the list is the ornate National Theater, built in the late 1800s by Costa Rica’s wealthiest coffee families. This is one of the finest theaters in the world, and of course is well in use today. Other stops include the National Museum, an open-air market, and the famous Zoo, unique in that it has only native species endemic to Costa Rica. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant that specializes in traditional Costa Rican cuisine. You are sure to enjoy this walking tour of the best San José has to offer. MORE PHOTOS!

Soccer Matches

Costa Ricans have a feverish passion for futból and it is the national pastime of the country. A great way to meet locals is to take part in games in the afternoons or the weekends. You will get some good exercise and of course, practice your Spanish. Also, there are often games amongst the different professional teams in Costa Rica. This is always a fun experience and you will see the incessant passion Costa Ricans have for the sport.

Puerto Viejo (optional for semester students)

The Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo has it all. Walk along stretches of pristine beaches and snorkel or dive in its clear waters and explore the fascinating coral reefs. The surrounding lush Caribbean forests are home to much flora and fauna. Along our hike in the forest to the indigenous village of the BriBri, you will encounter species of monkeys and tree frogs. Besides its natural side, Puerto Viejo has a unique mix of cultures and its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the country. It has a heavy Afro Caribbean influence with Jamaican roots mixed with indigenous and Hispanic cultures. On this excursion you will have many opportunities to enjoy the palm-fringed coast. Activities besides snorkeling and hiking include relaxing, surfing, biking, horseback riding, and kayaking. We will also make sure to take you to the untouched beaches just south of Puerto Viejo for dolphin and sea turtle watching (seasonal). The experience of exploring inlet coves in a small boat and viewing this fascinating sea life is unmatched. MORE PHOTOS!