Study Program in Costa Rica

Tours and Day Trips

The program features tours to national buildings, museums, national parks, biological reserves, volcanoes, hot spring waters, beaches, waterfalls, cloud and dry forests, and traditional towns.  Professional guides teach students about the flora, fauna, and natural resources and their importance in the balance of the ecosystem.  Some optional tours and activities might include snorkeling, white water rafting, artistic exhibitions, trips to the Caribbean coast, etc. 

This year we are doing the following tours:

• Three-day weekend in Arenal Volcano National Park and Monteverde Biological Reserve.
  The Arenal Volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica.  The view of the volcano is magnificent when the sky is clear.  Sometimes it can be a spectacular display of flowing-red lava and incandescent rocks flying through the air.  In our way to Arenal we make stops in the small and charming town of Sarchí, famous for its craft and woodwork centers, and the town of Zarcero, renowned for its topiary garden.  At our arrival to Arenal, students visit Tabacon Hot Spring Waters.  Before our departure to Monteverde, we make a 2 hour stop to hike and swim by La Fortuna Waterfall.
  
  Monteverde is one of the biggest biological reserves in Costa Rica.  Treetops and vines create a canopy that preserves the moisture within the forest, and also provides a home for many small animals and insects that live their whole lives in the canopy, never touching the ground. The cloud and rainforest comprise some of the world's most complex ecosystems. Here, students have the opportunity to experience being at the highest points of the rain forest though Sky Walk and easily see up close the beauty of the canopy. 
  
  The Sky Walk tour includes 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) of trails and 6 suspended bridges across deep canyons at the level of the treetops. The longest bridge is about 800 feet in length. There is no strenuous climb or mud and the trails are very well maintained. It takes an average of 2 hours, much more if you pay attention to all the different plants, trees and wildlife along the way.  
  
  In addition to the Sky Walk, there is also the option to participate in the Sky Trek for an extra charge.  This is a system of 11 zip-lines in the cloud forest canopy.  Cable lengths range from 120 feet to 2,310 feet, and heights range from 60 feet to 480 feet.   It is safe and very exiting. This tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours.   
  
  Accommodations for triples in Arenal National Park and Monteverde are included.  Extra charges may apply for students requiring double or single accommodations. Meals included for the three days are: Day 1: L-D; Day 2: B-L-D; Day 3: B-L.
   
• Three-day weekend in Manuel Antonio National Park and beach.
  Manuel Antonio is located in the Central Pacific region.  In this small town you can find plenty of stores, restaurants, and clubs.  A very good reason we come here is to experience the turquoise-color water and extensive white sand beaches surrounded by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line.  Dedicated and knowledgeable guides help students explore the incredible diversity of flora and fauna in the park. 
  
  Some optional activities not included in the program are: scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, sea-kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding to pristine waterfalls. Students interested in these activities are free to make their own arrangements during free time. 
  
  Multiple accommodations in Manuel Antonio are included.  Extra charges may apply for students requiring single accommodations. Meals included for the three days are: Day 1: Day 1: D; Day 2: B-L-D; Day 3: B-L
   
• One-day trip to San José
  San José was founded in 1737.  Today, unlike many other cities in Latin America, little remains from the colonial era.  Visits include the National Theatre built in the 1890’s, one of San José’s most impressive public buildings and center of Costa Rican culture; the National Museum which displays Costa Rican archeology, jade and gold pieces, colonial furniture and costumes, colonial and religious art, and historical exhibits.  Other points of interest include Culture Square, the Cathedral, and the central Market which was built in 1871 and proclaimed National Patrimony. 
  
  In this trip, different from the others, we will take public transportation. 
   
• One-day trip to Britt Coffee Plantation
  Experts in this coffee plantation will lead the way, bringing coffee’s fascinating history and production cycle alive with homespun Costa Rican humor.  Students learn about the coffee’s vital role in forging Costa Rican democracy and cultivating a national identity around hard-working, friendly and environmentally conscious “ticos,” Costa Ricans affectionate nickname.  At the end of the tour students can purchase coffee products at very reasonable prices. 
   
• One-day trip to the Poás Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
  The ride to the Poás Volcano is scenic and pleasant.  Poás is 8,200 feet above sea level; it has an active crater filled with a steaming sulfuric lagoon, and a dead crater filled in by a large lake.  The volcano has had a long history of eruptions, going back as far as 11 million years! On January 25, 1910, the volcano spewed out 640,000 tons of ash, and in the period of 1952-1954, it bombarded nearby areas with ash and rocks.
  
  La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a 30 hectare park that features a dramatic series of waterfalls reached by a fine trail system.  The 3.5 km of trails wind through the one of the biggest butterfly gardens in the world (with the length of a football field), continuing through hummingbird gardens, orchid exhibits, the snakes zone, the frogs zone, and the Antique House for home made pastry with a sugar cane drink or coffee. 

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