Costa Rica travel itinerary: San Jose-Manuel Antonio-Monteverde-La Fortuna/Arenal Costa Rica Known as much for its friendly people (the Ticos), as for its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, Costa Rica is a favorite destination for anyone from backpacking bird enthusiasts to professional golfers. A pioneer of ecotourism, this Central American destination is jam-packed with outdoor activities such as sport fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining. In this small but diverse country, only a bumpy bus ride separates you from surfing one of the world's longest lefts at Pavones and lounging in the hot springs of Volcano Arenal. And at the end of an activity-filled day, you can sit back, have some rice and beans, enjoy an Imperial beer, and soak up the pura vida. *Great language courses and free healthcare too ☺ Highlights: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio … You will like rice and beans … Day pass at Tabacon Grand Spa (natural steam baths) by day, Arenal Volcano by night … Monteverde Cloud Forest … Surfing in Jaco, Tamarindo, or Hermosa … Trusting your life with the public bus over train-track style bridges … horseback in Piedras Blancas National Park Best time to visit: December to April What it costs: Student Airfare: from $248 Miami to San Jose 7 nights in a hostel: $77 in San Jose Can of Coke: $1 Exchange rate: $1 US = 517 Costa Rica Colon Study Abroad: Center for International Educational Exchange (CIEE), International Studies Abroad (ISA), University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), College Consortium International Studies (CCIS), Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), Center for Study Abroad (CSA), Academic Programs International (API), SUNY Brockport, School for Field Studies Language Schools: Amerispan, Bridge Linguatec, Spanish Abroad, Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound Teach Abroad: Language Corps, TEFL International, I – to – I, World Teach, Soluciones Idiomaticas Work Abroad: LEAP Now, World Endeavors, International Education Programs, Jacksonville University, Global Vision International, Institute for Field Research Expeditions, Global Crossroads, Costa Rica and Panama Vacations, Adventure Travel: Grayline Tours, GAP Adventures, Tucan Travel, Intrepid Travel

Travel to Costa Rica

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Top Picks For travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world with 650 itineraries that travel in 100 countries. With a huge variety of affordable travel styles available, Intrepid travelers explore some of the world's most amazing places and discover real people, real cultures and have incredible, real-life experiences along the way. For details go to www.intrepidtravel.com Study abroad with "Your Gateway to the World" - USAC!  Our programs expose you to Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Basque languages and other courses including culture, art history, business, political science, anthropology, ecology and more. We also provide tours and arrange housing. For FREE catalogs go to www.usac.unr.edu