About the Heredia, Costa Rica Program

The Heredia program is a USAC specialty program. Learn more about on-site program elements and the city itself below.

• On-site Staff
• Host University
• Living Accomodations
• Passport and Visa

About Heredia

• Population: approx. 348,000
• Distance from San José: 5 miles
• Distance from the Pacific: 49 miles

Heredia was founded in 1705 and is located outside Costa Rica's capital, San José, in a valley surrounded by scenic mountains that are visible from all over the city. It is nicknamed "La Ciudad de las Flores" (the city of flowers) due to the beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found there. Heredia offers the excitement of living near the capital city but with a more calm and relaxed atmosphere. A short bus ride will take you up into the mountains where you can go walking or hiking and enjoy beautiful scenery of the cloud rainforest. In town, you will find the Central Park, where La Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, a colonial church built in 1797, is located. During the weekends, you can wander through farmers markets bustling with Ticos (local Costa Ricans). No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will enjoy the great weather and scenic surroundings of Heredia.