Field trips for Heredia, Costa Rica
We highly recommend students participate in the following organized field trips, which are included in your program fees. Some trips may be mandatory for specific classes and will be led by the Resident Director, instructors, or International Office staff. These excursions generally take place on Fridays/Saturdays or Saturdays/weekends.
Please note that destinations may only be available during certain terms and are subject to change at the discretion of the Resident Director or on-site staff.
The following are possible field trip destinations, with further details provided upon arrival.
Bajos del Toro Day trip
Enjoy a day of swimming and relaxation in beautiful natural surroundings. You’ll visit the city of Sarchí as well as Catarata Tesoro Escondido, a blue river with a waterfall and pools, and enjoy a beautiful viewpoint for photos.
Irazú Volcano and Cartago
Irazú volcano is located in the Cordillera Central Mountain Range, close to Cartago province. It is known as "El Coloso" (the colossus) and is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from its top.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Immerse in a magical experience at the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Steady cloud cover created by winds and particular temperature and moisture conditions during the dry season form a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Walk across the hanging bridge overlooking the forest canopy, and you’ll also have the opportunity to go zip-lining.
La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs
Visit the picturesque 70-meter-high La Fortuna Waterfall, and go for a refreshing swim in the pool below while enjoying the natural beauty all around you. You’ll also visit the largest hot springs in Costa Rica.
Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls
Poás Volcano is the most easily accessible active volcano, and the park is home to more than 80 species of birds. La Paz Waterfalls Gardens is a beautiful park located in the rain-cloud forest in Heredia, with over 3.5 kilometers of walking trails, five spectacular waterfalls, a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, serpentarium, frog exhibit, Tica house, Trout Lake and many bird watching areas.
Central Pacific
Visit Punta Leona Hotel to learn about the conservation program to increase the number of Scarlet Macaws in the area. Beginning in 1996, artificial nests were built and placed high in trees in an attempt to attract Macaws to lay their eggs on the Punta Leona property, a protected area from poachers. The program was a success and continues to this day. Enjoy the pristine white and gold sand beaches, and walk along the trails and see the transition forest, where rain forest and dry forest species meet.