CIS Abroad Activities

As part of your package with CIS Abroad, we provide a variety of cultural events for you to take advantage of during your time abroad. Our onsite staff plan out unique excursions for each term, depending on the weather, ongoing local events, and availability, so no two terms will be exactly the same. Your onsite directors will keep you updated on what opportunities are available to your session.

Check out this sample calendar for the Spring 2024 Semester:

SAMPLE STUDENT CALENDAR

Day Excursions

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

After a quick stop at La Casa Del Café where students can try some of Costa Rica's best coffee, they will head to the La Paz Waterfall Reserve and rescue center. The hike will take them through the aviary, butterfly garden, frog and toad house, and finally through the forest to see 5 beautiful waterfalls. Lunch is included.

Irazu Volcano and Basilica de los Angeles, Cartago

At over 11,000 feet above sea level, Irazu is the tallest volcano in the country. The group will hike up to the crater to enjoy one of the most unique views in Costa Rica. After the volcano they will enjoy a delicious home cooked meal and then visit the Basilica de Los Angeles, one of the most important Catholic churches in the country. Lunch is included.

Cafe Britt coffee Tour

The group will learn all about the history of Costa Rica and the production of coffee. This interactive tour covers everything from planting the crops, to picking the coffee, to roasting and brewing it! Lunch is included.

Overnight Excursions

La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano and Hots Springs

The group will stop at a traditional Oxcart factory and the town of Zarcero on the way to La Fortuna. They will stay at the Los Lagos Hot Spring resort, and visit La fortuna Waterfall. Breakfast is included.

Manuel Antonio, National Park

The group head to the town of Quepos and enjoy a guided tour of the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, where they will see monkeys, sloths, birds, frogs and many more species that live in the area. After the hike they will spend time at Manuel Antonio beach, one of the most beautiful in the country. Breakfast is included.

Costa Rica SP2023 Jaco and Manuel Antonio_8

Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park

The group will drive through the Braulio Carrillo National Park on their way to the Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo is a small but lively town, full of music, beautiful beaches and amazing food. At the Cahuita National Park they will enjoy a guided tour and see monkeys, sloths, snakes and other wildlife from the area. There is also an optional snorkeling tour available. Breakfast included both days.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is a magical little town in the middle of the cloud forest. The students can choose to do the Night Hike, hike around the reserve, or fly through the air on the zip line tour. Breakfast is included.

Local Life Activities

National Theater

Take a tour of this historic landmark of San Jose, and learn all about its history, architecture and the artwork within.

Barrio Escalante

Students will walk around one of the most beautiful and fun areas around San Jose, Barrio Escalante (also called "the Gastronomic Town") and enjoy some Ice cream!

Craft Market

Visit the San Jose Open Craft Market, a great place to buy gifts for friends and loved ones!

National Museum

Visit the historical Cuartel Bellavista and learn all about the history of Costa Rica from pre-columbian times to modern day.

Roller Skating

Enjoy roller skating at Patines Music, an old school roller skating rink visited by many locals.

Cooking Class

Students will get a chance to learn the recipes for Costa Rica's most traditional meals!

Welcome to Costa Rica

Excursions