Exploring Costa Rica During Your Free Time
Costa Rica is a stunning country, and we encourage you to make the most of your free time by exploring its incredible landscapes. ILISA has its very own in-house travel desk, and we’ve cultivated strong relationships with a select group of reputable tour operators and hotels. These companies offer first-class service and provide excellent value for our students when selecting weekend excursions.
If you prefer not to join an organized tour, our travel desk is happy to assist with information and help plan your trip. We offer listings of bus schedules, hotels, and must-see destinations.
For those interested in renting a car, we work with an agency that offers special rates for our students, including insurance. The company will even deliver the car to the school, and pick it up when you’re done!
Here are a few of our students’ favorite destinations and how to get there:
White-Water Rafting
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on one of Costa Rica’s beautiful rivers. Tours include guides, equipment, transportation, and breakfast.
Tortuguero Canals & National Park
Take a bus and boat ride to Tortuguero on Saturday morning, returning Sunday. Explore the canals, and between July and September, you can take an optional “turtle walk” to spot nesting turtles on the beach.
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Head to Arenal with a small group of students. Depart on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. The drive takes you through Costa Rican villages and scenic landscapes, leading to one of the country’s active volcanoes. At night, you may witness red-hot lava flows, and during the day, visit hot springs and a nature reserve with a spectacular waterfall. You can also rent a car and explore on your own or share the costs with fellow students. A double hotel room typically costs $100-120 per night.
Coffee Tour – Half-Day
Costa Rican coffee is renowned for its rich flavor and aroma. Visit Café Britt, a well-known gourmet coffee producer, for a tour of their coffee farm near Barba, where you’ll learn about coffee’s history, visit the factory, and enjoy a tasting.
Irazu Volcano
Located 55 km from San José, Irazu is an active volcano with a stunning view. On a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The trip includes a stop in Cartago to visit the Basílica de Los Angeles, the Patron Saint of Costa Rica. You can also combine this tour with a visit to the Orosi Valley and Lankaster Gardens.
Butterfly Farm
This farm features thousands of live butterflies in all stages of their life cycle within a tropical garden. Enjoy an hour-long guided tour to learn about the farm’s operations and the natural history of butterflies. You can either take the tour’s transportation or arrive by car or public bus.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
This national park, located in both San José and Limón, is a paradise for nature lovers. Its dense forest, tall mountains, and numerous rivers make it ideal for birdwatching. Take a public bus to the park, pack a lunch, and enjoy a day surrounded by nature.
Poas Volcano and National Park
Located just 90 minutes from San José, Poas is the largest geyser volcano in the world. The park offers spectacular views and trails, easily accessible by public bus. You can also combine your visit to Poas with a trip to the La Paz waterfalls.
Monteverde Cloud Forest – 2 Days, 1 Night
Travel through mountain ranges and coffee plantations to Monteverde. Explore the private Monteverde Reserve, home to diverse epiphytes and wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, and the Resplendent Quetzal. The area also offers a cheese factory, butterfly farm, and horse riding. You can take the public bus or rent a car, depending on your preferences.
Manuel Antonio National Park & Other Beaches – 3 Days, 2 Nights
Visit one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and national parks, accessible by rental car or public bus. The area offers many hotels in all price ranges. You can also explore other stunning Pacific beaches like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Montezuma, or head to the Atlantic coast to visit Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Playa Chiquita.
Rain Forest Aerial Tram
Located an hour from San José, the Rain Forest Aerial Tram offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. The tour includes a 1.5-hour guided ride on a modified ski lift through primary and secondary forests, a nature hike, and a film about the tram’s construction.
These are just a few of the incredible destinations Costa Rica has to offer. For more details on travel options and arrangements, visit our travel page.
