Instituto San Joaquín de Flores Spanish Language and Latin American Studies

Excursions

During the program, students have the opportunity to broaden their classroom education through several organized excursions, which are included in the price of the program. Overnight lodging, breakfast, entrance fees and transportation to and from the excursion locations are included. Although excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather and other factors, students are provided with an itinerary for their program excursions prior to departure.

Spring

CARTAGO

Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital until 1823 and is home to Costa Rica’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Angels “Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles” or “La Negrita.” Students visit the most important sites in the city, as well as the Orosi Valley, founded by the Franciscan monks in 1561. It is home to the country’s oldest church still in continuous use, built in 1735.

LANKESTER GARDENS

Internationally recognized for its outstanding collections of epiphytes (air plants), the Jardín Botánico Lankester was established in 1973 as a center for display, education, conservation and research of tropical plants, with an emphasis on orchids. In its 27 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, almost 3000 species of living plants are displayed.

RÍO CELESTE / TENORIO VOLCANO

The beautiful river ‘Río Celeste’ is named after the light blue waters caused by the presence of sulphur and calcium carbonates. Clouds and rainforest cover the park, which has many flora and fauna species, rivers, waterfalls and thermal hot springs. The Tenorio Volcano, with multiple craters, and Montezuma Volcano, with twin craters, are both dormant.

INTERNATIONAL EXCURSIONS

DEL TORO, PANAMA OR GRANADA, NICARAGUA*

PANAMA

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro offers white-sand beaches, lagoons, and incredible opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sunbathing. It is also an area rich in wildlife. Students may visit the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, featuring incredible coral reefs and marine life, and a nearby bird sanctuary with a variety of local and migratory species. Four species of endangered sea turtles still visit the waters of Bocas and the turtles come ashore in great numbers during certain seasons.

NICARAGUA

Granada was founded in 1524 and is one of the oldest settlements in Nicaragua. During the colonial period, it was one of the most important port cities in Central America. Students are fascinated by its colonial architecture and old-world feel.

Fall

ARENAL

Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the central mountainous region of Costa Rica, with elevations ranging from 3281 to 5436 feet. Surrounded by rainforests and cloud forests, the Arenal Volcano is a sight to see! This active volcano was considered dormant until a major eruption in 1968. If students are lucky to observe the volcano on a clear night, they can see hot lava trails streaming down the mountain. Nearby waterfalls and hot springs (heated by the volcano) make for a relaxing experience.

CARTAGO

Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital until 1823 and is home to Costa Rica’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Angels “Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles” or “La Negrita.” Students visit the most important sites in the city, as well as the Orosi Valley, founded by the Franciscan monks in 1561. It is home to the country’s oldest church still in continuous use, built in 1735.

LANKESTER GARDENS

Internationally recognized for its outstanding collections of epiphytes (air plants), the Jardín Botánico Lankester was established in 1973 as a center for display, education, conservation and research of tropical plants, with an emphasis on orchids. In its 27 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, almost 3000 species of living plants are displayed.

INTERNATIONAL EXCURSIONS

DEL TORO, PANAMA OR GRANADA, NICARAGUA*

PANAMA

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro offers white-sand beaches, lagoons, and incredible opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sunbathing. It is also an area rich in wildlife. Students may visit the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, featuring incredible coral reefs and marine life, and a nearby bird sanctuary with a variety of local and migratory species. Four species of endangered sea turtles still visit the waters of Bocas and the turtles come ashore in great numbers during certain seasons.

NICARAGUA

Granada was founded in 1524 and is one of the oldest settlements in Nicaragua. During the colonial period, it was one of the most important port cities in Central America. Students are fascinated by its colonial architecture and old-world feel.

* The international destination varies each session due to the influence of the local climate.