Welcome to Heredia, Costa Rica
The city also acts as a perfect jumping-off point for weekend trips to countryside coffee farms, natural waterfalls, white water rafting, and active volcanoes. It’s a great location for the dedicated Spanish immersion student as well at the die-hard adventure seeker.
The City
We chose Heredia because it is not a tourist city. Throughout it’s markets, coffee shops, parks, and churches, very little English is spoken. Heredia is home to one of Costa Rica’s most renowned universities as well as its own local soccer stadium which draws locals from neighboring cities and towns to Heredia’s streets.
Students have access to gyms, parks, museums, restaurants, yoga studios, swimming pools, and much much more. It’s a safe, walkable city and Tico Lingo is located just a minutes walk to the central park.
The Nature
Public buses are also very easy to catch and can take students to all parts of the country. If going out to the ocean for some scuba diving, or out to the rainforest for a zip-line tour, Heredia offers students many public bus routes to all parts of the country.
How to Get Here
You’re going to want to fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) which is a mere 25 minute drive from Heredia. Once you land, our airport pickup team will be waiting outside to meet you!
Quick Tips
– Late-night pick ups are no problem for us!
– Use local ATM’s to withdraw local currency (Colones)
– Plan to be here the Saturday or Sunday before your first day of class (Monday)
– Book flights early to get better deals!
During the day, absolutely. Students are encouraged to spend the afternoon exploring the many nooks and crannies that Heredia has to offer. From local coffee shops and boutique clothing stores to historic churches and the local soccer stadium, the city boasts many safe and fun activities.
At night, there are countless bars and restaurants to visit. Just like any other city though, it become a little more dangerous after dark and we encourage students to go out with a buddy.
A typical lunch in Heredia will cost you around 3000 colones ($5.25 USD). There are fancier options for the food lover in Heredia, but the regular cost of a meal doesn’t range more than 5000 colones ($8.75 USD).
*Note that tipping is not customary in Costa Rica
Still have some questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us and talk directly to a Program Advisor about visiting us in Heredia, Costa Rica!