Cultural Activities And Excursions Offered By
Academia Columbus
In Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica

Overview
An important part of and Spanish immersion experience is the opportunity to learn about the local culture and to visit sites of interest in the area. As such, Academia Columbus sets up and arranges a variety of cultural activities and excursions to help our students discover Heredia and Costa Rica.

Each week our Spanish center has an extensive array of things to do and things to see for our Spanish students. Participation is voluntary, but you will find that these cultural activities are very popular. Either way, you can pick and choose which activity you want to participate in.

After your first day of Spanish classes are over on Monday, we take all new students on a city tour of Santo Domingo de Heredia. You will see or learn about all the important features of the town including transportation, ATM locations, shopping, etc.

Here Are Just Some Of The Activities Offered

• Dance classes: This is a very popular activity. Our dance instructor will help you learn some of the more popular dance styles in this region (salsa and merengue). During your 2 hour dance course there will be a break and a chance to relax with a cocktail.
• Cooking classes: One of our instructors will help you learn how to prepare popular Costa Rican dishes.
• Lectures: These lectures provide insights into current and historical aspect about Costa Rica. You will learn about the culture, the history, the politics, the geography of the country and more. The lectures' themes and vocabulary will be prepared accordingly in class lessons, depending on the proficiency level of the students.
• Fiestas: During the month the Spanish school will have at least one fiesta. The format is in a typical Costa Rican style and includes music, dancing, traditional foods, and drinks. Very Popular!
• Movie nights: Enjoy a relaxing movie with other students near the school.
• Museum and park visits: Learn about Costa Rica by visiting interesting local museum or some of the nearby national rainforest parks.

Examples Of Some Of The More Popular Trips Arranged

• Arenal Volcano: One of the most active volcanoes in the world. This is a weekend trip to see this volcano which has daily eruptions of lava and rock. During the night you will get close enough to see red hot lava pouring out of the volcano. The trip also includes a trip to some of the local hot springs and a visit to the nearby lake.
• White water rafting: Costa Rica is famous for the quality of its white water rapids. For this trip we head towards the Caribbean and end up on the world famous Rio Pacuare. You will spend about 5-6 hours on the river going through class 3 and class 4 rapids. Midway through the trip you will stop and have lunch by the side of the river. Besides excellent rapids, the river flows through some of the most scenic rainforest found anywhere in Costa Rica.
• Zip Lining: This is one of the most fun excursions you can do in Costa Rica. You will get up high into the canopy of the rainforest and glide along lines strung up between the trees. It is thrilling and you get to see some amazing rainforest and wild life.
• Manuel Antonio National Park: This park has long been considered one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, the park consists of numerous beaches and lush rainforests.
• Corcovado National Park: This park contains some or the most diverse assortments of animals and plants found anywhere in Costa Rica. You will have a chance to see various species of monkeys, crocodiles, tapirs, jaguars, macaws, and much more!

The activities and excursions listed above just scratch the surface of what you can see and do in and around Heredia. Our staff will help you plan and do things during your Spanish immersion program at Academia Columbus.