Do You Plan To Visit In Costa Rica, Here Are The Best Places To Go

International students from different parts of the world are very much welcome in Costa Rica for international studies. It is a safe and developing country that is rich in culture and great places to see. On average, a high ranking public university will cost you anywhere from $80 per credit hour to $140 credit per hour plus miscellaneous fees of $100 per year.

Compared to other tropical destinations, getting a degree in Costa Rica is very much affordable. Cost of living is also very low that allows you to enjoy equally affordable opportunities to explore and enjoy the country while you are in it. Here is a shortlist of the top things you can enjoy and visit in the country, while studying in Costa Rica.

Visiting National Parks

Get a glimpse of nature and wildlife, on a budget, by visiting the several national parks in Costa Rica. Around 20 national parks are available in the country, each featuring a unique beauty to look forward to. On top of being one of the most affordable experiences you can enjoy in the country, there are plenty to learn about and enjoy while exploring these parks. 

Some parks like the Cahuita National Park can be visited for free while others require a small amount on the entrance. Tenorio Volcano National Park entrances fees cost 6USD while a visit to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park requires a 15USD fee upon entering.

Nature Hikes

Guided walks, in the lush forest and nature of Costa Rica are not only affordable  – they are one of the best experiences you should not miss while studying in the country. A guided tour at the Manuel Antonio National Park will cost you around 60USD for transportation, entrances and guide fees. To save, you might want to tag along some local friends or school mates via a car ride or through a bus to save on transportation and guide fee costs. If hiking on your own seems too bold for you as a beginner, it’s nice to bring along friends to have someone to share the happy memories in Costa Rica’s captivating parks.

Swim in Local Waterfalls

Costa Rica is very rich in natural tourist attractions and destinations. One of them would be its local waterfalls. Some of these falls are located on private property while others are public and can be accessed for free. Head together with your squad after a busy week at school at the Cascada El Pavon in Ojochal for a free waterfall adventure. If you prefer less crowded places,you can visit Llanos de Cortes in Guanacaste for a cheap 7USD entrance or the Uvita Waterfall for a cheaper entrance ticket of 2USD. Hotels located close to these waterfalls include the Arenal Observatory Lodge, the Villas Escondidas in Grecia and the Oxygen Jungle Villas in Uvita.

Museum Hopping

If you would rather enjoy the city life in Costa Rica, San Jose is one of the top places to check out museums and local restaurants. It is a perfect destination to visit over a weekend break from school. There are plenty of affordable museums in the area where you can bathe in culture and history while enjoying good food in the area. Entry to the National Museum costs around 9USD while a visit to the Jade Museum is about 15USD. The Gold Museum features really nice exhibits and has an 11USD entrance fee at the door.

Surfing and Boogie Boarding

Your spirit for adventure and excitement can be truly satisfied at the beaches of Costa Rica. Go on a kayak, snorkel or try our boogie boarding or surfing while you explore the top beaches of the country. Surfboard rentals cost 20USD for a day while boogie rentals start at 5USD for 2 hours. Surf lessons are also available from locals at 45USD per person for a 2-hour surfing lesson.

There are plenty of other experiences, affordable and light on the budget that can be enjoyed by foreign students in Costa Rica. The local farmers market is a must-visit, with lots of organic products and artisan jewelry to see. Renting a bike to get around the beach and the local towns would be a great way to take away all the stress from your busy schedules at school. The bar and dining scene is also quite fun, friendly and safe for tourists.

Take time to explore Costa Rica and enjoy its perfect imperfections as you earn a degree or complete a summer program in the country.