ACA completes your Central American experience with exciting weekend adventures to nearby locations and cities at no additional cost. You’ll make your way to these local treasures via deluxe modern motorcoaches. Rest easy, because you always stay in safe, comfortable accommodations. As always, ACA staff are always there to make sure every trip exceeds your expectations.

The Capital City – San José (Week 1)

Spend five days in a beautiful, safe suburban area of San José, the nation’s capital. Thanks to Costa Rica’s booming reputation as a premier tourism destination, this diverse, contemporary part of Costa Rica has all the comfort and convenience of a modern city, yet is rich in colonial and native history. Being near so many natural wonders and eye-opening cultural attractions makes this the perfect headquarters for your unforgettable Central American experience. Our home for the week in San Jose will be the four-star Radisson Europa Hotel. Its picturesque pool, state-of-the-art Gold’s Gym, awesome breakfast buffet and newly remodeled rooms deliver the amenities you expect!

Punta Leona - Jaco (Weekend 1)

Home to one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica, Jaco is the town where people go when they want to unwind. It’s geared toward the traveler who knows how to relax. You’ll find plenty of great places to eat and shop, and of course, you’ll spend much deserved time on the beach, kicking back and playing it cool.

Punta Leona, the beachside resort we will call home for the weekend, is surrounded by 750 acres of lush tropical rainforest, pristine gold sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Pacific. Wake up to the sounds of over 330 exotic bird species, monkeys, iguanas, short-nosed coatis, toucans and brilliant scarlet macaws. Catch some rays on the beach, snorkel to experience the underwater world and cap the night off at Punta Leona’s on-site disco.

An Amazing Volcano – Arenal (Week 2)

Spend a week in the town of Arenal by the country’s most amazing natural landmark – the Arenal Volcano. Featuring almost daily eruptions with dramatic explosions and simmering lava flows, this volcano is truly unforgettable – but don’t worry, we stay safely out of the way! The area is also home to beautiful spas and hotels that have become “hidden destinations” for American and European travelers in the know. Now you’ll be in on the secret! Imagine relaxing in the hot springs, soaking your cares away while you watch a live volcano! Just wait until the sun goes down and the glowing red sky reflects the lava bubbling in Arenal’s active crater! A truly unforgettable sight.

A series of picturesque villas with unbelievable views, the four-star Arenal Springs Hotel will be your home for the week. When you’re done admiring the view of the volcano from your room, take a dip in the pool or have a snack in the full-service restaurant.

Monteverde (Weekend 2)

One of Costa Rica’s most cherished areas, this amazing rainforest is located on the Continental Divide at over 4,600 feet. We’ll get a close look at this incredible natural paradise with hundreds of bird, mammal and plant species on the treetop walkway, a series of bridges almost two miles long winding through the forest canopy. Bring your cameras and get ready to be wowed by what nature can accomplish! Take it up a notch with a zip-line canopy tour. Perched with spectacular views high above the rainforest floor, you’ll fly from platform to platform to see the rainforest in an incredible new way.

Located in the middle of the cloud forest, Hotel El Establo is the largest and most luxurious hotel in Monteverde. Incredible views of the mountains and unique cloud forest vegetation is only the start at El Establo. It also features a spa, swimming pools, gym, tennis court and soccer field.

Manuel Antonio (Week 3)

Here’s an adventure that combines everything there is to love about Costa Rica! A quaint village in the midst of a beautiful national park, Manuel Antonio is paradise for sun-worshippers, adventure travelers and wildlife lovers. The outdoor market is full of exotic food and packed with crafts and local art. A nearby trail network makes it easy to explore the jungle and interact with the wildlife. Listen to the songbirds singing overhead, but watch out for bold capuchin monkeys trying to steal your sunglasses! For those who crave sand and surf, the beaches here are among the best in all of Central America.

With the panoramic ocean views from this four-star hotel listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Hotel La Mariposa captures everything that makes Manuel Antonio extraordinary. Magnificent infinity edge pools, bountiful breakfasts and terrific service make this hotel a memorable end to your Costa Rican experience.

The Panama Extension

Along with being home to the nation’s namesake canal, Panama City blends old-world history and contemporary style with such flair that you’ll be disappointed you only get to stay here for one week.

The city’s sophistication rivals top European destinations. Panama also offers access to incredible, unspoiled jungles and the fantastic indigenous culture of the Embera Indians. Even within the city limits, the Parque Natural Metropolitano is a huge, perfectly preserved tropical rainforest – Central Park, eat your heart out!

Perfectly situated, with amazing views of the harbor and skyline, Plaza Paitilla Hotel is a great four-star hotel in the heart of the city. Floor to ceiling windows ensure you get the most out of your experience, and its ideal location means you’re close to great restaurants, shopping, and attractions.

(Supplemental fee: $1495*)

*Transportation costs are not included in your tuition.

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