Around Town and Beyond
All work and no play – no way!
You’re in Costa Rica and Panama for a great summer of personal enrichment, community service and cultural immersion – but that doesn’t mean you have to be all business all the time. These are two countries that know how to take it easy, and ACA makes sure you get to experience everything that makes Costa Rica and Panama fun.
Looking for a Great Cuppa?
You can’t come to Costa Rica without trying the coffee, or at least getting a look at how it’s grown. We’ll take a fascinating tour of a coffee plantation and see how this essential beverage goes from bean to brew. You might be surprised to see that coffee comes from such a beautiful place. More than just a tour, the Café Britt experience is a comedic stage show that will have you seeing coffee in a whole new way.
Super Shopping
Sure, Costa Rica is a natural paradise, but it’s also a shopper’s paradise! The San Pedro Mall has four full stories of shopping action, from the latest sports gear to high-fashion apparel. There’s a huge food court featuring all your favorites, a ten screen movie theater and much more! For shopping that’s more in the local spirit, Avenida Central is a charming pedestrian mall loaded with great stores, international boutiques and plenty of restaurants.
It’s Only Natural
If nature’s your thing, you cannot find better destinations in the world than Costa Rica and Panama. As eco-tourism paradises, these countries offer everything from sea kayaking to jungle hikes, volcano tours to inspiring wildlife and rainforest canopy tours to pristine beaches. Panama City even has rainforest reserves within its city limits! If you can’t get enough nature, don’t miss the unique eco-system of the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the glowing volcano set amidst the stunning star-filled Arenal sky.
Arenal Volcano Hike & Hot Springs
Take a tour of Costa Rica’s famous active volcano, learning about how it was formed and why it erupts while you take in the incredible surrounding countryside. You’ll get a close look at the flowing lava, but don’t worry; we stay a safe distance away so you won’t feel the heat. After a good time hiking, volcano watching and jungle exploring, relax at the nearby hot springs. It’s easy to figure out why the water is so warm!
Kayak Safari Float
Spend some time unwinding on the calm waters of a mangrove canal. This is an amazing way to see Costa Rican wildlife. Floating along in a kayak, you’ll practically be face-to-face with beautiful toucans, macaws, monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. You may even spot a crocodile! Along the way you’ll enjoy a tasty local meal and learn about daily life in Costa Rica and the riches of the rainforest.
Catch a Flick
Just because you’re down in Costa Rica and Panama for the summer doesn’t mean you have to miss the summer blockbusters. Practice your language skills by watching your favorite movie in Spanish or just kick back and relax enjoying the new hit movies in English.
The “Can’t Miss” Canopy Tour
Can you imagine hiking the rainforest from hundreds of feet above the jungle floor? You’ll never forget sliding through the forest canopy using this elaborate system of ropes and cables. Move around seven elevated platforms connected to one another with five traverse cables. Each platform is positioned to provide an incredible view of the wildlife. It’s unbelievable! Of course, your safety is top priority the whole time. You’ll get top-quality mountain-climbing gear that is easy to use, and trained instructors will ensure that everyone is properly prepared to best enjoy this incredible experience.
Latin Dance Classes
Make this the summer you come home knowing how to really dance! After a day of class and service, try our classes in salsa, merengue, cumbia, bolero and more. Patient, experienced instructors will share the joy and fun of Latin dance. It’s a great way to exercise, meet friends
and experience Costa Rican culture – and you’ll never be afraid of the dance floor again!
Costa Rican Cooking Classes
Learn to prepare authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Cooking classes are offered every week for approximately two hours. These classes are taught in English and Spanish, so you can enrich your vocabulary, experiment with exotic recipes and enjoy the many tropical fruits and vegetables
Costa Rica has to offer.
Memorable Museums
San José and Panama City are true Central American cultural centers. It’s no surprise that they each feature many unique museums. You’ll discover museums devoted to stunning art, rich history and plenty about nature and wildlife. There are also entire museums devoted to gold, coffee, even jade, which was more valuable than gold to the ancient cultures! If you’re looking to dig deeper into Central American history and culture, you’re sure to find a museum to stimulate your mind.
Every Evening the Excitement Continues
San José, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Panama City are great places to play during the day, and they’re also plenty of fun once the sun goes down. Find out if your feet can keep up with the festive rhythms of salsa and merengue at one of the dance clubs – don’t worry, we offer a dance class to get you ready! If you’d rather cool your heels, you can catch a local show or find a seat at a quaint café for great conversation and people watching.
