Costa Rica is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Known as the Switzerland of Central America. You will find abundant natural beauty and a well educated population. The country is a paradise full of national parks, volcanos, beaches and more rivers and water per square meter than any other country in the world. It is also a great jumping-off point for visits to other Central American countries.
Of all of the vacation destinations on the planet, Costa Rica is certainly one the most exotic, as it offers unparalleled natural beauty, fiery volcanoes, misty cloud forests, thick jungle rain forests, and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism activities.

In addition, Costa Rica has over 1,000 miles of simply gorgeous white-and-black sand beaches, plenty of sunshine, and more than its share of world-class sport fishing, snorkeling and surfing venues.

The most popular nature attractions include a litany of volcanoes, including Arenal Volcano, that almost-daily produces a spectacular show of lava, rock and stream; the active (and viewable) crater in the Poas Volcano; summit tours of the stunning Irazus Volcano; Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve; Osa Peninsula and the Corcovado National Park, and the Caribbean flora and fauna of the Tortuguero National Park.

The single most-visited place in Costa Rica is the capital city of San Jose; it serves as the main entry point into the country, and its mixture of traditional Spanish architecture, museums and theaters are first rate. Limon, on the Caribbean coastline, hosts cruise ships from around the world and some fabulous markets and shops along its seawall.

Of all of the countries in Central America, Costa Rica has historically been the friendliest and safest.

Costa Rica's tropical climate is pleasant throughout the year, with prevailing trade winds helping to cool down much of the coastal areas.

March through May are the hottest months, while somewhat cooler temperatures are the norm, December, January and February.

You can learn Spanish in Costa Rica in three cities:

• Spanish Courses in Flamingo Beach
• Spanish Courses in Heredia
• Spanish Courses in Monteverde

• EcuadorEcuador arguably has the most intensely varied landscape in South America. You get it all here: the collosal Andes, the Amazon, Pacific beaches, and of course the naturalist's paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
• BoliviaBolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination for those looking for more than postcards.
• PeruThe landscape of Peru is as epic as its history. The shadows, canyons, and plateaus of the vertiginous Andes hide the remains of one of the world's most extraordinary empires - the Inca - while their eastern slopes are the cradle of the Amazon River itself.
• ChileIn Chile, nature runs the gamut of its most dramatic forms - enormous glaciers, craggy granite spires, and towering volcanic cones dominate the landscape. Torres del Paine National Park is widely held to be the finest park in the Americas.
• ArgentinaA country of wide-open pampas and ancient forests, Argentina is as wild as its capital city, Buenos Aires, is sophisticated.
• CubaCuba is a beautiful country, it also has a population that is very hospitable in spite of the economic difficulties in the last few years. It is a country of music, poetry, dancing, singing and chatting. People have time for each other and for their guests. Cuba is like going back in time to the 50´s: old cars, a relaxed atmosphere, no hurry.
• Costa RicaIn recent years, Costa Rica has nearly become synonymous with the term "ecotourism." Its pristine rainforests are painstakingly protected, and an ever-increasing tide of people comes to witness the astounding abundance of plant and animal species each year.
• Dominican Rep.The white sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are just part of the Dominican Republic’s appeal. Whether you’re looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer.
• GuatemalaA colorful and hospitable country. As the origin of the mysterious Mayas, the country offers some of the continent’s richest folklore. The cultural blend of Spanish and Indigenous people is still seen in daily life. Ancient rituals are intertwined with the modern. You will find an abundance of high quality, low-priced handicrafts.
• MexicoWith both the most populous city in the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches, Mexico is a lively destination. A variety of natural wonders from lush tropical rainforests to mountains and deserts make Mexico a gem for the adventurer, but its real treasure is in the spirit of its people.