Sitting just a short distance from the capital city of San José, the lush and gorgeous province of Heredia is one of the most beautiful of all the country.

Known for its verdant coffee plantation covered hills and volcanic national parks, Heredia is one of Costa Rica’s larger cities and has a very elegant feel to it. Boasting nearly all the same amenities that San José has to offer, Heredia is a great choice to live and study Spanish if wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of San José.

Heredia, located in the Central Valley, has an agreeable climate with temperatures averaging 29ºC (85ºF) in the day but dropping to 21ºC (70ºF) in the evening - we recommend a sweater or light jacket.

A relaxed and laidback place, the main attraction of Heredia is its superb colonial architecture that can be seen all over the city. In the heart of the city, surrounding the main square, which is a popular gathering place, is Heredia’s historic La Inmaculada Concepcion, a majestic church built in 1796, with bells imported all the way from Cusco, Peru. The stained glass paintings in the church are some of the oldest in the country. This church stands in Heredia’s Parque Central, and has a variety of shops and restaurants neighboring it. Also to be found is a music temple in the city’s Central Park, as well as El Fortín, a wonderful colonial tower of an old Spanish fort. Besides some old buildings, the park is home to the La Casa de la Cultura as well, which holds historical and art exhibitions on a regular basis.

Another reason for Heredia popularity is the fact that the country’s national university, Universidad Nacional is situated here, which has one of the foremost veterinarian schools in Central America, as well as an outstanding marine biology department. This is why one will find plenty of students teeming all over the city.

When exploring Heredia, do go to the top of Monte de la Cruz, where you will be treated to some spectacular views of Heredia, its surrounding areas and huge coffee plantations. From Heredia, one also gets the opportunity to view both the Poás and Barva volcanoes in the distance.

You can learn Spanish in Costa Rica in three cities:

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

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