Costa Rica San Jose Church 326506991

San Jose is home to profound culture and history, admirable architecture, diverse nightlife and simply friendly locals. It can be categorized as something in between a modern North American metropolis and the standard Central American capital, as San Jose provides a wonderful array of activities and attractions. Because San Jose is the cultural hub of the country, there are plenty of museums, art galleries, parks and dining options for visitors to choose from.

Known as one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, the region’s “Gold Coast” boasts a variety of beautiful beaches and rich culture, spanning across the northwestern corner of the country. Guanacaste's unique cultural notes are an after-effect of once being part of Nicaragua, fostering its own subtle personality, which reflects its economic and cultural heritage based on beef cattle ranching. In addition to the seemingly endless beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to experience wildlife in this area, as it is home to seven national parks.

Come volunteer abroad in San José, Costa Rica with API!

“I just wanted to say thank you API for giving me the opportunity to be in Costa Rica to learn about myself, the culture, and possible career choices!"

Genesis A. Marist College

On-Site Staff


Francy Orozco

Francy Orozco will be your Resident Director in San Jose and a resource for you on-site.