Photography & Costa Rican Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering Monteverde’s picture-perfect scenery through your own lens.
Network
Meet new friends and professional photographers. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Train your eye and develop the skills and experience you need to kickstart a career in photography.
The Destination
Welcome to Monteverde, where mountain culture and wild beauty come into focus.
Perched high in Costa Rica’s Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde grew from a small farming community into a globally known center for conservation, creativity, and outdoor adventure. Its winding mountain roads, hummingbird gardens, and forest reserves offer endless inspiration. The wider Guanacaste region opens a window into other sides of the country—from Liberia’s historic “White City” streets to volcanic landscapes near Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Together, these places reveal the rich mix of ecology, history, and everyday culture that makes Costa Rica so compelling to photograph.
Sip coffee grown on nearby mountain slopes and devour plate after plate of traditional casado (rice, beans, plantains, salad, and more). Walk hanging bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, browse artisan shops in Santa Elena, or take in sunset views stretching toward the Gulf of Nicoya. From misty mountains to colorful coastal culture, Monteverde invites you and your new friends to chase adventure, share unforgettable moments, and see Costa Rica through a new lens.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Ziplining Over the Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy
Take to the treetops on a guided ziplining adventure through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, where Costa Rica helped pioneer canopy ecotourism. Glide high above the forest floor—sometimes more than 100 feet up—crossing ravines and misty valleys where much of the cloud forest’s wildlife lives. As you soar through the canopy, keep an eye out for toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, and the layers of orchids, mosses, and giant ferns that make this ecosystem so extraordinary.
More than an adrenaline rush, this three-hour experience offers a new perspective on a forest usually explored from the ground. Suspended above the treetops, you’ll see why healthy ecosystems matter here, where conservation and community are deeply connected. For photographers, it’s also a chance to experience the cloud forest from dramatic new angles—and maybe capture some unforgettable views along the way.
El Tigre Waterfalls
Head into the mountains for a day at El Tigre Waterfalls, a spectacular private reserve about 40 minutes from Monteverde known for its jungle trails, hanging bridges, and a series of dramatic waterfalls. On a guided loop hike, cross rivers, descend into a lush canyon, and discover waterfalls tumbling through the forest—an unforgettable setting for adventure and photography alike. Along the way, look for tropical birds, blue morpho butterflies, and the dense plant life that makes this region so extraordinary.
Bring your camera for misty long-exposure shots and sweeping landscape views as you explore why this area has become such a beloved destination for Costa Ricans and travelers alike. More than a hike, El Tigre offers a deeper look at Monteverde’s wild beauty, conservation efforts, and the ecosystems you’ve been studying—all while sharing a memorable outdoor adventure with new friends.
A CIEE Student's Reflections on the Beauty of Monteverde
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Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
- Please note: Due to the local cuisine and available food options, this program cannot accommodate a fully Kosher or Halal diet.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,250 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Pablo Allen
Center Director
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
Get Started
1
2
Connect with your Teachers or Parents
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.
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