Neighborhoods
- Ciudad Colón
The University for Peace is situated about 7 kilometers into the hills, where students from across the globe pursue their master’s degrees in a variety of academic fields. Most of these students live in Ciudad Colón, giving the town a unique atmosphere. While Ciudad Colón is as cosmopolitan as nearby areas like Santa Ana or Escazú, it retains the charm of a small Costa Rican town with more modest amenities and services. The cost of living here is lower than in Santa Ana or Escazú. The town offers several supermarkets that cater to the needs of expatriates, along with numerous small shops, banks, pharmacies, restaurants, gyms, and both public and private healthcare options. While there are no upscale dining or nightlife spots, many local establishments provide food and entertainment. On Saturdays, the town hosts the “Feria del Agricultor,” a farmer’s market in the morning, and on Tuesdays, the “Feria Verde,” an organic product market in the afternoon. Despite its small size, Ciudad Colón is home to residents from over 50 different countries, making it one of the most culturally diverse towns in the world. The majority of the expatriate population consists of students and faculty from the University for Peace. The town lies at the base of the mountain where the University for Peace is located, which was formerly known as Villa Colón. UPEACE provides transportation to and from Ciudad Colón on weekdays at various times.
- Brasil de Mora
Brasil de Mora is located just a short distance from Forum and the Santa Ana area, only 2 kilometers from downtown Ciudad Colón. This neighborhood is recognized for its peaceful atmosphere, natural surroundings, and ongoing development. UPEACE offers transportation to the area twice a day on weekdays, before and after classes. Public transportation to Santa Ana, Escazú, and San José is also available daily. The area offers a range of nearby services for residents.
- San Bosco
This rural area is situated about 2 kilometers from downtown Ciudad Colón. UPEACE provides transportation twice daily on weekdays, once before and once after classes, to and from the Campus. If students need transportation at other times, they can take a public bus (approximately $1 USD) or a taxi (around $5 USD) from downtown Ciudad Colón to San Bosco. Public buses to Santa Ana, Escazú, and San José are available daily as well.
- El Rodeo
This rural area is located 7 kilometers from downtown Ciudad Colón, where the UPEACE campus is situated. Known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, it is perfect for outdoor activities like horseback riding, mountain boarding, cycling, running, and hiking. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, it offers a more tranquil lifestyle compared to the busier areas where most students choose to live in Ciudad Colón. However, due to its location, this area may feel somewhat isolated for some students. There are small grocery stores in the vicinity, but public transportation is limited to two services per day (morning and afternoon) on weekdays. UPEACE transportation is also available to Ciudad Colón and surrounding areas during weekdays, within a set schedule. For transportation outside of these hours, students may need to take a taxi, with a ride to Ciudad Colón costing around $10 USD.
- Other Areas
San José, Escazú, and Santa Ana are located on the route to downtown Ciudad Colón. These areas are more developed and popular with tourists, which contributes to a higher cost of living. UPEACE does not offer housing options in these areas; however, students who choose to rent privately can inform the housing office about their accommodation and location. This will help them access the nearest UPEACE bus stops. Escazú and Santa Ana are situated along Route 27, the main highway connecting Ciudad Colón to San José (the capital). UPEACE provides two bus services per day—before and after classes—but with limited seating. Therefore, students must request a reservation in advance to secure a spot on the UPEACE bus.