Portantorchas is located approximately 15 Km from downtown San José, the capital. Because of its location in the central valley of Costa Rica, it offers all the benefits of beautiful surrounding countryside. These include the rain forest, which is only 45 minutes away, a two-hour drive to either the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea and a short trip to any nearby active volcano.

Also available for the enjoyment of students are several rivers that are ideal for white water rafting through the tropical rain forest.