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Costa Rica is famous for its volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, and beaches. On this trip, you'll experience all of them in just nine unforgettable days.
Start your adventure exploring San José before heading into the rainforest to stay at Rancho Margot, one of Costa Rica's most celebrated eco-lodges. Hike through lava fields at Arenal Volcano, swim beneath the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, soak in natural hot springs, and immerse yourself in the country's incredible biodiversity.
Then trade the mountains for the Pacific coast as you continue to Manuel Antonio, where tropical beaches meet lush jungle. Spend your days spotting monkeys and sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park, canyoning through waterfalls, relaxing on the beach, or choosing from exciting optional adventures like surfing, salsa lessons, or a sunset catamaran cruise.
Combining authentic local experiences, outdoor adventure, and plenty of free time, this itinerary offers the perfect balance for travelers looking to experience the very best of Costa Rica with U30X.
Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Start: Please be ready to go at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) at 3:00 pm.
Finish: Trip ends at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) at 11:30 am.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Book with confidence: it's free to switch your trip more than 30 days out.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait until you get more instructions on how to book your flight.
All Under30Experiences trip prices are in USD.
This trip is designed for travelers who want to experience the true essence of Costa Rica in just nine unforgettable days. By blending the lush, adventurous rainforests of Arenal, including a stay at the incredible Rancho Margot, with the sun-soaked, tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio, we’ve created the perfect balance of thrill and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to hike lava fields, soak in natural hot springs, spot sloths in the national park, or simply enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of the country without compromise. It’s the ultimate Costa Rica adventure for those who want it all.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, average 15
-Physical rating: Moderate. Includes activities like hiking and walking.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While we intend to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built in, and on occasion it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
You will be traveling by private and public ground transportation throughout your trip.
You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms and hotel bungalows for the duration of the trip.
Laundry is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plan's coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Optional Emergency Evacuation Services:
For travelers seeking additional peace of mind, some choose to purchase a Global Rescue membership. This service provides access to field rescue, medical evacuation, and support during natural disasters, civil unrest, or government evacuation orders.
Give us at least 30 days' notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation less than 30 days before your trip, please contact your travel insurance company, as they may cover some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 5-10 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.
Please be eco-friendly!
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below are our staff picks for the best items we travel with. All selected products are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size limits and are organically inspired when possible.
Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
The tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Costa Rica beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Costa Rica from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and COVID-19.
If you are traveling to Costa Rica from South America, you will be required to present proof of Yellow Fever Vaccine.
Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of Latin America. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.
Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. For legal reasons, our Trip Leaders are prohibited from administering any medication, including over-the-counter pain medication and antibiotics.
We suggest bringing 350 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
All businesses accept USD, so you do not need to convert to Costa Rican Colones before arriving.
If you’d like a better exchange rate, call your bank and order Colones before your trip.
In Costa Rica, a 23% charge is added to almost every meal (13% tax, 10% service charge, which goes to the house/staff pool rather than directly to your server). If you'd like to thank your server directly for great service, an additional tip is appropriate and appreciated.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition and in denominations below 100 USD.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the hotel safe.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
Leave flashy jewelry at home.
US Citizens, please consider registering with the US State Department's “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” which can contact your family in case of emergency.
Uber works at the San Jose Airport and is the safest way to call a taxi. If you miss the shuttle, use the free wifi to call an Uber.
Although La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night. We recommend staying in small groups, taking taxis to and from restaurants, and during nighttime activities. Taxis are the safest and easiest way to avoid any issues one might encounter on the streets after dark.
Taxis can be organized from the reception of your hotel. Please take the hotel's address with you.
The average temperature in Manuel Antonio is 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75-80 at night.
The average temperature in La Fortuna is 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65-75 at night.
Please expect showers and thunderstorms most days that pass through the forests.
Dry Season of November-April
Green Season of May-November
Pura Vida is a Costa Rican lifestyle that literally translates to "Pure Life". It's also a very common phrase that means "hello," "thank you," and more.
Costa Rica is a very eco-conscious country. Please do not disturb the natural environment by feeding animals, removing shells, or littering.
Smoking is prohibited in public areas.
To say "you're welcome," Costa Ricans use “con gusto” instead of “de nada”. They speak formal Spanish, mainly using "usted".
Tipping Customs
While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated, especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (colones) so the recipient does not incur additional exchange fees. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
Sail along the shoreline of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most majestic coastlines in Costa Rica. Swim & snorkel in the clear waters of Biesanz Bay. Soak up the Pacific sun while enjoying the views with a cold beverage. During the activity, enjoy a delicious grilled buffet meal, search for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, and this is grounds for immediate removal.
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Always do your best to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time.
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
Hostel Recommendation in San Jose:
Hotel & Hostel Recommendations in Manuel Antonio:
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U30X is such an amazing travel community. Once your trip is over, the experience is not. They keep in touch with their alumni & provide platforms for travel questions, personal development, & community connections in your own backyard! If you're a young person looking to travel I highly recommend U30X!
There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!
Traveling with U30X has been life changing for me. I've made lifelong friends with both travelers and staff. I can't come up with enough good things to say about the company, the people, and the experiences I've had!
Just returned from my second trip with Under30Experiences. My first trip was to the Costa Rica rainforest. My most recent trip was to Iceland. Both trips were such an amazing experience. I loved learning about Iceland and its origins. I enjoy the small groups and I made some great new friends! Recommend them for anyone wanting to travel alone or with a couple of friends.
I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!
Just came back from their Egypt trip. Definitely one of my top favorite trips I’ve ever taken! I knew ahead of time that I would want to go with a tour to Egypt, and under30experiences seemed like the best fit. I met amazing fellow travelers and loved our guide Mohamed who did an amazing job! Our days were pretty packed while also having some time for rest. Expect to wake up early to beat the crowds and to overall enjoy your time at the sites! Definitely planning on doing another trip with Under30experiences in the future!
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