-Experience Costa Rican culture in San José
-Stay at a world-class eco-lodge
-Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall and hot springs
-Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
-Canyon through the jungle
-Connect with locals at our flagship community project
Experience the best of Costa Rica on one epic nine-day adventure. From the vibrant streets of San José to the volcanic landscapes around Arenal and the tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio, this trip combines culture, nature, adventure, and plenty of time to relax. You'll stay at Rancho Margot, explore waterfalls and hot springs, hike through volcanic terrain, and discover one of Costa Rica's most famous national parks.
You'll stay in comfortable accommodations throughout the trip, including one night in San José, three nights deep in the rainforest outside La Fortuna, and four nights in Manuel Antonio.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender. You can request that a friend be your roommate at checkout.
If you'd prefer not to have a roommate, private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge. Please contact bookings@under30experiences.com for more details.
Laundry is available at the accommodations for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
We're spending time in tropical and rainforest environments, so expect to see some lizards, frogs, insects, and other wildlife. Costa Ricans understand that we're visitors in their environment, so it's normal to encounter creatures you may not see at home.
Long sleeves and pants are a good idea around dusk to help protect against mosquitoes. We recommend bringing an eco-friendly, non-aerosol insect repellent.
Costa Rica is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, especially around Arenal and Manuel Antonio.
You may see white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, iguanas, and many other tropical species.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as animals are free to move through their natural habitat.
We recommend bringing a backpack or medium-sized suitcase, along with a small daypack for everyday activities.
Space is limited on our transportation, so we recommend bringing one main piece of luggage per person. You'll also be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
A daypack is especially useful for hiking, canyoning, beach days, and excursions.
Costa Rica uses 110-volt, 60-cycle electricity, just like the US. Plugs are typically the two-pronged flat type, so US travelers will generally not need a converter or adapter.
You'll enjoy a mix of Costa Rican cuisine and international options throughout the trip. Breakfasts are included every day, along with three lunches and four dinners.
At Rancho Margot, you'll have the opportunity to experience the property's farm-to-table philosophy, with food grown and produced on-site as part of its sustainable farming system.
Expect local favorites such as gallo pinto, fresh tropical fruit, rice and beans, plantains, fresh vegetables, and a variety of proteins.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Costa Rican Meal:
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
Costa Rica is tropical year-round, but temperatures can vary depending on where we are traveling.
Around Arenal and La Fortuna, expect warm, humid conditions during the day, with cooler temperatures in the evening.
Manuel Antonio is typically hot and tropical, with warm days and evenings, perfect for spending time at the beach.
Rain is possible at any time, particularly in the rainforest, so come prepared for changing weather conditions.
You'll travel by private group ground transportation throughout the trip.
Our route takes us from San José to the Arenal region, then onward to Manuel Antonio, with stops along the way, including Tárcoles.
Travel times can vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and weather.
Moderate.
This trip includes hiking, walking, swimming, canyoning, and time spent outdoors in warm, humid conditions. Some travelers may find the hills and uneven terrain on the hikes challenging, while more active travelers may find them less difficult.
The Arenal 1968 hike 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers) includes uneven terrain, and canyoning requires physical activity including hiking, climbing, and rappelling.
Weather conditions such as heat, humidity, and rain can affect trail conditions and the intensity of activities.
Our Trip Leaders are there to help keep the group safe while allowing everyone to enjoy the experience at their own pace.
We've included many activities in the price of the trip, giving you plenty to experience without constantly adding extras.
However, we also know that everyone travels differently. Your Trip Leader can help you organize optional activities if you'd like to add more adventure or relaxation to your trip.
Optional activities include:
Optional activities are subject to availability and may vary by departure.
Of course! This is your trip, and you don't have to participate in anything you don't want to.
Just keep in mind that opting out of an included activity will not change the price of your trip.
San José and Manuel Antonio offer the most nightlife opportunities during the trip.
Manuel Antonio and nearby Quepos offer restaurants, bars, and nightlife, although it is still a relatively small community—not Miami Beach!
La Fortuna also has a selection of restaurants and bars, while Rancho Margot is a much quieter, nature-focused environment.
Please drink responsibly and remember that you'll need to be up at a reasonable hour for the next day's activities.
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is widely spoken in many tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and activity providers.
Knowing Spanish is not required to enjoy this trip.
Tipping is not strictly expected, but it is appreciated, especially in tourism and hospitality. Most restaurant bills already include a mandatory 23% charge (13% tax and 10% service, which goes to the house). If you received great service and want to tip your server directly, an additional 10% is a thoughtful gesture. For local guides and drivers, a tip is a suitable way to say thanks when gratuity isn't already included. Your Trip Leader can offer more specific guidance during the trip.
We recommend bringing at least 500 USD in cash for the trip to cover meals that aren't included, optional activities, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
USD is widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas, although having some Costa Rican colones can also be useful for smaller purchases.
Your actual spending will depend on how many optional activities you choose and your personal travel style.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality.
Citizens of the United States, Canada, and many Latin American and European countries can generally enter Costa Rica for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance, subject to current entry requirements.
You should always verify the requirements for your specific passport before traveling.
Yes! When travelers take advantage of our Switch Your Trip program, last-minute spots can sometimes open up on trips that were previously sold out.
Check our latest trip deals or sign up for the U30X email list to be notified.
Feel free to reach out to our customer service team at info@under30experiences.com or message us on WhatsApp.
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