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Top beaches, sloths & monkeys, waterfall rappelling, and a local community day — our most-loved trip for solo travelers 21–35.
DAYS /
4
NIGHTS
Our most popular trip — off-the-beaten-path adventure, the best beach in the country, and some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. Boutique stays, a small group, and every detail handled. You bring yourself; we take care of the rest.
Manuel Antonio is home to two sloth species & three types of monkey.
Playa Espadilla, ranked among the best on earth.
The empanada-making day in El Cocal is a guaranteed bonding moment.
Most people book this trip solo — small groups of like-minded 21–35s mean connection happens fast. No third-wheeling, no FOMO.
Trip begins at San José International Airport. Book your arrival flight a few hours before this time for included group transport.
Arrival time isn't mandatory, but guarantees included group transportation.
Trip ends back at San José International Airport. Book your departure flight a few hours after this time.
Departure time isn't mandatory, but guarantees included group transportation.
Relaxing, with optional moderate activities. You decide how active you want to be — no preparation required.
Guided highlights, then real free time built in. No forced marches — you get hours to explore on your own terms.
Pacific coast — black-sand surf beaches, rainforest, and a national park teeming with wildlife.
Intentionally small. Mostly people traveling on their own, ages 21–35. No one feels like the odd one out.
¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! It's time to see what the “pura vida” lifestyle is all about. See crocodiles at the Tarcoles River before arriving at Playa Hermosa, a black-sand beach famous for its surf.
Your first Costa Rican dinner is on the Pacific Ocean for sunset — a refreshing beer or cocktail with your new friends as you settle into this beautiful country. Then head down the coast to Manuel Antonio and check in.
Unwind in the pool and ease into island time. Nothing scheduled tonight after dinner — rest up for tomorrow's adventure.
Walk through Manuel Antonio National Park on an easy nature trail leading to one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Look out for three types of monkeys and two species of sloths while enjoying an untouched slice of paradise.
Cathedral Point hike — go further off-the-beaten-path to spot white-faced monkeys in their natural habitat.
Your whole afternoon is open. Relax on the beach, or take an optional surf lesson if you're feeling it.
Take a local ferry to the island of El Cocal to visit one of Under30Experiences' flagship community sustainability projects. Practice your Spanish with locals, learn to cook empanadas, and weave friendship bracelets together.
This is one of U30X's top cultural experiences — and it directly supports a community with limited resources.
Catamaran & snorkeling — sail the Manuel Antonio coastline in the afternoon.
Afternoon is yours once the community visit wraps. Add the catamaran, or head back and lounge at the beach.
Wake to the sound of toucans or scarlet macaws and a second cup of fresh Costa Rican coffee. Today you'll cross suspension bridges, zipline through the trees, and rappel down a waterfall in the rainforest on a canyoning adventure.
Surf lesson — keep the adrenaline going on one of the best beaches in the world.
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the warm Pacific at Playa Espadilla — consistently ranked one of the best beaches on earth. Soak it in at your own pace.
Wake up for a delicious breakfast and reflect on the week's adventures. As our experience comes to a close, we hope you feel rejuvenated after five days as part of our travel community.
Take included private transportation with your group back to the airport for your flight home. Want volcanoes & the rainforest too? Check out our 9-day Costa Rica Extended trip.
A locally-owned hideaway tucked into the jungle canopy. Wake up to howler monkeys, swim in a spring-fed pool, walk to the beach in flip-flops. Cozy enough that the staff knows your group's order by day 2.
Note: U30X partners with several great properties in Manuel Antonio. Your specific hotel may vary by departure — we'll confirm yours before you book flights, and the vibe is consistent across all of them.
Book with confidence. It's free to switch your trip more than 30 days out. Airfare booking details are sent after registration — please wait for instructions before booking flights.
Plenty of companies will fly you to Costa Rica for less. Here's what you're actually paying for — and why people who travel with us rarely go back to the alternative.
Small enough that you'll know everyone's name by day two. Not a 40-person coach where you're a wristband.
Locally-owned places with character and comfort — not a bunk in a 12-bed dorm. Where you sleep is part of the trip.
We guide the big moments and leave the rest open. No 6am wake-up calls to tick boxes you didn't ask for.
Hotels, activities, ground transport, your leader, and taxes — included. No hidden fees stacking up after you book.
Such an amazing experience in Costa Rica with Under30! Everything was so simple — from the airport meet-up, to transportation, additional activities, and even recommendations for free time!
Somehow got the most amazing group of people I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Each day was full of activities and wonderful memories I get to cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you for my 14 new friends.
I love that they focus on working with local guides and highlighting and respecting the culture of wherever you visit! I highly recommend!
Every departure is led by a dedicated U30X Trip Leader who handles the logistics, brings the group together from day one, and works alongside our trusted local guides on the ground.
My job is to make sure you never feel lost — and never feel like you're traveling alone.
24/7 global support
Reach a real person any time, anywhere, before and during your trip.
WhatsApp us anytime
Message us at 1 (888) 959-4436 — we answer how you actually communicate.
Safety-first, always
Vetted partners, trusted accommodations, and a leader who's done this before.
The community starts the day you book — not the day you land. By the time you're at the airport, these are already people you've been talking to for weeks.
Do I need to be fit or athletic?
Not at all. This trip is relaxing with optional moderate activities. You decide how active you want to be, and no physical preparation is required to make the most of it.
When should I book my flights?
Please wait until after you register — airfare booking details and instructions are sent to you afterward. The trip starts at San José (SJO) at 3:00 PM and ends there at 11:30 AM on the final day.
What's the cancellation policy?
Very flexible — a 30-day policy. 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.
Which departure should I pick — dry season or green season?
Both are great trips. December–April is peak sun and prime wildlife viewing (and our busiest departures). May–October is lusher and greener, with fewer crowds and some short afternoon rain — often the better value. Pick based on the vibe you want. Want the full month-by-month breakdown? Read our Costa Rica season guide →
How much extra should I budget?
Plan for roughly $150–$300 in spending money for the week — that covers meals not included, a few optional activities (like a zipline or massage), tips, and incidentals. You won't need much more; your hotels, in-trip transport, and the main experiences are already covered. Airfare and travel insurance are separate.
What does it cost and how do I lock it in?
From $1,095 USD. You can reserve your spot with just $195 down. Want your own room? Add $400. All taxes are included — never hidden fees, and no blackout dates. Got dietary needs? Just tell us when you book — your Trip Leader handles it.
How much free time will I actually have?
Plenty. This is a Light-activity trip by design — most afternoons are open, and we never over-schedule. Your Trip Leader gives you personal recommendations so your free time is as relaxed or adventurous as you want. Look for the coral Your Free Time blocks in the itinerary above to see exactly when.
Is it safe — and is it safe for solo women?
Yes. Our audience skews solo and female, and safety is built into how the trip works: a small group, an experienced Trip Leader with you throughout, vetted local partners, and trusted accommodations. You're never alone unless you choose to be. Travelers of every background and identity are welcome and look out for each other.
How does room-sharing work?
You'll share a room with another same-gender traveler from the group — a great way to make your first friend on the trip. Traveling with someone? You can request to room together. Prefer your own space? A private room is available for $400 (single supplement).
Is this good for solo travelers and first-timers?
Absolutely — it's who we're built for. Most people come alone, the group clicks fast, and you're never on your own unless you want to be. First time traveling solo? You'll be in good company with people doing exactly the same thing.
Is this a party trip?
No — but it's far from boring. The vibe is social, fun, and easygoing. You bond over real experiences (waterfalls, beaches, shared meals) rather than a nightly bar crawl. Some nights the group goes out, some nights they don't — what you do after dark is always up to you. If you want a frat-trip booze cruise, this isn't it. If you want to come home with real friends, it is.
Who else will be on the trip?
Small groups of 8–16 travelers, almost all solo, ages 21–35. It's intentionally designed so no one feels like the odd one out — and if you're at either end of the age range, you'll still fit right in. The mix skews toward people who want genuine connection, whatever their age.
From $1,095 · just $195 down · free to switch up to 30 days out. Small groups fill fast.
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🇨🇷 New 2027 itinerary now available for Costa Rica Extended.
