Costa Rica

Monkeys, beaches, and canyoning in Manuel Antonio

5

DAYS  /

4

 NIGHTS

8
16
Group Size
Moderate
Activity Level
From
$
1095
per person · $
195
 deposit
OverviewTrip DetailsFull ItineraryWhere You StayWhat's IncludedReviewsFAQDates & Prices
★★★★★
4.9
· 1,000+ reviews
10,000+
travelers since 2012
1 in 3
book a second trip
As seen in
Forbes
·
CNN
The Experience

Five days based in Manuel Antonio

Start with Playa Hermosa at sunset, then base yourself on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast for Manuel Antonio National Park, El Cocal, and a rainforest canyoning day.

Eye-to-eye with a sloth

Eye-to-eye with a sloth

Manuel Antonio is home to two sloth species & three types of monkey.

Costa Rica beach

One of the world's top beaches

Playa Espadilla, ranked among the best on earth.

Waterfall rappel

Rappel a waterfall

Surf lesson

Learn to surf

14 strangers → lifelong friends

14 strangers → lifelong friends

The empanada-making day in El Cocal is a guaranteed bonding moment.

You Won't Be the Odd One Out

Come alone. Leave with 15 friends.

Most people book this trip solo — small groups of like-minded 21–35s mean connection happens fast. No third-wheeling, no FOMO.

70%+
join solo
8–16
per group, max
1 in 3
come back
Trip Details

Everything you need to know, up front.

✈ Start

San José
 (
SJO
) ·
3:00 pm

Meet at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José at 3:00 pm for the included group transfer to Manuel Antonio.

Later arrivals are fine, but the included group transfer is only guaranteed if your flight lands a few hours earlier.

✈ Finish

San José
 (
SJO
) ·
11:30 am

The trip wraps up at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José at 11:30 am after the included group transfer from Manuel Antonio.

Different departure times are okay, but the included group transfer is only guaranteed if your flight leaves a few hours later.

Physicality

Moderate

Moderate. Expect some hiking, plus a canyoning day with suspension bridges, ziplining, and waterfall rappels. Hills, heat, humidity, and rain can make activities feel tougher.

Downtime

Plenty

Most afternoons open up for beach time, the pool, or add-ons like surfing and the catamaran, so the trip stays active without feeling nonstop.

Where

Manuel Antonio

You’ll spend most of the trip in Manuel Antonio, close to Playa Espadilla, nearby Quepos, and the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park.

The Group

8
16
 solo travelers

Ages 21+ with a max of 16 travelers, usually around 15, so the group feels social without getting too big.

Day by Day

Day
1
Arrival on the Pacific coast

Arrival in Costa Rica

¡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.

Today's Highlights
  • Spot crocodiles at the Tarcoles River
  • Welcome sunset dinner on the Pacific
  • Check in to your Manuel Antonio hotel
Your Free Time

Unwind in the pool and ease into island time. Nothing scheduled tonight after dinner — rest up for tomorrow's adventure.

Day
2
Wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

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.

Today's Highlights
  • Guided nature walk through the national park
  • Wildlife spotting — monkeys, sloths & more
Optional

Cathedral Point hike — go further off-the-beaten-path to spot white-faced monkeys in their natural habitat.

Your Free Time

Your whole afternoon is open. Relax on the beach, or take an optional surf lesson if you're feeling it.

🏖 Beach day
🏄 Optional surf lesson
📖 Do nothing at all
Day
3
Travelers connecting with the local community

The local community of El Cocal

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.

Today's Highlights
  • Local ferry to El Cocal island
  • Cook empanadas with the local community
  • Flagship U30X sustainability project
Optional

Catamaran & snorkeling — sail the Manuel Antonio coastline in the afternoon.

Your Free Time

Afternoon is yours once the community visit wraps. Add the catamaran, or head back and lounge at the beach.

Day
4
Canyoning and ziplining in the jungle

Canyoning in the jungle

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.

Today's Highlights
  • Zipline & suspension bridges through the canopy
  • Rappel down a rainforest waterfall
  • Afternoon at Playa Espadilla
Optional

Surf lesson — keep the adrenaline going on one of the best beaches in the world.

Your Free Time

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.

Day
5
Departure morning in Costa Rica

Relax & depart Costa Rica

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.

Today's Highlights
  • Farewell breakfast with the group
  • Included private airport transfer
Where You'll Stay

Your stay in Manuel Antonio

4-star boutique · Featured on this trip

Boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio

Heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Shared boutique hotel rooms in the heart of Manuel Antonio, a short bus ride from one of Costa Rica’s best beaches.

No Hidden Fees, Ever

What's included

    • 5 days & 4 nights shared accommodations
    • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, & 2 dinners
    • Entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park
    • U30X exclusive community activity in El Cocal
    • Rappelling and Canyoning tour
    • Spend time on the best beach in Costa Rica
    • Watch the sunset on a black sand beach
    • Experience the Pura Vida lifestyle
    • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
    • Private airport drop-off upon departure
    • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
    • Personal recommendations for optional activities
    • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
    • Access to the Under30Experiences Community
    • Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Not included

    • Travel Insurance
    • Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Costa Rica.
    • Local transportation to the beach and taxis at night
    • Meals that are not mentioned above or on the itinerary
    • This trip includes optional activities that are not included in the price.

Free trip switches with more than 30 days’ notice, taxes included, and airport transfers covered at the start and end.

Why U30X, Not the Other Guys

This isn't a 50-person tour bus.

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.

8–16

A real group, not a crowd

Small enough that you'll know everyone's name by day two. Not a 40-person coach where you're a wristband.

Boutique stays, not party hostels

Locally-owned places with character and comfort — not a bunk in a 12-bed dorm. Where you sleep is part of the trip.

Real free time, not a forced march

We guide the big moments and leave the rest open. No 6am wake-up calls to tick boxes you didn't ask for.

One price, no nickel-and-diming

Hotels, activities, ground transport, your leader, and taxes — included. No hidden fees stacking up after you book.

Don't Take Our Word For It

10,000+ travelers. 4.9 stars. 1 in 3 come back.

5

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!

Caroline J. — Demo Trip
Caroline J.
Yelp
5

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.

Madi A. — Demo Trip
Madi A.
Facebook
5

I love that they focus on working with local guides and highlighting and respecting the culture of wherever you visit! I highly recommend!

Caleb G. — Demo Trip
Caleb G.
Google
Straight from the group chat — tagged @under30experiences
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You're in Good Hands

Looked after, before and during.

During the Trip · Your Trip Leader

Vetted, experienced & with you the whole way

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."

Support that doesn't sleep

  • 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.

Before You Even Leave

You won't show up to a plane full of strangers.

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.

  • 1
    Your group chat opens early
    Get added to your trip's WhatsApp group ahead of time — coordinate flights, ask questions, start the inside jokes before day one.
  • 2
    Meet your group before you go
    A pre-trip welcome call introduces everyone and answers the nervous-first-timer questions.
  • 3
    Know who's coming
    See your roster and Trip Leader ahead of time, so the first hello feels like meeting a friend.
Good to Know

Your Costa Rica questions, answered

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Most popular Costa Rica starter

Five days in Manuel Antonio

From $1,095. Book with a $195 deposit and switch your trip free with more than 30 days’ notice.

From
$
1095
reserve for $
195
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🇨🇷 New 2027 itinerary now available for Costa Rica Extended.