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Monkeys, beaches, and canyoning in Manuel Antonio
DAYS /
4
NIGHTS
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll spend most of the trip in Manuel Antonio, close to Playa Espadilla, nearby Quepos, and the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Ages 21+ with a max of 16 travelers, usually around 15, so the group feels social without getting too big.

¡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.


Shared boutique hotel rooms in the heart of Manuel Antonio, a short bus ride from one of Costa Rica’s best beaches.
Free trip switches with more than 30 days’ notice, taxes included, and airport transfers covered at the start and end.
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.

From $1,095. Book with a $195 deposit and switch your trip free with more than 30 days’ notice.
🇨🇷 New 2027 itinerary now available for Costa Rica Extended.