costa rica tours for young adults

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Costa Rica Tours and Trips for Young Adults

The best Costa Rica trips and tours for young adults. We sell 200+ tours and trips in Costa Rica that are suitable for young adults, backed by 850+ customer reviews. Whether you are a young solo traveler, a young couple or a young group of friends, we hope you can find what you are looking for. If not, please also see our group tours to Costa Rica or request a customized private tour for young travelers to Costa Rica.

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Eco Adventure Trip in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Tours for Young Adults Tour Reviews

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• Icon/Caret Copy Created with Sketch. Costa Rica Adventure with Teens

Costa Rica Adventure with Teens

Destination, activity level icon/info copy created with sketch., comfort level icon/info copy created with sketch., price per person, dates & price.

• Need To Know

So, you want to get away with your teenager(s), and it has to be a dynamic itinerary packed with loads of activities in order to hold their interest. At Journeys, we’ve raised teenagers of our own, so we understand precisely how to design a trip that will appeal to yours. Our 8-day Costa Rica Adventure with Teens takes you to a steaming volcano, through the exotic rainforest, across zip-lines, in jungle boats, to beautiful beaches and out on the ocean. Learn about sustainable Costa Rican agriculture, visit a school, and enjoy lunch in the home of a local family! This is a seriously action-packed trip that comes to a nice, relaxing close at a favorite Costa Rican beach location.

• Active Adventure
• Connecting with Locals

A Day 1 Arrive San Jose

On arrival at the San Jose Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you’ll exit the airport terminal and meet your local representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Hotel Park Inn (or similar)

B Day 2 Tortuguero National Park

Today you’ll make your way to the Tortuguero National Park area where you will spend the next several days. Enjoy a private land transfer to the pier with breakfast en route. Then meet the boat service who will take you into Tortuguero. Tortuguero N.P. is known as Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon”. There are no roads – travel is by boat along a series of rivers and canals or by foot on forest paths. This is one of the best places to observe wildlife in Costa Rica and you’ll have a good chance of spotting several species of monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards, sloths, caiman, and colorful tropical birds.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll have time to get settled before heading out on a visit to Tortuguero Village and taking a walk through the private forest trails of your lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mawamba Lodge (or similar)

C Day 3 Boat Tours

You’ll have the morning at leisure to relax by the pool, hike the forest trails, or just sleep in. After lunch, you’ll set off to spot the rich wildlife, navigating the rainforest canals by boat. Get your camera ready for numerous bird species, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, iguanas, and more. Be sure to bring along your water shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket!

D Day 4 To the Volcanic Highlands

After breakfast, board a boat for the estimated one and a half-hour ride to the river port at Guapiles where you’ll meet your private transfer for the rest of today’s journey. Drive about an hour through the jungles, wetlands, and rainforests of the lowlands. Stop en route to Arenal Vida Campesina local organic farm, a self-sufficient farm and learning center. Here we’ll learn about newer sustainable agricultural techniques, life as a Costa Rican farmer, and common Costa Rican crops such as coffee, bananas, plantains, and sugar cane. Various animals on the farm provide organic waste that is converted to fertilizer. At the end of the tour, we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner with freshly harvested vegetables and a hands-on demonstration of tortilla making. Then continue approximately two hours into the scenic highlands, offering spectacular views, where Arenal Volcano is located.

The volcano is a beautiful steaming cone covered in cloud forest full of wildlife.  Settle into your beautiful resort for two nights.

Breakfast, Lunch

Arenal Manoa (or similar)

E Day 5 Arenal Volcano, Zip-line & Hot Springs

Following breakfast, get ready for an adventure with zip lining and whitewater rafting today! Begin the tour with an adrenaline filled climb up a 54-foot high tower to fly over a 360-foot high canyon, the highest place in the park. You will cross a hanging bridge to our longest cable of 0.6 miles high above La Fortuna Waterfall with great views of downtown. Continue your day with the best whitewater rafting tour on the Balsa River. Experience the most popular highlight in Costa Rica. Have lunch afterward sharing your exhilarating experiences.

To finish the day, visit the Ecotemales Hot Springs. This is a family-run hot springs resort featuring four volcanically heated pools ranging from 91 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Family members personally attend to the needs of visiting guests. After you’re done soaking and relaxed, you’ll head back to the Arenal resort for some shuteye.

F Day 6 Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast

Today you’ll leave Arenal and travel approximately four to five hours to the Pacific Coast. Your destination is Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations. Stay at the amazing Tamarindo Diria Resort with its multiple swimming pools and fountains. There are lots of fun activities here including swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and watching for seabirds.

Tamarindo Diria

G Day 7 Tamarindo Free Day

Enjoy your final full day in Costa Rica at leisure. There are many optional activities available to choose from such as surfing, sailing, sports fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, 4-wheeling, zip-lining, or river rafting. Or you can choose to just spend time just sunning on the beautiful beach, or lounging by the pools.

H Day 8 San Jose

In the morning, transfer back to the San Jose Airport via private transfer (approx. 4.5 hours plus stops along the way) and check-in for your flight back to the U.S. Goodbye, Costa Rica!

Consider adding a few additional days at the beach for more time to relax and enjoy this beautiful country.

Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.

Custom & private on your dates.  Contact an Adventure Specialist to create your dream trip!  Schedule a call or tell us more about your dream trip !

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• What to Expect
• Terms & Conditions

We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!

Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.

Pricing and Payment

We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.

We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.

Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.

Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.

Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.

We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.

Late Signups

Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.

Program Changes

We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.

Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance , adequate to cover such costs.

Cancellations & Refunds

If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing [email protected] or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.

Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance , that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.

Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.

If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.

We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.

If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.

Transfers Between Programs

You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.

Expenses Covered

Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses Not Covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance , to cover these risks.

Travel Insurance

Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.

For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.

All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.

Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums

Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.

Lodging Accommodations

Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.

If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.

Assumption of Risk

Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.

While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.

In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.

Fitness to Join

Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.

Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.

Personal Conduct

You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.

You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.

Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.

Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.

Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.

Environmental Stewardship

Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.

Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.

Planning & Preparation Services

We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.

Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.

Duration 8 Days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.

Group Size 4 - 12

The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.

Comfort Level

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Unique jungle-lodges to lovely beach resort

Activity Level

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Optional hiking

Why Journeys International

Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.

We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.

We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.

We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.

Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?

• Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
• Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
• Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
• We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
• We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
• We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
• Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
• Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
• Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
• We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
• 24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
• We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
• Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too

We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.

Tiskita Rainforest Reserve

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

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Costa Rica for the Natural Explorer

This rich itinerary exposes you to the two most iconic faces of Costa Rica: the lush rainforest and the stunning coast. You begin in the rainforests of Arenal National Park then it's off to Corcovado National Park for a large concentration of wildlife.

From $4130 Per Person

Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.

Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.

Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.

Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.

Challenging

Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.

Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.

Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style

Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.

Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.

Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.

Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.

The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.

Single Supplement

The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.

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OUR COMPANY

We're a modern group travel company for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s.

We believe in responsible travel, openness to new people, and supporting local communities.

We're a travel-obsessed group dedicated to taking you on the most amazing trips possible.

The amazing people you meet on an FTLO trip are often the best part.

See what past travelers say about their FTLO trips.

Want to know more about a specific aspect of FTLO? Check out our FAQ section.

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GET IN TOUCH

Questions? Comments? Just want to say hi? Head to our Contact Page.

Need some travel inspiration? Head to our blog to read recent articles from the FTLO Team.

WORK WITH US

We're always looking for great people to join our team! Head to our Careers Page to see open positions.

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The   COSTA RICA   TRIP

For the love of

RIDING WAVES  ​

FRUIT COCKTAILS 

TROPICAL WILDLIFE 

 HAMMOCKS 

FRESH SMOOTHIES  ​

RAINFOREST HIKES  ​

MORNING COFFEE ​

HOT SPRINGS ​

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our small group trip to Costa Rica caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s searching for lush jungles in Rincon de la Vieja, surfer's paradise in Tamarindo, and golden strips of secluded Pacific beaches.

You'll find friendly, laid-back Ticos and Ticas all along the way on this five-day adventure as you unwind in some of the most pristine nature Central America has to offer. Expect to spend a lot of time out on the water, whether you're riding the waves, lounging in balmy seas, or soaking up sizzling hot springs.

Add on a bit of canyoning, some jungle zip-lines, and beachside laughs, and yeah, it's an all-around good time. By the end, you'll have a pretty good idea of what the Pura Vida is all about.

upcoming dates

Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2024

Nov 13 - 17, 2024 ​

Nov 27 - Dec 1, 2024

Thanksgiving Trip  - likely to sell out

Dec 22 - 26, 2024

Christmas Trip  - likely to sell out

Dec 28 - Jan 1, 2025

New Year's Eve Trip - likely to sell out

5 days/4 nights

starting at $1,799 USD

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Limited single room upgrades starting from $689 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.

Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installme nts. ​

$100 OFF WITH CODE: EB2025CSR

Jan 15 - 19, 2025

Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2025

Phone-Free Departure   Feb 5 - 9, 2025

Feb 12 - 16, 2025

Feb 19 - 23, 2025

Mar 5 - 9, 2025

Mar 19 - 23, 2025

Apr 16 - 20, 2025

Apr 23 - 27, 2025

May 7 - 11, 2025

May 22 -26, 2025

Memorial Day Trip

​ Jun 4 - 8, 2025

Jul 2 - Jul 6, 2025

4th of July Trip ​

Nov 26 - 30, 2025

Phone-Free Departure   and Thanksgiving Trip

Dec 30 - Jan 3, 2026

New Year's Eve Trip

Limited single room upgrades starting from $729 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.

Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.

All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)

In-country transportation for included activities 

Group airport transfers

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Welcome drinks

Ziplining experience in the mountains

Waterfall experience in the jungle 

Surfing lessons (beginner to advanced)

Beer tasting  

FTLO Trip Leader

* All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.

not included

Flights (fly into and out of Liberia International Airport in Costa Rica)

Mandatory trip insurance

Meals not mentioned (budget around $150, depending on consumption habits)

Incidental expenses 

Day by day 

Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs [LINK] . 

Day 1 - Tamarindo

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Arrive at Liberia International Airport by 2 pm, and we'll take a group shuttle to the region of Tamarindo, a fun little beach town that will be our home base for the next few days.

We'll check into our hotel, get settled in and kick off this trip with a celebratory cocktail on the beach!

This evening, we'll walk to a local Costa Rican restaurant and get to know each other over dinner and drinks!

Day 2 - Rincón de la Vieja

Buenos dias.

Rise 'n' shine - get ready for an adrenaline-filled morning in the mountains and volcanoes!

We'll stretch our legs after our flights by heading to a local national park, where we'll be ziplining through trees, around waterfalls and canyons.

In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild and afterward head over to nearby waterfall to continue relaxing in the jungle. 

We'll make our way back into town for an evening at your leisure - unwind with cocktails with your travel mates, do some exploring, or hit the pillow early for a good night's sleep.

Day 3 - Beach

En la playa.

Surf's up! Today is all about enjoying one of Costa Rica's best features: its beaches. 

We'll be getting surfing lessons and catching some waves with a local instructor. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or have never touched a board in your life, you're going to have a blast.

The afternoon is free.

We recommend exploring local beach bars or grabbing lunch at one of the many outdoor restaurants.

In the evening, we'll head to a local brewery for some drinks!

RELAx IN NATURE

Day 4 - beach.

Today is a free day for you to indulge Costa Rican spontaneity. 

Kick back at one of the nearby beaches or try out a local activity, such as fishing, biking or surfing.

This evening, we'll enjoy one last family dinner and "salut!" to our new friends and our unforgettable Costa Rican memories!

Day 5 - Tamarindo

Today is our last day in Costa Rica. ​

We'll share one final breakfast together and bid our farewells before check out, at noon.

A group transfer will then be available back to Liberia International Airport at that time.

*Please note, this will be the only airport transfer slot that is arranged by us. If you plan to hang out a bit longer, we recommend arranging a separate transfer on your own.

About Costa Rica

​Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a popular destination for those who are traveling to a Latin American country for the first time, as it is known to be extremely safe and many locals also speak some level of English. Ecotourism also draws in people who love nature and the outdoors.

This beautiful country is known for its lush jungles, surf towns, numerous waterfalls, coffee and chocolate plantations and of course, the amazing and relaxed approach to life that the locals embrace - the "pura vida" or the "pure life." You might hear this term used commonly as a greeting or farewell, to serve as a reminder to stop and savor the little pleasures of life!

If it's not the natural environment, it's the food; if it's not the food, it's the people. Whatever it might be, you are bound to fall in love with many of things ( if not all!) that Costa Rica has to offer.

GOOD TO KNOW

Language: Spanish (and many locals also speak some level of English).

Currency: Costa Rican colón.

Costa Rica is located in Central America.

Daily expenses tend to be higher in Costa Rica than other Latin American countries. 

Weather can be rainy, cooler in the mountains, warmer on the beaches; but in any scenario, be prepared for lots of insects and mosquitos.

While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you sho uld book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.

Book your flights into and out of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport , also known as Liberia International Airport in Costa Rica (not to be confused with the country Liberia!).

You'll have free time to indulge the activities that you love best locally, such as surfing, swimming or just kicking back and taking in the views. 

Costa Rica tends to be more expensive than other Central American and South American countries. 

All activities are weath er dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.

More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here .

flight information

Fly into liberia (lir).

Please Arrive at Liberia International Airport by 2pm local time on Day 1. We have arranged a group shuttle from the airport to the hotel, scheduled to depart at 3pm. Should you arrive earlier or later than the shuttle's scheduled departure time, you may need to consider alternative transportation options.

Fly out of Liberia (LIR)

We will be taking a shuttle back to LIR (arriving at the airport at 1pm), but you are welcome to stay longer and arrange your own transportation.

Alumni reviews

We know how much you'll love the costa rica trip...but don't take our word for it check out some of our alumni reviews. .

Interested in learning more about our Costa Rica trip?

Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.

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17 best costa rica tours of 2024: zip lining & more.

Dive into this natural paradise on these exceptional excursions.

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

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While known for its vast species of wildlife, lush rainforests and gorgeous waterfalls, Costa Rica can be difficult to navigate when you're not a local due to its rough roads and dispersed attractions and activities . Opting for a guided tour may be a simpler option that yields a richer experience. To help, U.S. News compiled this list of the top tours based on traveler opinion and expert input. Whether you want to experience Costa Rica's wild side while zip lining or indulge in its famous chocolate, you'll find an excursion on this list that suits your needs.

Adventure Tours Costa Rica – Tour de la Paz

Price: From $35 per passenger to $95 per driver Duration: 3 hours

Discover Costa Rica's rainforests, waterfalls and beaches on this ATV excursion that begins and ends in Jacó . Along the way, you'll make several stops for photos and even have the chance to jump off of a waterfall. Tour-takers enjoy the knowledgeable guides and amazing scenery. They also recommend bringing plenty of water with you.

Tours operate several times each day between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license. No open-toed shoes are allowed. The company recommends bringing bug spray, sunscreen and a swimsuit. ATV Adventure Tours offers a wide variety of tours, including kayaking, rappelling and horseback riding.

Check prices & availability on:

El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 4.5 hours

Sail across a nearly mile-long zip line near Manuel Antonio National Park while enjoying breathtaking views on this trip. During the tour, you'll ride 10 zip lines in total, cross hanging bridges and walk nature trails. The excursion also includes round-trip transportation from your Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotel , lunch and all safety equipment. Travelers say they feel safe during the whole trip and that the zip lines are awesome. Many add that the included lunch is tasty.

Participants must be at least 4 years old. Those who are pregnant are not allowed to go zip lining. Tours run daily at 8 and 11 a.m., and there may also be a 2 p.m. tour available in select months.

Costa Rica Waterfall Tours – The Explorer Tour

Price: From $79 Duration: 4 hours

On the Explorer Tour, you'll be driven up a mountain in a four-wheel-drive vehicle before hiking through the company's private rainforest reserve along a river, across bridges and to natural pools and waterfalls. Along the trek, there will be opportunities to swim, sit under the rushing water and jump from the top of the falls. Tours are limited to 12 people. Patrons say this tour is a must-do. They appreciate not only swimming in the waterfalls, but also the informative guides who point out local flora and fauna. Be sure to bring water, a swimsuit and shoes that can get wet.

Tours are available daily at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The company also offers ocean-based excursions and explorations through Costa Rica's canyons, among other options.

Desafio Adventure Co. - Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River

Price: Adults from $80; kids from $72 Duration: 5 hours

Participants highly recommend this waterlogged adventure, praising the guides, delicious food and the scenery. This adventure begins with pick up from your accommodations to drive you to Desafio's private put-in on the Balsa River. You'll paddle for 6 miles down the river and experience mild Class II and III rapids (which are ideal for first-timers and children). After the rapids, you'll get a buffet lunch.

Trips depart daily at 10 a.m.; participants must be at least 8 years old. Also know that sturdy, secure shoes are required (no flip-flops). The company runs a myriad of adventurous outings, including rafting in stronger rapids and canyoning.

Green Vacations Costa Rica – Nature Lover Combo 1

Price: Adults from about $172; kids from $129 Duration: 9 hours

Ideal for those looking to explore the wild side of Costa Rica, this tour lets participants experience three of the top outdoor excursions in the nation. Cross 15 hanging bridges (perfect vantage points for spotting wildlife), climb up and down a waterfall, and take a hike that offers stunning views of the Arenal Volcano . Reviewers recommend this tour and say they enjoy spotting wildlife. They advise bringing water shoes for the challenging stairs by the waterfall.

Tickets include pickup and drop off from La Fortuna, as well as admission fees and lunch. Tours run at 7 a.m. daily. Green Vacations Costa Rica offers many tours, including a river hike and a volcano hike.

Rainforest Chocolate Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $21 Duration: 2 hours

Satisfy your sweet tooth and learn all about chocolate, including its history, its origins and the production process on the two-hour Rainforest Chocolate Tour. You'll also learn about the ceremonial chocolate drink of the Mayans and of course, enjoy a sample of organic chocolate. Chocolate lovers say they learn a lot about chocolate on this tour and enjoy tasting the various samples.

Tours, which take place in La Fortuna, are available at 8 and 10 a.m., as well as 1 and 3 p.m.; reservations are required. All ages are welcome.

Native's Way Costa Rica – Guachipelin Adventure Combo

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $100 Duration: 12 hours

Ideal for travelers who want to experience the adventurous pursuits Costa Rica is known for, including zip lining and river tubing, this tour is a hit with reviewers. Along with a variety of heart-pumping activities, the trip includes a buffet lunch, a volcanic mud bath and a dip in hot springs. Tour-takers say they feel safe and that guides are helpful. They also appreciate the stop at the hot springs as the tour's finale.

Tours depart daily at 9 a.m. If you want round-trip transportation from the company, your journey will be around 6:30 a.m. (to allot time for driving before the tour) and you'll pay extra. Native's Way Costa Rica operates a variety of other tours, including excursions to the Monte Verde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve , fishing, scuba diving and more.

WAVE Expeditions – White Water Rafting Class II and III

Price: Adults from $78; kids from about $70 Duration: 6 hours

Families will appreciate this rafting experience on the Balsa River that takes travelers through mild Class II and Class III rapids. Ideal for participants ages 8 and older, the trip takes travelers out on the water for about two hours. A break filled with fruit and swimming opportunities allows you to take a better look at the surrounding flora and fauna. After rafting, enjoy lunch at a country estate. Participants rave about their experienced guides and say the trip is perfect for novice rafters.

Tours are available daily at 10:30 a.m. In addition to whitewater rafting, WAVE Expeditions also offers river float trips and tours that combine a variety of activities, including horseback riding and hiking.

Pure Trek Canyoning – Canyoning Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 4 hours

Rappel and rock climb in a waterfall canyon that's filled with wildlife on this thrilling tour near La Fortuna. Depending on the time of day, participants enjoy a traditional lunch either before or after their tour. Families say this tour is great for kids, that they feel safe and highly recommend the "monkey drop" portion (rappelling to the canyon floor).

Children must be at least 5 years old to participate. Round-trip transportation from La Fortuna hotels is included with your ticket. There is a morning tour at 7 a.m. and another tour at noon. This tour is also available as a private excursion. The company also offers whitewater trips combined with zip line tours, among other options.

Arenal Mundo Aventura – Big Ama

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $57 Duration: 3 hours

Fly high above La Fortuna Waterfall via zip line on this adrenaline-fueled excursion. You'll also sail along 12 zip lines leading you through canyons and whizzing over treetops. Participants say the views are amazing and that they feel very safe throughout.

Kids must be at least 3 feet, 10 inches tall and weigh 55 pounds to participate. Tours operate at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is a minimum of two people required to book the tour, and transportation is included for some area locations. Arenal Mundo Aventura hosts a variety of zip lining, hiking, rappelling and bird-watching tours.

Callidryas Tours – Sloth Tour

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 3 hours

Discover sloths in their natural habitat on this walking and driving excursion. A naturalist guide will lead you on a mission to find as many sloths as possible; the company even guarantees you will see wild sloths. In addition to the tour's namesake, you could also see toucans, frogs, iguanas and monkeys. Participants rave about the number of sloths spotted on the tour and praise the guides.

Transportation and snacks are included with your ticket. Tours begin at 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Callidryas Tours also operates an Arenal Volcano hike, as well as a frog-watching night walk and various other hikes.

Horse Trek Monteverde – Mountain and Farm View Costa Rica Horseback Ride

Price: From $49 Duration: 2.5 hours

During this horseback ride, you'll traverse through winding, rugged paths and along the cloud forest with fantastic views and bird sightings along the way. Those who have limited experience riding horses say they feel comfortable on this ride and praise the guide's passion for horses.

Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. The maximum weight to ride is 200 pounds. You do not need previous riding experience. Rides are available in both the morning and afternoon, with pickups from Monteverde-area accommodations at 8:30 a.m. and between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Horse Trek Monteverde offers a variety of horseback riding tours in different settings.

Costa Rica Jade Tours – Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Group Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $49 Duration: 3 hours

Discover the diverse flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park, including its beaches, coral reefs and rainforest, with an in-the-know local by your side. During the trip, guides share the park's history and information about the park's inhabitants, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans and more. Reviewers say guides are incredibly knowledgeable and that they see lots of wildlife on the tour.

Tickets include round-trip transportation from Quepos City. Tours, which have a maximum of 10 participants, start at 7:30 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. The company also operates tours all throughout the country, including Jacó, Arenal Volcano and Guanacaste , among other locales.

Don Olivo Chocolate Tour

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Explore a cacao tree farm, sample handcrafted chocolate and hot chocolate, as well as fresh fruit grown on the farm on the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour. Participants will also learn about cacao trees, plants and seeds and how they are made into chocolate. Tourgoers find the experience interesting and say there is a lot more to see, learn and sample on the tour than just chocolate.

Tours are available daily at 8 and 10 a.m. as well as 1 and 3 p.m.; participants should reserve their spots in advance by contacting the company online.

Sunset Sails Tours

Price: From $95 Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Sail along the Manuel Antonio coast on this cruise past area islands and Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and (possibly) whales along the way. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy a gourmet meal on board. Throughout the trip, guides share information about marine life. Reviewers say that the crew is personable, the boat clean and comfortable, and the food excellent.

Tours start at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets include transportation from hotels in Quepos and Manuel Antonio, snorkeling gear, a meal and snacks.

Lazy Lizard Sailing – Tropical Sunset Tour

Price: Adults from $90; kids from $70 Duration: 4 hours

Sail along the Costa Rican coast from the Guanacaste province aboard a catamaran with a stop for water activities like snorkeling, kayaking or swimming in a secluded inlet on this cruise. Afterward, enjoy a picnic-style lunch and beautiful views of the sunset. Reviewers say the food served on board the cruise is delicious, and describe the sunset as stunning.

Tours are available at 2 p.m. daily; the company also offers private catamaran tours.

Bahia Aventuras – Hiking Corcovado National Park Day Tour

Price: Adults from $150; kids from $95 Duration: 8 hours

Travelers can explore the vast biodiversity of Corcovado National Park on this tour, which features a guided nature hike about two hours long. The adventure also includes a picnic lunch at San Josecito Beach. After lunch, tourgoers will take another, albeit shorter, hike. Tours depart from Punta Uvita beach and you'll get to Corcovado National Park via boat (you could spot dolphins, whales and turtles). Participants applaud the tour for the knowledgeable guides and variety of wildlife on view. They also recommend motion sickness medication for the boat ride.

Tickets include entrance fees to the park. The tour is not recommended for children younger than 4 and people who are pregnant. Tours start at 7:30 a.m. and require a minimum of six people to embark. Bahia Aventuras offers a range of tours, including whale watching, snorkeling and sport fishing.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Costa Rica Hotels
• The Top Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Costa Rica

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Youth Tour Packages - Opportunities for young adults to travel in Costa Rica

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Villas Jacquelina! We are thrilled to introduce our newest venture tailored just for youth groups – Youth Group Retreats in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Get ready for an unforgettable blend of adventure, self-discovery, and the renowned Pura Vida lifestyle.

Lets build your Costa Rica youth group retreat

Our Eco-friendly Treehouse-Style Hotel

Our Activities

Our Transportation

Your Community

Why choose villas jacquelina.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide youth groups with a unique and inspiring environment that fosters growth, transformation, and connection with nature.

Our Idyllic Setting:

Our retreat center is nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's natural beauty, providing a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for cultural experiences and personal growth. Our treehouse-style hotel offers guests a unique accommodation that promotes community but also allows for privacy. Our rooftop terrace serves as a perfect yoga studio and also provides a unique outdoor sleeping option for participants who want an experience that is even closer to nature. 

Our Experienced Staff:

We have experience in working with youth groups and running retreats. We have found that we excel in this role and provide exactly what is needed to produce an overwhelmingly positive experience. Our dedicated team does the leg work of organizing your group's accommodation, transportation, nature excursions, and meals.  We have a network of service providers and a dedicated team that will work to make sure your group has an exceptional experience. 

Affordability & Value:

We've introduced discounted packages to encourage youth groups to join us, and these packages are carefully crafted to encompass all the essentials for your group. You can choose the excellent value of a discounted package or opt for a customized selection of individual services that cater specifically to your group's preferences.

What Services do we provide?

Our Treehouse-style Hotel

Your youth group will discover an ideal housing solution that aligns with both their needs and budget in our eco-friendly, treehouse-style villas. Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes just beyond the town of Quepos, our villas offer a tranquil escape from city noise, replaced by the soothing sounds of tropical birds and wildlife. With a range of room options to suit various requirements, participants can tailor their stay to their preferences.

Our retreat center features 27 beds, making it optimal for a recommended group size of around 27. However, if you choose to have two guests share each double bed, the accommodations can extend to comfortably host up to 35 guests.

Our Delectable Meals

We'll take care of providing two delicious and healthy meals per day, prepared by our talented chefs using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. We can account for all dietary restrictions and varieties. Your attendees will savor every moment of their culinary experience. The cost of these meals are built into the package we offer and the menu can be adjusted to your desires at any point.  

Our Captivating Nature Excursions:

Let nature captivate your youth group's hearts as they embark on guided excursions and tours, exploring the wonders of the surrounding landscape and immersing themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. If you select a retreat package, some of these activities will be included. 

Here are some of our nature excursions: 

Manuel Antonio National Park tour 

Our group will get a guided hiking tour in the morning and make the park our classroom for the afternoon.    (a $65 value)

ta-rica-what-to-do" label="" type="blog_post" blog_post_id="7327361" sitescopedid="d0e0faa4" href="/hotels-quepos-costa-rica-what-to-do" data-runtime-url="/hotels-quepos-costa-rica-what-to-do">Full-day waterfall adventure

This full-day waterfall adventure will take us to 2-3 local waterfalls deep in the Costa Rican jungle. (a $130 value)

Paddleboarding to Playa Beizans

This morning activity will take us from Quepos to one of our favorite local beaches and will give participants a chance to work on their yoga moves from atop a paddleboard.  (a $75 value)

Churro River Eco Lodge   

Travel into the jungle to one of our favorite eco-lodges where we will do yoga on their incredible riverside yoga deck and play in the beautiful river. This is the perfect backdrop for our closing ceremony or graduation. (a $40 value)

We handle all your group transportation needs. From airport shuttles to and from Quepos, to transportation to beaches or nature excursions, we will organize and provide all necessary transportation. These costs are built into the package we offer. Not included is evening transportation for participants wanting to go out to explore the area. Uber, taxis, or public transportation is always readily available in our area.  

Accommodation Pricing

The cost of our accommodation fluctuates depending on the time of year.

Winter Season(August-Nov)

Retreat center buyout =$907+tax per night

Green Season (April-July)

Retreat center buyout =$1,037+tax per night

Summer Season (December-May) 

Retreat center buyout =$1,296+tax per night

Nature Excursions

Nature excursions or tours can be added to your reservation or if you pick a retreat package, you will get our favorite nature excursions included. 

See our tours page to see any tour that can be added on for an additional cost per person. 

Two nature excursions are included with our 3-night package. Four nature excursions are included in our 6-night package.

We offer retreat groups breakfast and lunch service daily. The cost is $25+tax per person, per day.  These meals come included in our retreat packages. 

Transportation

Our retreat packages include the majority of the travel we assume you will need, including airport pick-ups, drop-offs, and transportation for nature excursions. 

Alternatively, you can organize and pay for your travel individually based on your group's needs by visiting our transportation page and booking the rides you need.  

All inclusive packages

3 Night retreat:

Winter  Season: 

12-17 guests= $3,575+tax

18-27 guests= $7,107+tax

Green Season:

12-27 guests =4,107+tax

18-27 guests= $7,897+tax

Summer Season: 

12-27 guests = $5,340+tax

18-27 guests= $9,476+tax

6 Night retreat:

12-17 guests= $5,665

18-27 guests= $10,789

Green Season: 

12-17 guests= $6,752

18-27 guests= $11,988

Summer Season:

12-17 guests= $8,138

18-27 guests= $14,386

Retreat packages for 18 to 27 will buy out the entire retreat center. Retreat packages for 12-17 will rent half the retreat center and will share the space with other travelers. 

Studio Partner Review

Villas Jacquelina far surpassed my expectations! This place was truly special. I had the gift of renting out the entire villa to host a yoga teacher training, and it was the perfect place for it! The villas are cozy and beautiful, with an incredible view of the mountains from several floors, and an extra special view from the rooftop, where our group did morning yoga every day. The rooms are simple, but those are not what makes this place so great. Get outside of your room and you get to experience jungle living, be a part of the community on the main deck, or enjoy some quiet time in the many unique nooks to hang out in throughout the villas that make it extra special. The staff was incredible and kind. Esteban was so accommodating to our group and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy. We loved him! Our group got spoiled by delicious meals curated by Esteban, his brother Zach, and the lovely ladies working at the house. The villas are about a 10-minute walk to town with a grocery store and restaurants accessible, or there are 24/7 cabs for an easy and quick ride. I would recommend this place to travelers alone, and also to retreat hosts looking to rent out an entire space. Can't wait to return again!

Courtney - Black Swan Yoga Training Organizer

Student Review

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Villas Jacqueline for 16 days for Yoga Teacher Training. I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I arrived, the staff's courtesy and kindness were evident, making me feel incredibly welcome and cared for throughout my stay.

One aspect that truly impressed me was the staff's attentiveness to allergies and dietary restrictions. They went above and beyond to remember and accommodate my specific needs, ensuring that my meals were both delicious and safe. This level of attention and consideration was truly remarkable and greatly enhanced my stay. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the outstanding view from the top.

The breathtaking scenery surrounding Villas Jacqueline left me in awe. Whether I was enjoying my morning coffee on the balcony or relaxing by the pool, the panoramic vistas never failed to amaze me. It was a perfect combination of tranquility and natural beauty that simply cannot be described in words.

Additionally, the proximity of the villa to the town was incredibly convenient. It allowed me to explore and experience the local culture effortlessly. Whether I wanted to go shopping, dine at local restaurants, or simply take a stroll, everything was within easy reach. Despite its closeness to town, the villa itself offered a peaceful oasis where I felt completely at ease.

Overall, my time at Villas Jacqueline was nothing short of excellent. The combination of the courteous and kind staff, the stunning views, convenient location, and unwavering commitment to safety made it a truly memorable experience. I would highly recommend Villas Jacqueline to anyone seeking an exceptional getaway.

-Joe Hudson on Google

I went to BSY YTT to reset, learn, and possibly heal my back pain. Not only did YTT deliver on all three, it also created an environment where I unlocked part of myself I didn’t know was there. Plus I formed relationships in 16 days that will last forever. –  David

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Is there a strict cancelation policy?

Our goal is to provide the best youth group experience. Our non-refundable deposit is due 120 days before your retreat begins. Your retreat must be paid in full 90 days before arrival. 

When should I plan my event in Costa Rica?

Rainy season

In our rainy season, you will notice the highest profit margins for your retreat. The rainy season (September 1st -October 31st) is the rainiest time of year and you should plan to see rain every day. Normally, days will start with nice sunshine in the morning but continue with tropical storms in the afternoon and into the evening. Highlights of visiting in these months are the incredible lighting and thunderstorms that accompany the rain. These storms are particularly incredible to witness from our elevated rooftop terraces. The cost of everything goes down in these months and you will find significantly fewer tourists. 

Green Season

The green season is our recommended time to visit. In green season you will still see a fair amount of tropical thunderstorms but most days are filled with plenty of sunshine before evening showers roll in.  There is less tourism in these months and the cost of living is stable.  These months are great because of the variety of weather and the reduced amount of tourism in the country. 

While some may tell you that the dry season is the best time to visit, we would respectfully disagree. Not only do dry-season visitors miss out on awe-inspiring tropical thunderstorms, but they also have to deal with the highest levels of tourism. The cost of living goes up in these months and profit margins for a retreat go down. If you are adamant about hot and dry days, then this may be the best time for you to visit but there is plenty of sunshine in the green season for most visitors. 

What makes Quepos/Manuel Antonio a great retreat destination?

Know for its white sand beaches, a plethora of natural wildlife, and its world-famous national park, Manuel Antonio and Quepos is easily one of Costa Rica's most valued destinations.  This area provides an eloquent medley of robust nature attractions and a tourism infrastructure designed to accommodate large groups and special events. To learn more about our area, see our blog post>Best places to visit in Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio 

Where do i need to fly into?

Please book your flight into SJO, or San Jose airport in Costa Rica (be sure not to choose the California San Jose!). Shuttles will pick you up at the airport and take you to the Villas. 

What is around the area?

The Villas are located in Quepos, along the west coast of Costa Rica. They are a short 10-minute walk to the town center where you will find plenty of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. The area's main attraction is Manuel Antonio National Park.

How will I get around?

Included in your package is group transportation to and from the airport in addition to transportation for included activities. If participants go out in the evenings, there is Uber, taxis, or public transportation that are easily accessible in the area. 

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Villas Jacquelina, Quepos, 60601 Costa Rica

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Pure adventure, pure bliss, and pura vida.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Welcome to beautiful Costa Rica, a country so laid-back and stress-free they have their own phrase for the lifestyle here: pura vida (pronounced poo-dah vee-dah.) It translates to “the pure life” or “the simple life,” and it’s so much more than just a catchy mantra—it’s the country’s cultural identity.

Pura vida means waking up every day on the right side of the bed, cherishing the who and what in your life, and leaving your worries of yesterday at the doorstep of today. As soon as you touch down in Costa Rica, you’ll feel pura vida everywhere. It’s in the hustle and bustle of a San José market, the joy of young ticos playing a mejenga (the term for a pick-up soccer game), the kindness of a fourth-generation soda owner (in Costa Rica, soda is the term for a family-owned café), and in the enthusiasm of a zipline instructor telling you to “go for it!” moments before you’re soaring through the clouds and over treetops.

Pura vida is an always optimistic outlook fueled by delicious Mesoamerican-inspired cuisine, the freshest coffee, the occasional guaro sour cocktail, and an abundance of natural beauty unmatched anywhere else in the world. Costa Rica is scenic AF. Rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, coral reefs—this is a #nofilter paradise if you’ve ever seen one. All those epic landscapes and dramatic terrains are playgrounds for adventurous, thrill-seeking travelers. And as the adrenaline wears off, you’ll soon find yourself reaching maximum levels of relaxation—be it basking in a natural hot spring after a long hike, doing yoga on the beach as distant surfers shred the waves, or enjoying an organic, farm-to-table meal that enriches the body and mind. Costa Rica is a remedy for whatever ails you—an elixir made from passion fruit, mangoes, guava, papayas, and then topped off with the unadulterated warmth of its people.

In Costa Rica, the average temperature year-round hovers between 70-80° F. It’s the perfect setting for a lazy day at the beach or a trek up a mountain—the choice is yours. With a tropical and sub-tropical climate, you won’t find your classic four seasons here. Instead, Costa Rica has a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November). But this unique climate and variety of ecosystems contributes to a profound scale of plant and animal life, to the tune of 4% of the world’s total biodiversity—that’s half a million different species. (Yeah, we paid attention in biology class.) The incredible wildlife and vibrant flora can turn even the most novice Instagram feed into National Geographic , as you snap photos of monkeys, sloths, toucans, ocelots, sea turtles, and more against a lusciously green forest backdrop or the colorful orchids the country is known for.

Mother Earth has hashtag blessed Costa Rica with plenty, so it’s only fitting that the country goes to great lengths to protect its most vital asset. Costa Rica has become the posterchild for ecotourism, with 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves. Visitors enjoy remarkable landscapes and habitats in their most natural form. Costa Rica is dedicated to going carbon-neutral soon, investing heavily in reforestation efforts. When you visit Costa Rica, you see firsthand the stunning results of this preservation. But beyond the land, sustainability is practiced through the country’s organic agriculture, unique cuisine, arts, crafts, and ultimately through the spirit of the local communities. With every hand-made souvenir you buy, every meal you eat from a mom-and-pop restaurant, and every conversation you have with a local—you’re helping assist with Costa Rica’s cultural sustainability. You’ll no doubt leave this magical place with a better understanding of your own environmental and cultural footprint.

Experience Costa Rica

For a small country, Costa Rica packs a big punch.

Leave your comfort zone behind and explore nature like never before.

Swim in the river flowing into La Fortuna Waterfall

Zipline above the trees at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

Kayak the waters around the magnificent Arenal Volcano

Hike through rainforest & mangroves at Manuel Antonio National Park

Spot rays, turtles & dolphins on a catamaran cruise in Quepos

Go whitewater rafting down the Sarapiqui River

Destress, unwind, and find your inner pura vida.

Relax on the tranquil beaches of Puntarenas

Have the yoga flow of your life surrounded by unreal scenery

Bask in rejuvenating hot springs

Frolic in the sandy waves at Manuel Antonio’s iconic beach

Sip on the richest coffee your taste buds have ever tried

Enjoy the sweet nectar of indigenous tropical fruits

Breathe in fresh air at every turn—you’re in paradise!

Experience firsthand the history of Costa Rica and the passion of its people.

Browse the food, souvenir & craft stalls at San José’s Central Market

Sip Imperial & guaro at a tiki-style beach bar

Learn the history behind Costa Rica’s famous bright-colored oxcarts

Tour a rural coffee plantation & meet the farmers

Salsa the night away at a club & try the “swing crillio” dance style

Grab a meal & refrescos at a soda (or two, or three)

Visit the science, history & art museums of San José

Indulge in fine chocolates made from world-class cacao beans

Flights. Accommodations. Activities. And a rockstar Tour Director that knows a hidden beach with the perfect Instagram backdrop.

This is group travel with EF Ultimate Break. Expertly crafted itineraries, everything included. We keep your stress levels low and holy-s#!t-that-was-awesome levels high.

Learn more about what we do

Language: Spanish Currency: Colón Capital: San José Staple Meal: Gallo Pinto Cool Down With: Imperial Lager Cool Off At: La Fortuna Waterfall Can’t Miss: Manuel Antonio National Park Can’t Un-hear: Howler monkeys

Pura Vida: Pure life or simple life Tico/Tica: Local Costa Ricans ¡Qué chiva!: Awesome! Guaro: A sweet, sugar-cane liquor Goma: Hangover Soda : An authentic, local café Yodo: Coffee Chunche: Anything you don’t know the word for

Eat like a local

Bonus points if you eat with a local

Gallo Pinto

National dish of Costa Rica: rice-and-bean breakfast combo eaten with scrambled or fried eggs.

Lunch dish of rice, beans, meat or fish, with a side of plantains, cheesy tortillas, avocado, or corn.

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef stew that comes with rice and beans in case, you know, you’re really hungry.

Wrapped in a banana leaf, filled with pork, rice, and vegetables. Often more garlicky, less spicy.

Green plantains sliced, smashed, and fried—served as a crispy snack with lime and salt or salsa.

A farmers’ market staple: chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and frijoles (beans) with tortilla chips.

A warming, vegan-friendly black bean soup typically served with hard boiled eggs and rice.

Fish with citrus, onions, peppers, cilantro, salt and pepper—and ginger-ale as the secret ingredient!

Tres Leches Cake

A fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made with three milks: full-fat, condensed, and evaporated.

Juice or smoothie made from tropical fruits like sour guava, passion fruit, papaya, or mango.

BRB off to paradise

Travel to Costa Rica safely with EF Ultimate Break

Costa Rica Adventure

10 days, 4 cities

4.8 out of 5 stars

Costa Rica & Panama Adventure

11 days, 5 cities

5 out of 5 stars

Don’t get caught in the cold, catch a flight to a warm paradise and pretend it’s still summer—be quick though, deals up to $800 off end 9/30!

New Year’s in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Adventure

4.7 out of 5 stars

Spring Break: Costa Rica & Panama

Spring Break: Costa Rica

We know a spot or two

Costa Rica doesn’t have a bad side. But come with us and explore the coolest spots of its Pacific Coast—all on one epic group adventure fully planned for you.

Arenal Region

Watch out, the ground is lava! Kidding. But this area, synonymous with its dormant volcano, is a playground for outdoor recreation.

Two words: Cloud rainforest. Five more words: Ziplining through a cloud forest. Need we say more?

Pristine beaches. Coastal shops. And something called the churchill: an ice cream, snow cone, fruit, milk, and syrup concoction that sounds...intriguing.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica’s crown jewel. Small in size, mighty in just about everything else. Rainforests hikes, majestic beaches, and tons of wildlife.

Crack open a coconut and crank up the calypso music in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city.

Seeing a sloth > being a sloth

Costa Rica is about that (wild)life. Howler, squirrel, spider, and white-faced monkeys. Sloths, anteaters, capuchins, and iguanas. Toucans, parrots, and parakeets. And that’s just on land.

• Bring cash—especially small bills!
• Pack the bug spray. Hot temps and humid air are a recipe for insects—but don’t let them harsh your vacation vibe.
• Speaking of climate: bring a raincoat and good hiking shoes.
• Use sunscreen. You are not stronger than the Latin American sun.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared. Roads can be winding.
• Bring lightweight clothing that’s easy to layer—temps can change quickly at different elevations.
• Get some binoculars. You’ll see incredible wildlife and flora.
• Bring water shoes to protect your feet as you wade into waterfalls and the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica inspo

Out of Office: Costa Rica Adventure

2 Ways to Do Costa Rica This Fall. Both Will Blow You Away.

We’re changing the way you do wildlife travel

Top 10 Destinations to Experience Fall | EF Ultimate Break

Travel Jitters: Navigating Anxiety Before, During, and after Your Trip

POV: You booked a trip and need to prepare

5 Festive AF European Christmas Markets to Visit

Experiencing "Pura Vida" in Costa Rica During COVID-19

Quiz: Who is your perfect travel companion?

How much is a trip to Japan? Priceless.

Out of Office: Germany, Italy & Switzerland

Out of Office: Grand Tour of Ireland

When travel becomes art

What It’s Like to Travel Deaf, from an EF Employee

Inclusivity in Travel and at EF

America the Beautiful: Two Iconic National Parks Out West

Growing a Community of Passionate, Globe-Trotting Women Through Sorority Travel

For the ’gram

Costa Rica. More like Post-a Rica with all the great photos you’ll have for social media.

5/5 coconuts

Our travelers love visiting Costa Rica, and they aren’t afraid to tell us.

3rd-time traveler Dee

Went on this trip with a friend from a previous EF trip and had the best time!!! Would 1000% do this trip again, in fact, I've already considered it. Costa Rica was breathtaking and we couldn't have asked for a better guide, Erick. Even when things went haywire at times, he did... Read more of LIVIN' LA PURA VIDA

Traveled in Dec 2023 on Costa Rica Adventure: Plus

3rd-time traveler Adreanna

This trip is seriously a dream! If you’re an adventurer this trip is for you, between the white water rafting, zip lining, kayaking, swimming, waterfall hikes and so much more you will be on top of the world. Although this trip consists of so many activities I felt relaxed and... Read more of One of my new favorite countries

Traveled in Jan 2024 on Costa Rica Adventure

1st-time traveler Anonymous

I loved Costa Rica and the amazing group I was with! I traveled solo and thought I’d be alone but everyone was so sweet and fun! Got to see monkeys up close and amazing white water rafting. Heads up, in August it’s rainy season so pack a lot of water proof gear! We had maybe 1... Read more of Monkeys!!!🐒

Traveled in Jul 2024 on Costa Rica Adventure: Plus

1st-time traveler Ashley

Highly recommend this trip for people that want to explore and be active on PTO. You’re kayaking by a volcano, hiking in a cloud forest, paddle boarding in a bay with sting rays, then vibing on a catamaran (book it, the price is SO worth it!). Food was incredible. The guide... Read more of Experience Pura Vida!

Traveled in Aug 2024 on Costa Rica Adventure: Plus

Our kick-a** Tour Directors

We ❤️ these ticos—and you will too.

“I was born in Puntarenas by the Pacific coast. I have a genuine passion for nature and working with people, so I always knew I wanted to share my beautiful country with travelers from different cultures and parts of the world.”

“I have lived all my life in Costa Rica. I love cats, ice cream, and the warm weather in my country. One of my favorite places is La Fortuna, as the majesty of the Arenal volcano surprises me every day! The joy I feel when I show something unique to my groups makes my job amazing and is part of why I belong to the EF Ultimate Break team.”

“Hola! I was born and raised in the land of Pura Vida, where smiles pop-up in everyone you talk to! I’m a huge foodie, love a cold beer with friends, and enjoying every moment of life! The passion for sharing my country with others is why I love being a Tour Director for EF Ultimate Break.”

“I’m a proud Tica, born and raised in Costa Rica. More than a tour, I want to deliver the best travel experience and show people what Pura Vida really means.”

Still undecided? We’ll help you find the perfect trip.

Our expert Trip Consultants are waiting to hear from you. Seriously. They freakin’ love helping travelers figure out their dream trips.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Costa Rica as a Young Traveler

Costa Rica is an exciting and diverse destination for young travelers. From the stunning beaches of the Pacific coast to the beautiful rainforests of the Arenal Volcano National Park, there is something for everyone in this Central American country.

Here is your ultimate guide to visiting Costa Rica as a young traveler:

• Explore San Jose: As the capital city, San Jose is a great place to start your journey. Take a stroll through the historic center, visit the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose, and sample some delicious Costa Rican cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants.
• Visit the beaches: Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America, including the popular Playa Hermosa and Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend a day relaxing on the sand and soaking up the sun, or take a surfing lesson to ride the waves.
• Learn about local culture: Costa Rica is a country with a rich cultural history, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in local traditions. Visit a local market to shop for souvenirs, participate in a traditional cooking class, or attend a traditional dance performance.
• Visit the countryside: Costa Rica is more than just beaches and cities – the countryside is full of beautiful natural landscapes and charming small towns. Take a trip to the Arenal Volcano National Park to experience the beauty of the region and learn about the local flora and fauna.
• Explore the history: Costa Rica has a rich and complex history, and there are plenty of ways to learn more about it. Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica in San Jose to learn about the country’s cultural and political history, or take a tour of the historic Cartago Cathedral to learn about the country’s religious history.

Overall, Costa Rica is an amazing destination for young travelers. With its stunning beaches, rich culture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it is a place that will leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer!

Home » Destinations » 15 BEST Jaco Tours & Excursions in Jaco

15 BEST Jaco Tours & Excursions in Jaco

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: August 8, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Jaco is one of the best areas of Costa Rica to visit , especially if you’re an outdoorsy person. There is so much to see and do around this city including some of the best beaches and nature reserves in the country . Whether you want to sail out to tiny islands or get lost in the mountains on dry land, this area of Costa Rica has it for you! 

While we love exploring different travel destinations on our own, there are some places where taking a tour is definitely worth it. That’s especially true in a place with so many adrenaline-pumping activities as Costa Rica. Ziplining over a waterfall and ATVing through the jungle are must-do’s when you’re in Jaco and quite frankly, you’ll need a tour to experience them.

Some of the other best attractions near Jaco are also only possible on a tour. For example, visiting Tortuga Island requires a boat, as does a cruise in the croc-invested Tarcoles River .

But not all tours are created equal, and while some are well worth your time and money, some are just not – which is why we’ve written this blog! It outlines the absolute best tours and excursions from Jaco!

Our Top Picks 

• Zipline, ATV, and Waterfall Tour – This is our top pick for an adventurous combo tour ! It’s a 5-hour tour that costs $140 USD and includes ziplining, ATVing, and swimming in natural pools at the bottom of waterfalls.
• Crocodile River Safari – The river cruise is super unique because you’ll get to see crocodiles in their natural habitat! It’s the only of its kind in Costa Rica, so it’s definitely worth adding to your to-do list! The tour is also pretty affordable at only $35 USD per person!
• Tortuga Island – Tortuga Island is one of our favorite places to visit on a day trip in Costa Rica, and there is this one tour that departs from Jaco . You’ll get to snorkel, relax, and enjoy lunch on this tiny tropical island! It’s a full-day tour that costs $115 USD per person.

The BEST Tours in Jaco, Costa Rica 

1. 3-hour atv jungle waterfall adventure.

This ATV jungle waterfall tour is a great way to get a thrill by speeding on an ATV through rivers, weaving through trees, and hunting for waterfalls. The friendly guides will lead you through the thick jungle trails as you climb the mountain to a stunning viewpoint where there are some pretty impressive views of the ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park .

Our favorite part about this tour was the next bit, where we stopped at two waterfalls (Cascada del Zorro and Pura Vida waterfall). Here we jumped off our ATVs and into the refreshing water – it was the perfect way to cool off! If you’re up it, you can even try the 15 ft (4.5 m) cliff jump. We skipped it this time and chose to just relax in the cool water instead.

This tour is suitable for first-time riders and the friendly English-speaking guide will teach you how to drive before you go. With that said, all drivers must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license.

The 3-hour tour costs $95 USD for adult drivers and $35 USD for passengers 4-15 years old, if you ask us it’s great value consider how much fun the tour was! Roundtrip transportation is offered for those staying in Jaco . You’ll want to bring your GoPro, and bathing suit, and wear closed-toed shoes for this adventure. 

Since this is one of the most popular ATV tours in Jaco, you should book online in advance here to secure your spot .

Related Read: The above tour is also one of the best ATV tours in Jaco – read about the the others here!

2. Zip Line + 3hr ATV & Waterfalls Combo Tour

For adventurers looking to spend a great day outdoors, this zipline and ATV combo tour comes highly recommended and is one of the memories from a trip a couple of years ago that we still talk about today! We love that the tour combines two of the most popular adventure activities in Jaco – ATVing and ziplining – plus it includes visiting waterfalls , what more could you ask for really?!

This tour starts by heading up a mountain to gain elevation so you can fly down it. You will soar down a 10 cable zipline circuit amongst the jungle treetops. Once you get to the bottom, you’ll climb on some ATVs and explore the jungle floor riding through the mud, weaving along the mountain trails, and jumping in the refreshing waterfall.

In total, this tour lasts about 5 hours and costs $140.40 USD per person. This tour does not include transport and will instead start at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park , about a 10-minute drive from Jaco. If you don’t have a rental car in Costa Rica , it is possible to organize transportation for an additional cost. This is not a tour for young families as there are age restrictions requiring zipliners to be at least 4 years old, and 8 years old to ride the ATV and all passengers must be under 260 lbs (118 kg). 

You can read about all the details of this tour and book online here !

3. Surf Lessons with Pro Team in Jacó

If you’ve always wanted to try surfing, there is no better place to learn than in Costa Rica. Surfing in Costa Rica is extremely popular, and Jaco Beach is one of the best surf beaches , especially for beginners!

This surf lesson is offered to all skill levels whether it’s your first time on a board, or are looking to brush up on your skills. The instructors are “pros” so they are guaranteed to teach you a thing or two. The instructors are also incredibly friendly and offer a lot of experience which will make you feel comfortable in the water. 

The 2-hour surf lessons cost only $59 USD per surfer and include round-trip transportation from Jaco. You can choose between a morning or afternoon surf lesson. All surfing gear is provided and there are even photographers available to take photos of you conquering the waves!

You can book your surf lesson online here !

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

• Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
• Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
• Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
• Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
• Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here ! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here .

4. Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from Jaco

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful protected areas in the country and is known to be a haven for jungle life. If spending the day marveling at all the biodiversity this beautiful country has to offer sounds good to you, this is a must-do tour !

A truly wild experience, this area is home to sloths , monkeys, coatis, many different bird species , and other wildlife like frogs, crocodiles, snakes, and iguanas. The jungle runs right into the beach here, so you can even swim in the calm bays! There’s a reason why visiting this national park is considered one of the very best things to do in Costa Rica .

Now, we feel the need to highlight why a tour to Manuel Antonio National Park is a good idea. First of all, the park is located over an hour’s drive from Jaco and a tour includes transport. Getting to the park without your own wheels and without a tour would be very difficult.

On top of that, having a guide in the park is super handy for navigating the trails and spotting all the best wildlife . Your guide is a pro when it comes to finding hard-to-spot animals (if you’ve ever tried to see a sloth in the wild you’ll know that it is very difficult and often comes with a sore neck from staring up at the trees for so long!) Your guide will also tell you all about the plant and wildlife around you – it’s super interesting!

The full-day tour costs $134.47 USD per person with kids 6-12 years costing $80 USD each. This is an all-inclusive style trip with all park fees, lunch served with an ocean view, and transportation from Jaco included in the price. It’s really one of the best excursions in Jaco and one you should consider if visiting Manuel Antonio National Park isn’t already part of your travel plans.

You can book your day trip from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park online here !

Note: Next to the national park is a small town with the same name, Manuel Antonio. There are lots of nice hotels and places to stay in Manuel Antonio , so if you want, you can visit this area for a couple of nights instead of doing a day trip. There are plenty of other fun things to do in the Manuel Antonio area too including some top-rated restaurants .

Related Read: If you love animals, be sure to visit one of the best wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica !

5. Day Tour to Playa Fantasia on Sealounge Catamaran

Jump aboard a stunning 50 ft (15.25 m) catamaran and prepare to have a luxurious beach day on this epic tour from Jaco ! Your tour will start and end with a beautiful 40-minute cruise through the ocean as you head to a private beach to spend your day.

Playa Fantasia is a secluded beach oasis where you will spend your day like a VIP sipping cocktails, enjoying watersports, and relaxing on the beach. The best part of this beach is how secluded it is, you will feel a million miles away with your only neighbors being the birds and wildlife in the area!

This 4-hour tour costs $137.69 USD per person with children 4-9 years old costing $114.50 and babies under 3 being free. The tour includes everything you need to have fun in the water including snorkel equipment, surfboards, boogie boards, and paddle boards. Choose between lazing in a hammock or a beach chair as you take full advantage of the open bar. You will then be served a delicious BBQ lunch with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

You can book yourself a spot on this catamaran tour from Jaco online here !

6. Full-day Jaco Jungle Adventure

If you’re wanting an adventurous do it all style day, this tour guarantees a fun action-packed day! You’ll spend the day in the jungle horseback riding, ATVing through the forest, ziplining amongst the treetops, and even rappelling down a waterfall. The guides are friendly and talk you through every experience, making this a great option even if you’ve never tried some of these activities. 

This 7-hour adventure tour costs $195 USD and has 3 three departure times depending on how early you’re looking to start. If you’re booking for a group of 2 or more, transportation from Jaco and the surrounding area is included. Lunch and all necessary equipment is also included in this activity.

I highly recommend dressing appropriately and bringing a change of clothes for when you’re wet from rappelling as you will want water shoes, shorts, extra socks, and closed-toed shoes.

You can book this full-day tour online here !

7. Tortuga Island Adventure tour 

Tortuga Island is a remote island that doesn’t allow any local residents, except the wildlife, making it feel like an untouched paradise! We booked a Tortuga Island tour when we went to Costa Rica and the island is absolutely stunning with untouched white sandy beaches and some amazing snorkeling .

This full-day adventure tour starts on the land in Jaco as you travel to the port in Puntarenas with a stop at Tarcoles River to see some crocodiles. You will then climb aboard a boat and set sail in the Gulf of Nicoya visiting Negritos Island to see the spider monkeys and hopefully dolphins before heading to Tortuga Island.

On the island, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel off the coast of the island, do a variety of watersports, and enjoy lunch on the beach. When we were there, we spent heaps of time snorkeling as there were lots of fish to see! We also played some beach volleyball and had one (or three!) Coco Locos!

This full-day tour requires a minimum of 4 adults per booking costing $115 USD each. Children 3 – 11 years old cost $96 USD and babies 2 and under are free. The tour price includes snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks. It does not include transportation from Jaco to Puntarenas but this can be added for an extra $25 USD per person. 

You can book this fantastic Tortuga Island Tour online here !

Related Read: Visiting Tortuga Island is also one of the best things to do in Montezuma and Santa Teresa !

8. Jaco Beach Horseback Riding

In true Costa Rican style, this horseback riding tour will take you through different terrain including passing rice plantations, along jungle trails, through rivers, and onto the beach. Why walk when you can ride – am I right?!

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled when riding through the jungle as it is not uncommon to see monkeys and sloths as you travel through. 

One of the things we like about this tour is how helpful the guides are. They’ll make sure you are comfortable no matter what your comfort and skill level is with horses, and they’ll tailor the tour to your level. Also, the horses are healthy and well cared for!

You can choose between multiple departure times with this horseback riding experience but I highly recommend either booking the early 7 am slot or the latest time when the beach is quieter and you can catch either the sunrise or sunset. The horseback tour lasts about 2 hours and costs $69.90 USD per person and includes hotel pick-up within Jaco. 

You can check availability and book your horseback experience in Jaco online here !

9. Amazing Mega Zipline

If you love ziplining, this Mega Zipline tour will have you flying across a whopping 25 different ziplines! You’ll spend around 3.5 hours amongst the treetops taking in view of the ocean, waterfalls, and mountains. Yes, you read that right – waterfalls! This zipline adventure will have you soaring over 11 waterfalls and even rappelling and swinging your way across canyons – this is definitely one of the best zipline tours in Jaco !

Be sure to bring your bathing suit as there is an opportunity to swim along the way. You will be walking through a thick jungle forest too so I recommend dressing appropriately including wearing good shoes. 

The tour ranges in price from $109 USD to $269 USD per person depending on whether you are looking for transportation and where from. All zipliners must be at least 7 years old and weigh less than 280 lbs (127 kg). A delicious Costa Rican lunch and bottled water are included in the price.

You check out all the details and book your zipline tour online here !

10. Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour 

Crocodiles are such amazing creatures. Seeing them in person is an experience you’re sure not to forget. Luckily, near Jaco is a river where you can spot wild crocs!

This jungle safari includes a boat cruise on the Tarcoles River where you are guaranteed to see some huge crocodiles (from a safe distance, of course!) Bird lovers will enjoy this tour as the area is home to between 50-100 different species of birds. Your guides will help in spotting all of the animals so you don’t miss a thing!

This is actually the only company that offers a cruise on the river, most other crocodile tours from Jaco only show you the crocs from the well-known “ crocodile bridge ” or land.

Choose between multiple start times for this crocodile safari tour costing only $35 USD for adults, $30 USD for kids 4-12 years old, and free for children 3 and under. This is also one of the cheaper things to do in Jaco .

Transportation is not included and you will instead meet in Tarcoles, about a 30-minute drive north of Jaco – either drive yourself or take a taxi or local bus. Be sure to bring your camera along as this is a great spot for wildlife photography! If you’re keen on seeing even more birds, check out our top 3 bird watching tours in Jaco blog !

You can read all the amazing reviews and book this river safari online here !

11. Savegre River Rafting Class II-III

If you’re looking for a thrill on the water, going whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is a great way to get it! This full-day river rafting experience will take you down class II and class III rapids as you navigate down the Savegre River.

In typical Costa Rican style, you should keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife you will see along the way including monkeys, iguanas, and many different species of birds including toucans and herons. 

This 8-hour white water rafting tour costs $130 USD per person for adults and $115 USD per person for kids aged 8 – 17 years old. The price includes breakfast, lunch, and round trip transportation from Jaco, Herradura, and Esterillos. A minimum of 2 people are required per booking and a maximum of 8 people per group.

I highly recommend bringing along a change of clothes as the spray from the water is guaranteed to get get you wet!

You can book this very popular Jaco tour online here !

12. Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour

It might be time to escape the beach and head inland towards La Fortuna , where some of the best volcanoes and hot springs in the country are located! This full-day tour includes all of that more, so it’s a great change of scenery from the beach towns like Jaco.

You may have heard of Arenal Volcano , which last erupted in 2010, and is one of the most popular and beautiful sights in the country . On this tour , you’ll visit Arenal Volcano National Park where you’ll hike the lava trails for an epic view of the volcano!

This tour also includes a visit to one of the best waterfalls in the country , the towering La Fortuna Waterfall ! Swim at the base of the waterfall or just enjoy the views from the viewing platforms.

End your day relaxing in Paradise Hot Springs’s mineral waters at the base of Arenal Volcano. 

This combo tour costs $185 USD and accommodates groups of 4-15 people. Both lunch and dinner are included in this price as well as round-trip transportation from Jaco. This is a full day tour (approximately 14 hours long), so be sure to pack appropriately including a bathing suit, change of clothes, and sunscreen. 

I think it’s also important to note that this is somewhat of an active tour. You’ll walk a few different trails in the national park, and there are over 500 stairs you’ll have to climb down to get to La Fortuna Waterfall. The climb down isn’t an issue for most people, it’s getting back up that’s the struggle. Trust me though, it’s worth it!

You can book this combo tour to La Fortuna online here !

Related Read: Another volcano worth visiting in Costa Rica is Poas Volcano with its bright blue crater lake – read our complete guide !

13. Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour

This zipline and tram combo tour will take you through a private reserve to give you a stunning view of the Costa Rican rainforest. You will start on a stunning 1-hour tram ride through the forest treetops where you can look for all the animals native to this area including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and many more.

Once at the top, you will then start your ziplining journey, getting a thrill as you soar amongst the jungle canopy on a series of 10 cable ziplines of varying lengths. The guides are great here and will make you feel comfortable on the ziplines making it an excellent experience for all skill levels. 

Once back on the forest floor, you will be guided through the reserve while learning about the area. There are two exhibits in this reserve, a snake and reptile exhibit and a medicinal botanical garden which you will be guided through.

This tour costs $85.50 USD for adults and $51 USD for kids 5-12 years old. This price includes transportation from hotels in Jaco. 

You can book this Zipline and Tram tour online here !

14. Canyoning tour

Canyoning down a waterfall in Costa Rica is one of our top must-do tours in the country ! Whether you’ve done it before or are brand new to the experience, it’s a great way to get your heart pumping and splash in a waterfall. 

This half-day tour through the rainforest will start with an easy 20-minute hike into the jungle where your guide teaches you about the forest and you will likely see different forest animals like monkeys and toucans.

You will then jump on a zipline flying through the air to a platform at the top of the 300 ft (91 m) waterfall where you will begin your rappel. You will get your harness on and get ready to rappel down 4 different waterfalls ranging from 70-90 ft (21-27 m). After navigating over the river, you’ll then take on your last ziplines, one of which is an impressive 2,000 ft (610 m) in length!

The guides on this tour are very professional and will make sure you are comfortable whether you’re an experienced adventurer or this is your first time rappelling down a waterfall.

You will need at least 2 people per booking and the cost is $111.87 USD per person. The tour includes transportation from their tour office in central Jaco to the base camp for this experience, which is about a 15-minute drive.

You can book your canyoning adventure in Jaco online here !

15. Jaco Birdwatching and Photography

Costa Rica is home to more than 800 different species of birds, making it one of the best places for bird lovers to visit.

This birdwatching tour is the perfect tour for anybody wanting to see unique birdlife! You’ll spend about 3 hours walking the easy trails of Carara National Park looking for different species of birds. On average, you will see between 20-40 species on your journey and have plenty of time to enjoy them and take photos.

The birds in Costa Rica are known to be beautiful and colorful making them a dream to photograph. 

This bird watching tour costs $101.54 USD and has two start times. I highly recommend the early morning tour as this is when the birds are most active. The tour includes transportation from your hotel to Carara National Park and back again. The guides know the area quite well and do a great job of explaining the climate and pointing out all the different birds throughout.

You can book the tour easily online here !

Related Read: While in the area, be sure to visit some of the tastiest restaurants in Jaco !

Where to Stay in Jaco, Costa Rica 

As you can imagine, Jaco is a tourist city filled with beautiful hotels, holiday apartments, and even backpacker hostels. In fact, the hardest part about finding a great place to stay in Jaco is choosing from all the options – trust me, I’ve been there before! 

Room2Board Hostel – $

For budget travelers and backpackers, I love  Room2Board Hostel . The hostel is on the pricier side of budget hostels, but it has a beautiful pool, surf camp, yoga, and modern facilities. The atmosphere is also great for meeting other travelers. 

Rates for beds in a dorm begin at $18 USD/night, and rates for private rooms with private bathrooms begin at $70 USD/night. You can book Room2Board  here on HostelWorld or here on Booking.com .

Apartotel Flamboyant – $$

If your backpacking days are over and you can spend a little more,  Apartotel Flamboyant  is a top choice in the medium budget range. The hotel is centrally located, and you can see the beach from the pool. The rooms are a more typical Costa Rica design, but it’s one of the best for location and amenities. 

All of the rooms have a private bathroom, and the property’s gardens are beautiful. Rates for a room begin at $115 USD/night. You can check availability and book a room online  here on Booking.com .

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort – $$$

Luxury travelers have tons of great options depending on what you’re looking for. If you don’t mind staying out of town,  Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort  is beautiful. This beachside resort is like something out of a fairytale.

Located on Herradura Beach, the resort grounds include a huge pool, restaurant, fitness center, and spa. Room rates begin at $269 USD/night. You can check availability and book a room  here on Booking.com .

For more info, check out our  where to stay in Jaco guide . 

Getting Around Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a pretty big city, so getting around on foot isn’t always the most ideal. If you already have a rental car , then great, you’re all set! If not, you’ll need to know how to get around this city to explore all of the fun activities and attractions.  

If you’re up for it, rent a scooter, motorbike, or ATV. A scooter is a good budget-friendly option as you can get them for as little as $45 USD per day – cheaper than taking multiple taxis. ATVs are obviously more fun, they cost around $180 USD per day. A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. Both a scooter and ATV only require a normal driver’s license.  

We rented from  AXR  when we were in Jaco and they were a good company, professional with good quality scooters and ATVs.  

If you don’t want to rent any vehicle, you can easily take taxis and Ubers around Jaco. For shorter trips in town and nearby, they are a good option. However, they can get pretty pricey for longer trips like out to Crocodile Bridge. For these types of day trips, it’s best to book an organized tour.  

There is also a public bus that operates to select areas in and around Jaco, however, the schedule isn’t widely known and can change frequently. 

Related Read: Heading to La Fortuna? Learn about the free and cheap things to do in La Fortuna before you go!

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend  SafetyWing . We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Jaco, Costa Rica is known for its beauty and outdoorsy lifestyle. For outdoor adventurers like us, it is such a great place to explore and get out in nature. Jaco offers everything from great surfing and lazy island hopping to heart pumping ziplines and ATV rides through the mountains.

I hope this list of the best tours in Jaco helps you to plan your dream vacation to Costa Rica. Be sure to check out some of our other blogs including:

Guide to the Nicoya Peninsula

What you NEED to know about whale watching in Costa Rica

Food in Costa Rica that you HAVE to try

Costa Rica Family Tours

• Choose from 200+ Costa Rica tours
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10 Best Costa Rica Family vacation packages

Compiled by

Steff Costa Rica travel expert at TourRadar

Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday

Exotic costa rica, costa rica – family volunteer adventure, costa rica eco adventure (guanacaste beach, end liberia, 10 days), costa rica family escape, tropical costa rica 5 days, short break, essential costa rica - package with guanacaste, family costa rica rainforest and wildlife adventure, family costa rica highlights, family adventure package.

“It is the most beautiful and magical country I have ever visited!!!!!!!!!!” Sharon Bailey, traveled in January 2012

• Walk the streets of San Jose
• Relax on Cahuita’s sandy beach
• Explore the waterways of Tortuguero

“We learned so much and enjoyed meeting everyone, especially Carlos, Freddy, Hector, and Kevin.” Nanct Kuckler, traveled in January 2023

• Sightseeing
• Relax on a catamaran tour of the coastline
• Explore Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
• Ride horses to the Rio Celeste waterfall

“The community volunteer activities were excellent and great learning experiences.” Gary Bank, traveled in December 2017

• Volunteering
• Christmas & New Year
• Explore Arenal Volcano and relax in hot springs
• Learn chocolate making from cacao in Monteverde
• Enjoy surfing and beaches in lively Quepos

• Coach / Bus
• Learn stories of Old Town Monteverde by a native Quaker
• Sample chocolate made from the world's best cacao
• Glide through waterways and relax in thermal pools

• See wildlife-rich beaches and waterways in Tortuguero
• Bask at the golden beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific
• Meet the curious residents of the famous Sloth Sanctuary

“Everything ran on time and the vans and shuttles arrived exactly when they were supposed to.” William Nemeth, traveled in August 2024

• Relax in the thermal waters at Baldi Hot Springs
• Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Tortuguero
• Visit Sarchí, the birthplace of Costa Rican artisans

“We saw tons of wildlife and didn't feel too rushed. Everything was organized perfectly, transport, guides and hotels worked great.” John Ryskamp, traveled in February 2023

• Hike through Arenal Volcano National Park
• Explore Tortuguero's rivers and canals by boat
• Cross Arenal Lake by boat to Monteverde

“The zip-lining, white water rafting, boat ride, and seeing whales were highlights of the trip.” Miranda, traveled in July 2023

• Jungle Trekking
• In-depth Cultural
• Share the beach with capuchin monkeys
• Look out for howler monkeys, sloths and bird
• Cruise along the waterways of the Tortuguero

“Diverse creature encounters. White water rafting.” Claire, traveled in April 2023

• Cruise mangroves and spot wildlife at Rio Tarcoles
• Raft through Balsa River's exciting rapids
• Witness Poas Volcano and paint traditional oxcarts

• Adventure day at Vida Aventura: zipline and more
• Discover Guanacaste's beaches and dry forests

More about Costa Rica

Discover TourRadar

Costa Rica Family Holiday

10 days | make memories among the evergreen forest, towering volcanos and pristine beaches of costa rica.

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica – and the culture shaped by the tropical wilderness – with your loved ones, on a trip that’s tailored for families. Pick produce and make dinner with a local family during an agricultural homestay, look for three-toed sloths in the thickets of the Manuel Antonio National Park and walk through the canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest on a suspended bridge. Take a break from active adventure by soaking in springs heated by Arenal Volcano and lying beneath swaying palms on pristine beaches while the kids play nearby. This adventure takes you into the wild heart of a country many visit but few truly know.

Trip overview

• Go beyond a biology lesson and immerse yourself in nature, from spotting rare birds in Monteverde to listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park.
• Harvest produce and come together to cook a rustic meal from scratch during a homestay with family in an agricultural community.
• Get active on guided walks through forest and jungle, plus an incredible canopy walk along suspended bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
• Family holidays aren’t always relaxing, but this trip offers plenty of opportunities to take it slow in thermal springs and pools and on beaches.
• End this adventure by hitting Manuel Antonio National Park, where the evergreen forest grows right up to the long, white beaches and irresistible water.
• Make sure you pack some sturdy and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around cities and towns and through forests and jungles on this trip.
• There are a few days of long travel on this trip as you’ll be covering a lot of Costa Rican ground. These drives are along smooth roads in new and comfortable vehicles, and are great for games, chats and scenery spotting. You’ll also make interesting stops along the way to break up the longer drives.
• Is it hot in here? You’re in tropical Central America so it can get very humid, although nighttime and locations at higher elevations can get chilly. Carry plenty of water, dress in light clothing and bring a waterproof jacket. We’ll give you every opportunity to cool off with a swim.
• With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to subtropical San Jose! Meet your leader and fellow family travellers at a welcome meeting at 5 pm at the hotel. If you arrive early there is plenty to see in this bustling city, and as the streets are laid out in a grid pattern it’s relatively easy to navigate too. Check out a few of the optional activities below, just note that as these activities are not included, they may incur an extra charge. The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, for example, is the perfect way to introduce kids (and adults) of all ages to Costa Rican biodiversity while getting some respite from the clamour of the city. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a taste of ‘Tico’ food (and get to know the other families and your tour leader) with an optional dinner as a group.

• Hotel KC or similar (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12
• San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
• San Jose - Butterfly farm - USD10

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning we head to the tiny agricultural community of Juanilama (pop. approximately 200) in the Santa Rosa de Pocosol region. This area is predominantly dedicated to milk production and raising cattle. It’s the perfect place to experience life in small-town Costa Rica – you’ll even be staying with a local family! Settle in and get to know your hosts before going on an agricultural tour. During the tour the children will learn how to plant vegetables as well as gather some produce to be used in tonight’s cooking class. You will have some free time to wander around the community before coming together to create a meal with the produce collected earlier. Vamos a comer (Let’s eat)!

• Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay (1 night)
• Santa Rosa de Pocosol - agricultural tour
• Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking Class

Today you’ll cross west through the north of the country to Arenal (approximately 1 hour), which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 metres in a perfect cone and in certain light resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and -- thanks to the volcano’s inner workings -- thermal hot springs. On arrival you are free to explore the area at your own pace, or perhaps you’d prefer to unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal Volcano.

• Hotel Magic Mountain or similar (1 night)

Today begins with a hike to the Peninsula section of the National Park, near Lake Arenal. Here we will begin a 1.5 km (1 mile) long walk along an easy trail for about an hour. Throughout the tour you can enjoy excellent views overlooking Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range in the observation bays that are found along the trail. At the end of the walk, we will have the opportunity to climb to the observation platform of approximately 12 meters (40 ft) high for a closer and amazing view of the volcano. At the end of the trail, we will take our boat for a tour along the forested shores of Lake Arenal and islets to try to find some animals. This is the ideal place to take scenic photographs of the volcano, if it is clear. After about 45 minutes, the boat docks in the sector of the Arenal Dam.

The afternoon is then free for optional activities in the local area. Please note as these activities are not included, some incur extra cost. To get a closer view of the majestic volcano peak, you could take a hike past old lava flows on the Arenal 1968 Trail. There are two options on the 1968, including a shorter route suitable for families with younger kids. Or maybe a slow-paced soar on the Sky Tram is more your family’s speed? Chat to your leader about these and the many other options on offer today.

• Arenal National Park - Hike and Lake
• La Fortuna - Ecotermales Thermal Waters - USD45
• La Fortuna - Hike to La Fortuna Waterfal - USD18
• La Fortuna - Sky Tram & Sky Trek - USD89

Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.

Today you’ll drive to the shores of Lake Arenal, before taking a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, a vehicle will take you to the hotel. There may be time to make an optional visit the nearby Butterfly Garden today upon arrival (an additional cost). Otherwise, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days you’ll get acquainted with some of them.

• Villa Lodge and Hotel or similar (1 night)
• Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22

See the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of Monteverde. The sheer variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question ‘what do you want to do when you grow up?’ While you’re up among the treetops look (or listen) out for the reclusive resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on zip-lines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk, a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.

• Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
• Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
• Monteverde - Sky Tram & Sky Trek - USD84

Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to Manuel Antonio (around 6 hours). Arrive at your accommodation, located close to the national park, and spend an evening at leisure. On your way you will stop at a local family home where you'll enjoy a cooking class and lunch. An activity the kids will enjoy! All the dishes will be based on traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Tonight, maybe take the family for a traditional Costa Rican meal at a soda (local restaurant), where you can mix with locals and try some of the region’s incredible fresh produce. Please note this dinner is not included, but your leader can give you tips on where to go and what to order!

• Hotel Verde Mar or similar (1 night)
• Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch

After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour guided walk along the trails that snake through Manuel Antonio National Park. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse wild and plant life from your guide. Look and listen carefully and you may be able to spot howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas and more. The afternoon is free to explore this magical area further at your family’s desired pace. Maybe you’d like to relax on one of the idyllic palm-lined bays while the kids splash in the water. Active types have the option to rent equipment to kayak, surf or fish in the glittering ocean (for an extra cost). There are no wrong choices in this balmy paradise.

• Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
• Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD100

Visitor numbers to Manuel Antonio have been reduced from 3000 per day to 1000. This means it is more difficult to secure entrance tickets for both tour groups and individual visitors. Over school holidays and peak travel season, it is especially difficult. We do our best to secure entrance tickets, but it is possible that on occasion demand will be too high. In these instances, we will include a visit to Carara National Park, home to a variety of animals including crocodiles, monkeys, and two-toed sloths.

Rise and shine for your final morning in this beachside haven. Enjoy your last hours in Manuel Antonio with some free time before making the return drive to San Jose in the mid-afternoon (approximately 3 hours). There are no activities planned on arrival at San Jose but maybe head out as a group for a final optional dinner to reminisce about your time together.

There are no activities planned for today. Please remember to comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times if you are leaving today. Can’t get enough of San Jose? Why not head out on a Tropical Rainforest and Chocolate Urban Adventure, which uncovers the chocolate and wildlife secrets of the jungle. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/San-Jose-tour-tropical-rainforest-and-chocolate-adventure.

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private Minivan

Hotels (8 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

2. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.

3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays to provide this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry. Details provided must be accurate as per your passport bio page.

4. First day - there will be a group meeting at 5 pm on Day 1 Last day - no activities are planned for your last day, so you can depart at any time.

5. The minimum age for white water rafting on the Pacuare River is 12 years (day 6). Any children under 12 will not be able to participate in this optional activity.

6. A single supplement is available on this trip with the exception of Day 2 at the homestay.

7. Costa Rica is a tropical country, so rain can be excepted at any time. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May – November. While July and some of August does experience dry spells, families need to be prepared for the rain. Rain does usually come in the afternoons, and it can pour. So you will need to be prepared with wet weather gear. Hurricane season in this region is from June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Intrepid monitors any situations that arise and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

8. Many hotels outside of San Jose have been built further out from the centre of town so travellers can enjoy the countryside, rainforests and views, where people can wake up to birds, not cars. Many of the hotels we use are in such locations.

9. Costa Rican food is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and black beans are a staple of most traditional Costa Rican meals. Meals in Costa Rican are more expensive than its neighbouring countries.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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A recent Travel + Leisure magazine article named Costa Rica the ideal destination for travelers in their 20s and 30s, while also highlighting the best vacation spots for other age groups. The magazine takes a brief look at some of the options available to visitors, especially U.S. travelers. It points out that Costa Rica is far enough from the United States to feel like a true getaway but close enough to find affordable flights.

The publication notes that Costa Rica’s relatively affordable cost of living further eases financial concerns for travelers. According to Travel + Leisure, visitors can enjoy a local Imperial beer for $1 to $2, a sandwich and fries for around $10, and endless hours on the beach—for free.

According to the writer, those who are traveling to Costa Rica with friends should book a house near the ocean to enjoy water activities like surfing , diving, fishing, and kite surfing. The magazine also notes that a short trip inland will transport you to lush rainforests that are home to sloths, spider monkeys, colorful birds, and jaguars.

For wildlife lovers, the magazine recommends Las Pumas Rescue Center in southern Cañas. And for those seeking adventure, it suggests hiking one of the country’s volcanoes or experiencing a canopy tour through the clouds.

Travel + Leisure emphasizes that the dream vacation varies by individual, but everyone deserves to experience a memorable trip at least once. The article also highlights how our ideal vacations evolve with age, noting that “the vacations you fantasized about in your 20s may no longer appeal to your 40-something self.”

Regarding the remaining destinations selected in this list, the magazine chose Japan for travelers aged 30 to 40, Machu Picchu (Peru) for tourists aged 40 to 50, the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador for those between 50 and 60, France for people between 60 and 70, and South Africa for those 70 and older.

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Vacations for over 20 years, we’ve been crafting unforgettable journeys that are as unique as your family, helpingnyou create a treasure trove of cherished memories. It could be the wide-eyed wonder of spotting a playful monkey in the rainforest or the laughter of your kids while riding the rapids at Balsa River. Our trips are designed to make your family’s adventure truly special.

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When planning your Costa Rican adventure, we pay close attention to your interests and inspirations. We draw upon our extensive knowledge of this enchanting destination to craft a journey that perfectly suits your family.

“We’re excited to introduce you to the essence of “Pura Vida,” a way of life that encapsulates the beauty, tranquility, and zest for living that defines Costa Rica. It’s a philosophy that we’re dedicatG ed to instilling in every experience we creaft”.

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Nestled near the iconic Arenal Volcano with a curated selection of famil-friendly experiences.

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Manuel Antonio boasts biodiverse trails and pristine beaches for monkey spotting

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Pura vida on the Star Clipper in Costa Rica

A luxurious throwback to the golden age of sail, Star Clipper is a wonderful way to explore Costa Rica’s rich nature.

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As we sailed along the Pacific coast a pod of more than 300 spinner dolphins broke the sea, like a fusillade of missiles, along side our sail boat.

We were onboard the Star Clipper, a luxurious replica of a 19th century clipper ship. Star Clipper is a small cruise ship but a big sailing ship and a clean, quiet way to explore a nation that fiercely guards its rich nature. The ship uses her sails as much as possible, relying on engines only when wind doesn’t cooperate. “She’ll do 17 knots with wind power, even with just three sails up,” second officer Sergei told me. “The engines, nine knots.”

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Sails are raised by hand and passengers are welcome to haul ropes. Those with steady stomachs can climb the rigging to the crow’s nest for a seagull’s view of the ship cutting the sea. Along the way, I saw a variety of sea turtles paddle dreamily alongside, and wintering humpbacks break the surface with a snort of spray.

The ship was the first cruise ship to achieve an International Air Pollution Certificate, and its eco-credentials have been certified by the Costa Rican government’s Pura Vida Pledge. Costa Rica has only .03% of Earth’s terrain, yet hosts 5% of its biodiversity. Almost 28% of the country is protected.

“I have the pleasure to show my country to a lot of people,” says Costa Rica-born cruise director Axel Melchior. “We go to the south and its humid, green national parks, and then sail the whole Pacific Coast to [the northern province of] Guanacaste with its beaches and tropical dry forest.”

Late one night, with most passengers asleep, the darkness came alive with loud clapping, like applause at a concert.

“Rays,” said a crew member. Mobula Rays, to be specific, perhaps thousands of them, leaping and belly-flapping with their flat bodies. They’re commonly known as devil rays for the pair of horn-like fins on their heads, or flying popcorn for their noise. Pop, pop, pop, slap, slap, slap.

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I asked a deckhand to turn on a searchlight. The bright beam shot across the black sea and the famously shy rays instantly disappeared. The moment the searchlight went out, the chorus of slapping rose again.

Wildlife sightings filled each day, yet to characterize the trip as an eco-cruise would ignore the beach days and blissful hours spent relaxing aboard.

Star Clipper has the feel of a private yacht

The experience is the brainchild of Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft, who harboured a lifelong dream of recreating the golden age of sail. While sailing the Caribbean on his 39-metre schooner, Gloria, he got the idea that a small cruise line would be the way to bring his dream to life. Star Flyer launched in 1991 and Star Clipper a year later, both modern and luxurious but otherwise faithful to the classic designs of the 19th century.

At 115 metres, Star Clipper has 88 wood-panelled cabins with twin or double beds (no bunks), lots of storage and ensuite bathrooms. Two small pools grace the teak sun decks, shaded by 3,365 square metres of sail rigged on four towering masts.

“I wanted the ships to have the feel of a private yacht, which is why the cabins are like those on my own yacht,” said Krafft, adding that his replicas are actually much bigger than clipper ships of yore.

There’s an outdoor bar, a piano lounge, a library and a small spa. In a spacious and elegant dining room, passengers dine when they please on fine cuisine. “Everything is prepared fresh to order,” said supervising chef Randall Gayle. “On a small ship you can do that.”  The extensive menu changes daily, with full evening table service and themed buffets at breakfast and lunch.

Dusk is a special time of day, as passengers return from shore and gather on deck to watch the sails go up as the sun goes down. Warm tropical evenings often morphed into deck parties. Some passengers preferred private corners. I liked to lie on cushions looking up through the rigging as the masts moved against a backdrop of stars; now and then a shooting star would glow and flame out.

Sails in Costa Rica from December to March

We dropped anchor near the bushy coasts of famous preserves. At Manuel Antonio National Park, a frisky troop of white capuchin monkeys surrounded me, oblivious to my presence. I could stand just a metre away and witness their behaviour: A mother ferrying a baby on her back, young siblings playing, adults de-licing each other.

Further south, where the town of Golfito sits on the edge of “the most biologically intense place on earth”, according to National Geographic, I followed a trail through Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre. At a small waterfall I beat the humidity by standing under its cool cascade. My presence elicited shrieks from small squirrel monkeys, and bellicose protests from big black howler monkeys, which can be heard for two kilometres. Heliconia, passion flower and red ginger blossoms reached for patches of sun in the undergrowth.

Howlers also voiced their displeasure as we pulled up at long beaches in the arid north: Panama, Flamingo, Portero. Even in high season, I could walk a kilometre of sand marred by few footprints. Large but harmless spiny iguanas scampered in the thin shade of mesquite trees. Brown boobies alighted on rocks and giant frigate birds swooped overhead.

With a snorkel and fins I tried to follow a green sea turtle. Beaches in this area of Costa Rica are prime breeding sites for several turtle species. Olive Ridleys come ashore by the thousands to lay eggs in events known as Arribada (arrival), usually around a full moon. No one can predict exactly when, so the chance to witness it means spending time in Costa Rica before or after the cruise.

“That’s a good thing about this cruise,” Axel says. “The turnaround is always in Costa Rica, Saturday to Saturday, so travellers can come a week early or stay a week after and know more about my country.”

The writer was hosted by Star Clippers. No one vetted or approved of this article before publication.

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