18 to 35s One Week in Costa Rica

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose, home to lively culture and heaps to do. It’s recommended you arrive early to see more of what this city has to offer. If you do, maybe explore the markets – you might even be lucky enough to see a spontaneous art fair! If history is your thing, maybe head to the Gold Museum to see the collection of Indigenous gold art. You could also visit Arte Contemporaneo if you’re an art lover or get your first taste of the rich coffee that Costa Rica is known for in a nearby coffee shop. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe head out to a local restaurant or the Central Market where you can pick up some fresh seafood.

Take an early public bus to Monteverde this morning – this area was initially used as an environmentally conscious agricultural community and has now been transformed into the internationally recognised Cloud Forest Reserve. Make the most of your free time in lush Monteverde, maybe exploring the cloud forest at night with a local guide or heading out on a ziplining adventure. There are also several local communities that operate co-ops here, which are well worth the visit. Maybe walk through the canopy on suspension bridges or watch butterflies in the Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm. If food and coffee are more your thing, maybe head out on a chocolate and coffee tour.

If you're an early bird, maybe head out on a nature hike and look out for hummingbirds, sloths and the infamous (and seldom seen) quetzal birds. Today you’ll drive to Lake Arenal and take a boat to La Fortuna – a small but vibrant town with abundant hot springs and natural pools. Sitting under the shadow of a towering volcano, this spot is the perfect place to relax, explore or get active. Tonight, maybe grab dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant and try some sopa negra (black bean soup) or pozole (a stew made from pork, hominy, coriander, bell peppers and achiote).

Enjoy a free day to explore La Fortuna today. Maybe take a day trip out of town and go whitewater rafting. Costa Rica is renowned for its natural beauty, so an adrenaline-filled adventure on the action-packed rivers is highly recommended. Alternatively, stay in La Fortuna and head out on a hike through the lush surrounding forest or go stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal to enjoy the incredible backdrop of Arenal Volcano from a new perspective. If you’re an animal lover, look out for coatimundis, raccoons and toucans across the water on a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve. Soaking in the local thermal hot springs is a popular activity here – these natural springs are fed by the volcano that overlooks the city and are the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

This morning, watch Arenal fade into the distance as you take a private transfer to Cahuita National Park, where you’ll explore the lush landscape on a hike with your leader. You’ll also visit the beach, where you can cool off with an ocean swim or go wildlife spotting, looking out for paca, iguanas, giant blue crabs, raccoons, opossums, porcupines and capuchin monkeys. This is a great day for photos, so keep your camera or phone on you! Carry on to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where you’ll spend the night. Why not spend your first night on the Caribbean seaside hopping to different reggae bars and watching the sunset on the palm-fringed beaches.

Explore Puerto Viejo on a bike ride along the palm-lined coastal road, stopping at various beaches and inlets as you make your way south. Visit Punta Uva Beach, where you can find a little hidden cave with a gorgeous view. This afternoon, you can opt to head to Manzanillo for an immersive forest therapy session, where you'll learn about the medicinal uses of native plants and fruits during a guided tour through the gardens. Learn more about local Afro-Caribbean culture, hear about how local produce is cultivated and harvested, taste breadfruit and take a brief Spanish lesson. Finish your day by watching a Caribbean cooking demonstration. Experience a distinctive blend of culinary traditions using a mix of spices and fruits influenced by local Indigenous, African and Spanish cuisines. Then, return to Puerto Viejo for the evening to hit the bars with your fellow travellers for a drink.

Journey back to San Jose on a public bus and explore the historic buildings and artisan markets on an orientation walk with your leader. When you're done with the morning adventure, the afternoon is all yours. You can go cafe-hopping, hit up some local bars or just wander around, soaking in the local scene. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes, and after that, dive into the vibrant nightlife scene to wrap up this epic journey on a high note.