Costa Rica Tours for Young Adults
Young adults go for our high-energy itineraries. These pack in waterfall rappelling at La Fortuna, surf lessons at Santa Teresa and nighttime wildlife spotting in Monteverde. You'll swim in El Salto's natural pools, tackle white-water rafting near Arenal and also zip through cloud forest canopies. Our travelers in their 20s and 30s really like how we mix scheduled activities with social time - maybe sunset yoga or beach dinners together. Local guides know all the best swimming spots, surf breaks and also hidden waterfalls that make perfect photo spots.
6 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Costa Rica
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour of Costa Rica, we packed so much into the 12 days! Very good mix of activities and free time.”
Georgia, traveled in November
Active adventures await travelers aged 18-39, with heart-pumping activities like ziplining in La Fortuna and surfing in Santa Teresa. Monteverde's night safaris, bioluminescent kayaking, and beachside festivities create unforgettable memories. Popular with 25-year-olds seeking social adventures and wildlife encounters.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 18-59 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator One Life Adventures From
- NZ$4,063
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomodations were hostels but they were nice hostels! I love my time spent in Costa Rica!”
Maria, traveled in January
Dynamic itinerary for 20-35 year olds combining adventure and nightlife. San Jose's La California barrio sets the tone, Lost Canyon waterfall rappelling adds thrills ($100), and Santa Teresa provides perfect waves. Social hostels rated 4.2/5 connect like-minded travelers.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator G Adventures From $1,659
15% Off- NZ$1,410You save $249
Costa Rica Adventure
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Full to the brim with happiness, nature & incredible species. Every day was packed with adventure.”
Katie, traveled in November
Thrill-seekers aged 18-39 will find their paradise across Costa Rica. Soar through Rincon de la Vieja's canopy, hike Arenal Volcano's lava fields, and play beach volleyball in Samara. The journey features San Jose's vibrant nightlife and sunset drinks in Esterillos.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Samara Age Range Ages 18-49 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator INTRO Travel From
15% Off- NZ$4,049
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The country has every activity you could want from from chill beach time to white water rafting.”
Jennifer, traveled in May
Costa Rica's thrills await 20-35 year olds. Catch waves at Santa Teresa, soar through Monteverde's cloud forests, and dive into San Jose's La California barrio nightlife. Additional thrills include waterfall rappelling at La Fortuna and white-water rafting near Arenal Volcano.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator G Adventures From $2,379
25% Off- NZ$1,784You save $595
Costa Rica Adventure
634 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was packed with amazing activities, stunning nature, and great vibes throughout.”
Leonie, traveled in April
Action-packed activities await 20-35 year olds, featuring canyoneering in La Fortuna, zip through Monteverde's cloud forest, and surf lessons in Santa Teresa. The schedule combines beach yoga, waterfall hikes, and Costa Rica's vibrant nightlife scenes.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Cabuya Age Range Ages 18-39 Room Type Shared Operator TruTravels From $3,110
30% Off- NZ$2,177You save $933
Adventurous souls aged 20-35 ride waves at Playa Tamarindo, rappel through Arenal's rainforest, and snorkel vibrant coral reefs. The trip combines Jaco's legendary nightlife, relaxing catamaran cruises, and Manuel Antonio's stunning beaches.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Sarapiquí, Arenal, Playa Tamarindo, Monteverde, Jaco Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From
30% Off- NZ$2,805
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours for Young Adults
What are the best locations for young adults visiting Costa Rica for the first time?
First-time visitors often head to destinations that blend adventure and social scenes. La Fortuna serves as a hub for exploring Arenal Volcano while Monteverde draws travelers to its cloud forests and zipline courses. Beach towns like Santa Teresa and Tamarindo offer surf culture and coastal energy. Places to stay include Arenal Backpackers Resort in La Fortuna or Selina Monteverde which create natural settings for meeting fellow travelers. As quoted from a TourRadar traveler: "The home stay zip lining and the boat trip to Tortuga island were my highlights."
How much spending money should I budget per day as a young traveler in Costa Rica?
Daily costs in Costa Rica average 50-75 USD covering food activities and drinks. Popular experiences come with set prices: zipline tours run about 60 USD surf lessons cost around 50 USD and meals at local spots range from 8-15 USD. Hostel accommodations like Selina Santa Teresa offer dorm beds for 15-25 USD nightly. A TourRadar traveler noted: "It would have been helpful to know how much money to bring based on optional trips/eating out/tipping."
What are the best adventure activities for young adults in Costa Rica?
Adventure options span across the country with varied pricing. Near La Fortuna whitewater rafting costs 60-85 USD while Monteverde's zipline courses run about 60 USD. Beach towns offer surf lessons and Arenal area provides canyoning adventures for 99 USD. Local outfitters like Lost Canyon Adventures coordinate these experiences directly from most hostels. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "From adrenaline-pumping activities to serene moments the trip offers something for everyone."
Is Costa Rica suitable for solo young adult travelers?
The country welcomes solo travelers with reliable transportation networks and group activities ready to join. Recent data shows that 80% of young adult bookings come from solo travelers. Social hubs like Selina hostels in La Fortuna and Santa Teresa make connecting with others straightforward. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "For someone who's never travelled solo before Costa Rica is the perfect way to introduce yourself to travelling."
What's the best time of year for young adults to visit Costa Rica?
December through April brings dry weather and peak conditions for outdoor activities though with higher prices. May to November's "green season" offers better value and thinner crowds. Monteverde's cloud forests are best explored in morning hours while beach areas like Santa Teresa remain accessible year-round. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Even in green season we had amazing weather and smaller crowds at places like Manuel Antonio National Park."
What's the nightlife like for young adults in Costa Rica?
Active social scenes thrive in Tamarindo Santa Teresa and La Fortuna. Options range from beachfront bars playing live music to casual pubs near popular hostels like Selina Santa Teresa. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The nightlife in places like Santa Teresa was amazing - perfect mix of local bars and international crowds."