Costa Rica National Parks – Costa Rica Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Costa Rica National Parks Tours for Young Adults

The one that explores the best national parks in Costa Rica, from volcanoes to blissful beaches in 7 days

Wanna get off the beaten path and sample the biggest and best national parks in Costa Rica? Kicking off in the glorious capital city, you’ll embark on an adventure that’s awash with wildlife, waterfalls, wow-factor historical sites and more. In just one week, you’ll flicker from road-tripping to Caribbean sea-sailing – you’ll see sloths and sea turtles up close, you’ll take hikes through some of the nation’s most dazzling protected areas, and you’ll even learn to surf on white sand beaches (with plenty of sunbathing too).

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

out of 5 stars ()* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

7 days, 1 country from about $ 1666* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Central America & Caribbean > Costa Rica

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: San José

Day 2: San José

Puerto Viejo

Day 3: Puerto Viejo

Day 4: Puerto Viejo

Day 5: Puerto Viejo

Tortuguero

Day 6: Tortuguero

Day 7: Tortuguero

San José

Day 1: Start San José

San JoséWell hello there, and welcome to Costa Rica. Today we’ll go from one extreme to the next, with a locally guided tour of the Poás Volcano National Park – which includes a chance to see the summit – followed by a walking tour in San José: Costa Rica’s magnificent capital city. First things first though, it’s time to meet your Contiki crew…

Auténtico Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

DinnerIncluded ExperienceVisit Poás Volcano (and See the Summit too)Trust us when we say, this one’s really ‘summit’. Home to waterfalls, a coffee farm and a miasmic active volcano too – we’ll explore this momentous national park with a local guide on hand to impart all their knowledge.
Included ExperienceExplore San José on FootWe’ll check out the Costa Rican capital with a local guide on hand to point out the prettiest parks and most awe-inspiring architecture (both of which we’ll see in abundance).

Day 2: San José to Puerto Viejo

San JoséWe’ll rise bright and early this morning to make our way to Puerto Viejo (with a sweet lil stop-off along the way…). We’ll head to Turrialba (also known for its volcano, and actually named after the ‘white smoke’ said volcano used to emit), we’ll bask in the area’s sprawling natural beauty, and then visit the Guayabo National Monument for a healthy dose of ancient architecture.Puerto ViejoThis evening, we’ll arrive at the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo – known for its surf-savvy beaches, rainforests, wetlands and jaguar conservation efforts. You’re free to explore with your Contiki crew, and your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour to help you on your way.

Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceVisit The Guayabo National Monument With archaeological structures dating back as far as 1000 BC, this is a perfect combination of human creativity and the beauty of Mother Nature. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without it.
Included ExperienceExplore Puerto Viejo on FootBefore you embark on your free night in Puerto Viejo, your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are.

Day 3: Puerto Viejo

Puerto ViejoToday we’ll spend the whole day exploring Puerto Viejo – and boy does this town deserve it. We’ll go hiking in Cahuita National Park (one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, where you might just see sloths IRL) and check out some of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and indeed the world too.

Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceTake a Hike in Cahuita National Park Of all the Costa Rica national parks, this might be the most diverse – home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and tropical forests (where you might just see a sloth or two…). Basically, there’s no adventure quite like a Cahuita adventure.
Included ExperienceSee Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas BeachesBasically, when you close your eyes and picture the beach of your dreams, these are what you’re picturing (you just don’t know it yet). Today you’ll experience Playa Blanca, Puerto Vargas, Punta Uva and Manazanillo in all their perfect palm-tree-lined glory. It’s a Caribbean paradise and then some.

Day 4: Puerto Viejo

Puerto ViejoWakey wakey. It’s Day 4: . We have another full day in Puerto Viejo today, and some truly epic optional activities await. With river kayaking, surf lessons and a visit to a sloth sanctuary on today’s menu, there’s something for just about everyone. Also, we won’t be offended if you choose to spend today doing your own thing, or just kicking back on the coast (those white sand beaches are pretty moreish, after all).

Villas Del Caribe (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Go Kayaking in Punta UvaYou’ll have the unique chance to kayak down the tranquil river, checking out everything from jungles to coral reefs to coastal rock formations as you go.
Additional costs apply

Learn to Surf in Puerto ViejoDoes it get more special than learning to surf in the South Caribbean Sea? (Or, you know, just surfing in the South Caribbean sea if you’re already a pro.) That’s what’s in store for us today, with friendly and knowledgeable local instructors.
Additional costs apply

Visit a Real Life Sloth SanctuaryYou can’t visit Costa Rica without seeing a few sloths, right? Today you’ll have the chance to meet rescued sloths, learning all about these sleepy-yet-special creatures and their natural habitat too.
Additional costs apply

Day 5: Puerto Viejo to TortugueroMake Travel Matter®

Puerto ViejoAll aboard! Today we’ll literally take a boat trip in the Caribbean Sea as we set sail for Tortuguero – another of the unmissable national parks in Costa Rica. Does it get more picturesque than this? We don’t think so.TortugueroOnce we set foot back on dry land, we’ll have a turtle-y awesome afternoon/evening waiting for us. That’s right, we’ll visit a sea turtle conservancy on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience… followed by the unique opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night! Wondering what else to do tonight in Tortuguero? Fear not – your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour, pointing out all the unmissable viewpoints and food spots.

Pachira Lodge Special Stay

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Included ExperienceFind Your Feet in Tortuguero VillageYour Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation tour to show you where the best bucket list spots are. Oh, and don’t panic, they’ll also recommend their favourite eateries too.
Make Travel Matter®Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the sea turtles of Costa Rica. Oh, and you’ll also see the turtles for yourself…
Included ExperienceSpot Turtles at NightWith an expert guide on hand to impart all their knowledge, we’ll head out to witness turtles in their natural habitat. You may even see babies hatching too!
Included ExperienceIncluded Boat Ride from Moin to Tortuguero…and marvel at the gorgeous Caribbean Sea as you go!

Day 6: Tortuguero

TortugueroSure, Tortuguero is known for its sea turtles, but there’s way more wildlife to spot here – and that’s exactly what we’ll do today. We’ll take a boat trip along the winding canals, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys, birds and more animals, not forgetting the waterfalls and spectacular sea views. Tonight, after checking out one of the world’s more beautiful national parks, you’ll have another free night, AKA the chance to try one of the many delicious Caribbean restaurants you missed last night. Decisions, decisions, hey?

Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Included ExperienceExplore the Tortuguero Canals by BoatThese winding canals are home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, poison dart frogs and a few types of monkey too – so keep your eyes peeled (and your camera at the ready too).
Included ExperienceWalk Along the Pachira Lodge Wilderness Trail Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.

Day 7: Tortuguero to San José

TortugueroTortuguero, you’ve been tantalising. We’re all better and more well-rounded people now, but sadly it’s time to make our way back to where the adventure began…San JoséAnd that… is… that. We’ve spent one week in Costa Rica. You’re back in San José, where you’re free to explore for a while longer or make your way back to the airport. Whichever path you’re choosing, we’re pretty sure this won’t be the last time you’ll be seeing your new Contiki crew.

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

Make Travel Matter®
Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the sea turtles of Costa Rica. Oh, and you’ll also see the turtles for yourself…

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Explore the Tortuguero Canals by Boat

These winding canals are home to all sorts of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, poison dart frogs and a few types of monkey too – so keep your eyes peeled (and your camera at the ready too).

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Take a Hike in Cahuita National Park

Of all the Costa Rica national parks, this might be the most diverse – home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and tropical forests (where you might just see a sloth or two…). Basically, there’s no adventure quite like a Cahuita adventure.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Visit Poás Volcano (and See the Summit too)

Trust us when we say, this one’s really ‘summit’. Home to waterfalls, a coffee farm and a miasmic active volcano too – we’ll explore this momentous national park with a local guide on hand to impart all their knowledge.

INCLUDED

Learn to Surf in Puerto Viejo

Does it get more special than learning to surf in the South Caribbean Sea? (Or, you know, just surfing in the South Caribbean sea if you’re already a pro.) That’s what’s in store for us today, with friendly and knowledgeable local instructors.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Visit a Real Life Sloth Sanctuary

You can’t visit Costa Rica without seeing a few sloths, right? Today you’ll have the chance to meet rescued sloths, learning all about these sleepy-yet-special creatures and their natural habitat too.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Go Kayaking in Punta Uva

You’ll have the unique chance to kayak down the tranquil river, checking out everything from jungles to coral reefs to coastal rock formations as you go.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager & Trip Driver

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Average 15 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Minibus

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

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(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized Costa Rica tour for young adults or other Central America & Caribbean trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.