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Costa Rica Wild & Free

4.7(12,774 reviews)
Costa Rica
10 days
Operated by Us

Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Jan 2027, and closing very soon.

$4,245

$495
deposit now
Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Destinations

San José, Sarapiquí, Arenal Vocano, Río Celeste, Monteverde, Esterillos Beach, Uvita, Nauyaca Waterfalls

Vibe

Adventure, Beachy, Nature

Intensity

Faster Paced Road Trip

Seasonality

Dry Season, November–April

Unique to our Getaways

Travellers holding drinks at sunset

Sunset Drinks Included.

Sunset

Bond with your crew over included sunset drinks at handpicked local spots. It's the perfect way to connect with fellow travellers while soaking up incredible views and unforgettable moments.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Comfortable hotel room with twin-share accommodation

No Cramped
Dorm Rooms.

Bed

Enjoy guaranteed twin-share or upgraded accommodation throughout your trip. More comfort, better sleep, and none of the crowded backpacker dorms often found on traditional youth tours.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Group enjoying nightlife together

Big Nights.
Better Mornings.

Moon

Enjoy the nightlife without the early wake-ups. Our itineraries are designed with later starts after social evenings, giving you more time to rest, recharge, and enjoy every destination.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Group having their photo taken by a guide

Stay Present,
We'll Capture It.

Camera

Put the phone away and enjoy the moment. Your Global Guide captures photos and videos throughout the trip, with regular media drops shared to the group.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Bright night market street after dark

See More
After Dark.

Road sign

Experience destinations when they truly come alive. From night markets and rooftop bars to vibrant nightlife and evening adventures, you'll see a side of the destination most tourists miss.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Young travellers exploring together

Exclusively For
18-35ish.

Group

Travel with like-minded people in the same stage of life. Every Getaway is designed exclusively for 18 to 35-ish, creating a more social and connected group experience.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Trip overview

20% city. 30% beaches. 50% rainforest. 100% done for you.

Costa Rica is proof that adventure and relaxation can exist in perfect harmony.

One minute you'll be navigating white-water rapids. The next you'll be watching the sun set over a volcano with a cold beer in hand.

Beyond the busy streets of San José, nature takes over.

Towering rainforests. Hidden waterfalls. Cloud forests alive with monkeys and colourful birds. Rugged beaches where life slows down and "Pura Vida" isn't just a saying, it's a way of life.

You'll zip through the treetops, cruise volcanic lakes, chase turquoise rivers and discover why Costa Rica has become one of the world's favourite adventure destinations.

And with your Global Guide taking care of the details, all you'll have to worry about is enjoying the ride with your new travel crew.

This is Costa Rica without the dorm rooms and crowded buses.

Personal. Curated. Unforgettable.

You bring the yes. We'll handle the rest.

Why you'll love this trip

🤝 Come alone, leave together

Built-in travel crew so you're never alone, even if you're travelling solo.

🌊 Adventure comes standard

From white-water rafting and ziplining through the cloud forest to swimming beneath waterfalls, this is the kind of trip that gets your heart racing.

🦥 Meet Costa Rica's famous locals

Visit a rescue centre dedicated to caring for injured sloths and native wildlife.

🌋 Experience the beauty of Costa Rica

Cruise Lake Arenal beneath an active volcano, explore tropical rainforests and discover landscapes that feel almost unreal.

😌 Plenty of freedom

You'll never be rushed from place to place. There'll be plenty of time to relax, recharge and create your own adventures.

📸 Stay in the moment

Your Global Guide captures the memories and shares daily photos, so you can spend less time behind your phone and more time living the experience.

What you'll do

White-water raft down the Sarapiquí River

White-water raft down the Sarapiquí River

Learn the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine during a cooking class

Learn the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine during a cooking class

Cruise Lake Arenal with volcano views and sunset drinks

Cruise Lake Arenal with volcano views and sunset drinks

Discover the famous turquoise waters of Río Celeste

Discover the famous turquoise waters of Río Celeste

Zipline through the cloud forest canopy

Zipline through the cloud forest canopy

Relax on the Pacific coast

Relax on the Pacific coast

Swim beneath the incredible Nauyaca Waterfalls

Swim beneath the incredible Nauyaca Waterfalls

Visit a sloth and wildlife rescue centre

Visit a sloth and wildlife rescue centre

Trip itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival | San José
Day 2 | Sarapiquí
Day 3 | Arenal
Day 4 | Río Celeste
Day 5 | Monteverde
Day 6 | Esterillos Beach
Day 7 | Esterillos
Day 8 | Uvita
Day 9 | Sloth Rescue & San José
Day 10 | Departure
Day 1 | Arrival | San José
Arrive1 day

Meet your group, settle into your hotel and get your first taste of Costa Rica's famous Pura Vida lifestyle. Tomorrow the adventure begins.

Day 2 | Sarapiquí
Adventure1 day

Kick things off with an adrenaline rush as you tackle the exciting rapids of the Sarapiquí River, surrounded by lush rainforest and incredible wildlife. Refuel with a traditional local lunch before continuing to an authentic countryside homestay near Arenal Volcano.

Day 3 | Arenal
Adventure1 day

Discover the flavours of Costa Rica during a hands-on cooking class before making your way to the shores of Lake Arenal. As the sun begins to set, cruise beneath the iconic Arenal Volcano while enjoying drinks, local snacks and breathtaking views across the water.

Day 4 | Río Celeste
Adventure1 day

Journey deep into Tenorio National Park, hiking through pristine rainforest in search of the famous Río Celeste. Watch as the river transforms into an incredible shade of bright turquoise before continuing to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.

Day 5 | Monteverde
Adventure1 day

Soar through the treetops on an exhilarating zipline adventure high above the cloud forest before spending the afternoon however you choose. Relax, explore the mountain town or add another unforgettable adventure to your Costa Rica story.

Day 6 | Esterillos Beach
Adventure1 day

Swap cool mountain forests for Costa Rica's stunning Pacific coastline. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back beach lifestyle with time to surf, swim, explore or simply switch off beneath the palm trees.

Day 7 | Esterillos
Adventure1 day

Today is all about Pura Vida. Relax by the beach, explore the local area, book an optional adventure or head into nearby Jacó with your travel crew for great food, drinks and nightlife.

Day 8 | Uvita
Adventure1 day

Hike through lush rainforest to the spectacular Nauyaca Waterfalls before cooling off beneath one of Costa Rica's most beautiful cascades. Finish the day with a fun cocktail workshop using fresh tropical ingredients as you toast another unforgettable sunset.

Day 9 | Sloth Rescue & San José
Adventure1 day

Meet Costa Rica's most famous residents during a rewarding visit to a local animal rescue centre, where you'll learn about wildlife conservation while helping support rehabilitation efforts. Return to San José to celebrate your adventure with one final Farewell Dinner alongside your new travel family.

Day 10 | Departure
Depart1 day

And just like that, your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your new travel family and head home with unforgettable memories, incredible stories and a camera roll you'll be reliving long after you've left Costa Rica behind.

What's included

Tap to expand

Accommodation
Breakfast + Select Meals
Travel Medical Insurance
Airport Transfers
All Transport Included
Global Guide
Sarapiquí River Adventure
Arenal Experiences
Tenorio National Park
Monteverde & Nauyaca Adventure
Wildlife & Local Experiences
Farewell Dinner
Photos Taken by Your Global Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Social
Exclusive Future Getaway Discount
Ongoing Support

Where you'll stay

Twin Share Accommodation

Included

Forget cramped dorm rooms. Throughout your adventure you'll stay in comfortable twin-share accommodation at carefully selected 3 or 4-star hotels, giving you all the social side of travel without sacrificing a great night's sleep. Travelling with someone? You'll be paired together. Flying solo? We'll match you with another traveller of the same gender, so you can settle in comfortably while making a new friend from day one.

Private Room Upgrade

Love the social side of group travel but prefer your own space at the end of the day? Upgrade to a private room and enjoy the comfort of having your own place to recharge between adventures. Private room upgrades are available on this trip for an additional cost (from A$820/£440) and are subject to availability.

Who it's for

Perfect for:

✔ Solo travellers (like 90% of our travellers)

✔ Couples and friends

✔ Travellers aged 18-35

✔ Anyone who wants adventure without all the planning

 

Not ideal for:

✖ Families with young children

✖ Luxury travellers looking for five-star experiences

✖ Under-18s

✖ Travellers seeking highly structured, fast-paced tours

See Who's going.

Book & get early access to your group, start planning meet-ups, and make new friends before your journey begins.

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mon-Fri.

Good to know

For most trips, a simple tourist visa is all you'll need to pack. Because the rules change depending on what passport you hold, you'll just need to double-check and grab the right one before you head off. Our team is always here to point you in the right direction if you get stuck, but getting that final stamp is down to you!

This could be you!
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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, around 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 100,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and loved by a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Absolutely! For most of our trips, we can help arrange for you and your friends to be together - so you can live, work, play, and explore the world side by side. But that’s not all! You can also earn extra travel funds just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. It’s super simple, and you’ll find all the details about our referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you’ve joined. Flying solo? No worries. We’ve made it easier than ever to connect with other Global Travellers heading to the same region through Social. Just like any social platform, you’ll be able to chat, share, and meet others doing similar trips - so you’re never really travelling alone.

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. Full credit terms available on our website. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and Booking Conditions, our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

Why travellers choose Global Work & Travel

Plans change (and that’s ok)

Can’t travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it to someone, or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Travel backed by actual experts

With 17+ years in travel and over 120,000 travellers helped worldwide, you’re in experienced hands from day one.

Be more than a tourist

Go beyond the guidebooks to discover hidden gems and experience each destination like a local.

Book now, pay your way

Don’t wait to start your next adventure. Secure your spot today and spread the cost over time with flexible instalments that fit your budget.

We’re travelling with you

Whether you’re planning, packing or already overseas, we’re here to help every step of the way with always-on global support.

Flexible travel, built in

Life changes. Your trip can too. Change your destination or departure date on most trips up to 60 days before departure and keep your adventure moving.

Still have questions?

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Costa Rica Wild & Free