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Global Exclusive
New Trip

Costa Rica Wild & Free

4.7(12,870 reviews)
Costa Rica
10 days
Operated by Us

22 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jan 2027, with limited spots.

$4,845

$495
deposit now
Limited spots • Free trip & date changes • Pay later, 0% interest

Destinations

Arenal Vocano, Monteverde, Esterillos Beach, Uvita, Nauyaca Waterfalls

Vibe

Adventure, Beachy, Nature

Intensity

Faster Paced Road Trip

Seasonality

Dry Season, November–April

Unique to our Getaways

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

Travel medical insurance documents with a Global Travel Cover card

Travel Medical Insurance,
Built In.

Medical insurance

All our Getaways include travel medical insurance from Global Travel Cover Inc. for the full duration of your tour, helping protect you against unexpected events while you focus on making unforgettable memories. TCs apply.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

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

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

Traveller enjoying an ethical animal experience

Ethical Animal Experiences.
100% of The Time.

Animal welfare

Every animal encounter on our Getaways is carefully vetted for ethical practices. We never include experiences that exploit wildlife, only that put animal welfare first.

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.

🦥 Meet Costa Rica's famous locals

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

🌊 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.

🌋 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

Pre-Arrival
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
Pre-Arrival
Free Day1 day

The countdown is officially on! Weeks before you even pack your bags, your dedicated Travel Concierge can help you sort your flights to save you from the usual 20-tab logistics headache and your travel medical insurance policy will be issued by Global Travel Cover. You'll also have access to Social and a WhatsApp group so you can get to know your ...

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. Enjoy a lunch at the sanctuary as a reward for your efforts. Return to San José to celebrate your adventure with one final Farewell Dinner alongside your new ...

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

Premium 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
Sunset Sessions
Photos Taken by Your Global Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace Deals
Exclusive Future Getaway Discount
24/7 Worldwide 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-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 per trip) and are subject to availability.

Who it's for

Perfect for:

✔ Solo travellers (like 90% of our travellers)

✔ Couples and friends

✔ Travellers aged 18-35ish (anyone under 40 is welcome!)

✔ 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.

Further Details

Visa requirements can vary depending on the passport you hold, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Our team will advise you on what you may need, and you’ll also have access to our handy Travel Visa Tool in gWorld to check the latest requirements and, if needed, apply for the right visa before you travel.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Getaway?

A Getaway is a small-group adventure for travellers who simply want to explore. No work. No study. Just epic destinations, unforgettable experiences and a ready-made group to share them with. Our collection includes exclusive Getaways operated by Global Work & Travel, as well as carefully selected trips from trusted travel partners. Each one is chosen for its quality, value and ability to help you experience more without having to organise every detail yourself.

Are Getaways suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely. Getaways are designed to make travelling solo feel easy, social and supported. You’ll join a group of like-minded travellers, share experiences from day one and still have opportunities to enjoy some time to yourself. If you’re travelling on your own, you’ll usually be matched with another traveller of the same gender in twin-share accommodation. Private-room upgrades may also be available on selected trips.

Who will I travel with, and how big is the group?

Most Getaways operated by Global are designed for travellers aged 18–35ish and welcome approximately 6–14 people. This creates a fun, social atmosphere without making you feel like another seat on a crowded coach tour. You’ll meet travellers from different countries and backgrounds, but everyone has one important thing in common: they’re ready to explore, meet new people and make the most of the experience. Age ranges and group sizes on partner-operated Getaways may differ, so check the individual trip page.

Can I connect with my group before departure?

Yes. Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive early access to your group so you can see who’s coming, introduce yourself and start getting excited together. You can first meet in Social, our social network inside gWorld for all customers heading to your destination. About 10 days before your Getaway by Global starts, you’ll be invited to a dedicated Whatsapp group with your fellow travellers, your Global Guide, and our 24/7 Global Ground Control remote support team. It’s the perfect place to share plans, compare flights, ask questions and begin getting to know your new travel crew before you meet in person.

What does the Global Guide do?

On Getaways operated by Global, your Global Guide is there to bring the itinerary - and the group - to life. They’ll help coordinate the day-to-day details, keep the trip running smoothly and show you the places, experiences and local highlights you might otherwise miss, and that only a local would know. They’ll also help create a fun, welcoming group atmosphere and capture photos and videos throughout the trip, with regular media drops shared with the group. That means you can spend less time behind your phone and more time enjoying the moment. Partner-operated Getaways are led by the partner’s professional trip leader or local guide.

What is included in the price?

Every Getaway is different, so you’ll find a complete list of inclusions on the individual trip page. Getaways operated by Global always include comfortable accommodation in a twin room (you + 1 other only), transport during the itinerary, listed activities and experiences, select meals, a Global Guide, arrival support and travel medical insurance for the trip. You’ll usually need to budget separately for flights, meals not listed, optional activities, personal spending and your journey home from the finishing point. Partner-operated Getaway inclusions will vary.

What accommodation will I stay in, and who will I share a room with?

Getaways operated by Global only include comfortable twin-share (you + 1 other) or upgraded accommodation - without the cramped backpacker dorm rooms often found on traditional youth tours. If you’re travelling with someone, let us know and we’ll arrange for you to share where possible. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll only be matched with another traveller of the same gender, unless you state you’re happy to share with an opposite gender. Private-room upgrades may be available for an additional cost on selected trips and are subject to availability. Accommodation arrangements on partner-operated Getaways may differ, so check the trip page before booking.

Are flights and travel insurance included?

Flights to and from your Getaway are generally not included unless the trip page specifically says otherwise. Any internal flights required by the itinerary will also be clearly identified as either included or excluded. Our Travel Concierge team can help you find flights that suit your trip’s starting and finishing times. Getaways operated by Global Work & Travel only, include travel medical insurance from Global Travel Cover, Inc for the duration of the trip. This provides a base level of protection but may not cover cancellation, pre-existing conditions, every activity or travel before or after your Getaway dates. You should review the policy and consider whether additional comprehensive cover is right for you.

How does the deposit work, and when is the remaining balance due?

You can register for your place by paying the promotional deposit when you book of $/£/€1. Once you’ve paid the Standard Booking deposit your place will be confirmed subject to paying the trip balance by the due date. Your dedicated Trip Coordinator will explain how much remains to be paid and the final date by which your Getaway must be paid in full (generally 60-90 days out). The deposit amount and final-payment deadline can vary depending on the trip, departure date and operator. If you book close to departure, you may need to pay the full balance at the time of booking.

Can I pay for my Getaway in instalments?

Yes. If you book far enough in advance, you can spread the remaining cost across flexible, interest-free instalments instead of paying everything at once. We’ll help you create a payment schedule that works toward your final balance deadline. You can also make additional payments whenever it suits you. The available payment options may depend on your location, departure date and the operator running your Getaway.

When is my departure confirmed?

A departure is confirmed once the minimum number of travellers has booked for that Getaway. We’ll keep you updated on your departure status and let you know as soon as it is confirmed. Unless we advise otherwise, we recommend waiting for confirmation before purchasing non-refundable flights or making other non-refundable arrangements. Once confirmed, our team can help ensure your flights line up with the correct arrival and departure times.

Can I change my dates or switch to another Getaway?

We understand that plans can change. On most trips, you can request a different departure date or destination up to 60 days before departure. Your available options will depend on timing, availability and operator. A price difference may apply. Contact us as early as possible and we’ll explain your options before making any changes.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

Contact us as soon as you know you may no longer be able to travel. Your available options will depend on how far away your departure is, how much you’ve paid and the cancellation conditions of your particular Getaway. On eligible bookings, a deposit may be held as a future travel credit or transferred to someone else under our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee. Additional payments may be subject to cancellation charges when within 60-90 days of departure and converted into a Store Credit. Cancellations outside this window can usually be fully transferrable to any other trip or a Store Credit for use later. We’ll review your booking and clearly explain the available options before processing your cancellation.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements and allergies?

We’ll do our best. Tell us about any dietary requirements or allergies when you book so we can notify the relevant accommodation providers, guides and local suppliers in advance. Many destinations can accommodate common requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-aware meals. However, options may be more limited in remote locations, and we cannot guarantee completely allergen-free preparation in shared kitchens. If you have a severe allergy or medical dietary requirement, speak with our team before booking so we can assess the specific itinerary with you.

Are airport transfers included, and can I arrive early or stay longer?

All Getaways operated by Global include an arrival airport meet and transfer when you arrive at the designated airport within the specified arrival window. Transfers at the end of the trip are generally not included unless stated on the trip page. Partner-operated Getaways may have different arrangements. You’re welcome to arrive early or extend your travels after the Getaway. You’ll need to arrange any additional accommodation and transfers outside the scheduled trip dates, but our Travel Concierge team can help you coordinate your plans and choose flights that work with the itinerary.

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