College Break – Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rica is calling, book the trip! We recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip. The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes. Passports are needed in advance to purchase entry into the national parks, so make sure you have a valid passport or plenty of time to renew it.

These trips are designed to give you those life-shaping adventures you see on your feed—without the stress or the scary price tag. Travel with friends or go solo and find your people along the way. Basically, it's champagne vibes on a seltzer budget, with all the planning done for you. These trips are exclusively for travelers 18-24, not a skinny-jean-wearing millennial in sight!

• Visa Requirement:

  U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 180 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.   

    
  Passport Validity:
  While not a requirement, we recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.

Visiting Costa Rica is like stepping into a tropical paradise where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Expect warm, sunny days with occasional afternoon showers—perfect for exploring the country’s lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and stunning beaches. You'll start in San Jose, where you’ll dive into the local culture, then head to the Arenal region and take in volcanic views of the surrounding dormant magma-makers. In Monteverde, you’ll wander through cloud forests and observe vibrant wildlife, before heading to Puntarenas to relax on the beach and take a dip in the Pacific.

Costa Rica is a dream destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re ziplining through the jungle canopy, hiking to waterfalls, or chilling on the Pacific coast, the experiences are endless. From the iconic Arenal region to the biodiversity of Monteverde, every stop offers a new adventure. This trip offers the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation, allowing you to live your best life in one of the world’s most beautiful places.

Trips in the College Collection are exclusively for travelers ages 18-24. If you or a travel companion are 25 plus, we encourage you to check out any of our other amazing itineraries!

It depends on the country and specific tour, but groups generally average around 26 travelers. The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.

Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between - our tours are designed to build connections that will last a lifetime. You get to know the rest of the group through the EF Ultimate Break app before you even depart, and our EF Tour Director expertly helps the group get to know each other and bond during experiences like the welcome dinner, excursions, and throughout the tour. First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here.

When you book flights with us you’ll get:

• The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
• One checked bag per traveler included.
• Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
• Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
• Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
• Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.

If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.

Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.

When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:

• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
• Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center

Generally, expect to depart your home airport early in the morning and arrive sometimes in the afternoon or evening on Day 1. Nothing is planned on Day 1 in anticipation for arrivals later in the day for some travelers. Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore? We strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.

When you arrive at the San Jose airport, you'll head through baggage claim and customs before being greeted by your Tour Director or other EF representative. They'll set a designated place for you to meet as the trip gets closer. For travelers who booked flights through Ultimate Break, you'll then be transported to your first accommodation.

We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end. 

The local currency is the colón. USD is also widely accepted in Costa Rica. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Cash is king in Costa Rica, so bringing cash in advance is not a bad idea. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.

Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with your local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!

In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.

On Essential trips, roommates are assigned randomly unless a specific roommate is requested in advance, you can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure. Rooms may accommodate 4+ travelers of the same gender. Please note that rooming upgrades and mixed gender rooming are not available.

Costa Rica is considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.  

Here are a few additional points:

• Health and Safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
• Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
• Nightlife: Costa Rica has a lively nightlife! As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.

Pack your most comfortable shoes and prepare for an adventure. You’ll be walking and moving a lot on each day of this trip. We rate these tours high due to the daily activities on tour, the extra adventures you might encounter (think kayaking) or the length of the tour! On these tours, be prepared to:

• Walk a minimum of 15k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
• Use public transportation
• Climb on and off a motor coach or vehicle unassisted
• Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if no elevator)
• Climb stairs and up hills to different sites and be comfortable on various terrains (think cobblestones, uneven stairs, etc.)
• Stand for long periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
• Navigate on more difficult terrain (ex. snow/ice, hiking trails)

For Essential Tours: Be able to climb a ladder for bunk beds (if applicable)

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.  

We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.