TEEN ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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TRIP DETAILS & HIGHLIGHTS 14-DAY ADVENTURE DAILY ITINERARY WHAT TO PACK TRIP FAQ

TRIP OVERVIEW

DURATION

14

DATES

July 7 – July 20, 2027 Available

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE

Houston, TX

AGES

15 – 17

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Practice Spanish Along the Way
  • Raft the Pacuare River for Three Days
  • Surf Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
  • Backpack Through Corcovado National Park
  • Experience Costa Rican Culture
  • Explore San José’s Street Markets
TUITION

$5,495

Includes round trip airfare

COSTA RICA – 14-DAY ADVENTURE

Costa Rica is made for an adventure that keeps moving.

Over fourteen days, a small group of teens travels from rainforest rivers to the Pacific coast and deep into the Osa Peninsula. We spend three days whitewater rafting the Pacuare River, learn to surf on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, hike through the rainforest of Corcovado National Park, swim beneath waterfalls, and explore some of the country’s small towns and communities.

Along the way, we make time to experience Costa Rica beyond the adventure activities. Participants practice Spanish, learn about the landscapes and wildlife around them, experience local food and culture, and get a feel for everyday life in the places we travel through.

The activities are a big part of the adventure, but they’re only part of what participants take away.

By the end of the trip, participants have gained more than new outdoor skills. They’ve learned how to travel well, live and work with a group, navigate uncertainty, contribute to a shared experience, and take greater responsibility for themselves. They also come home having experienced a side of Costa Rica that is difficult to find from the window of a tour bus.

01

Whitewater Raft The Pacuare River

LEARN MORE

Whitewater Raft The Pacuare River

Three days on the Pacuare River is one of the defining experiences of the trip. Working together as a raft team, we’ll learn how to read the river, paddle effectively, and build our skills as we progress from Class II–III rapids to the bigger Class III–IV whitewater of the lower Pacuare. We’ll spend two nights at a riverside eco-lodge surrounded by rainforest, with time off the river to swim beneath waterfalls, explore jungle swimming holes, ride zip lines, and enjoy life deep in the Costa Rican jungle.

01

Whitewater Raft The Pacuare River

Whitewater Raft The Pacuare River

Three days on the Pacuare River is one of the defining experiences of the trip. Working together as a raft team, we’ll learn how to read the river, paddle effectively, and build our skills as we progress from Class II–III rapids to the bigger Class III–IV whitewater of the lower Pacuare. We’ll spend two nights at a riverside eco-lodge surrounded by rainforest, with time off the river to swim beneath waterfalls, explore jungle swimming holes, ride zip lines, and enjoy life deep in the Costa Rican jungle.

02

Surf the Pacific Coast

Surf the Pacific Coast

For three full days, life revolves around the ocean. With morning and afternoon surf sessions, teens have plenty of time to build confidence, catch waves, and improve their skills. Professional instructors teach ocean safety, surf etiquette, and technique, while Uvita provides an ideal setting for beginner and intermediate surfers to progress at their own pace.

03

Explore Corcovado National Park

Explore Corcovado National Park

The Osa Peninsula takes us into one of the wildest parts of Costa Rica. We’ll travel through rural communities, meet local residents, and experience a side of the country that most visitors never see. Then we head deeper into the rainforest, exploring Corcovado National Park, swimming in pristine natural pools, watching for wildlife, and spending time along remote stretches of Pacific coastline.

04

Experience Costa Rican Culture

Experience Costa Rican Culture

Adventure is only part of the experience. Throughout the trip, teens have opportunities to practice Spanish, learn salsa, cook local dishes, meet Costa Rican families, and learn more about everyday life in the communities we visit. Those experiences give the trip a sense of place that goes well beyond simply traveling through Costa Rica.

THE JOURNEY

HOW THE ADVENTURE UNFOLDS

A closer look at the journey, from arrival day through the final goodbye.

DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA

Meet your Wild Traveler leaders and fellow travelers in Houston, then fly together as a group to Costa Rica. Once we arrive in San José, we’ll settle in and get ready for the adventure ahead.

DAYS 02-04

RAFT THE PACUARE RIVER

Spend three days rafting through lush rainforest, learning to paddle as a team as we progress from Class II–III rapids to the bigger Class III–IV whitewater of the lower Pacuare. We’ll spend two nights at a riverside eco-lodge surrounded by jungle, waterfalls, swimming holes, and zip lines.

DAY 05

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

Leave the river behind and head toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, stopping along the way to explore Manuel Antonio National Park. Rainforest, beaches, wildlife, and coastal scenery make this a memorable transition between two very different parts of the trip.

DAYS 06-08

SURF COSTA RICA

Spend three full days learning to surf on the Pacific coast, with morning and afternoon sessions designed to build confidence and skill. Between sessions, we’ll slow down, enjoy the beach, and settle into the rhythm of life by the ocean.

DAYS 09-12

EXPLORE THE OSA PENINSULA

Travel by road and boat into the remote Osa Peninsula, passing through mangrove forests on the way to Drake Bay. From there, we’ll hike deep into Corcovado National Park and experience one of Costa Rica’s wildest and most biodiverse regions.

DAY 13

SAN JOSE

Return to San José for one final day together after nearly two weeks of rivers, beaches, and rainforest. We’ll explore street markets, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a last group dinner before heading home.

DAY 14

JOURNEY HOME

Fly back to Houston together with the group and Wild Traveler leaders after two unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica. From there, travelers reunite with family or continue onward to their home airport.

VIEW FULL ITINERARY CLOSE ITINERARY ↓
DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA

Travelers meet their Wild Traveler leaders and the rest of the group in Houston before flying together to Costa Rica. Once we arrive in San José, we’ll meet our Costa Rican driver, load up the microbus, and head to our hotel.

We’ll settle in, get to know the group, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

DAYS 02-04

RAFT THE PACUARE RIVER

Our adventure begins on the Pacuare River, a spectacular whitewater river winding through rainforest on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope.

Over three days, we’ll learn to paddle as a team and read the river as we progress from Class II–III rapids into the bigger Class III–IV whitewater of the lower Pacuare. Along the way, we’ll travel through steep jungle, waterfalls, and some of the most dramatic scenery of the trip.

We’ll spend two nights at a riverside eco-lodge surrounded by rainforest. Between time on the river, we’ll hike, swim in natural pools, ride the lodge’s zip lines, relax, and enjoy life deep in the jungle before rafting the final stretch to our takeout.

DAY 05

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

After finishing our Pacuare River journey, we’ll trade rainforest rivers for Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Along the way, we’ll stop at Manuel Antonio National Park, where rainforest meets white-sand beaches and coral reefs. We’ll explore the park and keep an eye out for sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife.

Later in the day, we’ll continue south to our hotel and get ready for three days centered around one thing: surfing.

DAYS 06-08

SURF COSTA RICA

For three full days, life revolves around the Pacific.

With morning and afternoon surf sessions each day, travelers have plenty of time to learn, practice, and build confidence in the water. Our professional surf instructors will teach ocean safety, surf etiquette, paddling, positioning, and technique, with coaching adapted to each traveler’s experience level.

Between sessions, we’ll slow down, enjoy the coast, and settle into the rhythm of surf life.

DAYS 09-12

EXPLORE THE OSA PENINSULA

Getting to the Osa Peninsula is part of the adventure.

We’ll travel south to Sierpe, board a boat, and make our way through the Sierpe River and one of Central America’s largest mangrove forests before reaching Drake Bay.

From there, we’ll spend the next several days exploring this remote corner of Costa Rica, including two days hiking through Corcovado National Park. It’s a chance to experience dense tropical rainforest, wildlife, remote coastline, and a very different side of the country.

DAY 13

SAN JOSE

After nearly two weeks of rivers, beaches, and rainforest, we’ll return to San José for our final night together.

We’ll explore colorful street markets, walk the city’s pedestrian areas, pick up a few souvenirs, and enjoy one last group dinner at Train Tracks, a longtime Wild Traveler favorite.

It’s also a chance to look back on everything we’ve packed into the past thirteen days before heading home.

DAY 14

JOURNEY HOME

After breakfast, we’ll wrap up the trip together and head to San José International Airport. The group will fly back to Houston together with their Wild Traveler leaders, where travelers will connect with their families or continue onward to their home airport.

THE ROUTE

14 DAYS
ACROSS COSTA RICA

DAY 01 HOUSTON + SAN JOSÉ
DAYS 02–04 PACUARE RIVER
DAY 05 MANUEL ANTONIO
DAYS 06–08 PACIFIC COAST + SURFING
DAYS 09–12 OSA PENINSULA + CORCOVADO
DAY 13 SAN JOSÉ
DAY 14 JOURNEY HOME
FROM OUR TRAVELERS

THE ADVENTURE,
IN THEIR WORDS.

This trip exceeded my expectations. It was much more beautiful and adventurous than I thought it would be, and I LOVED that.

Sophie , AGE 13

An awesome trip, kids well cared for and smiling ear to ear.

Andrew K. · Parent

My husband and I have talked about how much more ‘comfortable’ in her skin she seems.

May L. · Parent

I gained self-discipline, patience, and the ability to sustain a positive attitude.

Olivia , AGE 16

Anna had the most awesome time. She lights up when she shares her experiences. It has given her so much confidence.

Linda H. · Parent

This trip definitely exceeded my expectations. I had a different idea in my head of how it was going to be, but it was way better than anything I could have imagined.

Lexey , AGE 15

I felt very reassured when he left that he would be well cared for.

Anna B. · Parent

The biggest thing I learned was how to co-exist with other people and work together.

Russell , AGE 16
01
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PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

PACK SMART.
TRAVEL WELL.

Packing for an adventure doesn’t need to be complicated. Your trip-specific packing list covers everything you’ll need, while our Gear Recommendations page offers practical guidance for choosing the items that matter most.

VIEW PACKING LIST GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Backpacking pack
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about our COSTA RICA teen adventure. Still have a question? Send us an email or submit an inquiry online. We’re always happy to help.

01. DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?

No previous rafting, surfing, backpacking, or international travel experience is required. Our activities are designed so participants can learn as they go, with instruction and support from Wild Traveler leaders and experienced local guides. What matters most is arriving with a willingness to try new things, contribute to the group, and be comfortable spending active days outdoors.

02. HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING IS THE TRIP?

Costa Rica is an active trip. Participants should be comfortable with full days outside, hiking in hot and humid conditions, swimming, surfing, rafting, and traveling between locations. You do not need to be an exceptional athlete, but arriving with a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable. We provide additional guidance before the trip about preparing physically.

03. WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M NERVOUS ABOUT AN ACTIVITY?

Being nervous before trying something new is completely normal. Our leaders and local instructors help participants understand what to expect, learn the necessary skills, and approach challenges progressively rather than simply throwing them into the deep end. We encourage participants to challenge themselves while also communicating honestly with their leaders. The goal is growth and confidence, not forcing someone through an experience they are not ready for.

04. DO I NEED TO BE A STRONG SWIMMER?

Participants should be comfortable in and around water, but they do not need to be competitive swimmers. During rafting, everyone wears a properly fitted personal flotation device and receives safety instruction before getting on the river. Surf instruction begins with ocean safety and skills appropriate to each participant’s experience and comfort level. If you have concerns about swimming ability, contact us before registering and we can talk through the trip in more detail.

05. IS WHITEWATER RAFTING SAFE?

Whitewater rafting involves inherent risks, which is part of why we work with experienced Costa Rican river guides and established local outfitters. Before getting on the Pacuare River, participants receive instruction in paddling, river safety, and what to do if they fall out of the raft. Everyone wears a helmet and personal flotation device, and guides select routes and make decisions based on river conditions, weather, and the group. Our three-day journey allows participants to build skills before reaching the larger Class III–IV sections of the lower Pacuare.

06. HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS SUPERVISED?

Wild Traveler leaders travel with the group throughout the program and are responsible for the overall participant experience, supervision, and group management. For specialized activities such as whitewater rafting and surfing, we also work with experienced local guides and instructors who provide activity-specific expertise. As participants demonstrate good judgment and responsibility, they may be given appropriate opportunities for independence within clearly established boundaries.

07. WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE GETS SICK OR INJURED?

Our leaders prepare for medical issues and changing conditions as part of every program. Minor illnesses and injuries can often be managed within the group. If someone needs additional medical attention, we will arrange appropriate local care and communicate with the participant’s family. For more significant situations, plans may include changing the itinerary, transporting a participant to a clinic or hospital, or arranging additional support as needed. Families provide medical information before departure so our leaders are aware of relevant conditions, medications, allergies, and other health considerations.

08. WHAT WILL OUR DAYS BE LIKE?

Every day is a little different. Some days begin early for a full day of rafting, hiking, or travel. Surf days may include morning and afternoon sessions with downtime in between. Other days include exploring markets, swimming, visiting communities, cooking, practicing Spanish, or simply spending time together as a group. Participants help with everyday responsibilities and should expect to be active, flexible, and involved rather than simply following a sightseeing itinerary.

09. WHAT WILL THE GROUP BE LIKE?

Wild Traveler trips are intentionally small-group experiences. Participants travel, eat, explore, and take on challenges together throughout the two weeks. Most teens arrive without knowing everyone in the group, and building friendships and learning how to live and travel well with others becomes an important part of the experience. Wild Traveler leaders stay with the group throughout the program.

10. DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS?

Health recommendations can change, so families should review current travel guidance and speak with their healthcare provider before departure. We will provide pre-trip information about the areas we visit, but individual vaccination and medication decisions should be made with a qualified medical professional.

11. DO I NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA?

Participants need a passport that meets Costa Rica’s entry requirements for the dates of travel. Visa requirements depend on citizenship, so families are responsible for confirming the requirements that apply to their traveler. We provide additional travel-document guidance before departure and strongly recommend checking passports well in advance rather than waiting until summer.

12. ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?

Yes. Round-trip group airfare between Houston, TX and Costa Rica is included in the trip tuition. Participants are responsible for getting to Houston for the start of the program and traveling home from Houston after we return. We provide detailed arrival and departure instructions before the trip so families know when and where participants need to meet the group.

13. HOW WILL WE TRAVEL AROUND COSTA RICA?

Getting from place to place is part of the adventure. We travel by private shuttle, raft, boat, and on foot as we make our way from the Pacuare River to the Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula, and San José. Our Costa Rican drivers and local partners know the areas we travel through well, while Wild Traveler leaders stay with the group throughout the trip.

14. WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

Meals include a mix of Costa Rican food and familiar options. Participants can expect rice, beans, fresh fruit, vegetables, pizza, eggs, chicken, fish, tortillas, and other local dishes alongside foods they are likely to recognize from home. Trying local food is part of the experience, but nobody is expected to love everything. We also carry snacks and make sure participants have enough to eat during active days. Families should provide complete information about allergies and dietary needs during enrollment so we can determine whether they can be accommodated.

15. CAN I CALL HOME DURING THE TRIP?

Participants will not have regular access to their phones during the trip so they can be more present with the group and the experience. About halfway through the program, everyone will have an opportunity to check in with family. Participants can also call home at other times if there is a reason they need or want to. Families can contact Wild Traveler leaders throughout the program if they need to reach the group.

16. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You do not need a mountain of specialized gear. We provide a trip-specific packing list covering clothing, footwear, personal items, and activity equipment. Specialized rafting and surfing equipment is provided by our local partners. Our Gear Recommendations page also includes examples and suggestions for items that can be difficult to choose.

17. WHERE DO WE SLEEP?

Accommodations change as we travel. We stay in a mix of hotels, eco-lodges, hostels, and locally run accommodations, including two nights at a riverside jungle lodge on the Pacuare River. Where we stay is part of experiencing the different places we travel through, from rainforest to coast to city.