Itinerary & Activities
San Jose and the Central Valley
Our once-in-a-lifetime summer adventure begins as we touch down in the vibrant city of San Jose and the lush Central Valley of Costa Rica. We'll check in to the beautiful DoubleTree Cariari as we get to know each other during fun introductions at our group orientation. Experience the natural beauty of this area as we pass through coffee and sugarcane plantations on our way to Poas Volcano, one of the largest active volcanos in the world. Walk along nature trails that lead through cool cloud forests to Lake Botos, an extinct crater lake. Afterwards we head to one of Costa Rica's most visited ecological attractions, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, home to stunning natural beauty and exotic wildlife.
Arenal Volcano
We'll head north to our next stop, the Arenal Volcano. Known worldwide for its majestic conical volcano, lush green rainforests, and exciting adventure activities, this amazing area is a must-see destination when traveling through Costa Rica. We'll marvel at the views from our charming mountain lodge, Lomas del Volcan. Get ready for an experience you will never forget as we explore some of Costa Rica's most fantastic waterfalls during the exhilarating Pure Trek Canyoning Tour! After a fun 4x4 Ride into the rainforest, our trained guides will help us Rappel down the center of several gushing waterfalls into pristine jungle canyons. Next, we head to the famous Hanging Bridges, keeping our eyes open for monkeys and sloths as we hike through the dense canopy, crossing 16 suspension bridges high above the jungle floor. We'll spend a relaxing evening soaking in the geothermally heated pools and rivers at Baldi Hot Springs. The soothing purity of the water, believed to have restorative properties, will help us re-energize as we head off to our next amazing adventure.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
A relaxing boat ride across Lake Arenal brings us to our next stop, Monteverde Cloud Forest. Set atop Costa Rica's continental divide, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals. The Cloud Forest astounds visitors with its beauty and great amount of biodiversity, home to more than 2,000 species of plants and trees, 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds, and roughly 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. We'll check in to El Establo, a beautiful and comfortable mountain lodge. Get ready for the adrenaline-pumping Aventura Canopy Tour, home to the longest zip-line in Latin America! We'll fly from tree-top to tree-top as we cruise over the cloud forest on 11 exciting zip-lines. Grab a flashlight and put on your hiking shoes as we spot nocturnal birds, insects, and mammals on our Twilight Hike through the jungle. We'll explore the nearby town of Santa Elena and end each day watching the sunset through the trees and the mist of this breathtaking paradise.
Rincon de la Vieja
Considered one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to bubbling mud pots, rushing creeks, towering waterfalls, and views of magnificent mountains and active volcanoes. We will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, centrally located to all of our incredible activities. You'll experience pure adrenaline and excitement as you splash 400 meters through the tropical forest on an incredible Mountain Water Slide! We'll visit the Natural Thermal Pools and have an opportunity to enjoy the healing benefits of a Volcanic Mud Bath. Keep your eyes open for monkeys and crocodiles during our boat ride through Palo Verde National Park.
Tamarindo
Next up – Paradise! Our group travels to the beach-front Tamarindo Diria resort for fun and sun on the beautiful northern beaches of Tamarindo. Our awesome hotel allows easy access to pristine beaches and gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. We'll bask in the locals' laid-back vibe and browse through the village's quirky boutiques and surf shops. Our professional surf instructors will teach us how to Hang Ten on one of the world's best learn-to-surf waves, just down the beach from our hotel. We'll climb aboard our Catamaran Cruise for a not-to-be-missed Costa Rica sunset. Swim in our hotel's refreshing pools, eat in delicious restaurants, and experience what the Costa Ricans refer to as Pura Vida, the Pure Life!
Playa Herradura
The journey continues as we head to the glistening aqua-green waters and black-sand beaches of Playa Herradura and the Central Pacific Coast. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the rolling green mountains is our beautiful first-class hotel, Los Suenos Marriott Ocean Resort. Relax on the resort's beaches, swim in refreshing pools, and work-out in the top-notch fitness center. Grab your paddle as we head out into the serene horseshoe bay on our fun Stand-Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) tour. We'll cruise through the Gulf of Nicoya on a Super-Catamaran to palm-tree lined Isla Tortuga, an unspoiled island paradise. Delighting visitors with its diverse marine life, Tortuga is one of Costa Rica's best Snorkeling destinations. Swim in the turquoise waters, play volleyball on the beach, and soak up the sun as the crew prepares lunch during this unforgettable experience.
Manuel Antonio National Park
The next stop on our adventure is Costa Rica's natural jewel and one of the most bio-diverse locations in the world, Manuel Antonio National Park. We'll check in to Costa Rica's foremost eco-hotel, the Parador Resort. We'll trek to the famous Nauyaca Waterfalls for a swim in the cool blue waters of the Natural Swimming Pools. This breathtaking attraction sits in a wide canyon covered in lush greenery, made even greener from the constant mist of the cascading water. It's time to get psyched for your next adventure – White-Water Rafting the Rio Savegre! You'll be astounded by the awesome canyons, hidden waterfalls, and primary rainforest as you paddle hard over the rushing rapids. An easy hike around Punta Catedral takes us into the heart of Manuel Antonio National Park, where we will be treated to teeming wildlife and spectacular white-sand beaches. No stay would be complete without dinner at El Avion, a must-see restaurant built into the mountainside inside an old C-123 Fairchild cargo plane. You won't believe the views as the sun sets over this tropical paradise.
San Jose
We'll drive back to San Jose and the DoubleTree Cariari for the last night of our incredible journey through Costa Rica. We will spend the evening at our farewell dinner at the city's newest hot-spot, the Hard Rock Café, before we say goodbye to our new friends and bask in the unbelievable memories of our adventures together in paradise.
Costa Rica Adventure Teen Tour Hotels
Our teen tour stays in the greatest hotels, in the most central and exciting locations. We feature international brand hotels, such as Hilton and Marriott, along with locally owned resorts and lodges. Our exciting hotels are always clean, comfortable, amenity-packed and in safe locations, right next to all of the action. Our teenagers never share beds - you will sleep in your own bed, every single night of the tour.
This DoubleTree Cariari hotel in San Jose is a haven in the bustling capital city of Costa Rica and the perfect location to start exploring this beautiful country. With beautiful hacienda-style architecture and surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, the sustainable DoubleTree Cariari hotel is outfitted with the latest amenities, including an on-site fitness center, excellent restaurants, and a refreshing outdoor swimming pool.
Maintaining its warm and rustic style, this cozy mountain hotel invites you to enjoy its beautiful natural setting, with each room providing great views of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical forest. Each room is equipped with wifi, cable TV, and air-conditioning. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, nature trails, and restaurant. Located just minutes from the nearby town of La Fortuna and all this area has to offer, Lomas del Volcan provides a wonderful location while visiting Arenal.
Nestled in the misty cloud forest of Monteverde, El Establo offers the best quality services that will make your trip unforgettable: the area's best views, heated indoor pool, restaurants, internet access, souvenir shop, tennis court, soccer field, and easy hiking trails. All rooms are beautifully decorated and include refrigerator, cable TV, and stunning views of the natural landscape. There is no better place to call home in this part of Costa Rica.
Located in the province of Guanacaste, this comfortable hotel offers modern amenities and a great central location. Discover nearby tourist attractions such as Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde, and downtown Liberia. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center, and enjoy meals in the delicious Garden Restaurant.
Our group travels to the beautiful Tamarindo Diria resort for a fun and relaxing stay in the vibrant town of Tamarindo. With an ocean-front location and situated in the middle of one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica, the resort offers the combination and quality of modern rooms and great resort amenities. While staying in this beautiful hotel, you are only a few steps away from the best shopping, dining, and activities that Tamarindo has to offer.
Chosen by Travel and Leisure Magazine readers as one of the world's best resorts, this beautiful hotel is situated on a spectacular 1,100-acre oceanfront property amid lush tropical rainforest gardens. A huge, meandering swimming pool anchors the resort and offers stunning views of Herrudura Bay. Each beautifully designed room features cable television, tiled floors, and patios or balconies overlooking the gardens and pools.
One of Costa Rica's foremost eco-hotels, the Parador Resort is perched atop the Punta Quepos promontory, affording magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. Blending relaxed tropical style with contemporary comfort, the resort features 3 swimming pools, a mini-golf course, and is steps away from beautiful Playa Biesanz.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica Adventure Teen Travel Tour
How old are the teenagers on Costa Rica Adventure?
Our participants are currently in 9th - 11th grades.
How many teenagers will be in my group?
We can accommodate up to 30 teenagers on Costa Rica Adventure.
Where do the kids come from?
Over the past few summers, Rein Teen Tours had travelers from over 35 states and 14 foreign countries. We love bringing people together!
Should I come with a friend? Is it ok to travel on my own?
The most rewarding part of a Rein tour is making new friends. While we do allow friends to travel together, Rein Teen Tours makes each group a cohesive family. Along with safety and supervision, group dynamics is a main focus each day of our trips. Whether our travelers come alone or come with a friend, we strive to ensure that each person thrives socially.
Can I pick my roommate?
In order to make sure each teenager is comfortable in the beginning of his/her program, we assign roommates for the first few days of the trip. Upon request, friends who come together can placed in the same room for those assigned days. Most hotel rooms accommodate 2-3 people per room and every person is guaranteed his/her own bed. After the first few nights, it's up to you to choose your roommates throughout the summer. You can change for each and every stop on your teen tour!
Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, you can bring your cell phone. Cell service is generally good in Costa Rica and we recommend you speak with your provider regarding international calling planes. To ensure that cell phone use doesn't interfere with your experience, we have cell phone policies that will be shared with you and your parents prior to your departure.
Who are the counselors and how are they trained?
We hire amazing staff for each of our programs! We interview, reference check, and perform background checks on all our eligible applicants. We hold mandatory orientation sessions each Spring where our counselors are trained on how to create the greatest summer for all our teenagers, with a focus on safety and group dynamics. The majority of our counselors are in their mid-to-late twenties to early thirties and many return summer after summer. All our staff live in the U.S. and are certified in First Aid and CPR.
What if I don't feel comfortable doing a certain activity while in Costa Rica?
Our counselors encourage each participant to have an open mind and a willingness to try new things. We will never pressure you, though, to do anything that you do not feel comfortable with.
What should I pack?
Costa Rica is in a tropical environment, so clothing that is light and breathable works best. We run a very casual program, so think shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers. Each participant receives a detailed packing list prior to the summer, so you'll know exactly what to bring!
How does laundry work?
Once per week we drop everyone's laundry at a local laundromat. By the next day, your clothing is nicely clean and folded.
What kind of transportation is used in Costa Rica?
We utilize a regular size coach bus for all transportation throughout the program.
Do I need a passport or visa to enter Costa Rica?
A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica. To be valid, the expiration date of your passport should be at least one day after the planned date of return. A visa is not required for a U.S. citizen to enter Costa Rica. Please note that requirements can change at any time for reasons beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the traveler to verify appropriate documentation.
What if I get sick while in Costa Rica?
Medical facilities in Costa Rica are fairly advanced and are found in each destination throughout our itinerary. For any situation that requires medical attention, your parents will be notified as soon as possible and a counselor will take you to a nearby clinic or hospital. Your parents are kept up-to-date on developments during and after any medical visit. If you are unable to participate in an activity, a counselor of the same sex will stay back with you at your hotel.
What vaccinations do I need?
Rein Teen Tours does not require special vaccinations for our Costa Rica programs. You should be up-to-date, though, with your routine vaccines. We also recommend that you follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and consult with either a physician who specializes in international travel or with your family physician. Prior to the summer we will provide a summary of the CDC recommendations.
I'm a picky eater. Will I find enough to eat?
The food in Costa Rica is plentiful, diverse, and fresh. You'll dine at a mix of local eateries and international restaurants. We can satisfy the pickiest of eaters and we are happy to discuss your individual requirements with you before the summer.
How do you handle allergies and special dietary needs?
We are able to accommodate teenagers who have allergies and dietary needs. Prior to the summer, all participants are required to complete a detailed medical history. If you have a particular allergy, please call the Rein Teen Tours office so we can discuss an allergy action plan.
