Costa Rica for Teens

Costa Rica is one of our favourite holiday destinations for families with teenagers in tow, offering a near-endless amount of things to do and places to visit. 

Thrill-seeking teens can test their limits with adrenaline-fuelled activities such as whitewater rafting along the Pacuare River, or zip-lining through a forest canopy in Arenal National Park, while taking in the country’s eco-focused culture and learning about the astoundingly biodiverse natural surroundings. 

Or, for sun-seekers, a trip to the palm-lined Caribbean Coast provides plenty of time for relaxation, alongside outdoor activities like watersports or hiking. 

Whichever itinerary your family chooses, a trip to Costa Rica with your teenagers is sure to be an experience you will all cherish forever.

Is Costa Rica a Good Destination for Teens?

Whether you’re visiting Costa Rica with adventurous tweens or want to plan a holiday that older children will love, this exhilarating country is a great location for travellers of all ages. 

Home to an incredible mix of stunning landscapes and destinations just waiting for you to explore, Costa Rica truly has something for everyone to enjoy. Imagine walking through the Monteverde cloud forest and catching a glimpse of exotic animals in the trees, or visiting the spectacular, rainforest-ringed Arenal volcano, with its thermal springs and towering waterfalls. 

From the remote and ruggedly beautiful Osa Peninsula in the south to wild beaches surrounded by mountains in the northwest, there’s no shortage of travel hotspots and experiences to discover.

In fact, there are so many things to do in Costa Rica with teenagers, that the hardest part will be deciding what to do first. Our travel specialists can sort and curate itineraries for you so that your teens can get the best mix of fun, adventure, and culture. Here are our recommendations for things to do on trips to Costa Rica with teens:

Get to know Costa Rica’s wildlife 

The wildlife viewing in Costa Rica is some of the best in the world, making this the perfect destination for animal lovers of all ages. Head to the Osa Peninsula’s Corcovado National Park or the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park, where your family can trek through lush jungles for the chance to see some of the country’s native species including iguanas, monkeys, caimans, and a huge number of birds. You might even be lucky enough to spot a famous three-toed sloth! In these stunning national parks, you can take in the vast views from the ground, or, if you’re feeling particularly daring (and you’re not afraid of heights), by zipline or suspension bridge for a bird’s-eye view.

Immerse yourself in nature

Exploring the astonishingly diverse nature of this country is both an exhilarating and educational experience for your teens. A trip to Costa Rica is eco-tourism at its finest, and a family holiday will help young adults soak up and appreciate the environmental awareness that is such a priority here. 

One of our favourite ways to experience this eco-friendly outlook is by visiting one of the wildlife reserves and getting up close and personal with endangered species, or witnessing the incredible experience of mother sea turtles hauling themselves on one of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches to lay eggs. These are the kind of special moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

Find a sense of adventure

If your teens have had enough of learning about the nature around them and are keen to experience it, there are plenty of adrenaline-filled activities to keep them entertained. The possibilities are endless: from white water rafting and horseback riding, to quad-bike roaming, waterfall hikes, and volcano tours. 

After action-packed days spent surfing, snorkelling, and kayaking in unbelievably scenic locations, you and your teenagers can relax on the untouched beaches that line the Pacific coast.

At Scott Dunn, we’ll make sure even the most hard-to-please family members will have a great time every step of the way.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica with Teens

Some of the best places in Costa Rica for young adults and teens to visit are, not surprisingly, also the most popular with visitors from around the world. Don’t miss a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to howler monkeys and crowd-pleasing sloths. Follow a trail through wild, birdlife-rich rainforest to the Arenal volcano, where they’ll see unique lava rock formations, or have a chance to spot more birds and animals such as armadillos on a guided tour of Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 

The Osa Peninsula is another top location we recommend for any tailor-made family trip to Costa Rica. We love its vast expanse of wildlife-filled rainforests, unspoiled beaches backed by postcard-worthy palms, and wide array of adventure sports.

Can’t decide where to visit? Why not choose a multi-destination Costa Rica tour that’s perfect for teens? From wildlife tours that help you take in the spectacular surroundings to tours that have you soaking up the beach, our travel specialists have created the very best itineraries for a truly unforgettable experience.  

Where to Stay in Costa Rica with Teenagers

Once you’ve chosen a destination or two, the next step is finding that perfect place to stay. At Scott Dunn, we have access to truly unforgettable accommodation for your family in a variety of high-end hotels and eco-lodges scattered across this incredible country. 

Imagine taking in views of the spectacular Arenal volcano from your private casita, or making your way via a raft to a secluded jungle lodge. For an extra-exclusive feel, head to the rugged Papagayo Peninsula, where luxurious and family-friendly hotels offer serene infinity pools and balconies overlooking a peaceful bay.