Costa Rica Biking New!
- Stellar road biking past thriving rain forest, breathtaking waterfalls and captivating villages
- Commune with nature at the tranquil eco-friendly Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel
- Arenal Volcano, an active cinder cone that regularly steams and rumbles
- Soak in hot springs in a jungle oasis
- Proximity to Costa Rica's beaches - why not extend your trip? We make it easy!
Through the Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano
Your wedding day, graduation, the day you got that promotion. What are some of your best days? Well, make space for these five days in Costa Rica. Road bike past scenery so gorgeous you're instantly in love. Greetings from farmers - and howler monkeys! You'll soak in hot springs, dive into cloud forest, gape at waterfalls and that majestic volcano. By the end, you'll know these five incredible days rank among the all-time greats.
Day 1 Commune with nature at the eco-friendly Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel 
The handicraft center of Sarchí wows you with brightly painted oxcarts En route to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, bike beautiful undulating roads past prolific coffee plantations, small villages, brilliant-orange poró trees and friendly farmers.
Day 2 Ride peaceful country lanes past thriving rain forest and breathtaking waterfalls, listening to toucans call and howler monkeys roar The mountain town of Zarcero invites you to explore its charming century-old pink-and-blue church
Discover stunning Catarata de Toro, where torrents of water plunge 300 feet into an extinct volcano.
Day 3 Soak in hot springs amid palms, bromeliads and ferns Pedal rolling roads flanked by plantations of papaya, pineapple and yucca to La Fortuna The afternoon is yours to "fly" on a zip-line, horseback ride, kayak, hike or relax at the hotel - perhaps a visit to the spa?
Days 4-5 Arenal Volcano, an active cinder cone that regularly steams and rumbles After a scenic boat cruise on Lake Arenal, bike part of the Vuelta del Lago bike race route - at your own pace of course - accompanied by panoramic views and the chance to spot coatis and other wildlife Spin through broadleaf forest and reward yourself with a cup of the area’s finest coffee A route through scenic ranch land leads to Proyecto Asis, where we explore community conservation projects.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This was the most incredible vacation I have ever taken, and I have been promoting Backroads since returning home. Each day brought wonderful and unique experiences. Never having taken a trip like this, I did not know what to expect and now cannot believe I waited this long to try a group trip like this one. My husband and I plan to take many more trips with Backroads in the future.- Cherry Hill, NJ
This was a great trip from top to bottom. The leaders and van support were just terrific. Thank you for the beautiful birthday party and the gift that our leaders arranged. It was beautiful. Our whole family had the time of our lives.- Los Gatos, CA
As usual, we had a great time on our Costa Rica trip. The leaders were real cheer leaders for the country and the places we visited. We feel very fortunate that we were able to see and experience places in the country not frequented by the ordinary tourist. The lodging was extraordinary and each place had its own unique quality. We admire your ability to search out the unusual for your guests. Our leaders made us feel like real champs and that's a good way to feel.- Franklin Lakes, NJ
Casual Inns
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel
Los Angeles Cloud Forest (1 night) This eco-conscious boutique hotel features charming casitas, each with a breathtaking view of the cloud forest. (spa)
Tilajari Hotel Resort
Muelle (1 night) Spot caimans and iguanas from this welcoming retreat, set overlooking the San Carlos River amid 35 acres of rain forest and manicured gardens. (pool, spa, tennis)
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
La Fortuna (2 nights) Arenal Volcano is on display at this tranquil oasis, whose spacious bungalows each offer a private deck with whirlpool tub and a secluded outdoor shower. (pool, spa)
Argentina's Lake District Biking
A Trio of National Parks and Epicurean Delights in Patagonia
Classic:
Northern Argentina Biking
Andean Culture and the World's Highest Vineyards in Argentina's Northwest
Classic:
Costa Rica Multisport
An Adventurer's Playground from the Pacific Coast to Nicoya Peninsula
Classic:
Costa Rica Multisport
Biking, Walking & Kayaking to Arenal Volcano & the Pacific Coast
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Ecuador: Galapagos & Andes Multisport with Haciendas & Adventure Lodges
Ancient Culture & Wondrous Wildlife in Ecuador's Islands & Highlands
Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 17, 27 miles
- 1600 - 2600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 14, 24, 36, 59 miles
- 600 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 25, 34, 40, 51 miles
- 400 - 1900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 16, 36, 46 miles
- 800 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 22 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Costa Rica tour experts. See our award-winning Latin America biking tours, Latin America walking and hiking tours and Latin America multisport tours.
