Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

+$700   internal air

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 1-2

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 1-2

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024: Mar-Aug, Nov-Dec 2025: Jan-Apr, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec 2026: Jan-Apr, Jun-Aug

From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

( +$700  internal air )

Cloud Forest, Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Beaches

Pura vida! Not just a greeting in Costa Rica but a way of life. Pure life. Enthusiasm for adventure. Seize it all, from cloud forests and jungles to rain forests with hidden hot springs and plummeting waterfalls. Howler monkeys and iguanas. Zip lines, white-water rafting, biking, hiking and hammocks. Embrace the pure life in Costa Rica.

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Walk/Hike
Bike
Raft
Yoga

Highlights

  • Hike through a cloud forest to Costa Rica's largest waterfall, Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an ancient volcano crater
  • Raft the white-water rapids of the Río Sarapiquí, looking for toucans, iguanas, sloths and other unique jungle dwellers
  • Bike along Lake Arenal and gaze at imposing Arenal Volcano, rising majestically from the lush green rain forest
  • Indulge in local specialties prepared by an expert chef in a Costa Rican cooking class
Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour map

Costa Rica

Start/End San José

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Days 1-2

Description

Welcome to the cloud forest, one of the world's most precious and captivating tropical ecosystems • Start your adventure with a walk on the grounds of the Espíritu Santo Coffee Estate • Learn about the coffee-making process, from planting to tasting • Luxuriate at an eco-retreat set in a 500-acre reserve • Hike to Catarata del Toro, the largest waterfall in Costa Rica, and watch the water crash into an ancient volcanic crater • Visit a local home and discover the secret to perfect handmade tortillas.

Accommodations
El Silencio

(2 nights)

Nights 1-2

El Silencio
Bajos del Toro
Premiere Hotel

"When you're sitting on a lookout deck with a whirlpool, perched high above the forest, it's a blissful reminder of how precious el silencio can be," said Travel + Leisure about this 500-acre sanctuary. (spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Day 3

Description

Buckle up for a white-water rafting excursion on the Río Sarapiquí • Watch for playful monkeys, gentle sloths, green iguanas and colorful toucans • Vacation at our rain forest retreat situated at the base of legendary Arenal Volcano • Enjoy a Costa Rican cooking class and learn how to make a guaro mojito.

Accommodations
Arenal Kioro

(1 night)

Night 3

Arenal Kioro
La Fortuna
*Casual Hotel

Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Days 4-6

Description

Cross Lake Arenal by boat, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike • Ride through a vibrant landscape colored by palms, ferns, fig trees and bromeliads • Soak in a natural hot spring hidden in a forest oasis • A private plane whisks us to the Pacific coast •​ Explore some of Costa Rica's most stunning beaches and hidden trails • At our oceanfront resort, opt to ride horseback, take a surf lesson, enjoy a complimentary yoga class or lounge on the beach.

Accommodations

Nights 4-5

Hotel Punta Islita
Punta Islita
Premiere Hotel

This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Flights
On this trip we travel by air to reach the exclusive areas this destination has to offer. We will be flying by charter with Sansa Airlines aboard turbo-prop planes that seat 10-12 passengers. These flights occasionally experience delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. In the rare instance a flight is canceled we are prepared to travel by land.
Terrain & Climate
Costa Rica is a world-renowned destination for numerous eco-adventures. However, due to its tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure, road maintenance is a continual challenge and options for bike routes are limited. Be prepared for unexpected potholes (huecos—pronounced "waycos") and sections of rough roads. Also note that these Tico roads were not designed with a shoulder, and if you're traveling over busier holiday periods, there may be more traffic than expected.
Shuttle Time
In order to bring you to diverse and unique regions, we spend more time shuttling on this trip than on many other Backroads trips. Our time in the shuttles will allow us to experience the incredible variety of ecosystems, scenery and activities that Costa Rica has to offer.
Service Standards

“Pura vida”, or “pure life”, is not just a Costa Rican greeting – it’s a state of mind. While Costa Rica’s tourist industry is well accustomed to welcoming foreign visitors, you may still notice that service here can lack a sense of urgency, reflecting the slower pace and relaxed approach to life that is typical throughout the region. As such, patience and a sense of humor are always recommended when traveling in Central America. Your Backroads leaders will be close by to ease the way.

On-Your-Own Activities
During the trip there's time for you to enjoy some of Costa Rica's favorite activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding and surfing. These activities are often a highlight for those who choose to do them, but due to liability issues and because they're not to everyone's liking, they're not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.
Peak Season
The holiday and spring break months are a great time to travel; however, with days off and the desire to escape for sunshine many others have the same idea. While we always aim to get off the beaten path, during certain times of the year crowds and delays are unavoidable.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Request itinerary

From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

+$700   internal air

View Dates
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Hotels

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-2

El Silencio
Bajos del Toro

Premiere Hotel

"When you're sitting on a lookout deck with a whirlpool, perched high above the forest, it's a blissful reminder of how precious el silencio can be," said Travel + Leisure about this 500-acre sanctuary. (spa)

Night 3

Arenal Kioro
La Fortuna

*Casual Hotel

Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)

Nights 4-5

Hotel Punta Islita
Punta Islita

Premiere Hotel

This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)

From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

+$700   internal air

View Dates
Return

Bikes

Ready to Ride

On this trip where Backroads custom titanium bikes are not available, we offer local bikes that are well suited for the terrain on our routes.

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Suited for a wide range of cyclists
  • Comfortable ergonomic seat
  • Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
  • Upright handlebars only

From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

+$700   internal air

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From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

+$700   internal air

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Dates & Prices

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Request itinerary

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Learn more

From $4,399 - $5,199 /person

+$700   internal air

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