Costa Rica Multisport
- Gaze at Arenal Volcano while soaking in hot springs hidden in a forest oasis
- White-water rafting the Río Savegre, one Central America's most pristine rivers
- Experts who intimately know the country's incredible flora and fauna
- Venture through the jungle habitat of sloths, monkeys, toucans and lizards
- Bask on pristine Playa Esterillos Este, soothed by the sounds of ocean waves
Biking, Hiking & Rafting to Arenal Volcano & the Pacific Coast
If variety is the spice of life, then Costa Rica is about as piquant as travel destinations come. Take one of the world's most active volcanoes, add in lush rain forest and palm-studded beaches, and sprinkle with barren lava fields and natural hot springs. The finishing touch? A spread of mind-blowing biodiversity. What better way to explore it all than with an action-packed Multisport Trip that has the kick to keep up with the country? Hiking, biking and boating. Options to surf, horseback ride and zip-line fly. Communing with naturalists, local families and white-faced monkeys. And dousing your casado in Lizano salsa. This vacation is full of zest.
Days 1-2 Gaze at Arenal Volcano while soaking in hot springs hidden in a forest oasis 
Sugar cane, papaya and yucca plantations line your bike route to La Fortuna, set at the foot of rumbling Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes Cruise across Lake Arenal by boat, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike The afternoon is yours to zip-line, horseback ride, hike or simply relax by the pool.
Day 3 Join a local family for a homemade lunch in their rural village Walk across a barren lava field and though rain forest in Arenal National Park A private charter plane whisks us to the white-sand beaches of the Pacific coast While hiking through the pristine Savegre Valley, our local guide points out flora and fauna, and shares tips on how to survive if you're lost in the jungle.
Day 4 Venture through the lush habitat of sloths, monkeys, toucans and lizards Make a splash during a thrilling white-water rafting excursion on Río Savegre On our naturalist-led walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, white-faced monkeys frolic in the canopy and prehistoric-looking iguanas slither up tree trunks.
Days 5-6 Bask on pristine Playa Esterillos Este, soothed by the sounds of ocean waves 
It's up to you! Be as active (from beach walking and kayaking to horseback riding and surfing) or inactive (from hammock lounging to spa treating) as you like Pedal on hard-packed sand alongside the Pacific before turning inland through banana and African palm trees After a morning seaside stroll, shuttle to San José, stopping on the way to look for crocodiles.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This trip was unbelievable! We went to places we never would have found by ourselves. Each day was packed with exciting adventures and the leaders were phenomenal. We could not have asked for anything more from them.- Walden, NY
We had a wonderful time on our trip. It was a perfect balance of cultural and athletic activities.- Kentfield, CA
Premiere Inns*
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
La Fortuna (2 nights) Set on 27 acres of lush jungle gardens, with suites offering panoramic volcano views. (pool, spa)
Rafiki Safari Lodge
Savegre (1 night) These African-style luxury safari tents offer the ideal setting for enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle. (pool)
* Casual Inn
Alma del Pacifico Hotel
Playa Esterillos Este (2 nights) The spacious private villas at this beachside resort feature large terraces and a mosaic-tiled shower that opens to your own garden. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 23, 31 miles
- 700 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17 miles
- 300 - 600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 2.1, 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Rafting 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 5, 8, 14 (tide dependent)
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 miles
- 0 - 500 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 multisport tours, Latin America biking tours and Latin America walking and hiking tours.
