Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour
Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour
Trip length varies by date
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels
2025: Jul, Nov-Dec2026: Jan-Apr, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec2027: Jan-Apr, Jun-Aug
Cloud Forest, Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Beaches
Embrace pura vida in Costa Rica. From the adrenaline rush of white water rapids to the sweet relaxation of a jungle hot spring, you’ll quickly see why “pure life” is the national catchphrase.
Highlights
- Hike through a cloud forest to Costa Rica’s largest waterfall, Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an ancient volcano crater
- Run the rapids of the Río Sarapiquí, scanning the shore for toucans, sloths and other unique jungle dwellers
- Bike scenic byways along Lake Arenal in the shadow of imposing Arenal Volcano and the towering trees of the rain forest
- Indulge in local specialties prepared by an expert chef in a cooking class
- Stake out a hammock with an ocean view at our breezy seaside resort, the grand finale of this surf-and-turf Costa Rican tour
Start/End San José
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
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 tallest waterfall in Costa Rica, and check out the mesmerizing sky blue water of Blue Falls • Visit a local home and discover the secret to perfect handmade tortillas.
Nights 1-2
“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)
Days 3-4
Get ready for a thrilling white water rafting excursion on the Río Sarapiquí • Stay on the lookout for playful monkeys, gentle sloths, green iguanas and colorful toucans as you float • Indulge in ultimate relaxation at our tropical haven, where natural hot springs and lush rain forest meet at the base of majestic Arenal Volcano • Boat across Lake Arenal, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike • Ride through a vibrant landscape overflowing with palms, ferns, fig trees and bromeliads.
Nights 3-4
A lush and labyrinthine jungle oasis with private access to some of Arenal’s most fabulous natural hot springs, both tamed in pools and steaming into rushing natural waterways that meander through the property. (pool, spa)
Days 5-7
Hike across Arenal’s striking lava fields • Soak in a natural hot spring and thermal river tucked away in a forest oasis • Celebrate Costa Rican flavors in a chef-led cooking class • A private plane whisks us to the wild Pacific coast • Discover some of Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches and hidden trails • Lounge on the beach at our oceanfront resort, opt to ride horseback, take a surf lesson or enjoy a complimentary all-levels yoga class by the sea • Learn how to create Costa Rican cocktails with ingredients from the Nicoya Blue Zone.
Nights 5-6
This splendid beachfront oasis features airy rooms gleaming with lush tile, and in the public sphere, breezy grounds where sinuous pools unwind through tropical gardens and plenty of decks for laying out in the sun. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight 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.
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 turboprop planes that seat ten to 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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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, crowds and delays are unavoidable during certain times of the year.
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
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)
Nights 3-4
Premiere Hotel
A lush and labyrinthine jungle oasis with private access to some of Arenal’s most fabulous natural hot springs, both tamed in pools and steaming into rushing natural waterways that meander through the property. (pool, spa)
Nights 5-6
Premiere Hotel
This splendid beachfront oasis features airy rooms gleaming with lush tile, and in the public sphere, breezy grounds where sinuous pools unwind through tropical gardens and plenty of decks for laying out in the sun. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
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
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 15 customers
Nothing compares to a Backroads vacation!
This is my third Backroads trip and I am looking forward to my fourth in Viet Nam later this year. Backroads has changed my vacation experience from mundane sightseeing to unbelievable adventuring. There is absolutely nothing like it. And the guides and accommodations are off the charts!
Perfect family celebration trip!
Jess and Sam, our leaders, were perfect and our whole family enjoyed every moment of the trip! We were celebrating my 80th birthday and it is a time we will all remember as the very best hiking, biking, rafting, eating and traveling together. Thank you, Backroads!
First Backroads trip but not the last
Came to the trip with some uncertainty having never done a Backroads trip before. But that all changed from the moment we met our leaders, Jessica and Sofia and the rest of our group. Everyday was full of activities that were fun with modifications if needed. Our accommodations and meals were perfection. Every driver, guide and employee we came in contact with was so friendly and helpful. I was sad to say goodbye on the last day but started looking for my next Backroads trip on the plane ride home.
Active, Cultural, Fun Times
Trip offers nature, loads of fun activities, cultural experiences, great food, special lodging and people of like minds sharing a week of adventure and comradery. Trip Leaders take care of the details while you just enjoy the experiences.
The perfect adventure for the whole family!
Backroads has the best trip leaders who go the extra mile to make sure the trip runs smoothly. Our guides, Sam and Mags, were so much fun! They helped everyone have a good time. We traveled with our adult children and met other families doing the same. It made for an extra fun time! The hotels were great, the activities (hiking, rafting, biking, surfing) were so much fun, and the food was incredible. Our cooking class with Scott was a highlight. I can't wait to try the recipes at home. Thank you Backroads, for an especially memorable trip!
Great itinerary and great guides!
We were able to experience many different eco systems from cloud forest to beach. The opportunities to interact with local business owners and guides were great. Beautiful hikes and super fun rafting. Our guides were just the best!
Amazing adventure in Costa Rica!
Backroads trip was well organized with knowledgeable leaders, beautiful accommodations, and great routes for our multi adventure! We really enjoyed getting to meet so many great people from all United States and Costa Rica! We are already planning our next trip!
Great trip with a variety of activities!
A great trip to explore different parts of the country, from rain forests to cloud forests to beaches. The accommodations are incredible and very unique, with very friendly staff. Plenty of opportunities to see wildlife if you keep your eyes open. Costa Rica has the friendliest people you could meet. Be sure to pack waterproof hiking shoes for the rainforest hikes!
This may be the best vacation I've ever taken...
What a great combination of activities and people! We got to see so much of the country and experience the local culture in a way we never could have done on our own. Everything was so well organized and our trip leaders were pros! Highlights were absolutely the local cooking class, the AMAZING lodging accommodations and delicious food, and the variety of activities with multiple options for different fitness levels. We will definitely be doing another Backroads trip in the future!
Cloud forest to rain forest to tropical paradise, amazing!
We enjoyed hiking to waterfalls in ancient volcanos, climbing mountains for zip lining, white water rafting, boating and biking lakeside in the shadow of Arenal Vocano, spotting sloths and howler monkeys, flying over the mountains to the ocean and ending in a Pacific coast paradise. The people of Costa Rica are so warm and welcoming. It truly is Pura Vida!
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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