Costa Rica Family Multisport
Biking, Walking & Rafting the Pacific Coast & Nicoya Peninsula
Costa Rica is a paradise for wildlife lovers of any age, and this family adventure features plenty of activities that allow for nature-viewing at its finest. On foot, explore lush forests where howler, spider, squirrel and white-faced monkeys enliven the jungle canopy, and scarlet macaws color the sky. Then cool down on a lively white-water rafting excursion. On the remote Nicoya Peninsula, pedal beneath swaying palm trees and alongside gold-sand beaches, and boogie board in warm Pacific waters. Come evening, kick back and enjoy civilized hospitality in the wild at a trio of kid-friendly tropical retreats.
Trip Planning Links
- A perfect line-up of activities make for great family adventures throughout the country
- Spot amazing wildlife (sloths, monkeys, lizards and more) at Manuel Antonio National Park
- White-water raft Rio Savegre, one of Central America's most pristine rivers
- Sublime white-sand beaches great for swimming and surfing
- Kids connecting with local children during a pick-up soccer game
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Quepos
Meet in San José and fly to the Pacific Coast 
Travel to the Rainmaker Reserve for a delicious picnic lunch A local naturalist leads a hike on forest trails and along suspension bridges for a close-up look at a virgin rain forest and its inhabitants Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist who helps us spot a wealth of exotic plants and wildlife, including white-faced monkeys, butterflies, sloths and iguanas The afternoon is yours to sea kayak, take a mangrove tour or go on a zip-line adventure through the jungle canopy.
Day 3 Savegre
Bike amid African Palm oil plantations and observe rural life in the countryside around Quepos Join a local family for lunch in their home Hike through the rain forest to our secluded hotel Relax on your private deck and swim in the lodge's pool, which features a 100-foot long waterslide.
Days 4-6 Punta Islita
Prepare for a thrilling white-water rafting excursion on the Río Savegre A short scenic flight whisks us to the Nicoya Peninsula Embark on a favorite Backroads ride that leads through the scenic coastal valley and past some of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches As you pedal on quiet dirt roads, spot sabañeros (cowboys) working the pastures and tending their cattle Our seaside resort offers many ways to play and relax: hike on nearby nature trails, go horseback riding, try kayaking, take surfing lessons, lounge by the pool or treat yourself to a massage Cap off your adventure with a dinner of fresh seafood specialties Visit Islita village for a pick-up soccer game with local kids Fly back to San José.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Classic Premiere Inns Classic Casual Inns
Costa Rica Pacific Coast Multisport Costa Rica Insider Yucatan MultisportOther Central/South America Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
One of the best vacations I've ever been on. Our guides were knowledgeable, excellent teachers, and also patient with us. I appreciated their humor as well as their knowledge and insight. Aside from the wonderful leaders, great accommodations, and beautifully interesting country, another thing that made the trip so special was the chemistry of the group it was so enjoyable to be traveling with such a friendly and interesting mix of people. It was also amazing how well the kids in the group gelled.- West Hartford, CT More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Costa Rica Family Multisport
COASTAL RETREATS: Premiere Inns*
Hotel Parador
Quepos (2 nights) Bordered by rain forest and beaches, this luxury resort has an infinity pool, spa and rooms with private balconies.
Rafiki Safari Lodge
Savegre (1 night) These African-style luxury safari tents - each set on a hardwood deck, surrounded by rain forest and featuring large screened windows - offer the ideal setting for enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle.
* Casual Inn
Hotel Punta Islita
Punta Islita (2 nights)
Featured on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and named one of the World's Best by Travel + Leisure, this eco-friendly resort is wonderfully set between an ocean cove and the forest on Costa Rica's pristine Nicoya Peninsula.
Costa Rica Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 5 Route Options Available
- Biking 4.5, 8.5, 12, 20 miles
- 100 - 600 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2.1 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 11, 17 miles
- 0 - 700 feet elevation gain
- Rafting 2.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 2.5, 3.7 miles
- 100 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Walking Tour 1 hour
On this Family Trip, our routes are designed to be easygoing, with no significant gain or loss in elevation. However, rough terrain, heat and humidity can make biking in Costa Rica more challenging. Although these conditions may slow down your riding, it's also what makes biking in Costa Rica an adventure! Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.