Costa Rica Family Multisport
- Regional experts who intimately know the country's incredible flora and fauna
- View one of the world’s most active volcanoes while hiking, biking and soaking in hot springs
- Manuel Antonio National Park's wealth of wildlife - monkeys, lizards, sloths, kingfishers and more
- Kayak across a bay to a beautiful remote beach
- Befriend furry and feathery critters at a wildlife rescue center
Biking, Walking & Kayaking to Arenal Volcano & the Pacific Coast
With over a quarter of its land protected in parks and preserves, Costa Rica is paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and outdoor adventure. Howler monkeys scamper through the trees, and keel-billed toucans color the sky against a natural backdrop of an active volcano, a magnificent lake, flowing rivers and lush greenery. Jungle hikes, mountain biking and a kayaking adventure expose you to the region’s incredible biodiversity, from the Los Angeles Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano National Park and the Pacific coast. Your family is sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!
Day 1 Hike through the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, where an interpretive walk showcases a spectacular array of plants and animals 
Jump-start the day with a tour (and tasting!) at a coffee plantation Kids get to milk cows and visit a hummingbird sanctuary.
Days 2-3 Hot springs soaking and volcano gazing Befriend furry and feathery characters at a wildlife rescue center Bike rolling roads flanked by plantations of papaya, sugarcane and yucca to La Fortuna, nestled near the foot of rumbling Arenal, one of the world’s most active volcanoes Explore the lush rain forest around beautiful Lake Arenal by bike, then cruise on the water The afternoon is yours to "fly" on a zip-line, horseback ride, hike or simply relax by the pool.
Day 4 Kids check out snakes, frogs and butterflies at a serpentarium while adults trek across a lava field in Arenal Volcano National Park Our private charter plane whisks us to the white-sand beaches of Quepos Look for fast-moving basilisk lizards, blue morpho butterflies and endangered squirrel monkeys on our walk in La Foresta Reserve.
Days 5-6 A sea-kayaking excursion on calm crystalline waters leads to a secluded beach On a naturalist-led walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, witness white-faced monkeys swinging in the branches and prehistoric-looking iguanas slithering up tree trunks While away the afternoon soaking up the sun or splashing in the waves of the Pacific.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We have traveled quite extensively with guides as a family and without reservation, Backroads Leaders are the best. What great role models for our kids.- Chattanooga, TN
The trip and leaders far exceeded my expectations. This is our third trip with you all and the activities were so well balanced and diverse. Our 18 and 20 year old sons participated in the childrens kalidescope activity one afternoon and even enjoyed that! You all have this trip down to a science of exceptional activities. I had to keep a journal so that I wouldn't forget a single thing. Our leaders overheard a conversation we were having on the bus about yoga and arranged an early morning class for us. It was great. I absolutely loved the place we stayed in Monteverde. I also really liked having an activity on our final day - a great way to end our trip with our new friends!- Cary, NC
This trip was fantastic and executed flawlessly by the Backroads leaders and in-country support team. They made it easy to let go and relax and just enjoy the activities and the amazing beauty of this country. We had great opportunities to see and enjoy the country's wildlife in its natural habitats.- Santa Clara, CA
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)
Hotel Mountain Paradise
La Fortuna (2 nights) When skies are clear, relish unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano from this hilltop resort. (pool, spa)
The Falls Resort
Manuel Antonio (2 nights) Sparkling waterfalls, innumerable plant varieties and tropical flowers create a lush setting for this boutique hotel, just a short walk from a white-sand beach. (pool)
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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
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.5, 3 miles
- 100 - 200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 11, 22, 27 miles
- 450 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17
- 300 - 490 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 2.2, 3 miles
- 100 - 250 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 2, 3.5 miles
- 50 - 300 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Kayaking 2 hours
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.
