Costa Rica Insider
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. For a trip like this one, please see Costa Rica Walking or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
From Cloud Forest to Volcano to Beach
Delve into Costa Rica's natural wonders and cultural riches on this exclusive itinerary that features the best of our insider connections. Travel through wildlife-rich national parks to the shell-strewn Pacific coast with knowledgeable leaders and local experts. Be welcomed into the homes of our longtime friends, who happily share Costa Rican traditions and reveal the pura vida lifestyle that defines the Tico culture And spot elusive jungle creatures with help from our naturalist guides, whose passion for the environment will expand your understanding of Costa Rica's incredible ecosystems and deepen your appreciation of the natural world.
Bajos del Toro
Meet in San José 
Kick-start your journey with a visit to a coffee plantation and learn about Costa Rica's grano de oro (golden bean) java Meet a local artist for lunch at his home in Sarchí and explore traditional oxcart-painting techniques Follow interpretive trails through a cloud forest oasis.
La Fortuna
Learn about the cloud forest ecosystem on a walk with our "eco-host," then plant an indigenous tree Float down the Río Peñas Blancas, watching - and listening - for howler monkeys, frogs and colorful waterfowl View steam-spouting Arenal Volcano from your private terrace Get a bird's-eye view of the jungle canopy from Arenal Volcano National Park's suspension bridges Find out from a volcanologist how an effusive eruption differs from a pyroclastic flow Wander among ferns, fig trees and bromeliads looking for white-nosed coatis and iguanas Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Arenal Immerse yourself in soothing geothermal waters.
Playa Esterillos Este
Fly to Quepos Savor fresh pescado and other typical fare beside the azure Pacific Join our naturalist guide to discover Manuel Antonio National Park, home to more than 100 mammal species and 180 bird species Spot white-faced monkeys, green kingfishers and brilliant purple and orange land crabs Spend time with a native Boruca artist, who offers insight into Costa Rica's oft-overlooked indigenous cultures Spend an afternoon strolling the beach, relaxing by the pool, or perhaps indulge at the spa Return to San José on a scenic flight.
TROPICAL ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
El Silencio Lodge & Spa (1 night): Nestled in the cloud forest, this 500-acre sanctuary is the antidote to stress. Relax in your luxury suite, complete with a private deck, hot tub and gas fireplace.
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (2 nights): This eco-friendly hotel's nearest neighbor - Arenal Volcano - may rumble a bit, but that's part of the ambience! Enjoy superb views of the molten mountain from the pool deck or from the whirlpool spa of your private suite.
Xandari by the Pacific (2 nights): Breathe in fresh ocean air at this exclusive beachfront hotel with spacious private villas, a spa, two outdoor swimming pools, an art gallery and breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Pacific.
Guest Trip Reviews
Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.- Backroads President and Founder