Costa Rica Family Insider
Delve into Costa Rica's natural wonders and cultural riches on this exclusive family-friendly 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. You and your family will 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 Sarchi 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 Jacuzzi 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.
2010 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Minimum age restriction for trip: 8 years due to hotel restrictions.
Minimum age restriction for river float trip: 4 years
Minimum age restriction for surfing: 7 years (optional activity not included in trip price)
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities
- 9+ difficulty of activities
- 6+ several long adult dinners; there may be multiple activity restrictions
- 3+ activities are suited to young kids; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)
Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity.
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