Costa Rica Family Insider
Since 1992 we've had the pleasure of taking families to Costa Rica and over the years we've gotten to know this amazing country even better ourselves. Our exclusive itinerary immerses you in some of our favorite places, beginning in the artisan pueblo of Sarchí, a renowned center for traditional crafts. Then we head to the Arenal region, where you'll witness one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. A scenic flight takes us to the laid-back beach community of Nosara on the sunny Pacific coast, a great spot to surf - or simply relax! You and your kids will be invited into the homes of our longtime local 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 enhance your understanding of Costa Rica's incredible ecosystems and deepen your appreciation of the natural world.
Nature Lover's Nirvana
Costa Rica's rain forests claim five percent of the world's biological diversity and are home to a rich array of species, from luminous blue morpho butterflies to moss-ridden sloths. Stroll beneath trees festooned with epiphytes and strangler figs and you'll almost feel the jungle growing around you. It's often easy to see (and hear!) impish white-faced monkeys, but you'll appreciate the sharp eyes of our naturalist guides, who'll help you spot the forest's shyer inhabitants - perhaps a coatimundi, agouti or silky anteater.
Perfect Tico Timing
Part of Costa Rica's appeal is its slower pace. But the laid-back rhythm, combined with rugged terrain, can be challenging to appreciate when it means unexpected delays on your vacation. So let us take care of the details while you settle into "Tico time." We'll whisk you seamlessly and comfortably around the country (in private land, sea and air craft), getting you to the best places at the best times. Avoid crowds, explore hard-to-reach locales - and learn the true meaning of pura vida.
Con mucho gusto!
You and your kids will love meeting our Costa Rican friends. At the workshop of Sarchí artist William Valverde, learn about country's most famous craft, the hand-painted carreta (ox cart) and then create your own masterpiece. Let Marco share the secrets of Nuevo Latino cuisine and his passion for the organic food movement. Perhaps you'll even join the locals for a game of fútbol. From naturalists to surf instructors, our knowledgeable and engaging regional contacts have stories you won't want to miss.
Testing the Tropical Waters
Soak in a sanctuary of geothermal springs beneath spectacularly active Arenal Volcano. Feel the spray of the Balsa River during a fun-filled rafting trip on Class II and III rapids. Surrounded by a lush tropical garden, sip a batido (fruit milkshake) while dangling your feet in Harmony Hotel's sparkling pool. And vamos a la playa - slip into the warm salty waters of the Pacific at a remote white-sand beach said to offer the best surfing around.
Horseback to Hammock
As on all Family Insider Trips, you and the youngsters have plenty of time to relax and explore in your own way. Go horseback riding or play Frisbee on pristine beaches. Try surfing or kayaking. Cool down under the cloud forest canopy. Enjoy a soothing spa treatment. Check out the handicrafts in La Fortuna's shops. Or swing in a hammock under the shady palms. Just another day in paradise.
TROPICAL ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
El Silencio Lodge & Spa (1 night): On Travel+Leisure's 2008 "It List" this hotel truly lives up to its name by offering secluded luxury - complete with whirlpool bath, gas fireplace and private viewing deck - perched high above the jungle.
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa Hotel (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.
Harmony Hotel (2 nights): Located within lush tropical gardens just a stone's throw from the beach, this peaceful escape features a wellness center, pool and open-air restaurant.
2008 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 2/15-20Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $400
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Change: We will stay at the El Silencio Hotel on Day 1; the Arenal Kioro on Days 2 & 3; and the Harmony Hotel on Days 4 & 5. - 4/5-10Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $400
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Change: We will stay at the El Silencio Hotel on Day 1; the Arenal Kioro on Days 2 & 3; and the Harmony Hotel on Days 4 & 5. - 12/19-24Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $400
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Change: We will stay at the El Silencio Hotel on Day 1; the Arenal Kioro on Days 2 & 3; and the Harmony Hotel on Days 4 & 5.
2010 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 2/14-19Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $440
- 3/14-19Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $440
- 3/28-4/2Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $440
- 12/23-28Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $440
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Minimum age restrictions for trip: 6 years due to hotel restrictions.
Minimum age restrictions to surf: 7 years
Minimum age restriction to raft: 8 years
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