If variety is the spice of life, then Costa Rica is about as piquant as travel destinations come. Take one of the world's most stunning volcanoes, add in lush rain forest and palm-studded beaches, and sprinkle with barren lava fields and natural hot springs. The finishing touch? A spread of mind-blowing biodiversity. What better way to explore it all than with an action-packed multisport journey that has the kick to keep up with the country? Hiking, biking and boating. Options to surf, horseback ride and zip-line fly. Communing with naturalists, local families and white-faced monkeys. And dousing your casado in salsa Lizano. This vacation is full of zest.
Days 1-2 Gaze at Arenal Volcano as we walk across a barren lava field and through rain forest in Arenal National Park
Cruise across Lake Arenal by boat, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike The afternoon is yours: explore La Fortuna, fly through the treetops on a zip-line or simply relax by the pool Soak in hot springs hidden in a rain forest oasis.
Day 3 Walk through primary rain forest criss-crossed by hanging bridges up to 300 feet long
A private charter plane whisks us to the white-sand beaches of the Pacific coast Enjoy home-cooked casado with a local family Hike through the pristine Savegre Valley and learn tips on how to survive if you're lost in the jungle.
Day 4 Venture through the lush habitat of sloths, monkeys, toucans and lizards
Make a splash during a thrilling white-water rafting excursion on Río Savegre On our naturalist-led walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, white-faced monkeys frolic in the canopy and prehistoric-looking iguanas slither up tree trunks.
Days 5-6 Pedal on the beach, then turn inland through a landscape of banana and African palm trees
Spend time with an indigenous Boruca artist and shop for handicrafts Be as active as you like: beach walk, kayak, horseback ride, surf or relax in a hammock or at the spa Rejuvenate with a beachfront yoga class or a morning seaside stroll.
Trip Highlights
- Bike along Lake Arenal and gaze at majestic Arenal Volcano
- Soak in hot springs hidden in a rain forest oasis
- White-water raft the Río Savegre, one of Central America's most pristine rivers
- Meet experts who intimately know the country's incredible flora and fauna
- Pedal on peaceful Playa Esterillos Este, soothed by the sounds of ocean waves
Premiere Inns
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (2 nights): Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)
Rafiki Safari Lodge (1 night): African-style luxury safari tents offer the ideal setting for enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle. (pool)
Alma del Pacífico Hotel (2 nights): The spacious private villas at this beachside resort feature large terraces and a mosaic-tiled shower that opens to your own garden. (pool, spa)
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.
| Daily Route Options | |||||||||||
| Day | Activity | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | |||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | ||
| 1 | Hiking | 3 | 100 | 5 | 100 | ||||||
| 2 | Biking | 10* | 800 | 15 | 1300 | ||||||
| Other | Boat ride on Lake Arenal (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| Other | Optional zip-lining, kayaking or hiking | ||||||||||
| 3 | Hiking | 2 | 300 | ||||||||
| Hiking | 2 | 500 | |||||||||
| 4 | Hiking | 2 | 100 | ||||||||
| Hiking | 4 | 300 | |||||||||
| Rafting | On Río Savegre (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 5 | Biking | 5* | 0 | 14 | 100 | ||||||
| Biking | 8 | 100 | |||||||||
| Other | Optional horseback riding, surfing, kayaking or hiking | ||||||||||
| 6 | Walking | 2.0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Other | Optional yoga class | ||||||||||
On this trip, we'll be using titanium mountain bikes that are just right for the non-technical dirt road riding as well as the paved riding. (approximately 40% dirt and 60% paved).
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/19-24 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1010 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $340
- 12/31-1/5 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1010 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $340
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 4/6-11 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $310
- 12/18-23 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $310
- 12/30-1/4 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $310
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Each day I'd go to bed feeling like that was just an incredible day and not sure how it could get better. But Backroads did it! They continued to make each day better and better. At the end of the trip I said "If I died tomorrow, I would have fully lived life." What a great job by everyone involved to make this trip the best!- Lowry, MN
This trip was unbelievable! We went to places we never would have found by ourselves. Each day was packed with exciting adventures and the leaders were phenomenal. We could not have asked for anything more from them.- Walden, NY
It was great for our family! Wonderful guides, great staff everywhere, good fellow travelers, really lovely. Thank you!- Berkeley, CA