Ready to treat yourself to an intimate encounter with Mother Nature? Come play with us in Costa Rica! Beloved for its parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges, this friendly Central American nation protects a larger proportion of its land than any country in the world. On this action-packed multisport journey, you'll experience many of Costa Rica's precious ecosystems firsthand. Marvel at an active volcano, bask on untouched beaches, venture through lush jungles, encounter wildlife at every turn and enjoy a rich array of activity options, from rafting and hiking to surfing, horseback riding, and zip-line flying.
Days 1-2 Gaze at Arenal Volcano while soaking in hot springs hidden in a forest oasis
Sugar cane, papaya and yucca plantations line your bike route to La Fortuna, set at the foot of rumbling Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes Cruise across Lake Arenal by boat, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike The afternoon is yours to zip-line, horseback ride, hike or simply relax by the pool.
Day 3 Join a local famiy for a homemade lunch in their rural village
Adults walk across a barren lava field and though rain forest in Arenal National Park, while kids check out snakes, frogs and butterflies at a serpentarium A private charter plane whisks us to the white-sand beaches of the Pacific coast While hiking through the pristine Savegre Valley, our local guide points out flora and fauna, and shares tips on how to survive if you're lost in the jungle Kick back at our secluded hotel on your private deck or - look out below! - zoom down the 100-foot waterslide.
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 Kids paint their own Boruca masks with an indigenous artist,
while adults are as active (from beach walking and kayaking to horseback riding and surfing) or inactive (from pool lounging to spa treating) as they like Pedal on the beach, then turn inland through a landscape of banana and African palm trees After a morning seaside stroll, shuttle to San José, stopping on the way to look for crocodiles.
Trip Highlights
- Gaze at Arenal Volcano while soaking in hot springs hidden in a forest oasis
- White-water rafting the Río Savegre, one Central America’s most pristine rivers
- Experts who intimately know the country’s incredible flora and fauna
- Venture through the jungle habitat of sloths, monkeys, toucans and lizards
- Kids paint their own Boruca masks with an indigenous artist
Premiere Inns
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (2 nights): Set on 27 acres of lush jungle gardens, with suites offering panoramic volcano views. (pool, spa)
Rafiki Safari Lodge (1 night): These African-style luxury safari tents offer the ideal setting for enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle. (pool)
Alma del Pacifico 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)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 23, 31 miles
- 700 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17 miles
- 300 - 600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 2.1, 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Rafting 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 5, 8, 14 (tide dependent)
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 3/18-23Price: $3798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 3/25-30Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 4/1-6Price: $3798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/18-23Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/22-27Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/24-29Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/26-31Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/28-1/2Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1000 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to raft and horseback ride: 8 years
- Minimum age restriction to surf: 7 years
- No Burleys available on this trip
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+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
Fabulous. The leaders were outstanding and our kids had the time of their lives. Backroads is a great way to travel for a busy family - minimal preparation required, and a rich and diverse schedule of activities and experiences that we never could have planned on our own.- Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Backroads has freed me up from the time-consuming research, planning and decision making I do to ensure an exciting adventure for our family vacations. The leaders are phenomenal and traveling with other like minded families has put a new twist on our usually independent travels. This was our first trip with Backroads and it will not be our last. I am looking forward to many more.
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
This was the best vacation we've ever taken. I had a blast and learned so much. I came home feeling healthy and ready to get in better shape so I can enjoy my next trip even more. Although we were in a beautiful country, it was the trip leaders who made this so special. We had a great group and have come home with so many memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you.
One of the best trips our family ever has taken. The places we visited were so breathtakingly beautiful, the activites so fun and flexible, and the trip leaders were extraordinary. The other families were also just so nice.- Chicago, IL
The trip was over and beyond our expectations with friendly and knowledgeable leaders and incredible other families that made the trip special. Our children had a wonderful time and this was just an incredible way to see a new country while also getting exercise and learning about a new place. The eco-friendly part of the trip was very educational to all of us family members and something we will continue to practice as we travel. This is a much healthier way to see Costa Rica vs. going to a Four Seasons and just chilling out by the hotel. I recommend Backroads trips to everyone.- Greenwich, CT
Another outstanding Backroads experience - flawlessly executed by your amazing leaders. You guys pack more into five or six days without ever making guests feel rushed - including cultural contacts with the locals that would be impossible to arrange on one's own. Thanks again from all of us!
We had a wonderful time on our trip. It was a perfect balance of cultural and athletic activities.- Kentfield, CA
I feel like my kids learned a TON and we all just had a great time! Jones has thanked me all day!