
Costa Rica Multisport
With over a quarter of its land protected in parks and preserves, Costa Rica is paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and outdoor adventure. Howler monkeys scamper through the trees, and keel-billed toucans color the sky against a natural backdrop of an active volcano, a magnificent lake, flowing rivers and lush greenery. Jungle hikes, mountain biking and a kayaking adventure expose you to the region's incredible biodiversity, from Los Angeles Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano National Park and the Pacific coast. You're sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!
Day 1 Los Angeles Cloud Forest
Meet in San José
Jump-start the day with a tour (and tasting!) at a coffee plantation
Gear up for a challenging ride past brilliant-orange poró trees and farmers plying their trade en route to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest.
Days 2-3 La Fortuna
An interpretive walk through the cloud forest reveals an incredible variety of flora and fauna
Pedal along rolling roads flanked by plantations of papaya, sugarcane and yucca to La Fortuna, nestled near the foot of rumbling Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes
Take in views of the volcano while soaking in hot springs hidden in a forest oasis
Explore the lush rain forest around beautiful Lake Arenal by bike, followed by a cruise on the lake
The afternoon is yours to go zip-lining, horseback riding or hiking or simply relax by the pool.
Days 4-6 Manuel Antonio
Trek across a lava field in Arenal Volcano National Park
Fly above the rain forest on our private charter to the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio
Ride into the countryside for stunning views of the forest, mountains and rivers around Quepos
On a naturalist-led walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, watch for white-faced monkeys swinging in the branches and neon iguanas slithering up tree trunks
While away the afternoon soaking up the sun or splashing in the waves of the Pacific
Delight in a farewell dinner of Latin fusion
The crystalline waters off Quepos provide a calm setting for a sea kayaking excursion
Paddle to a secluded beach on the other side of the bay
Enjoy lunch overlooking the tropical coastline before shuttling to San José.
RAIN FOREST RETREATS: Casual Inns
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel & Spa (1 night): This eco-conscious boutique hotel features charming casitas, each with a breathtaking view of the cloud forest.
Hotel Mountain Paradise (2 nights): On a clear night, relish unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano from this expansive resort's swimming pool or whirlpool.
The Falls Resort (2 nights): Sparkling waterfalls, innumerable plant varieties and tropical flowers create a lush setting for this boutique hotel, just a short walk from a white-sand beach.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 7, 12, 23 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2
4 Route Options Available
- Walking 2.2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 11, 22, 27 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17, 31 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2
4 Route Options Available
- Walking 2, 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 16, 21 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Kayaking 2 hours
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 |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/21-26Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $300
- 12/24-29Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $300
2011 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/24-29Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $330
- 2/20-25Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $330
- 3/21-26Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $330
- 11/28-12/3Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $330
- 12/20-25Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $330
- 12/24-29Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $330
Guest Trip Reviews
First let me say how impressed I am with your organization. Pulling all of this off in the United States, let alone Costa Rica, would have been a major feat --- the organization, thought, and planning that went into this trip were incredible. Thank you!- Branford, CT

This was the most well organized, truly seamless vacation experience I have ever had. Our leaders were absolutely incredible. They were knowledgeable, helpful, enthusiastic and went FAR beyond the call of duty on their jobs. Above all, their attitudes and the fact that they were truly having FUN meant everything in terms of maintaining the group dynamics to ensure that everyone had a pleasurable experience.- Alexandria, VA

I loved the variety of activity on this trip. Backroads is the best travel company. I have a hard time traveling with any other company because of the quality of your trips.- Green Valley, AZ

Our leaders did an awesome job! The drivers were wonderful. It was a great trip. I felt like I made 18 new friends. The physical activity was just right.- Jonesville, WI

Backroads always spoils us rotten. You have set the standard so high that other companies can't compare to your quality. I am hooked on Backroads!- Green Valley, AZ
