
Costa Rica Family Multisport
Costa Rica is paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and fun-filled adventure. Here, howler monkeys sleep inconspicuously in trees and toucans color the sky, against a natural backdrop of lush greenery. Jungle hikes, mountain biking and a kayaking adventure expose you to the incredible biodiversity of the country: from Arenal Volcano National Park to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Pacific coast. You and your family are sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!
Days 1-2 La Fortuna
Meet in San José
Ride through a landscape of palms, ferns and bromeliads to La Fortuna, nestled near the foot of rumbling Arenal, one of the world’s most active volcanoes
Adults trek across a lava field in Arenal Volcano National Park, while kids get hands-on with native frogs, iguanas and even snakes
The afternoon is yours to try out a zip-line canopy tour, go horseback riding, continue hiking or just relax by the pool
Enjoy volcano views while soaking in a tropical paradise of mineral pools and waterfalls.
Days 3-4 Monteverde
On your bike, explore the lush rain forest around beautiful Lake Arenal
Visit a working farm and learn about the century-old tradition of sugar cane processing and the cultural heritage of the Ticos
Hike in the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, one of the most outstanding tropical wildlife sanctuaries on earth
Toucans, hummingbirds, quetzals and hundreds of species of orchids and ferns thrive here.
Days 5-6 Playa Esterillos Este
En route to the coast, stop off for a stroll on hanging walkways amid the rain forest canopy
Relax poolside or bask on the sand at quiet Playa Esterillos
Watch the sun set over the Pacific during a farewell al fresco dinner
Shuttle to Punta Quepos for a leisurely sea-kayak excursion
Paddle to a beautiful beach before a scenic charter flight returns us to San José.
COASTAL RETREATS : Casual Inns
Arenal Springs Hotel (2 nights): This hotels offers cozy cabins, great views of Arenal Volcano, three swimming pools and a spa.
El Sapo Dorado (2 nights): Welcoming hillside bungalows sit at the edge of the cloud forest and face the Gulf of Nicoya.
Monterey Del Mar (1 night): A beachside hotel featuring Spanish-style bungalows with tropical flair, a swimming pool and an open-air restaurant.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
4 Route Options Available
- Biking 6, 16, 22, 26 miles
Day 2
- Level 1
3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17, 31 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2
3 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.4, 2.7, 4.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1.6 miles
- Optional Activities
Day 6
- Kayaking 2 hours
On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
2008 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 7/28-8/2Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Season: This trip departs during Costa Rica's green season and some activities may differ. Please contact your Trip Consultant for specific details. - 8/4-9Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Season: This trip departs during Costa Rica's green season and some activities may differ. Please contact your Trip Consultant for specific details. - 12/17-22Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/19-24Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/24-29Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/26-31Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 2/15-20Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 3/8-13Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 3/22-27Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 3/29-4/3Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 4/5-10Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 4/7-12Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 4/12-17Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 7/27-8/1Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 8/3-8Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/15-20Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/18-23Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/20-25Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/25-30Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
- 12/27-1/1Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $560 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $110
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:
Recommended minimum age for the trip: 6 years
No burleys available on this trip
Minimum age restrictions:
- Ride own bike: 9 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 and route
- 9+ difficulty of activities and route
- 6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
- 3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)
Trip praise
We have traveled quite extensively with guides as a family and without reservation, Backroads Leaders are the best. What great role models for our kids.Chattanooga, TN
The trip and leaders far exceeded my expectations. This is our third trip with you all and the activities were so well balanced and diverse. Our 18 and 20 year old sons participated in the childrens kalidescope activity one afternoon and even enjoyed that! You all have this trip down to a science of exceptional activities. I had to keep a journal so that I wouldn't forget a single thing. Our leaders overheard a conversation we were having on the bus about yoga and arranged an early morning class for us. It was great. I absolutely loved the place we stayed in Monteverde. I also really liked having an activity on our final day - a great way to end our trip with our new friends!Cary, NC
This trip was fantastic and executed flawlessly by the Backroads leaders and in-country support team. They made it easy to let go and relax and just enjoy the activities and the amazing beauty of this country. We had great opportunities to see and enjoy the country's wildlife in its natural habitats.- Santa Clara, CA