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 the Los Angeles Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano National Park and the Pacific coast. Your family is sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!
Day 1 Hike through the Los Angeles Cloud Forest,
where an interpretive walk showcases a spectacular array of plants and animals 
Jump-start the day with a tour (and tasting!) at a coffee plantation Kids get to milk cows and visit a hummingbird sanctuary.
Days 2-3 Hot springs soaking and volcano gazing
Befriend furry and feathery characters at a wildlife rescue center Bike 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 Explore the lush rain forest around beautiful Lake Arenal by bike, then cruise on the water The afternoon is yours to "fly" on a zip-line, horseback ride, hike or simply relax by the pool.
Day 4 Kids check out snakes, frogs and butterflies at a serpentarium
while adults trek across a lava field in Arenal Volcano National Park Our private charter plane whisks us to the white-sand beaches of Quepos Look for fast-moving basilisk lizards, blue morpho butterflies and endangered squirrel monkeys on our walk in La Foresta Reserve.
Days 5-6 A sea-kayaking excursion on calm crystalline waters
leads to a secluded beach On a naturalist-led walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, witness white-faced monkeys swinging in the branches and prehistoric-looking iguanas slithering up tree trunks While away the afternoon soaking up the sun or splashing in the waves of the Pacific.
Trip Highlights
- Regional experts who intimately know the country's incredible flora and fauna
- View one of the world’s most active volcanoes while hiking, biking and soaking in hot springs
- Manuel Antonio National Park's wealth of wildlife - monkeys, lizards, sloths, kingfishers and more
- Kayak across a bay to a beautiful remote beach
- Befriend furry and feathery critters at a wildlife rescue center
Casual Inns
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel (1 night): This eco-conscious boutique hotel features charming casitas, each with a breathtaking view of the cloud forest. (spa)
Hotel Mountain Paradise (2 nights): When skies are clear, relish unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano from this hilltop resort. (pool, spa)
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. (pool)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.5, 3 miles
- 100 - 200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 11, 22, 27 miles
- 450 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17
- 300 - 490 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 2.2, 3 miles
- 100 - 250 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 2, 3.5 miles
- 50 - 300 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 |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 2/20-25Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 3/18-23Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/23-28Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $220
- 12/31-1/5Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 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 sea kayak: 5 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
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
This was the best family trip we have ever taken, hands down. I never expected a group trip could be so enjoyable. We bonded with our leaders and the other families immediately - so much so that I expect we will keep in touch with them for a long time. This trip was different from others we have taken - it was an adventure, a challenge, and a growth opportunity for us. Normally, I wouldn't expect my kids (age 10 and 12) to think favorably of a "growth opportunity", but they loved this trip and are still talking about it.
This was our first group trip as a family. Having traveled with Backroads before as a couple, we were pretty sure it would go well, but you never know with kids. Our boys say this was the best trip they have ever taken and they loved everything about it - learning about a new country, the biking, the food, having fun with other families, and most of all - the great leaders! Our leaders made it easy for all the kids on the trip to become fast friends and for the parents to find time to relax. We'll definitely be doing another family Backroads trip again soon! Reno, NV
This trip is a cultural smorgasborg, full of different interesting ecologic environments, people, and activities. It was a wonderful introduction to Costa Rica. Reno, NV