Costa Rica Walking
Our leisurely paced Backroads adventure in Costa Rica is a naturally rich experience, from the inland Central Valley to the shores of the Nicoya Peninsula. Hike to a volcano and stroll through lush plantations. Meander through rain forests teeming with monkeys, butterflies and multicolored birds. Stride along white-sand beaches as toucans soar overhead and iguanas sun themselves nearby. View the landscape through the eyes of expert naturalists, whose insight enhances our understanding of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. Evenings are about unwinding in soothing tropical havens and dining on Costa Rican specialties.
Day 1 Alajuela
Meet in San José 
Get acquainted with your new surroundings on a walk to five stunning jungle waterfalls Gaze at countless fluttering species at the Hummingbird Garden and Butterfly Observatory 
Savor sunset views of the Central Valley or relax at our hotel spa.
Days 2-3 La Fortuna
Hike through a landscape of fruit orchards, gardens and coffee plantations Shuttle to a private reserve within Arenal National Park to the Arenal Observatory Lodge, built in 1987 as a Smithsonian Institute Scientific research station Join a local naturalist along trails traversing the gently rolling hills of the property Hike across lava fields and through rain forest, accompanied by the volcano's rumble Cross a series of hanging bridges, ranging from 16 to 300 feet long Spend an afternoon zip-lining, horseback riding, being pampered at the spa or just relaxing by the pool Soak in geothermal waters at private hot springs before enjoying a typical home-cooked Costa Rican dinner.
Days 4-6 Playa Tambor
Journey across the Gulf of Nicoya on a charter flight Take a guided nature hike through the Curú Biological Refuge, where spider monkeys scamper through the lowland forest Enjoy lunch on the reserve's private beach Shuttle to Bahia Ballena, and walk along the beach to our seaside resort Hike to the small village of Montezuma, a popular spot with in-the-know travelers Spend the afternoon at our resort as you please, swimming, playing golf or horseback riding Walk to a lookout point for one last photo op as morning breaks over the Pacific Return to San José on another scenic flight.
PURA VIDA: Premiere Inns
Xandari Resort & Spa (1 night): A 40-acre coffee and fruit plantation that overlooks the Central Valley and offers a swimming pool, spa and beautifully designed villas, each adorned with original artwork and a private terrace.
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (2 nights): Set on 27 acres of lush jungle gardens, with suites featuring private terraces and panoramic volcano views.
Tango Mar (2 nights): A serene seaside haven, perfect for leisurely beach strolls or hang time in hammocks slung beneath palms.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.8 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 4 Route Options Available
- 1.9, 3, 3.7 4.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 4 Route Options Available
- 2, 2, 3, 5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 1.9, 3, 5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 9.9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 2/9-14Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $370
- 3/31-4/5Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $370
- 12/21-26Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $370
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Day 1 we stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro.
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/4-9Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Day 1 we stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro. - 2/15-20Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Day 1 we stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro. - 3/8-13Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Day 1 we stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro. - 3/29-4/3Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Day 1 we stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro. - 11/15-20Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1040 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On Day 1 we stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro.
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.
Guest Trip Reviews
My husband and I rarely travel on guided trips. We prefer to stumble along on our own. But we had such a great time on this trip we are already saving for our next. The leaders were wonderful and the whole trip was just perfect.- Coatesville, PA
This trip exceeded all of my expectations. I really liked the cultural activities such as visiting El Trapiche farm. The family was so great showing us around the farm and describing the trees, crops, and demonstrating sugar cane processing. Making and tasting candy was fun too. I enjoyed the Tico meal they prepared. Our group had so much fun seeing the Oxen and riding in the cart.- Davis, CA