At this point, it’s no surprise. Costa Rica is a natural wonder. If the eco-adventure wasn’t invented here, it’s been perfected here. But what makes Costa Rica so incredible is that even with everything you know about it, Costa Rica will still freeze you in your tracks. Your first howler monkey experience. Your unbelievable proximity to an actively spewing volcano. Your overwhelming exposure to the cloud forest. It will make you forget everything you think you know about Costa Rica. And perhaps change your view of how you fit in the world. And that is what makes Costa Rica so incredible.
Days 1-2 Sensational cloud forest walks with local guides
among bromeliads, tree ferns, strangler figs and waterfalls 
Jump-start the trip by learning about - and sampling - grano de oro (golden bean) java at a coffee plantation Daily life in rural Costa Rica - from orchid growing and dairy farming to tortilla making - is revealed during our visit to Bajos del Toro Opt to zip-line "fly" through the canopy or indulge at the spa.
Day 3 Join a naturalist in Arenal Volcano National Park
to traverse a barren lava field with exceptional views of Lake Arenal Listen for the call of howler and white-faced monkeys as you walk through primary forest and cross hanging bridges - up to 300 feet long Downtime at the geothermal pool, anyone?
Day 4 Hike through beloved Manuel Antonio National Park
in the company of iguanas, toucans, land crabs and white-faced monkeys Before flying to the central Pacific coast, follow a jungle-lined path in El Silencio Preserve to a fantastic mirador (viewpoint) of Arenal Volcano Got your bathing suit? Go swimming at a pristine white-sand beach.
Days 5-6 Incredible wildlife viewing
with chances to see sloths, fast-moving basilisk lizards and the endangered mono titi (squirrel monkey) at a private reserve near Quepos Trek to the remote Quebrada Arroyo, where Los Campesinos Project supports a farming cooperative A local guide leads us to the beautiful secluded Los Chorros Waterfalls Watch the sun set over the Pacific.
Trip Highlights
- Sensational cloud forest walks with local guides
- Hike through Manuel Antonio National Park
- Incredible wildlife viewing
- Arenal Volcano National Park by foot and from hanging bridges
- Stroll idyllic beaches along lowland forest on the central Pacific coast
Premiere Inns
El Silencio Lodge & Spa (2 nights): "When you’re sitting on a lookout deck with a whirlpool, perched high above the forest, it’s a blissful reminder of how precious el silencio can be," said Travel + Leisure about this 500-acre sanctuary. (spa)
The Springs Resort & Spa (1 night): A luxurious retreat with natural hot and cold springs perched on a mountain ridge offering outstanding vistas of Arenal Volcano. (pool, spa)
Parador Resort & Spa (2 nights): A Spanish-style resort with blissful views of the Manuel Antonio rain forest and the azure Pacific. (pool, spa, tennis)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 2.2, 4 miles
- 300 - 600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 4.1 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.5, 3, 3.6 miles
- 100 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2, 2.5, 3 miles
- 100 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 2.5, 6.5 miles
- 300 - 800 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.2 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Cloud forest and jungle trails, hardened volcanic lava, beach walks and coffee plantation footpaths. Please note: Walking terrain in Costa Rica includes uneven surfaces and some short steep sections.
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*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 2/27-3/3Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
- 3/27-4/1Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
- 12/11-16Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
- 12/22-27Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $410
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Each Backroads trip we have taken has been special and this one was no exception. I felt that the leaders went the extra mile to make sure that we had a great experience. We felt less like tourists and more like "friends" of our leaders who took great pleasure in sharing the beauty of the country and the people. Costa Rica is an amazing country - so much to see!- Southlake, TX
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
This was a great trip! It was informative, relaxing, loved the level of walking, and the leaders were great.- Holland, MI