Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour
From $4,499 - $5,099 /person
+$700 internal air
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels
Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels
2023: Dec 2024: Jan-Aug, Nov-Dec 2025: Jan-Apr, Jun, Aug
Cloud Forest, Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Beaches
Pura vida! Not just a greeting in Costa Rica but a way of life. Pure life. Enthusiasm for adventure. Seize it all, from cloud forests and jungles to rain forests with hidden hot springs and plummeting waterfalls. Howler monkeys and iguanas. Zip lines, white-water rafting, biking, hiking and hammocks. Embrace the pure life in Costa Rica.
Highlights
- Hike through a cloud forest to Costa Rica's largest waterfall, Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an ancient volcano crater
- Raft the white-water rapids of the Río Sarapiquí, looking for toucans, iguanas, sloths and other unique jungle dwellers
- Bike along Lake Arenal and gaze at imposing Arenal Volcano, rising majestically from the lush green rain forest
- Indulge in local specialties prepared by an expert chef in a Costa Rican cooking class
Start/End San José
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Welcome to the cloud forest, one of the world's most precious and captivating tropical ecosystems • Start your adventure with a walk on the grounds of the Espíritu Santo Coffee Estate • Learn about the coffee-making process, from planting to tasting • Luxuriate at an eco-retreat set in a 500-acre reserve • Hike to Catarata del Toro, the largest waterfall in Costa Rica, and watch the water crash into an ancient volcanic crater • Visit a local home and discover the secret to perfect handmade tortillas.
Nights 1-2
"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)
Day 3
Buckle up for a white-water rafting excursion on the Río Sarapiquí • Watch for playful monkeys, gentle sloths, green iguanas and colorful toucans • Vacation at our rain forest retreat situated at the base of legendary Arenal Volcano • Enjoy a Costa Rican cooking class and learn how to make a guaro mojito.
Night 3
Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Cross Lake Arenal by boat, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike • Ride through a vibrant landscape colored by palms, ferns, fig trees and bromeliads • Soak in a natural hot spring hidden in a forest oasis • A private plane whisks us to the Pacific coast • Explore some of Costa Rica's most stunning beaches and hidden trails • At our oceanfront resort, opt to ride horseback, take a surf lesson, enjoy a complimentary yoga class or lounge on the beach.
Nights 4-5
This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On this trip we travel by air to reach the exclusive areas this destination has to offer. We will be flying by charter with Sansa Airlines aboard turbo-prop planes that seat 10-12 passengers. These flights occasionally experience delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. In the rare instance a flight is canceled we are prepared to travel by land.
Costa Rica is a world-renowned destination for numerous eco-adventures. However, due to its tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure, road maintenance is a continual challenge and options for bike routes are limited. Be prepared for unexpected potholes (huecos—pronounced "waycos") and sections of rough roads. Also note that these Tico roads were not designed with a shoulder, and if you're traveling over busier holiday periods, there may be more traffic than expected.
In order to bring you to diverse and unique regions, we spend more time shuttling on this trip than on many other Backroads trips. Our time in the shuttles will allow us to experience the incredible variety of ecosystems, scenery and activities that Costa Rica has to offer.
“Pura vida”, or “pure life”, is not just a Costa Rican greeting – it’s a state of mind. While Costa Rica’s tourist industry is well accustomed to welcoming foreign visitors, you may still notice that service here can lack a sense of urgency, reflecting the slower pace and relaxed approach to life that is typical throughout the region. As such, patience and a sense of humor are always recommended when traveling in Central America. Rest assured that your Backroads leaders will be close by to ease the way.
During the trip there's time for you to enjoy some of Costa Rica's favorite activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding and surfing. These activities are often a highlight for those who choose to do them, but due to liability issues and because they're not to everyone's liking, they're not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.
The holiday and spring break months are a great time to travel; however, with days off and the desire to escape for sunshine many others have the same idea. While we always aim to get off the beaten path, during certain times of the year crowds and delays are unavoidable.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
"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)
Night 3
*Casual Hotel
Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Ready to Ride
On this trip where Backroads custom titanium bikes are not available, we offer local bikes of comparable quality that are well suited for the terrain on our routes.
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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