Costa Rica Insider
From Cloud Forest to Volcano to Beach
Delve into Costa Rica's natural wonders and cultural riches on this exclusive itinerary that features the best of our insider connections. Travel through wildlife-rich national parks to the shell-strewn Pacific coast with knowledgeable leaders and local experts. Be welcomed into the homes of our longtime friends, who happily share Costa Rican traditions and reveal the pura vida lifestyle that defines the Tico culture And spot elusive jungle creatures with help from our naturalist guides, whose passion for the environment will expand your understanding of Costa Rica's incredible ecosystems and deepen your appreciation of the natural world.
- An intimate look at the jungle canopy from Arenal Volcano National Park's suspension bridges
- Watch for monkeys, birds and sloths during a river float trip
- Experience rural life on visits to local homes and plantations
- Amazingly knowledgable naturalist guide Maurilio Cordero
- The incredible biodiversity of Manual Antonio National Park
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Bajos del Toro
Meet in San José 
Kick-start your journey with a visit to a coffee plantation and learn about Costa Rica's grano de oro (golden bean) java Meet a local artist for lunch at his home in Sarchí and explore traditional oxcart-painting techniques Follow interpretive trails through a cloud forest oasis.
La Fortuna
Learn about the cloud forest ecosystem on a walk with our "eco-host," then plant an indigenous tree Float down the Río Peñas Blancas, watching - and listening - for howler monkeys, frogs and colorful waterfowl View steam-spouting Arenal Volcano from your private terrace Get a bird's-eye view of the jungle canopy from Arenal Volcano National Park's suspension bridges Find out from a volcanologist how an effusive eruption differs from a pyroclastic flow Wander among ferns, fig trees and bromeliads looking for white-nosed coatis and iguanas Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Arenal Immerse yourself in soothing geothermal waters.
Playa Esterillos Este
Fly to Quepos Savor fresh pescado and other typical fare beside the azure Pacific Join our naturalist guide to discover Manuel Antonio National Park, home to more than 100 mammal species and 180 bird species Spot white-faced monkeys, green kingfishers and brilliant purple and orange land crabs Spend time with a native Boruca artist, who offers insight into Costa Rica's oft-overlooked indigenous cultures Spend an afternoon strolling the beach, relaxing by the pool, or perhaps indulge at the spa Return to San José on a scenic flight.
Maurilio Cordero, Rain Forest Naturalist
Our experience in Costa Rica's national parks is brought to a whole new level thanks to local expert Maurilio Cordero. A dedicated guide and naturalist for the past 18 years, Maurilio will amaze you with his knowledge of the region's diverse ecosystems and delight you with his uncanny ability to spot seemingly invisible wildlife hidden in the jungle. With his experienced eye and trusty scope, you stand an excellent chance of seeing creatures - such as collared aracaris, "Jesus Christ" lizards, lazy perezosos (sloths) and perhaps even a few endangered squirrel monkeys - that other visitors might completely miss.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Peru Insider Indochina Insider Tuscany InsiderOther Central/South America Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.- Backroads President and Founder All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Costa Rica tour experts. For Insider tours in Latin America, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Latin America Insider tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America multisport tours click here.
Costa Rica Insider
TROPICAL ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Bajos del Toro (1 night) Nestled in the cloud forest, this 500-acre sanctuary is the antidote to stress. Relax in your luxury suite, complete with a private deck, hot tub and gas fireplace.
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
La Fortuna (2 nights) This eco-friendly hotel's nearest neighbor - Arenal Volcano - may rumble a bit, but that's part of the ambience! Enjoy superb views of the molten mountain from the pool deck or from the whirlpool spa of your private suite.
Xandari by the Pacific
Esterillos Este (2 nights) Breathe in fresh ocean air at this exclusive beachfront hotel with spacious private villas, a spa, two outdoor swimming pools, an art gallery and breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Pacific.
Costa Rica Insider
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |