Costa Rica Multisport
Biking, Walking & Rafting the Pacific Coast & Nicoya Peninsula
Costa Rica is a paradise for lovers of wildlife and fun-filled adventure. Here white-faced monkeys enliven the jungle canopy while blue morpho butterflies color the sky, warm ocean waves lap sandy shores and rivers wind through lush rain forests. On the Pacific Coast, explore the area around Manuel Antonio National Park with jungle hikes, mountain biking and Class II - III rafting. Then journey to the remote Nicoya Peninsula, a perfect setting for more activities - or for simply lounging on the beach. Our carefree days are complemented by nights of pure relaxation at tastefully appointed tropical retreats.
Trip Planning Links
- A perfect line-up of activities make for great adventures throughout the country
- Spot wonderful wildlife (sloths, monkeys, lizards and more) of Manuel Antonio park
- White-water raft RÍo Savegre, one Central America's most pristine rivers
- Sublime white-sand beaches great for swimming and surfing
- The secluded Punta Islita hotel, an Andrew Harper favorite
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Quepos
Meet in San José and fly to the Pacific Coast 
Hop on your bike to explore lush farmlands and quiet villages on the outskirts of bustling Quepos Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park with our naturalist guide, who helps us spot a wealth of exotic plants and wildlife, including monkeys, butterflies and iguanas The afternoon is yours to go kayaking, zip-lining or horseback riding.
Day 3 Savegre
Head out on a morning hike into the beautiful Savegre Valley Learn about the Los Campesinos Project, a community tourism effort in the village of Quebrada Arroyo, before continuing to a waterfall and private swimming hole Hike through rain forest, teak plantations and a hidden river valley to our secluded hotel, stopping en route to join a local family for lunch in their home Relax on your private deck and swim in the lodge's pool, which features a 100-foot waterslide.
Days 4-6 Punta Islita
Prepare for a thrilling white-water rafting excursion on the Río Savegre A short scenic flight carries us to Playa Carrillo, one of Costa Rica's finest beaches As you pedal on quiet dirt roads, spot sabañeros (cowboys) working the pastures and tending their cattle Our beachfront resort offers many ways to play and relax: hike on nearby nature trails, go horseback riding, try surfing, lounge by the pool or treat yourself to a massage Enjoy a feast of fresh-seafood specialties View the works of local artists at the open-air Islita Contemporary Art Museum Fly back to San José.
- 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.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
For a family of 22 individuals with ages spanning from 10 to 77, I can't believe EVERYONE had such a great time. So much so, that Grandpa has already okayed the planning for another family trip with Backroads for Christmas 2008. To put together a family trip like this where we have 3 generations and different levels of fitness and expectations and have everyone happy at the end of it is - well it just blows my mind. I can't thank everyone at Backroads enough.- Old Greenwich, CT More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Costa Rica Multisport
COASTAL RETREATS: Premiere Inns*
Hotel Parador
Quepos (2 nights) With views of the rain forest and azure Pacific, this luxury resort has an infinity pool, spa and rooms with private balconies.
Rafiki Safari Lodge
Savegre (1 night) These African-style luxury safari tents offer the ideal setting for enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle.
* Casual Inn
Hotel Punta Islita
Punta Islita (2 nights) Featured on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and named one of the world's best by Travel+Leisure, this eco-friendly resort is wonderfully set between an ocean cove and the forest on Costa Rica's pristine Nicoya Peninsula.
Costa Rica Multisport
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 |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 13, 19 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3.5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 6.2, 8.3 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 11, 17 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Rafting 2.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 1, 2.5, 3.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Village Walking Tour 1 hour