Costa Rica Multisport
Biking, Walking & Kayaking from Arenal Volcano to the Pacific Coast
With over a quarter of its land protected in parks and preserves, Costa Rica is paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and outdoor adventure. Howler monkeys scamper through the trees, and keel-billed toucans color the sky against a natural backdrop of an active volcano, a magnificent lake, flowing rivers and lush greenery. Jungle hikes, mountain biking and a kayaking adventure expose you to the region's incredible biodiversity, from Los Angeles Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano National Park and the Pacific coast. You're sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!
Trip Planning Links
- Commune with nature at the tranquil eco-friendly Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel
- View one of the world's most active volcanoes while relaxing in the hot springs of a forest hideaway
- Explore Lake Arenal and the surrounding rain forest by boat and bike
- The chance to see a variety of wildlife (sloths, monkeys, lizards and more) in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Kayak across the bay to a beautiful remote beach
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Los Angeles Cloud Forest
Meet in San José 
Jump-start the day with a tour (and tasting!) at a coffee plantation Gear up for a challenging ride past brilliant-orange poró trees and farmers plying their trade en route to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest.
Days 2-3 La Fortuna
An interpretive walk through the cloud forest reveals an incredible variety of flora and fauna Pedal along rolling roads flanked by plantations of papaya, sugarcane and yucca to La Fortuna, nestled near the foot of rumbling Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes Take in views of the volcano while soaking in hot springs hidden in a forest oasis Explore the lush rain forest around beautiful Lake Arenal by bike, followed by a cruise on the lake The afternoon is yours to go zip-lining, horseback riding or hiking or simply relax by the pool.
Days 4-6 Manuel Antonio
Trek across a lava field in Arenal Volcano National Park Fly above the rain forest on our private charter to the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio Ride into the countryside for stunning views of the forest, mountains and rivers around Quepos On a naturalist-led walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, watch for white-faced monkeys swinging in the branches and neon iguanas slithering up tree trunks While away the afternoon soaking up the sun or splashing in the waves of the Pacific Delight in a farewell dinner of Latin fusion The crystalline waters off Quepos provide a calm setting for a sea kayaking excursion Paddle to a secluded beach on the other side of the bay Enjoy lunch overlooking the tropical coastline before shuttling 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!
First let me say how impressed I am with your organization. Pulling all of this off in the United States, let alone Costa Rica, would have been a major feat --- the organization, thought, and planning that went into this trip were incredible. Thank you!- Branford, 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
RAIN FOREST RETREATS: Casual Inns
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel & Spa
Los Angeles Cloud Forest (1 night) This eco-conscious boutique hotel features charming casitas, each with a breathtaking view of the cloud forest.
Hotel Mountain Paradise
La Fortuna (2 nights) On a clear night, relish unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano from this expansive resort's swimming pool or whirlpool.
The Falls Resort
Manuel Antonio (2 nights) Sparkling waterfalls, innumerable plant varieties and tropical flowers create a lush setting for this boutique hotel, just a short walk from a white-sand beach.
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
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 7, 12, 23 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 2.2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 11, 22, 27 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 17, 31 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 2, 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 16, 21 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Kayaking 2 hours