Costa Rica Family

Costa Rica Family Multisport

Biking, Walking, Rafting & 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 the Los Angeles Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano National Park and the Pacific coast. Your family is sure to have fun, relax and learn the true meaning of pura vida!

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The Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Los Angeles Cloud Forest

Meet in San José  Adults jump-start the day with a challenging ride past brilliant-orange poró trees and farmers plying their trade  Kids join in on the biking fun en route to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest  An interpretive walk through the cloud forest showcases an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

Days 2-3 La Fortuna

Kids get a chance to hand-feed hummingbirds and learn how to milk dairy cows 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 plane 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, witness 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  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 a lunch spread overlooking the tropical coastline before shuttling to San José.

Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!

We have traveled quite extensively with guides as a family and without reservation, Backroads Leaders are the best. What great role models for our kids.
Kevin H. - Chattanooga, TN 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 Family Multisport

COASTAL RETREATS: Casual Inns

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel & Spa
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
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
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 Family 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  3 Route Options Available
  • Biking 6, 12 miles
  • 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
  • Walking 2.2 miles
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Levels 1 to 2  5 Route Options Available
  • Hiking (Adults) 2.2, 3.1 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 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Levels 1 to 2  6 Route Options Available
  • Walking 2, 3, 5 miles
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
  • Biking 9, 16, 21 miles
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain  
Day 5
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • Walking 2 miles
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Kayaking 2 hours

On this Family Trip, our routes are designed to be easygoing, with no significant gain or loss in elevation. However, rough terrain, heat and humidity can make biking in Costa Rica more challenging. Although these conditions may slow down your riding, it's also what makes biking in Costa Rica an adventure! Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.