Everyone Looking Down River From Suspension Bridge

Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Multi-Adventure Tour

From $5,399 - $6,299 /person

Includes $1,000 internal air

Cloud Forest, Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Beaches

Pura vida! Not just a greeting in Costa Rica, but a way of being. Pure life. Enthusiasm for adventure. Seize it all, from hidden jungle hot springs to rushing mountain rivers. Howler monkeys and iguanas. Zip lines, white-water rafting, biking, hiking and hammocks. Embrace pura vida in Costa Rica.

Walk/Hike

Biking

Raft

Yoga

Highlights

Hike through a cloud forest to Costa Rica's largest waterfall, Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an ancient volcano crater
Run the rapids of the Río Sarapiquí, scanning the shore for toucans, 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

Costa Rica

Start/End San José

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Itinerary

Two guests on forest path, looking down at forest, waterfall.

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.

El Silencio

(2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Outdoor view of hotel with indoor lights on, surrounded by plants

Woman in a white bathrobe looking out to a forest with a table full of food behind her

Top view of two massage beds in a circular room

Top view of mini villas within a large forest

Indoor dining hall filled with wooden tables and blue chairs

Nights 1-2

El Silencio

Bajos del Toro

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)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Paddling White Water River Raft, Costa Rica

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.

Arenal Kioro

(1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

Outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, with view of a volcano in the distance

Bar and lounge with woven chairs and large glass walls and doors leading to a jungle

5 mini outdoor pools with people swimming inside of each pool, surrounded by tall palm trees

Dining table with plates of steak and lobster, with 4 glasses of wine

Black bowl filled with quinoa and grilled chicken and greens

Night 3

Arenal Kioro

La Fortuna

*Casual Hotel

Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

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 • Not a biker? A hike on the lava flow of Arenal Volcano awaits • 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.

Hotel Punta Islita

(2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Large hut-style building with an outdoor pool, surrounded by white umbrellas and reclining chairs

Reclining chairs and palm trees next to the beach

Large, outdoor hut with dining tables and ceiling fans, next to a large forest

Top view of brick buildings with small hot tubs outdoors

Nights 4-5

Hotel Punta Islita

Punta Islita

Premiere Hotel

This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

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What's Included

Straight 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.

Flights

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.

Terrain & Climate

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.

Shuttle Time

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.

Service Standards

“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. Your Backroads leaders will be close by to ease the way.

On-Your-Own Activities

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.

Peak Season

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.

From $5,399 /person

Includes $1,000 internal air

View Dates

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

El Silencio

Bajos del Toro

Premiere Hotel

Night 3

Arenal Kioro

La Fortuna

*Casual Hotel

Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)

Nights 4-5

Hotel Punta Islita

Punta Islita

Premiere Hotel

This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)

From $5,399 /person

Includes $1,000 internal air

View Dates

Gallery

Guests Learning from Local Chef Costa RIca

Papaya, Blueberry, and Chocolate Platter

Enjoying Wine Looking up Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

Guest cycling down road, large wall of greenery to right.

Guest on hotel balcony, hammock, overlooking forest, ocean.

Guests relaxing at the Punta Islita pool.

Hi Five After Surfing Instructor Student Costa Rica

Two guests holding hands, walking along shore during sunset.

Tall hill covered in grass, with trees on the ground level

Natural hot spring waterfall, with small steps, surrounded by exotic trees and plants

#MyBackroadsTrip

From $5,399 /person

Includes $1,000 internal air

View Dates

Bikes

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Backroads Touring Bike

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

Watch the Video

Sizing & Geometry

Backroads Touring Bike Sizing & Geometry

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	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Frame Size	38cm	45cm	53cm	56cm	59cm	63cm
Suggested Rider Height	4'11"-5'2"	5'2"-5'5"	5'5"-5'9"	5'9"-6'1"	6'1"-6'4"	6'4"-6'8"
Stand-Over Height	67.56cm/ 26.6"	68.58cm/ 27"	79.76cm/ 31.4"	82.3cm/ 32.4"	84.84cm/ 33.4"	88.9cm/ 35"
Handlebar Width	400mm	400mm	420mm	420mm	440mm	440mm
Stem Length	95mm	95mm	110mm	110mm	110mm	110mm
Crank Length	170mm	170mm	170mm	175mm	175mm	175mm
Seat-Tube Angle	74.5°	74.5°	74°	73°	73°	72.5°
Head-Tube Angle	71°	71°	72°	72°	72.5°	72.5°

From $5,399 /person

Includes $1,000 internal air

View Dates

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From $5,399 /person

Includes $1,000 internal air

View Dates

Dates & Prices

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

2024 2025 2026

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Your guest & room selections

1 adult

1 room, 1 bed

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Starting in November of 2025, this trip will be 7 days and includes an additional night in Arenal. Download the Detailed Itinerary for more information.

Jan 13

Monday

Mon

Jan 18

Saturday

Sat

Sold Out

Jan 16

Thursday

Thu

Jan 21

Tuesday