Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Family Multi-Adventure Tour
Trip length varies by date
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels
Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Family Multi-Adventure Tour
Trip length varies by date
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels
2024: Dec2025: Jun, Dec2026: Mar, Jun
Cloud Forest, Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Beaches
Pura vida! Not just a greeting in Costa Rica but a way of life. 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. Bring your family and embrace the pure life in Costa Rica.
Highlights
- Hike through a cloud forest to Costa Rica's largest waterfall, Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an ancient volcano crater
- Paddle the rapids of the Río Sarapiquí as toucans, sloths and other jungle dwellers watch from the shore
- Bike along Lake Arenal in the shadow of majestic Arenal Volcano, rising dramatically from the lush rain forest
- Indulge in local specialties prepared by an expert chef in a Costa Rican cooking class.
Start/EndSan José
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Welcome to the cloud forest, one of the world's most precious and captivating tropical ecosystems • Start your family 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.
Nights 1-2
"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)
Day 3
Get ready for a thrilling white-water rafting excursion on the Río Sarapiquí • Stay on the lookout for playful monkeys, gentle sloths, green iguanas and colorful toucans • Vacation at our rain forest retreat situated at the base of legendary Arenal Volcano • Celebrate Costa Rican flavors in a cooking class and learn how to make a guaro mojito.
Night 3
Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Boat across Lake Arenal, then explore its lush jungle surroundings by bike • Ride through a vibrant landscape decorated with palms, ferns, fig trees and bromeliads • Not a biker? Embark instead on a hike across Arenal's striking lava fields • Soak in a natural hot spring tucked away in a forest oasis • A private plane whisks us to the wild Pacific coast • Discover some of Costa Rica's most stunning beaches and hidden trails • Lounge on the beach at our oceanfront resort, or opt to ride horseback, take a surf lesson or enjoy a complimentary yoga class.
Nights 4-5
This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight 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.
“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.
At Rafiki Safari Lodge, we stay in large canvas-walled platform tents. Each is outfitted with an en suite bathroom. While our tents are comfortable, they do not have air-conditioning. The property has limited cell reception but does have Wi-Fi in the main common area. With canvas walls and doors, sounds may carry from nearby tents and chirping crickets, so we suggest packing earplugs.
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
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)
Night 3
*Casual Hotel
Take in majestic views of Arenal Volcano while soaking in your suite's private whirlpool. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
This eco-friendly resort is tucked away between an ocean cove and the forest on the pristine Nicoya Peninsula. (pool, spa)
Gallery
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.
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
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
