Holiday Highlights
- Enjoying biking through the very heart of Costa Rica
- Taking a pre-lunch dip in the Pacific Ocean near Samara
- Biking the rancher routes of Guanacaste
- Searching out wildlife as you cycle along
- Sunset on Coyote Beach with a chilled Imperial
- Cycling across the Continental Divide
Itinerary
With most flights from Europe departing in the morning you will arrive in San José the same day. Following touch down at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you will be transferred the short distance (transfer time 30 mins approx.) to the capital of Costa Rica; San José. The sprawling urban capital is in direct contrast to the rural relaxed pace of life we will experience on our journey.
As flights often arrive quite late and at a variety of times we usually meet formally for the first time the following morning. There will be time for bike fitting and to get to know everyone the following day.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.
After breakfast we transfer (3hrs approx.) to our starting point near the active Volcán Arenal (1680m). The volcano has experienced constant activity since 1968.
It used to offer daytime and night-time viewing opportunities, thanks to its constant explosions and eruptions but unfortunately the last significant eruption here was in December 2010 – or fortunately depending where you’re viewing from. However, it is still an impressive sight even without the explosions, appearing as an almost perfect cone rising above the town of La Fortuna.
This is a short warm-up ride to our hotel located near the volcano. It is a good chance to get acclimatised to the humidity and loosen up the muscles. In the early evening we will visit one of the famous hot springs for some relaxation time. La Fortuna has a variety of different restaurants to choose from for our evening meal.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.
Today we set out on our quest to follow the chain of volcanoes in the northern part of the country. We cycle around the south side of Lake Arenal (the largest in Costa Rica). The route is on dirt roads with several fun river crossings, hugging the borders of the lake through rolling hills and with spectacular views of Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano which towers over the Lake. This part of the route is only accessible by bike or 4×4. We transfer the last part of the day to arrive at our accommodation in Cañas before sunset.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 850 Metres Approx.
After a morning boost in the bus to get to the interesting riding we head towards Miravalles Volcanoes on mainly dirt roads. As we cross over the Continental Divide there are great vistas of the Guanacaste plains and Pacific coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula and sometimes it is possible to make out the volcanic island of Ometepe in Nicaragua in the distance.
Guanacaste is the major cattle ranching area of the country and we will pass through a number of ranching and farming communities during our transition from a tropical to a dry windy climate. We lunch in another ‘La Fortuna’ off the beaten path in a small village with friendly folk and wholesome food. An optional 6km road climb after lunch takes us to our accommodation for the evening below Miravalles Volcano complete with hot springs in the back garden.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.
We are heading towards the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano for the completion of our Volcanic section of the trip. A hilly morning with rolling climbs and descents with the odd cheeky short steep hill is rewarded with a fantastic limestone downhill which is sure to be a highlight of the trip.
Before our gradual decent we stop for some refreshing fresh pineapple and watermelon. Any pineapple back home is a disappointment after experiencing it in Costa Rica!
We reach the town of Liberia, the centre of Guanacaste cattle ranching region. This typical large Costa Rican town is quite different from the smaller communities we have been passing through. We usually arrive at our destination Liberia in time for lunch with the afternoon free to explore Liberia or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a well earned rest.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.
We’re off to the coast today for the Pacific Coastal section of the trip and make some initial headway with a 2-hour drive towards the coast. A few miles shy of the Pacific we mount our bikes at a coffee shop with a brief stop for refreshments.
We are now into very different scenery as forest rises from the ocean. Starting with a downhill to the Pacific coast we then head to the picturesque Playa Garza (where we recommend a picnic on the beach) – a great spot for a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
We finish the day near the small beach town of Samara and settle into our hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
A free day for you to choose your own method of exploration. For the ardent bikers, your guide can advise you on biking routes, varying in length and difficulty but with a chance to see local life at first hand. Most people opt for something different with options including sea kayaking from the beach and heading to the isolated island of Isla Chora, renting a surf board and hitting the waves (or taking a lesson) or you may wish to simply wander down to the beach and relax.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.
Refreshed after the rest day we get back on our bikes and cycle south along the coast on dirt roads, making our way through small village communities. There are several short but steep hills today which are rewarded with great views of the Pacific coastline.
After reaching The Coyote area we have the option of transferring back to Samara or riding back a different way throw the infamous Soledad Hill.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.
After breakfast we take the 1.5 hour (approx.)transfer to Coyote where we begin today’s ride. Saving one of the best days till last we can enjoy an unforgettable 6km ride along the beautiful unspoilt Playa Coyote. Even if the tides are unfavourable today is still a great days riding following tracks through river crossings and close to palm backed beaches through very un-touristic terrain before arriving in the chilled out surfer town of Santa Teresa / Malpais.
NB The length of today’s ride will depend on the tide times and river levels as we’ll need to cross some rivers during our ride.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.
Our final day near the coast gives you the option to head inland on dirt roads across the tip of the Nicoya peninsular to Montezuma. The route does not go particularly high but does include some steep sections and its usually pretty warm. Most of the year the Montezuma Waterfalls are accessible. A series of three cascades each with an inviting paddling spot underneath. The super keen can return to Malpais by bike or alternatively take the support vehicle.
Alternatively, there is of course always the option to reward yourself with a day out of the saddle strolling along the extensive beaches that Santa Theresa has to offer or checking out the surf, which makes this area popular, with board hire and a lesson possible. Either way we will meet in the evening for our last dinner by the coast.
- Meals: Breakfast
Time for a last dip in the Pacific Ocean before we head back to San José. The transfer is broken up by an interesting 1hr ferry journey across the Gulf of Nicoya from Naranjo to Puntarenas.
During the journey you’ll pass by some small islands many of which are home to numerous species of birds including brown pelicans, boobies and frigate birds.
Accommodation in San José with our final evening meal taken here.
- Meals: Breakfast
Departure from San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for flight connections (transfer time 30 mins approx.). If travelling to the UK / Europe then you will arrive the following day.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The cycling will mostly be along dirt and gravel country roads, with sections of climbing and descending on looser and rougher gravel surfaces. There are also some sections of tarmac road including the warm-up ride on the first day of riding (Day 2).
Most of the day along the shores of Lake Arenal is rolling hills, across several rivers and all on dirt roads.
Later on in the week you’ll be finishing off your ride with a 20 km / 12.4 mile descent on a limestone road into Liberia (Day 5).
From Samara to Coyote there are several short but steep hills on compacted dirt roads. The ride to Malpais involves an 8 km / 5 mile ride along the beach if the tides are ‘with us‘.
Cycling Adventures Grade
Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness
May include some steeper, cheeky climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
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Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers
F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from San Jose airport (SJO).
G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to San Jose airport (SJO).
H) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Cost of visas (if necessary)
D) Meals not stated in the itinerary
E) Single room (available if required)
F) Travel insurance
G) Personal clothing and equipment
H) Personal expenditure (tips for guides, souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
I) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
J) Departure tax paid at San Jose airport (US$29)
K) Additional activities (rafting, zip lines, surfing etc.)
L) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
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Reviews
Karelia, HighlandOne of the best cycle holidays I've ever been on.One of the best cycle holidays I’ve ever been on. So well organised and such great guides. Lovely having a pool at each hotel (much needed in the heat!). Rooms clean and comfortable. Lovely having plenty of fresh fruit and snacks on the ride. My favourite day was cycling along the shore of Arenal lake with a clear view of the volcanoes (we were lucky with that). Our tour leader was fantastic. He had to cope with a lots of things along the way but remained very helpful and supportive. We were kept informed at all times. He was easy to get along with and encouraging to everyone.The other guide was super efficient, friendly and helpful. The driver was a wonderful, careful driver and kept the vehicle spotless.
Ruth, Newcastle Upon TyneThe perfect hire bike and a wonderful team.The bikes were better than I expected & right size for my small frame too. The tour Leader did a grand job and the whole team from Costa Rica were wonderful. Efficient, charming, always smiling. Juan Carlos checked us into our accommodation, did briefings, and made our holiday run very smoothly and Luisca the driver must have had the cleanest bus in Central America. Pre-trip phone call was v nice touch too. The cycle along the beach was great! Also ride along lake Arenal.
David, CumbriaThe whole team was excellent!The whole team was excellent. JC led well, he was full of energy and enthusiasm throughout. Very knowledgeable on wildlife and culture. Mao as second lead and mechanic was similarly very helpful… Luisca the driver was excellent as well the van was kept spotlessly clean and driven with care throughout. Andrew was on the trip and took a more supportive role letting the local guides do the leading.
Louise, Newcastle Upon TyneTougher than I thought but so many rewarding stops!The cycling was definitely tougher than I expected…but the support van was there at every turn and we stopped regularly for snacks, lunches, water etc. The 3 support men were amazing. So helpful, kind, funny etc. There were so many rewarding stops – for Pacific swims, picnics etc.
Louise, LondonFood Glorious FoodIt’s always difficult to comment on the meals as they vary. Breakfasts were generally good, and usually there was a mix of Costa Rican gallos pintos and western style offerings. The included dinners – Tito took us to a lovely restaurant on the beach in Samara, the service was slow but I didn’t care as the setting was so lovely.
Guy, LincolnshireOur guide was an excellent guide in ALL aspects!I had many favourite days! The limestone road into Liberia, the route around the Lake at Arenal, the riding along the beach… Our guide was an excellent guide in ALL aspects of the trip. Very knowledgeable about the wildlife, route, bikes,and general knowledge about Costa Rica. He was always smiling and caring for the group. He had a good sense of humour and I felt very confident in his leadership. I hired a bike and it was fairly new and well maintained. Picnics on the road were excellent, restaurant lunches very good and most evening meals were of good quality. I certainly enjoyed the Cerviche!
Janet, YorkshireIt’s all about the teamwork…The main guide was always helpful ……His knowledge of Spanish and good relationships with the other guide and drivers enhanced our experiences considerably. Juan Carlos was a delight and his knowledge of the wildlife and his country was outstanding. Marvin and Heina our two drivers were also outstanding in their safe driving, knowledge of wild life and their support and helpfulness.
Clare, CumbriaWonderful WildlifeLocal knowledge of wildlife in particular from both JC and Marvin the driver added so much to the trip!
Fiona, UKAmazing ArenalLake Arenal – Lovely scenery, exciting river crossings, quiet tracks and great spot for a picnic lunch. The fruit, snacks and picnic lunches were fantastic and generous. The guys worked really hard to make it varied, well-presented and very tasty!
Sally, YorkshireExcellent destination!Costa Rica is an excellent destination for a cycling adventure. A great team – the lead guide was amazing, he could sort out anything! The driver was excellent, friendly, happy and an incredibly safe driver. The bus was always immaculate despite our best efforts with mud, sand, helmets etc!