Costa Rica - Volcanes y Playas - Cycling Holiday

One 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.

Karelia, Highland, UK

Guides were willing to go that extra 'mile' for us...

The scenery was stunning, each day’s ride was different, from a series of climbs to long flat stretches crossing rivers, to beach rides and more. But a great deal of credit was due to the excellent planning and attention to detail by John (our guide) and of course his team.

David, Newcastle, UK

This holiday was billed as a cycling adventure and it certainly was!

Favourite day? The day we rode along the sand! John, our Tour Leader, was always helpful and there when needed! Juan Carlos was brilliant, always cheerful and encouraging and a wildlife expert! How many drivers are also bird watching guides? Marvin was great, and Heine who drove the 4×4 vehicle was supportive and friendly. They were a great team. This is a great way of seeing/exploring a foreign country, especially if the local guide is as good as Juan Carlos was.

Sarah, North Yorkshire, UK

Our 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!

Guy, Lincolnshire, UK

It's all about the teamwork...

John (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.

Janet, Yorkshire, UK

Can't praise highly enough!

As usual the Guides, bicycles, and whole atmosphere was excellent. Couldn’t be faulted. The three guides/drivers JC, Marvin and Haina were all fantastic. Marvellous support. Bikes were very well maintained, cleaned and serviced frequently during the trip. The boys were up at 5.30am cleaning one day!!

Favourite day was Day 12, beach ride back to San Jose. Because JC and Marvin were so good at spotting wildlife the days we watched the white faced coaxl performing for us, and the 3 toed sloth and the Howler monkeys were amazing. I always recommend Skedaddle holidays, and hoping to get to Vietnam in January. That will be my 9th trip with Skedaddle!

Paul, County Durham, UK

Excellent 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!

Sally, Yorkshire, UK

Excellent Leadership!

I really enjoyed this holiday. Great variety, excellent leadership from the guides – lots of cycling tips, allowed everyone to cycle at their own pace, lots of local knowledge of the wild life and countryside we were cycling through. Didn’t feel that we were in a race to the finish. Amazing picnics – prepared and served with a smile – even if it was raining. Our tour leader John was great – relaxed, good fun and very informative.

Elizabeth, West Sussex, UK

Wonderful Wildlife

Local knowledge of wildlife in particular from both JC and Marvin the driver added so much to the trip!

Clare, Cumbria, UK

Amazing Arenal

Lake 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!

Fiona, UK

Great views of the volcano!

My favourite days were cycling along Lago Arenal with great views of the volcano and the final (optional) ride to Montezuma through fabulous rain forest. The day along the beach was also very nice. Our guide was on top of all the local issues and very knowlegeable. We had an excellent driver who took pride in his job and his vehicle. I felt in very good hands with him and he kept the bus spotless.

Gesa, Cumbria, UK

Going the extra mile…

Fez (our guide) – He was calm, friendly and always went the extra mile. Top man.

Jonathan, Leicestershire, UK

Food Glorious Food

It’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.

Louise, London, UK

Unfazed Fez

The last day when we went from Mal Pais to the waterfall, was the best fun, as the riding was slightly more technical. I also enjoyed the day with all the hills! Fez was an excellent leader: calm, friendly, efficient and cheerful. Also very helpful when I lost my backpack. It was great to have someone local as he was able to tell us lots about the history and culture of the country.

Cathy, Devon, UK