Highlights
- Spotting an unparalleled diversity of wildlife
- Cycling in the shadow of palm trees along the Pacific coast
- Breaking through the clouds as we cross Costa Rica’s central mountains
- Enjoying volcanic vistas over a drink in La Fortuna
- Watching the sun go down from Samara beach after a rewarding day in the saddle
- The change in scenery on opposing sides of the continental divide
The team did a fantastic job! Too many favourite days to choose from. Really enjoyed the ride from San Ramon to La Fortuna, the optional ride from La Fortuna and then onto Cañas – fantastic ride with a cracking beer at the end of the day!
Itinerary
- Ascent: Non Riding Day
Following touch down at San José Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you will be greeted by your Skedaddle tour leader. After a short transfer (30 mins approx.) to the capital of Costa Rica, San José, we soon reach our hotel. Once checked in our bikes will need to be built ready for our transfer tomorrow. The rest of the afternoon/evening is set aside for relaxation and we will head out into the city for our first evening meal together. During the meal, there will be plenty of time to chat about the days to come.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.
After an early breakfast we’ll load up the bikes onto the bus and head out of San José. It won’t be long until we’re bidding farewell to San José’s busy city streets in favour of the lush green landscape of the country’s Caribbean quarters. It usually takes approx 4 hours to reach Cahuita but it is an interesting drive as it crosses the Continental Divide for the first time of our tour, passing through small towns and lots of countryside. On arrival we will eat lunch and, after checking in at the hotel, the rest of the afternoon is left free to either relax and enjoy the area or to join the party for a warm-up ride. The ride today is all about acclimatisation and will be gentle and mainly flat.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,500 Metres Approx.
Now the fun really begins! Our ride today is in 2 stages, the first of which follows the coastal road from Puerto Viejo to Limón. The going is relatively easy this morning and it’s a perfect and gentle intro to our trip across the country. Upon reaching Limón we will load the bikes onto the vehicle, bid farewell to the Caribbean Sea and transfer to Siquirres. This is a short transfer and is necessary to avoid riding on a very busy stretch of road.
After lunch it’s back on the bikes, with the road from Siquirres rising almost immediately and, climbing for approximately 20km, steeply in places, this second half of the day is a total contrast to this morning. After reaching the summit, the road rolls onwards through coffee and sugar cane plantations and takes us along the ridge that divides Rio Reventazon and Rio Pacuare. Upon reaching our hillside accommodation we can relax in rustic style and admire the views of the Turrialba Volcano. The bustling little town of Turrialba lies in the valley below us and, only a few km dash downhill, is well worth a visit – remember though that you will have to climb back up!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,650 Metres Approx.
A swift descent from our lodge down towards Turrialba town marks the beginning of a very beautiful day. Within just less than three kilometres after leaving the hotel we turn off the main road in favour of a lovely rolling route that leads us into a gentle landscape and through a series of typical rural villages.
We make the most of this gentle start because the second half of the morning has a few surprises in store as the road starts to turn steadily upwards! The main challenge of the day confronts us at the 30km mark where the gradient increases suddenly and dramatically to carry us high up onto the southern wall of the beautiful Rio Reventazon valley. The climb is steep, but typically Costa Rican in that it is thankfully short, and it isn’t long until we‘re cruising down the other side towards the gorgeous Cachi Lake where we can stop to sample locally-produced coffee in a traditional Tico cafe overlooking the lake.
We press on along the picturesque lakeside road and through the coffee plantations until we reach the Spanish Colonial town of Orosi where we’ll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Orosi will be our home for the evening and we can choose between ending our ride after lunch to relax in the pretty little town or, alternatively, pushing on for another 30kms to complete a loop around the stunningly beautiful Orosi valley.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,500 Metres Approx.
Loading the bikes onto the vehicle after breakfast our day begins with a transfer from Orosi in order to avoid riding through the urban sprawl of Costa Rica’s capital. Reaching Santa Ana, a few km west of San José, we’ll mount up and begin our ride. It won’t be long before we‘re climbing and we‘re heading firstly for Santiago de Puriscal and then onwards to Barbacoas which marks the end of most of the day’s climbing. We’ll descend carefully over the other side as the road falls away through a lush green mountain landscape. The gradient soon becomes more gentle and things flatten out as we approach the small town of San Pablo de Turrubares. The final stage of the day on minor country lanes delivers us to a small village a few km short or Orotina.
Oritina is nicknamed ‘The Fruit Town’ and is renowned throughout the country for its amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. We’ll relax in a rural cafe with a refreshing drink while the bikes are loaded onto the vehicle again for a final short transfer to Atenas where we spend the evening. Listen out for locals telling you that the town has ‘El Mejor Clima del Mundo’ something of enormous pride, not to mention the reason for high property prices, since National Geographic Magazine reported it as having one the most desirable climates on earth.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.
Today is one of the shortest days of our tour and presents us with an excellent opportunity to relax into the riding and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Atenas is situated amongst some of the country’s steepest and most challenging terrain, so in order to make the most of our time on the bikes we begin the day with another short transfer to the town of San Ramon. From here the ride starts with a few short but rather cheeky climbs. An enjoyable descent through a beautiful scenic countryside follows before the final rolling stage from Tigre takes us to La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations; a pleasant and relaxing little town nestled beneath the famously active Volcan Arenal. The relatively short day and gentle terrain should see us arriving in La Fortuna in plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the town’s relaxed vibe.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 500 Metres Approx.
We have a rest from packing and re-packing today as we stay at the same hotel tonight and enjoy the area of La Fortuna in a ride that loops from La Fortuna and back. Just over half way into our ride we’ll take a short detour to an area renowned for iguana sightings – there are never any guarantees with wild animals but this is one of the best places in the country to see these magnificent and endangered creatures and we are likely to see them here at close proximity.
Today is a good day for anyone wishing to take a day off the bike as La Fortuna and the surrounding area offers numerous alternative activities such as white-water rafting, canyoning, canopy traversing, kayaking and hiking. We’ll eat in town in one of the numerous restaurants and after dinner, if the weather is good, we’ll drive to a lookout point near the volcano in the hope of seeing and hearing some lava flowing from the cone.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,550 Metres Approx.
Today is likely to be one of the most memorable rides of your holiday. A 16km climb takes us out of town in the direction of Laguna de Arenal and leads us once again into close proximity with the famous volcano. The undulating road follows the northern shore of the lake and on a clear day the lake and the volcano create a perfect backdrop to one of Costa Rica’s most pleasant road cycling routes. Upon reaching the highest point of the day we’ll take in one last look at the stunning vista, bid farewell to Arenal and begin our 25km descent into Cañas, crossing the Continental Divide in the process. We‘re now well and truly on the Pacific side of the country and this is usually quite obvious by changes in both the climate and vegetation.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.
In order to avoid riding on the Pan American Highway we will make a very short transfer, from our hotel, to the town of Liberia where we offload the bikes to begin our ride.
Today we‘re heading for the shores of the Pacific Ocean on what will be one of the longest rides of our tour. Initially, and hopefully aided by prevailing winds, we head west along a predominantly flat road through a region that is typically warm and dry. A change of direction at approximately 50kms leads us deep into the heart of the Nicoya Peninsular and directly to Nicoya, the bustling small-town capital of the region where we will stop for lunch. It is here where you will find the highest concentration of ultra-centenaries!
The scenery and the terrain change quite dramatically after lunch and the later stages of the afternoon are punctuated by a rollercoaster of short, sharp climbs, the last of which delivers us to one final descent from where we drop straight down onto the beautiful palm-fringed beaches of Samara and Carrillo where we will spend the next 2 evenings.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 520 Metres Approx.
The tranquility and relaxed atmosphere of Samara is seductive and it is understandably tempting and entirely acceptable to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the golden sands. Cycling today is still an option though for those who still haven’t had enough(!) and there is plenty of challenging riding to be had in the hills that lie beyond the coast. The coastal strip is beautiful and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the ubiquitous howler monkey and, if we‘re very lucky, the odd crocodile or two. We’ll return to the beach in good time to enjoy a drink or two in what is one of the best places in the country to watch the sun go down.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: Non Riding Day
The morning is free for relaxation, exploration and perhaps one final dip in the ocean. After soaking up the sun and the atmosphere we’ll transfer to San Jose, stopping off along the way for lunch in a typical restaurant and arriving in the capital in the late afternoon/early evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 1,600 Metres Approx.
Before embarking on our final ride, we have to transfer out of the city to the suburb of San Isidro, a few kms away from the city of Cartago which used to be the country’s capital before the seat of power was moved to San José.
On paper todays stage might look like a half day but there is plenty here to keep us occupied and the fun starts almost as soon as we settle into the saddle with what will be our longest and highest ascent of the entire journey. This beautiful initial climb rises steadily for 19kms and tops out at just shy of 2,000m where, even on the clearest of days, it can be surprisingly cool.
After enjoying a coffee at the summit, we embark on a similarly lengthy descent into one of the country’s primary coffee-growing regions and some of the prettiest scenery imaginable. We end our time on the bikes with a final challenging climb to the village of Tarbaca where we’ll finish off with a late lunch in a wonderful barbecue restaurant perched high in the hills that overlook San José and the Central Valley.
During lunch the Skedaddle Team will load up the bikes in preparation for the short transfer across the city back to our hotel where we will spend our final evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: Non Riding Day
Today we will transfer to San Jose airport for flights home (transfer time 30 mins approx.).
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
This really is a trip of two halves! Cliches aside, the central mountains of Costa Rica really do split the country in half and we explore both of the opposing coastlines; the tranquil Caribbean and the dramatic Pacific.
The gradients are generally rolling along the coastal areas and through the foothills which spread back away from the sea. Costa Rica’s mountainous interior offers a sharp contrast to this with a series of steep climbs, although these are usually quite short.
The exception is our final day on the bike which sees us rising up into the country’s highest mountain range, the Cordillera de Tamanca which overlooks the capital.
Road Cycling Grade
45-60 miles / 70-95 kms per day
For riders with experience, good fitness & a decent level of skill
Some features that may be experienced more frequently in a higher grade tour
Most days include a couple of significant climbs
Some long days & some steep to very steep sections
Not for beginners
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?
You’re definitely not a novice rider, you’re fit, you ride regularly at weekends, sometimes staying on the bike for much of the day, you love your bike! You also enjoy a challenge and if you haven’t already done so you’re keen to attempt a semi-serious to serious mountain pass or two. You’re as comfortable with the prospect of descending from the top of a col as you are with the idea of climbing it and you’re confident that you have the skills to do so safely. You’re not necessarily a “racer” but you can crank up the pace a little when it’s necessary and you don’t mind forgoing a coffee stop if the schedule demands it occasionally. You probably own and use clipless pedals. You have good control of your bike and can take a drink from a water bottle without having to unclip and put your feet on the ground. Whilst you find a full day in the saddle fulfilling you’re not obsessed and as much as you are looking forward to the riding on your holiday, you’re also looking forward to a little local culture and cuisine. Grade 3 would be a good option for you.
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.
An amazing way to spend Christmas and New Year – just the best! Our tour leader managed an extreme range of cycling ability in a way that ensured everyone enjoyed the holiday.
Dates & Prices
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $650 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Late Availability
We want you to know which tours are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.
SAVE ON 2025 EARLY SEASON ESCAPES! Book before 17 November 2024 to get $250 off your tour departing on 22/03/2025. Apply the promo code FYR2025 when you book. Your discount will be applied once your booking is confirmed.Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)(Please see holiday summary on the holiday trip notes for information on 2024 departures)
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) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (tips for guides, souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Cost of visas (if necessary)
J) Entrance fee to Cahuita NP & additional outdoor activities
I) 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
Road cycling in Latin America
Our road cycling expert David Hall tells us more about his experiences in the region.
Costa Rica, A Photo Diary
For those who have had their interest twigged, we’ve got a treat in store for you!
Reviews
Russell, New York, USAExcellent...David went above and beyond to accommodate everyone’s diverse needs and skill set. All the days had their unique experiences. But at the margin, New Year’s Eve day stands out, short but sharp ride in the morning, followed by a free afternoon at Carrillo beach surfing waves, and then spectacular fireworks with good company for New Year’s.
Randolph, Washington, USAHoping to get on another Skedaddle holiday soon!Lots of great days – the ride around Turrialba on xmas day, the killer downhill toward Canas, and many more.
David was great. On top of everything, unflappable, and always in good humor. Would ride with him again in a heartbeat.
This was not a cheap trip and we hesitated about booking it in part for that reason. However, it was totally worth it. The leader and guides were great, the rest of the riders were interesting and fun, and the riding was terrific and challenging.
John, Reading, UKNothing short of outstanding...Just an excellent holiday!! David is a real ambassador for Skedaddle! Very professional indeed. I can’t praise him enough really. Mau is a gentleman and a fantastic guide. David and Mau made a super team. Extremely patient and calm and a font of knowledge on Costa Rica. We also had Enrique driving the bus who although he didn’t speak much English, we still managed to have a good laugh. He was safe and always there when you needed him. David, Mau and Enrique were nothing short of outstanding. Nothing was too much for them. Super efficient, considerate, knowledgeable, patient and polite. I shouldn’t forget Kerry who was also fab, extremely helpful and efficient as always.
Bairbre, AmsterdamHigh standards met all round!Care and service, attention to detail, as always excellent; genuine interest in the clients – all good!! Communication before and during the trip was both professional and timely.
Our tour guide David was sociable, knowledgeable, responsible, and took care of clients with a good touch of personal interest – fit and capable, and a great sense of humour (you need it to deal with some of us!)
Hanna, NetherlandsI very much enjoyed it!Tour leader David was great. He is a great cyclist, he knew a lot about the area, the riding, the bikes if there was a problem, and took care of everything, like loading/unloading the bikes, cleaning the bikes, organizing dinner. He was also very responsive to emails/text messages. Mau was also very helpful, kind, and available for all kinds of questions about Costa Rica. The last day was a great final stage. I also liked the ride from La Fortuna around the lake – I very much enjoyed it!
Tracy, Leicester, UKThe team did a fantastic job!David is simply one of the best tour guides, always on hand to answer any questions or sort anything out for you. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He ensured everybody was ok with riding etc and looking after each capability and safety whilst ensuring we all enjoyed each ride. The guys looked after each and every one of us – Emilio is a great mechanic and sorted out all the bikes ensuring they were in perfect working order (we certainly needed those good brakes on the descents), they were cleaned and serviced for us ready to ride each day; both he & Mau did a brilliant job whether that was working late or getting up early to cater for certain needs. Saul picked us up when it got too much in the heat and ensured we were comfortable, he was always on hand to drive us wherever we needed him to. The team did a fantastic job!! Too many favourite days to choose from. Really enjoyed the ride from San Ramon to La Fortuna, the optional ride from La Fortuna and then onto Canas, fantastic ride with a cracking beer at the end of the day!!
Karen, Worcestershire, UKAn amazing way to spend Christmas and New Year - just the best!An amazing way to spend Christmas and New Year – just the best! Our tour leader managed an extreme range of cycling ability in a way that ensured everyone enjoyed the holiday. Everyone seemed to feel he was attentive to their needs and wanted to make the holiday special for them. I had booked both Costa Rica and Colombia and the office staff were extremely helpful in coordinating plans and offering suggestions. It was good value for money in the context of support vehicle and number of transfers.
Jane, London, UKLove your cycling holidays...All of the rides were scenic and challenging. As my fitness wasn’t great to begin with a big achievement for me was the first full day I did then once my fitness was up the cycle outside san jose was awesome.
Karen, Surrey, UKCosta Rica is an ideal cycling destination...It was great to spend Christmas/New year somewhere different and hot. The area has a lot to offer; friendly people, varied terrain, great food, interesting wildlife, quality hotels. We were well looked after by all the guides with plenty of water, snacks, vehicle support and well organised transfers.
Neil, Manchester, UKAlready told friends to visit your website...Great route through a fascinating country! Our guide, Mau, was a very pleaseant person.