Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride

14 Days Starting and ending in La Garita de Alajuela, near San José

Visiting: Costa Rica

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MUD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $6598 $6450 Operator discount: -$148

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning coastline. From the Central Valley, we cycle south with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left. Crossing the 11,150ft (3,400m) Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley, we ride past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where banana plantations take over the landscape. We take a break from the saddle to explore the wildlife-rich rivers and waterways of Tortuguero before travelling to La Fortuna, a lovely spot at the foot of Arenal Volcano.

Highlights

  • Cycle past rainforest, volcanoes and coast in Costa Rica, guided by our expert tour leader

  • Ride downhill through the dense rainforest of the Orosi Valley

  • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park early to spot wildlife

  • Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more

  • Discover Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity with a walk through Las Cruces botanical gardens

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start La Garita De Alajuela, Near San José

We gather at our start hotel in La Garita de Alajuela, around a 15-minute drive from San José airport. There’s nothing planned today, so take time to relax and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.



Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de América (or similar)

Day 2 : Ride And Transfer To Rio Tárcoles; Boat Tour; Transfer To Playa Bejuco

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we have a short welcome briefing and spend time adjusting our bikes before riding out on paved roads with very little traffic through small rural communities and a dry tropical forest. This initial stage will finish at Cebadilla, where we transfer approximately 40 minutes for lunch at Casita de Café, high above Atenas. After lunch, we transfer 45 minutes to embark on our private, guided boat tour of the Tárcoles estuary. We hope to see crocodiles, waterbirds and even scarlet macaws. After, we take a roughly 45-minute transfer to our beach hotel at Playa Bejuco. If tide and sand conditions permit, we can fit in more cycling and arrive at the hotel riding on the immense tropical beach. The full tour briefing will take place following dinner at the hotel.



(Extra 6.2mi/10km for beach ride option)



Accommodation: Hotel Playa Bejuco (or similar)

Day 3 : Wildlife Walk And Swim In Manuel Antonio National Park; Transfer To Playa Dominical

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we start with an early-morning transfer (approximately one hour) to arrive at the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park just as it opens. Our 7am arrival will give the best opportunity for wildlife spotting and allow us to avoid the park at its busiest later in the day. Our extended visit also gives time for a longer walk on the newly renovated and less visited Punta Catedral trail, as well as a special treat: a swim at the beautiful white-sand beach set within the park, one of Costa Rica’s best beaches. Leaving Manuel Antonio behind, we transfer approximately one hour to Playa Dominicalito, where we enjoy a late lunch at the fabulous La Parcela restaurant, which offers great meals, spectacular views and plenty of wildlife - don't let the monkeys steal your food! Following lunch, we transfer 15 minutes to our accommodation in the rainforest at Villas Rio Mar.



Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar (or similar)

Day 4 : Ride To Uvita Waterfall; See Stone Spheres At Palmar Sur; Transfer To Osa Peninsula

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we cycle south along the coastal road, which includes a few hilly sections near Uvita and Ojochal. Our first destination of the day is Uvita Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the emerald waters; an ideal place to cool off from the heat of the day. Departing Uvita, we transfer to Palmar Sur, where we can observe the famous stone spheres produced by the ancient Boruca indigenous culture of this region and have a look at the remnants of the old United Fruit Company banana operation.



Departing Palmar Sur in the bus, we head to Mirador Mogos for lunch then resume cycling at Rincón on the Osa Peninsula, where we ride a second biking stage to Agua Dulce Beach Resort.



Accommodation: Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 5 : Free Day On The Osa Peninsula

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to relax and recharge in the gorgeous surroundings of Agua Dulce. It's possible to swim at Playa Pan Dulce, do some kayaking, or for those who wish to cycle, there's a flat gravel/dirt round-trip stage (27mi/43km) out to the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Your tour leader can help to book optional activities; most require advance booking and a minimum number of participants. A fantastic option is the sunset kayak tour and if the bioluminescence is occurring, you're in for a spectacular treat!



Accommodation: Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 6 : Transfer To Mirador Osa; Ride To Chacarita And Transfer To Las Cruces; Nature Walk At Las Cruces Botanical Garden

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take a 45-minute transfer to Mirador Osa (Osa Viewpoint), where we can take in spectacular views over the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula. We then hop on the bikes for a scenic cycle through the hills and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula to Chacarita. Following a bus transfer (1hr 30mins) across the steep mountains surrounding San Vito, we arrive at Las Cruces Biological Station, which is surrounded by the Wilson Botanical Gardens, where we take a guided nature walk in the afternoon.



Accommodation: OTS Las Cruces Biological Station (or similar)

Day 7 : Cycle To Paso Real; Transfer To San Gerardo De Rivas

Meals Included: Breakfast

Back in the saddle, we enjoy a fantastic downhill ride from the hilly region near San Vito to Paso Real, far below at the Rio Terraba. We pass through an indigenous area where villagers can sometimes be seen in traditional dress. We stop near Buenos Aires for lunch before boarding the bus for our two-hour transfer to San Gerardo de Rivas. We take a break close to one of the vast pineapple plantations for our tour leader to give some background on pineapple cultivation in this region - the fruit is Costa Rica's number one export crop. Our hotel tonight is in the mountains, so it may be chillier than you expect.



Accommodation: El Pelicano Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 : Ride To San Isidro De Perez Zeledon; Transfer Across The Cerro De La Muerte Pass; Cycle To Orosi

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we start with a short downhill stage before jumping on the bus for a transfer that will take us over the Cerro de La Muerte. At 11,617ft (3,541m) above sea level, this is the highest point on the PanAm Highway in Central America. We enjoy an extended lunch stop en route, where we are sure to be greeted by multiple species of hummingbirds. On this stretch, we drive through rainforest, up into the cloud forest before descending towards the Central Valley. From here, we get back on our bikes for another downhill into the Orosi Valley.



Accommodation: Hotel Alma de Luna (or similar)

Day 9 : Cycle To Turrialba

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we leave the hotel for one of the most beautiful cycling routes on this trip, past numerous coffee plantations. With any luck, we will see farmers using their colourful traditional oxcarts to haul their crop to nearby processing facilities, as well as multitudes of Costa Rican cyclists enjoying their Sunday on this fantastic stage. Along the way, we stop at a coffee field and learn more about coffee and its role in Costa Rican history from the tour leader. As we continue through the valley, we ride around a hydroelectric dam before starting a section that involves some climbs. We then descend to the small town of Tucurrique and continue on through sugar cane plantations, taking lunch near Eslabon then transferring five minutes up to our hotel for the night. Our mountain lodge has excellent views, including over the coffee growing Orosi Valley and both the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes.



Accommodation: Hotel Turrialtico (or similar)

Day 10 : Cycle To The Caribbean Side Of Costa Rica And Transfer To Puerto Viejo

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will start cycling a hilly section with incredible views, followed by a fast downhill to the town of Siquirres, where we board the coach and transfer to the Caribbean coast. Depending on our arrival time this afternoon, there may be time to enjoy a guided walk in Cahuita National Park before we transfer (approximately 15 minutes) to Puerto Viejo, a Caribbean town with lively reggae music and culture and spicy cuisine.



Accommodation: Hotel Escape Caribeño (or similar)

Day 11 : Transfer To Guacimo; Cycle Through Banana Plantations; Transfer To La Pavona For Boat Trip To Tortuguero

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a very early start as we have a transfer of approximately one hour to Santa Rosa for breakfast. Then we continue (approximately 1hr 30min) to the beginning of our backroads biking stage, which takes us through several small towns within the immense banana plantations. The leader will explain the harvesting and packaging process, as well as the importance of these plantations to Costa Rica.



After, we transfer (approximately one hour) to La Pavona and board a boat to Tortuguero National Park along the wildlife-rich rivers and canals used for transiting in this densely forested area. We enjoy lunch at our lodge then there is time in the afternoon to visit the small town.



Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)

Day 12 : Boat Trip In Tortuguero; Ride And Transfer To La Fortuna Near Arenal Volcano; Visit Thermal Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

An early morning boat trip allows us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero. At this time, wildlife is usually at its most active. With the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species here. We retrace our route by boat to the dock at La Pavona where we will start cycling through banana plantations,  Our morning ride complete, we have a transfer (approximately 1h 30min, plus lunch) to just outside Guapiles for an early lunch provided by our Tortuguero lodge. After, we continue towards La Fortuna and Arenal volcano (approximately one and a half hours). Following a massive explosion in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. En route, we will take a break to observe thriving pineapple operations, before continuing to our town-centre hotel. This evening there is an included excursion to Volcano Lodge hot springs.



Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco (or similar)

Day 13 : Cycle On Beautiful Lake Arenal To La Fortuna; Transfer To La Garita De Alajuela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following a short transfer, our final cycling stage starts with a ride through the dense rainforest surrounding beautiful Lake Arenal, with several spots to observe the volcano as we continue back toward La Fortuna. Upon reaching town, there is some free time for souvenir shopping and to enjoy lunch. The last leg of our journey is completed by bus as we transfer (approximately two hours) back to La Garita de Alajuela.



Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de América (or similar)

Day 14 : End La Garita De Alajuela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip ends this morning after breakfast.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour/cycling leader and support team throughout

  • Local bike hire

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We spend 13 nights in characterful hotels, most of which have swimming pools. There are three nights in remote mountain lodges with lush gardens and superb views, one with a well-known tropical botanical garden. All accommodations are well maintained, very clean and most are long-time favourites in Costa Rica. Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip.



Dominical: Villas Rio Mar







In a beautiful rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar is a slice of Costa Rican wilderness but with plenty of amenities. There’s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. Sustainability-focused practices include solar power running the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant grown in their greenhouse, and a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away).



Near San Vito: OTS Las Cruces Lodge







Unleash your inner natural historian with a stay at the Organisation for Tropical Studies Las Cruces Research Station. It’s a hub of science and nature, which brings together researchers and wildlife lovers from across the planet, with accommodation for up to 100 people. During our time here, we enjoy a guided walk around the Wilson Botanical Garden, which surrounds the property and is home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants and more than 400 bird species.



Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge







Five minutes from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park and hugged by scenic canals, this 94-room resort has a prime location. When it’s time to relax, there’s a turtle-shaped pool (this is green turtle country, after all), a buffet restaurant serving Costa Rican-Caribbean cuisine, and a bar. But the real draw is the other residents. You may spot sloths, howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys and, if you’re lucky, an otter or manatee in the surrounding waterways.

Food

All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Expect plenty of gallo pinto, a Costa Rican speciality, and lots of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats. Fish lovers will be well satisfied with a variety of fresh fish from both Pacific and Caribbean waters.



Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.



Please note, we do not recommend that you drink the tap water.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years old people can go on this tour

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements, however, if you have travelled to a country at risk of Yellow Fever prior to arriving in Costa Rica you will be required to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate with you. Recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Holders of British, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most EU passports can enter Costa Rica for a stay of 90 days without a visa. Proof of onward travel may be required when entering Costa Rica - we suggest you take a print out of your flight details in case officials ask to see them.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Slothful, but not in that way.

A trip designed to show the diversity of Costa Rica whilst incorporating many good cycling days, and a range of activities. Busy, but there was a lot to squeeze in.

Fantastic trip which lived up to all it advertised

I had a wonderful time. This was my first solo trip and has given me the confidence to go on another. I shall have long happy memories of this trip.

Costa Rica Cycling

Fabulous trip led by an amazing guide Memo.

I would do it again !

If it’s great cycling, beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife and delicious food you want - this is the trip for you. I’ll be going back. Pura Vida !

Lifetime Adventure

This was our first Exodus Holiday, it did not disappoint. Very well organised trip from all the information prior to our trip to all the hard working ground staff in Costa Rica. Nothing was too much trouble. The scenery ,mountains, beaches, flora, fauna, wildlife all amazing. My wishes to see sloths, Tucans and green eyed frogs all came true and so much more. The cycling was varied , very hot some days but the bus was always there to provide refreshing fresh pineapple or watermelon along with energy drinks and water. Some hills , some flatter rides and an 8mile beach cycle. We had such fun and good laughs with all our group who gelled well together. This was facilitated by our guides and support team . Our guide Guillermo was a wildlife expert and was knowledgeable about all areas of his country, this was delivered in a very witty and humorous style. Loved it all

Stunning colourful country - Flora and fauna and fantastic cycling flat and hilly

I would echo the comments that the standout highlight of this trip is seeing the beautiful rural landscape. There is so much colour in the birds and plants. They are wonderfully seen from the bike but also the boat rides were superb The food was never bad. I would recommend salsa caribena fish and prawns. You will get bored of rice and beans for breakfast but small price to pay for enjoying this trip! Some of the lodges are quite basic but it's fine. Many don't have a hairdryer so if that's important to you, bring one I found the pattern of cycling really good. Often after a tough hill day you get a good flat day to stretch out your legs. Some of the hills are definitely more than moderate, but you challenge yourself and if you really can't do it you can get in the bus I recommend a larger day rucksack and a little one. Because there are occasions you are asked to do an evening and next morning without your suitcase Don't bother bringing any fancy clothes, all very casual I loved the trip, the people, the guides. Go for it

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride

This was a great opportunity to see Costa Rica on two wheels! Amazing scenery and beautiful wildlife!

If a toucan can so can you

This is a full-on roller coaster of a trip - early starts, fabulous wildlife, intense heat, torrential downpours, great food, expert guides, friendly people and the best pineapple you'll find anywhere in the world - all in the very safe hands of Roberto and his fantastic team. And there toucans!

Tremendous Cycling

Fabulous holiday, great cycling, great group of people and brilliant Costa Rican crew who looked after us very well, Ricardo, Walter and Luis.

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride, Jan 2023

A smooth running and extremely enjoyable trip that covered a lot of miles in the company of a lovely group.

Read all 44 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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