Cycle Costa Rica
Cycle Costa Rica
Cycle Costa Rica
14 Days Starting and ending in San Jose
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, Canas, Parque Nacional Guanacaste, Miravalles Volcano, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Tour Overview
Discover a diverse land, rich with nature, towering volcanoes, and abundant wildlife on our cycling tour through Costa Rica. Come along for the ride to explore the lush rainforests of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast before cycling through the ever-changing landscapes of the interior, past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests. Finally, unwind on the beautiful beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast.
Cycle from coast to coast - Pedal your way through Costa Rica's diverse beauty from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Nature and wildlife - Spot sloths, monkeys and brightly colours frogs, together with spectacular birdlife.
National Parks and volcanoes - Tick off bucket-list sites such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Miravalles.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn
Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting, and for those that wish there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in San Jose at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head out and explore the city - the barrios are easy to navigate, laid out in a grid pattern of avenues and streets. The National Museum (Museo Nacional De Costa Rica) is also well worth a visit if you can't wait for your fill of Costa Rican history.
Day 2: Journey To Tortuguero National Park By Bus And Boat
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll have an early start this morning as we leave the capital behind and head to the Caribbean coast. Our destination is La Pavona Pier, around a three-and-a-half-hour drive away. The journey takes us through Braulio Carillo National Park and on arrival we'll board a boat and continue along the Tortuguero River, towards the richly diverse landscapes of the Tortuguero National Park. The first part of the cruise takes around an hour before we stop off at the Visitor Centre for a brief orientation, after which we'll continue by boat to our lodge.
After lunch, this afternoon is free to explore your surroundings in a little more detail, with the option to rent a kayak, or just relax on the beach.
Day 3: Exploring Tortuguero National Park
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tortuguero's remarkably rich landscapes include rainforests, mangroves, swamps, beaches and lagoons and we'll spend this morning discovering its stunning natural diversity. After an early morning coffee, we'll head out on a guided boat tour along some of the park's canals and waterways, which provide a home for manatees, crocodiles, Tropical Gar and an abundance of freshwater fish.
Returning to the lodge for breakfast, we'll then set out on a jungle hike through the surrounding rainforest. These forests are home to sloths, three of Costa Rica's four species of monkeys and a huge variety of birdlife.
After lunch, the afternoon is then free for optional activities.
Day 4: Boat And Bus To Guapiles. Afternoon Cycling
Location: Guapiles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tilajari Hotel Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving Tortuguero this morning, we'll head back to La Pavona Pier by boat, a journey of around two hours. From here, we'll drive on to Guapiles, lying in the heart of the country's banana-growing region, where we'll stop for lunch before driving on to the starting point of our cycling adventure close to Sarapiqui.
After making sure our bikes are properly adjusted, we'll begin with a relatively easy introduction, riding along tarmac roads that take us through a rural setting of farmland and banana plantations. Our ride will be mainly on the flat today and afterwards, we'll drive for around 90 minutes to our hotel in the small crossroads village of Muelle de San Carlos.
Please note, on some departures, we'll be staying in the town of Guapiles instead and will drive on to Muelle tomorrow morning before the ride instead of today.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 50 metres/170 feet and descent of 180 metres/590 feet.
Day 5: Cycle To La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari
Meals Included: Breakfast
Starting from our hotel today, we'll cycle through a landscape of undulating terrain, passing through a rural landscape of farms, cultivated fields and patches of tropical forest. Arriving in Muelle, we'll stop and look for some of the huge iguanas that can occasionally be found here, before continuing on to La Fortuna. Weather permitting, we might be accompanied by the spectacular backdrop of the Arenal Volcano as we arrive at our next hotel by bike. This afternoon is free to explore a little of La Fortuna at your leisure - you might like to visit the local La Fortuna Waterfalls.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/17.3 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 330 metres/1082 feet and descent of 150 metres/500 feet.
Day 6: Free Day In La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari
Meals Included: Breakfast
There's no cycling today and you're free to enjoy the area at your leisure. There are several optional activities you could try including canopy tours, zip lines and hot springs. The city's downtown area is dominated by the Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and the town itself is blessed with a number of thermal springs where you can relax and unwind in the natural hot water pools.
Day 7: Cycling In The Arenal Volcano National Park
Location: Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Guadalupe
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll start today with a short drive to Lake Arenal, the largest man-made lake in Costa Rica. Beginning our day's riding at the base of the volcano, we'll follow the northern shore of the lake and negotiate our way through a landscape of rolling hills, rainforest and pastureland. The Arenal Volcano lies at the heart of a stunning national park that covers some 9,884 acres and is home to 850 species of birds including the endangered resplendent quetzal. We'll enjoy some fine views of the lake and the volcano during our ride this morning, before finishing the rest of the journey by car after lunch.
Our final destination is the small town of Tilarán, located in the hills overlooking the western shores of the lake.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/16.7 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 830 metres/2725 feet and descent of 800 metres/2625 feet, with an extra optional 17 kilometre/10.5 miles ride starting earlier in La Fortuna.
Day 8: Cycle Across The Guanacaste Plains, Swim In Llanos De Cortes Waterfall, Drive To Cañas
Location: Canas, Parque Nacional Guanacaste
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hacienda La Pacifica
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll start our day with an easy ride down towards the drier plains of Guanacaste today, enjoying spectacular views of the Pacific coastline and the chain of volcanoes that lie to the north. Our ride ends at Bebedero from where we'll take our bus to the Llanos de Cortes waterfall for a refreshing dip in the pool beneath the beautiful cascade. We'll then drive to our hotel in the small community of Cañas. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 420 metres/1380 feet and descent of 970 metres/3180 feet.
Day 9: Cycle Through The Foothills Of Miravalles Volcano
Location: Miravalles Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Yoko Termales
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll start early today to make the most of the cooler temperatures as we take on our most challenging ride. Beginning with a short drive to Bagaces, we'll start with a gentle uphill ride, heading north towards the Miravalles Volcano. The route is mainly uphill but the gradient is gradual, so the answer is low gears and a steady pace today. We'll make a number of longer stops too, making the most of the breathtaking scenery as we make our way to Yoko Termales, on the slopes of Miravalles Volcano. Finishing the day at the higher and cooler elevations of the slopes, we'll be rewarded this afternoon with a welcome dip in the natural hot springs.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/16.7 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 700 metres/2300 feet and descent of 200 metres/660 feet.
Day 10: Explore The Landscapes Around The Miravalles Volcano
Location: Miravalles Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Yoko Termales
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Miravalles Volcano is the highest peak in the Guanacaste Mountains (2,023 metres/6635 feet) and sits in the heart of the largest geothermal field developed in Costa Rica.
We'll spend another day here to relax and enjoy more of its unique attractions, starting with a three-to-five-hour ride along the slopes of volcanoes and through the forest to Liberia (we'll return by vehicle) - the perfect excuse for revisiting the hot springs.
The volcano's verdant slopes form part of the area's protected zone, which is a lush haven of cloud and primary forest that provides shelter for coyotes, howler monkeys, peccaries and even pumas. For anyone not wanting to cycle, there are other options available including hot mud baths or a walk to Las Hornillas, to visit its active volcanic crater.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 490 metres/1610 feet and descent of 920 metres/3020 feet.
Day 11: Early Morning Loop Cycle From The Hotel, Drive To Manuel Antonio N.P.
Location: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Karahe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early this morning we'll explore the local area further on a circular bike ride. After the ride, there'll be time to shower and change before we check out of our hotel in the late morning.
We'll spend the rest of the day making our way by bus (a four-hour journey) to the Pacific Ocean and onto our final destination, Manuel Antonio National Park. We'll take a break in our journey for lunch and again at Tarcoles Bridge where we'll hopefully spot a few of the gigantic crocodiles that regularly bask beside the river's edge, before finally arriving at our hotel later this afternoon.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 200 metres/660 feet and descent of 200 metres/660 feet.
Day 12: Manuel Antonio National Park
Location: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Karahe
Meals Included: Breakfast
One of Costa Rica's most popular parks, Manuel Antonio provides a wonderful mix of world-class views and golden beaches along the country's central Pacific coastline.
Today is free for you to make the most of this idyllic spot, with plenty of options available for sea kayaking, canopy walks, fishing or just relaxing on the beach. The national park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna and a walk through its primary forest provides a chance to look for sloths, monkeys, iguanas and over 180 species of birds including toucans, parakeets and potoos.
Day 13: Free Morning. Afternoon Drive Back To San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxing morning, we'll drive back to San José after lunch. The journey will take around five hours and we'll arrive in time to enjoy a stroll through the centre of the city before dinner.
Day 14: Tour Ends San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), approximately a 30-minute drive from our hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Why Book this Tour
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 3
Dinners: 2
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
All customers that travel on a Explore group trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. This is a great way to start your travels, offering you that little extra peace of mind and comfort in the knowledge that there will be someone at the airport or station waiting to take you t
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, we would be delighted to book extra nights before the start or at the end of your trip, please let us know your requirements at the time of booking.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.