Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

For most of the trip, particularly on Ometepe Island and most of Panama we cycle on rural quiet backroads so stopping frequently is easy.  You will also need to fill up on water as often as possible, so breaks are a necessity!

Dan Jackson - Agency Sales

Not really, mainly undulating at best.  This trip is well withing the capabilities of reasonably fit, and occassional cyclists, but the humidity does tend to play a part.

Dan Jackson - Agency Sales

Yes, but don't wear it when you're on your bike!

Dan Jackson - Agency Sales

They are all Haro bikes (with either disc brakes or v-brakes).

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

Each bike has a small seat pouch containing spare inner tube, patch kit and small tools. These can be removed and you can use the space for a small camera etc. The guide always carries spare parts, so each bike doesn't need to have spares at all times.

It is possible to also fit panniers if you really want to, but there is no need for it because the support vehicle follows you all the time. However if you need them please let us know in advance.

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

Bikes are equipped with semi-slick tread road type tyres.

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

Yes, don't worry! All the bikes have 2 water bottles.

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

All the bikes have front suspension only.

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

The bikes can be equipped with either clip-in Shimano SPD pedals, toe-clip pedals or the standard flat ones. If you prefer to use toe-clip or SPD ones, please let us know in advance and please take appropriate shoes.

Karol Rogacki - Customer Operations

Staff member Dan Jackson travelled on this trip and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

Yes, taking a mix of dollar denominations is the best idea for this trip. Taking cash is fine, as long you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home. The leader will best advise you on changing it once you arrive. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100%, in case there are any problems.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

No. The leader carefully breaks up the distances covered with refreshment stops and lunch. The terrain will vary but clients are always free to hop on the support vehicle that shadows the whole group, if they feel like a break. Saying that, you do cover more ground than you think, especially with a tailwind behind you!

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

It can get hot and sweaty here at times, so lightweight cotton (or quick-drying fabrics) is best as a starting point! Long sleeved shirts and trousers will help prevent mosquito bites, especially in the evenings when they could be buzzing around. You should also take a jacket and/or sweater for evenings, as it will cool down. Essential kit includes some sunglasses and a sunhat, along with good sunscreen. A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho is optional, as you can get some tropical rain here now and again!

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Synthetic, cotton or merino wool tops will be perfect for cycling , especially when it's hot . Shorts (could be padded) will also be great as it will almost certainly be too hot for cycling in trousers. Stiff sole shoes are in general better for cycling but you could also go for sandals. A lightweight windbreaker (or water-resistant/proof top) may come handy in the unlikely event of a spell of bad weather ; however, in case of rain you may well go for being wet because of the rain rather than because of your own sweat under a jacket.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

A burrito from a local restaurant! - if its busy with Costa Ricans then it will be good and well priced.

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Costa Rica where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

You can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.

Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!