Cycling Holiday: Costa Rica Coast To Coast Ride

Cycle stretches of the spectacular coastal highway
Wildlife viewing in Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero National Park
Short road transfers - more time spent cycling!

Coatimundi crossing a jungle road with cyclist

Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning sections of coastline. From San Jose we cycle south on the coastal highway, with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left.

Costa Rica's rainforests are bursting with wildlife - we hope to encounter Howler monkeys and iguanas, as well as eagles, hawks and Scarlet macaws. The crashing waves of the Pacific tempt us away from the saddle as we make a stop at an isolated beach.

Crossing the 3,400m Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley we cycle past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where banana plantations take over the landscape.

We learn how the banana industry has shaped Costa Rica before carrying on to Tortuguero to explore the wildlife-rich rivers and waterways.

Our final destination is pretty La Fortuna, a lovely spot located at the foot of Arenal Volcano.

What makes this trip responsible?

This trip uses locally owned hotels and restaurants wherever possible, so that money spent directly benefits the local community. One of our overnight stops will be at Las Cruces Biological Station, an organisation located near San Vito that provides education and job opportunities to locals in an otherwise isolated area. During the Mangrove Estuary Tour at Rio Tarcoles, (Day 3 of the itinerary), we use an operator who adheres to good conservation practices and does not support the feeding of crocodiles in this area.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Costa Rica

Day 1

Fly to San Jose.

Day 2

Ride past dense forest to Rio Tarcoles; short transfer to rainforest lodge.

Day 3

Guided boat tour of Rio Tarcoles estuary then ride from Jaco to Parrita for sunset on the beach.

Day 4

Two hour guided wildlife hike in Manuel Antonio N.P; transfer to Rio Savegre and ride the coastal highway to isolated Pinuela beach.

Day 5

Cycle alongside palm plantations to Pan Am Highway; transfer to Osa Peninsula. Afternoon ride to Puerto Jimenez.

Day 6

Free day to enjoy the coastal region; visit the beach, optional kayaking or hike in Corcovado N.P.

Day 7

Ferry to Golfito (dolphin sightings possible); ride to Rio Claro, stop at lush gardens to learn about indigenous plants. Transfer to Las Cruces.

Day 8

Morning guided hike at Las Cruces Botanical garden; cycle downhill to Paso Real; transfer on the Cerra de la Muerte pass to Savegre Valley.

Day 9

Transfer to Paraiso, ride past coffee plantations and rugged mountains in the Orosi Valley. Cycle around Lake Cachi, stay in lodge overlooking Turrialba Volcano.

Day 10

Ride to Siquirres on the Caribbean plains; transfer to Pavon, boat to Tortuguero N.P.

Day 11

Optional guided tour of water channels or hike to Tortuguero Hill.

Day 12

Inland by boat, cycle to plantation to learn about the banana industry; transfer to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, optional visit to Eco-Termales hot springs.

Day 13

Cycle amongst tropical farmlands to Bajo Rodriguez; transfer to San Jose.

Day 14

Depart San Jose.

Day 15

Arrive London

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Exodus images from COSTA RICA COAST TO COAST RIDE

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Cycling through tropical Costa Rican scenery

Cycling along the coastal roads, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride - group of cyclists & leaders

Cycling the Coast to Coast Ride, Costa Rica

Cycling through tropical Costa Rican scenery